(Castile, NY – 7/23/2018). Eighty-five years ago two camps of the new Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) program were established in Letchworth Park. Over the next eight years two more CCC camps were built, allowing an estimated three thousand unemployed men young a chance to earn money and build a future as they laid the foundation of one of the most popular state parks in the Nation. On Saturday, August 4, 2018, the Friends of Letchworth State Park will highlight and honor Letchworth’s CCC history during its annual CCC Legacy Day.
The day includes a variety of activities designed to increase public’s awareness and appreciation for the experience and contributions of the Park’s CCC “boys”. The day begins near the north end of the Park at 8:30 AM with a walk to the recently renovated 1936 CCC lean-to near the Hogsback Overlook. Events continue with a tour of the Gibsonville Camp (10 AM) followed by a stop at the site of the St. Helena Camp. Then at 11:30 AM two surviving Letchworth CCC veterans are scheduled to help raise a special commemorative flag at the Lower Falls CCC Memorial Flag Pole and participate in a remembrance ceremony at the nearby CCC Statue. Descendants of Letchworth CCC members will also be recognized at the Octagon shelter at 12:45.
A series of special exhibits, activities and mini-talks are open to the public from 11 AM to 3 PM at the Lower Falls Octagon Shelter. Highlights include an art exhibit by the nationally known WPA Art Gallery operated by the Livingston Arts Council, an information table on New York State’s Excelsior Program – New York State’s modern day work program for young people, a World War II exhibit by the National War Plane Museum in Geneseo and the Friends of Letchworth booth. There will also be variety of CCC and 1930s related family activities and a talk on the famous CCC built Lower Falls arch bridge.
Individuals who attended all the day’s events will be awarded the “We Can Take It” Award, named after the Civilian Conservation Corps motto. The award includes a special certificate from Letchworth Park and a pin.
All events are open to the public and regular park admission fees apply. Afternoon activities at the Lower Falls are handicapped accessible. For details, locations and times for all planned events, visit FriendsofLetchworth.com or call Letchworth Park directly at 585 493-3600.
This entire day is planned and supported by Friends of Letchworth State Park, a volunteer organization whose mission it is to support the preservation, conservation and careful development of Letchworth State Park.
ITINERARY
8:30 AM – Hike to the 1936 CCC built lean-to. Meet at the Hogsback overlook parking lot.
10:00 AM – Tour of Gibsonville CCC Camp site. Photograph and stories from the camp will be shared and flowers will be laid in memory of the men who lived and worked at the Camp. Meet at the Gibsonville area located on the main park road between Cabin Area C and Highbanks Camping area. Followed by visit to St. Helena Camp site.
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Exhibits, Presentations, and Family Activities at CCC Built Octagon Shelter near the Nature Shop by Cabin Area B. (See details below).
11:30 AM – Raising of the Letchworth Commemorative CCC Flag at Memorial Flag Pole. The flag pole is located across from the Lower Falls Restaurant.
11:45 AM – 12:00 PM – Remembrance Ceremony at CCC Statue, Lower Falls including Recognition of CCC Veterans and Families.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM – Lunch on your own.
12:45 PM – Cake and refreshments will be served to CCC Veterans and descendants of CCC members at the Octagon Shelter.
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM – CCC Mini Talks at the Octagon Shelter. Short presentations on the Park’s CCC experience and history.
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM – The story of the famous Lower Falls stone arch bridge built by the CCC will be told. Participants can either take a guided hike to Lower Falls Bridge or hear stories of the building of the bridge and the Lower Falls area from a nearby overlook.
3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Big Bend Camp Tour – Meet at Parade Grounds Parking Lot on the east side of the Park Explore the remains of the camp’s main gate and several buildings.
Activities & Exhibits at the Octagon Shelter from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM will include:
- CCC artifacts, photographs and camp plans.
- Information table on New York’s Excelsior Program – a modern day CCC
- Traveling Depression Era WPA Art Exhibit.
- Family activities including coloring pages & puzzles.
- Display by the National War Plane Museum, Geneseo, NY
- Make your own CCC Shelter or cabin from Lincoln Logs.
- Friends of Letchworth information tables and items.
The annual “We Can Take It Award” (based upon the CCC motto) will be available to everyone who participated in the Lean-too hike, the Gibsonville and St. Helena camp tours, Flag Raising & Remembrance Ceremony, The Mini Talks, the Lower Falls hike or walk, and the Big Bend Camp tour. The award consists of a certificate and pin.
