FOUR COMPANIES IN C.C.C. CAMP NOW AT YAPHANK
Middle Island Mail
September 18, 1935
Camp Life Described by Capt.
Orin D. Swank
Vocational Training is Increasing
Glee Clubs and Athletic Teams
Active-Musical Instruments and
Furniture Needed
"What do the men in the C.C.C. camps do?" and
"What opportunities do they have for education and
recreation?" are questions frequently asked with
reference to the four Civilian Conservation Corps
companies in Camp Upton. The answers were given by Capt.
Orin D. Swank, chaplain of Co. 238 C.C.C. located at
Yaphank.
Each company has approximately two hundred men. Three
of the companies are engaged in constructing a fire-break
around the reservation and fire-lanes and truck trails
through it, and in reforestation. About two million
trees, Norway pines, red pine, and black locust have been
planted. The fourth company, under the direction of the
state department of Fish and Game is at work establishing
a public shooting games preserve, particularly for
bobwhite quail. The State of New York Conservation
department with the approval of the Federal Forest
Service determines the work to be done and through camp
superintendents and civilian foremen directs the men
while at work.
Army officers are charged with the responsibility of
clothing, feeding and housing the men and directing the
many educational, recreational and social activities of
camp life. In fact the situation calls for more of these
activities than the educational advisor and the
instructors in music, dramatics, and arts and crafts can
provide because of being seriously handicapped by
inadequate equipment. The C.C.C camp set up provides for
only a minimum of equipment and any needed additional
facilities must be provided otherwise.
The only furniture in the barracks is a fairly
comfortable steel cot with mattress, sheets, pillows, and
blankets for each man. The men usually provide some kind
of a homemade locker for their personal effects. Plain
benches without backs serve as seats in the mess hall and
the recreational hall. These may be said to provide
"solid comfort" by they are mostly solid and
not so much comfort. The question is sometimes asked,
what is needed in camp? Here are some things that would
add greatly to the educational and social welfare of the
men as well at to their comfort: furniture (except beds)
and furnishings such as tables, chairs, dressers,
electric lamps, pictures, rugs and carpets. There is real
need for musical interments for individual and orchestra
use and particularly pianos for use in the recreation
halls. Athletic equipment and materials and equipment for
arts and crafts and dramatics would be a great call for
whatever is provided.
Even though the limitations are very real and there is
much to be desired in the way of comforts, the men in the
camps are to be commended for the way they have adjusted
themselves to prevailing conditions and seeking to make
the most of the situation. The desire for advancement in
academic studies and in vocational training is on the
increase. The spirit and morale of the men is constantly
improving. The C.C.C. in Camp Upton is proud of its Glee
clubs and athletic teams and stands ready to cooperate
with other communities whenever possible. It is the
desire of those in charge that there shall be the best
possible understanding and good-will between C. C. C. and
all its neighbors. A most cordial invitation is extended
to all to visit the camps and see where the men live and
work.
The development of a Glee club by the
colored companies is very natural. Paul Lawerence Dunbar
called his people "The race with a laughing
heart." They sing much at their work and when they
sing they harmonize naturally. It was this natural bent
for singing that led Albert Medford the leader of the Co.
238 Glee club to get a group together and sing for their
own enjoyment. But their services were soon in demand and
they have been very active the last three months singing
in many churches and other gatherings. They have been
most cordially received and they own lives have been
enriched by these experiences. It has been well said that
only the colored people try to sing them, three always
seems to be something missing. But these boys can sing,
and are happy in doing so.
Review of C.C.C. is
reduced by State Dept.
Retyped by:
Lenee' Diebold
Keyboarding Technology