Civilian Conservation Corps (U.S.)

The Emergency Conservation Work (March 31, 1933 - Jan. 1, 1942; renamed, Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937) was just one of the many relief programs established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to aid in the effort to curb rising unemployment and to lift the "spiritual" morale of the country. Rather than create an autonomous governing agency, Roosevelt used the existing departments of War, Agriculture, Interior, and Labor and established an Advisory Council, consisting of representatives from each of these departments. The U.S. Army oversaw the Emergency Conservation Work and Civilian Conservation Corps camps established by the Council.

In Massachusetts the main work accomplished was in tree planting, fire fighting, and tree and plant disease and insect control, although several recreational facilities were also built in the forests and parks. Enrollment in Massachusetts exceeded 99,500 men. An average of 28 camps a year were operated with a total financial obligation within the state of more than $45,100,000. The CCC ceased conservation work on January 1, 1942 as more and more men enlisted into military service for World War II.

From the guide to the Civilian Conservation Corps in Massachusetts Photograph Collection PH 015., 1930s, (Special Collections and University Archives, University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries)

The Emergency Conservation Work (March 31, 1933 - Jan. 1, 1942; renamed, Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937) was just one of the many relief programs established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to aid in the effort to curb rising unemployment and to lift the "spiritual" morale of the country. Rather than create an autonomous governing agency, Roosevelt used the existing departments of War, Agriculture, Interior, and Labor and established an Advisory Council, consisting of representatives from each of these departments. The U.S. Army oversaw the Emergency Conservation Work and Civilian Conservation Corps camps established by the Council.

In Massachusetts the main work accomplished was in tree planting, fire fighting, and tree and plant disease and insect control, although several recreational facilities were also built in the forests and parks. Enrollment in Massachusetts exceeded 99,500 men. An average of 28 camps a year were operated with a total financial obligation within the state of more than $45,100,000. The CCC ceased conservation work on January 1, 1942 as more and more men enlisted into military service for World War II.

From the guide to the Civilian Conservation Corps in Massachusetts Photograph Collection MS 160., 1930s, (Special Collections and University Archives, W.E.B. Du Bois Library, University of Massachusetts Amherst)