‘CCC Boys of NC’

Michigan based author Bill Jamerson will present a music and storytelling program about the Civilian Conservation Corps at the Henderson County Public Library, on Monday, March 14 at 2 pm. Dressed in uniform, Jamerson shares stories about the CCC, reads excerpts from his book, shows a short video from his PBS film, and sings original songs with his guitar. The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal works program created by President Franklin Roosevelt in the heart of The Great Depression. During its nine year run beginning in 1933, over 75,000 men served in North Carolina. A CCC Camp opened on May 19, 1933, outside of Hendersonville. The men came into town on weekends, and patronized stores, movie theatres, billiard rooms, dance halls, churches and restaurants. Many enrollees met their wives while in camp. The C’s also helped out during emergencies, such as fires or floods. The enrollees spent approximately $5,000 a month in town, which was a boast to the local economy during the depths of The Great Depression. The program is free and open to the public.