GAYLORD — This year marks the 75th anniversary of the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

The Otsego County Library, in partnership with the Historical Society and Commission on Aging, has planned events to draw attention to the important role the CCC played in Michigan and Otsego County.

On Tuesday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. author/filmmaker/songwriter Bill Jamerson will make a stop on his national tour to present “The Life of a CCC Boy.”  The hour-long program includes stories, original songs and a short clip from his PBS documentary. To accommodate a larger audience, the program will be held at the Methodist Church.

Jamerson recently published a historical novel partly inspired by recollections of former CCC members. Seen through the eyes of a 17-year-old Detroit boy who is sent to Camp Raco, Big Shoulders brings to life the transformations brought about by the CCC experience. Copies of the book will be available for loan at the Otsego County Library or may be purchased by the author following the event.

As a preview to Jamerson’s “Life of a CCC Boy” program, a special viewing of his PBS film “Camp Forgotten — The Civilian Conservation Corps in Michigan” will be shown at the Alten Zimmer Center on Friday, April 25 at 10:30 a.m.  The program is free to persons of all ages and refreshments will be served. This film contains rare archival footage, combined with location cinematography and interviews with former CCC enrollees.

Roosevelt’s Tree Army planted more than 484 million trees in Michigan, fought forest fires, restored riverbanks, built lookout towers, roads, fish hatcheries and countless other natural improvements to the environment. Camp Vanderbilt, established in Otsego County in 1933, provided jobs at $1 per day to veterans and young, unmarried men who replanted more than 19,000 acres of forests that were lumbered off or devastated by later brush fires.

While the CCC was absorbed into the Armed Forces during World War II, Camp Vanderbilt later found new life as the largest Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Camp with 40 enlisted DNR Corps members. Sadly, it was closed in 2002 due to budget constraints.

During this 75th anniversary of the CCC, the Otsego County Historical Society hopes to interview local residents to gather information about Camp Vanderbilt.

The program is made possible through a grant from the Michigan Center for the Book.

For more information on these events, contact the Otsego County Library at 732-5841. To schedule an interview with the Otsego County Historical Society, please contact Ann Wright at 732-4568.

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