5 Traces of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Moose Brook State Park

From 1933-1942 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) gave hope to young men and families struggling through the Great Depression. As a part of the New Deal, the CCC was a public work relief program in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men from relief families.  These young men, eager to do anything to help their families, didn’t know what great impact they would leave in New Hampshire State Parks and other natural areas throughout the nation!  CCC workers earned the nickname Roosevelt’s Tree Army, throughout the life of the program.

 The scale of the Civilian Conservation Corps was massive, employing approximately 5 percent of the adult male population in the United States. If the CCC still employed 5% of the US adult male population today, there would be 6 million citizens working on conservation and land development projects around the nation!  Visiting Moose Brook State Park, it is impossible to miss the presence of the CCC’s work.  

CCC company photo found in Moose Brook State Park storage. Members unknown.

Traces of the CCC  from their work developing Moose Brook 1934-1936:

  1. The Old Bathhouse-almost 100 years old, this bathhouse is now closed to the public.  You can still admire it today at Moose Brook’s ice cold swimming hole!
    Bathhouse built by the CCC

    2. Stone Work– Take a closer look as you cross the bridge connecting to the picnic area.  All of these stones along the edge of the creek were fitted into place by hard-working men almost 100 years ago!  (they still look pretty good!) Today, sections are beautifully draped with moss.

    Stone work along the banks of Moose Brook

    3. Fireplace Camp Site– Towering into the sky, alongside pine trees, a single fireplace sits in a small clearing.  Back in the 1930’s this chimney is said to have been a part of the barracks where the young CCC workers rested. This site is marked by an ‘FP’ on the Moose Brook State Park map. 

    Fireplace campsite
    Build a fire in the old chimney and think about all the CCC workers it kept warm during the development of Moose Brook State Park.
    Beds line the walls in this neatly-kept CCC barrack.

    4. Group Camping Site/Field: Though the men did long hours of heavy labor each day, the barracks and uniforms of the men were kept neat and orderly.  Take a short walk past the shelter and fireplace sites and you will find a large field for group camping.  Here, every morning, the men would line-up in formations for daily inspections before heading off to the work-site.  Standing in that field I imagined the rows of men that would stand in that same spot, neatly dressed and sleepy-eyed waiting to start the work day.

    Group camping site and field formerly used by the CCC

     

    CCC workers in formation.

         5.  Park Office: On your way out of the park there is one more piece of history you should not miss!  Stop in at the original park office building built by the CCC.  Let your imagination run wild thinking of the banquets and meetings park workers used to have in this historic building.  

Moose Brook State Park Office (backside)
Moose Brook State Park Office (front)

What are you waiting for? Get out there and explore NH State Parks!

 

Written by: Anastasia Slough (Northern Rover)

 

 

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Discover Power of Parks SCA Interpreters

Discover the Power of Parks is presented by New Hampshire State Parks in collaboration with the Student Conservation Association and AmeriCorps and made possible by generous financial support from Eversource. The program offers a look into the natural world through hands-on programming. Interpretive programs focus on connecting participants with nature and building appreciation for New Hampshire's unmatched natural heritage. Programs include guided hikes, interpretive tours, and imaginative environmental workshops for children and families. Programs are offered free to guests with paid park admission fee. No pre-registration is required.

2 thoughts to “5 Traces of the Civilian Conservation Corps at Moose Brook State Park”

  1. We lived on Jimtown Road for 12 years, so Moose Brook State Park was a beautiful part of our morning and evening commute. Thank you to everyone who helped create it and who maintains it today.

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