Lt. Wigman Returns to 303 Company
Lt. Wigman, who was on duty with this Company from May 25 until July 1, 1935, has returned to Camp Vann. He was sent as Construction Officer to Centre Hall, Pa., Camp 65.
Lt. Wigman, when interviewed by the Editor, stated that he liked being with this Company very much and if he had his choice, he would much rather be connected with a Junior Colored Camp than any other type camp because the colored boys cooperate much better and seem to be more interested in their camp. He stated that the colored boys have much more respect for their officers.
Lt. Wigman received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in February 1933 and became connected with the Civilian Conservation Corps, May 1, 1935.
Lt. and Mrs. Wigman are from Washington, Pa., but are now at the Medix Run Hotel. [Mrs. Wigman is credited by the Editor for helping get this newsletter out.]
Lt. Wigman’s present rank is adjutant to the Company Commander, Capt. F. R. Geraci. His duties consist in helping with the paper work, and he is Supply and Athletic Officer.
Dr. Robbins Leaves Camp Vann
1st Lt. Joseph V. Robbins who has been affiliated with Camp Vann for one year, left last week for Medical Center, Jersey City, N.J. . . .
Barracks News
Barracks 1 is going highbrow. The fellows have cast aside their old stand-by (Whist) and are playing bridge and pinochle.
Barracks 2 under Pop McNiels’ direction have cleaned the walls and ceiling so thoroughly that one would think that it was the lobby of the Hotel Bailey or Douglass.
Barracks 4 feels rather at a loss since the departure of Leader Roy Smith, who has gone home on leave. Some of the boys of Barracks 4 have gone wallboard drunk. Ask them for more information.
Barracks 3 has a radio and are they enjoying its reception! Especially those mellow strains of syncopated jazz. Thanks to Mr. James Lyons – LEADER.
Barracks 5 is lucky. Since the building of the ramp across the ditch, they have the coal pile right at their door.
Headquarters Barracks certainly miss Mr. Lyons since he moved down to Barracks 3.
Leader Odell Edward left for Pittsburgh last week. It is understood that his visit to the Smokey City was to take a Civil Service Examination.
Company Commander Leaves Camp Vann for Holidays. Capt. Geraci left Camp Vann Friday Dec. 20 to spend the holidays with his family in Washington DC.
Camp Slang and the Meaning
Mellow – all right, fine.
Teck – to outsmart, pull a fast one
Raise – to stop kidding
Speedin’ – out-talk someone
Freeze – to keep silent or mum
Rat – one who talks out of turn
Chick – young girl under twenty-five years
Stiffer – a person who will associate with persons that spend their money for a good time, yet this person (stiffer) has money of his own and won’t spend a cent
Chincher – same as stiffer
Beat – when a person works hard and comes in tired, he is considered “beat”
Rug-cutter – dancer
Goldbricker – one who evades work by giving some kind of alibi
Scarf – to eat excessively
Rum – a guy who thinks he is always right
Tramp – a CCC rookie
Okey-dokey – all right or okay
Lay it – to do something good
Beating up your chops or gums – talking too much
Sharp – good looking.
Board of Education
Francis R. Geraci, Capt., FMCR, Commanding officer
Oscar A. Pindle, Educational Adviser
Louis Weisner, Superintendent
Courses
Algebra, Morris McDuffie, Enrollee
Arithmetic, O. A. Pindle, Educational adviser
Art, Clomer White, Enrollee
Bible, Rev. S. E. Lee, Minister
Bookkeeping, O. A. Pindle
Cooking, Brewester Moraste, Enrollee
Current events, Ison Rhodes, Asst. ed. Adviser
First aid, Lt. J. V. Robbins, Camp surgeon
Informal discussion groups, O. A. Pindle
Shorthand, Walter Williams, Enrollee
Spanish, Edward Jackson, Enrollee
Spelling, Ison Rhodes
Reading & writing, Lt. E. W. Wigman, Adjutant
Writing, O. A. Pindle
Camp Vann is among the camps in the Civilian Conservation Corps with the smallest percentage of illiteracy. This is a record we can be proud of. May we hope that we can erase even this percentage? We can!
Camp Briefs
Huge black bear killed. Charles Greeno of Mercer, Pa., shot and killed a huge black bear in the vicinity of the camp during the first week of hunting season. The bear weighed approximately 375 pounds and was viewed by practically every member of the camp. During the intently curious inspection of the beast, one of the fellows was heard to say: “I don’t know where it went, but Mr. Bear sure ain’t got much tail.”
Barracks being repaired and painted. During the past few weeks the barracks have been under going repairs and are being painted. All of the work is being done by the enrollees in their spare time. It has been noted that improvements such as this are very impressive as they make the general appearance of the barracks very neat.
Stage play makes a hit with enrollees. A stage performance entitled “What Ann Brought Home” made quite a hit with the men of Camp Vann a few weeks ago. The play, a domestic comedy, was written by Carry Johnson, and presented to the CCC Camp by Roy Walling. The cast was as follows:
Sam Bennet – G. Duthie
Mrs. Bennet – Edith Grome
Dudly Purdy – Edward Fuller
Ann Bennet – Josephine Fox
Herb Hardcastle – H. E. Head
Alma Bennet – Edith Douglas
Uncle Henry Bennet – Don Harwood
Nina Bennet – Esther Salveigh
The opinion of every one was that the performance of these characters was splendid. In fact every one is so keyed up over it that they are hoping another show will be presented soon.
Dr. Edmund S. Donohue replaces Dr. Joseph V. Robbins. Dr. Donohue, born at Bonesteel, S. Dakota, Oct. 22, 1909, attended Bonesteel High School, took pre-medical work at Columbus College, Sioux Falls, SD, and attended Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, and interned at the US Marine Hospital, Baltimore, 1933-35. Dr. Donohue was previously attached to a CCC camp at Galeton, Pa. Arriving at Camp Vann on Dec. 17, Dr. Donohue replaces Dr. Robbins.
Capt. Geraci gets his deer. Despite the fact that the forests surrounding Camp Vann were full of hunters from all parts of the state, Capt. Geraci had the good fortune to bag a very fine deer. Lest we forget, the Captain has medals awarded him by the Marine Corps for being an expert pistol and rifle shot. Nice going, Captain!
December Movies. The members of Camp Vann were both thrilled and delighted – three sound motion pictures and one vaudeville show
Go into Your Dance – starring Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler
G-Men – with Jimmy Cagney, Pat O’Brien, Ann Dvorak
Front Page Woman – Bette Davis and Spencer Tracy
What Ann Brought Home (stage production)
Camp Vann received 3rd place in Third Corps Area Soccer League. Games were played every Saturday afternoon at 12:15.
Oct. 26 – Hicks Run 0, Camp Vann 3
Nov. 2 – Bucks Camp 2, Camp Vann 3
Nov. 9 – Penfield 1, Camp Vann 2
Nov. 16 – Ridgeway 3, Camp Vann 2
Nov. 23 – Huntley 1, Camp Vann 1
Nov. 30 – Anderson Creek 2, Camp Vann 3
Camp Vann Soccer team
Milton Leonard, full back
Matthew Williams, full back
Samuel King, half back
Uell Reynolds, half back
Weldon Harris, half back
Alphonzo Glenn, half back
Clomer White, inside right
Chas. McKinney, inside left
Theo. Dennis, outside right
Chas. Joseph, outside left
John Nelson, goalie
John Cisco, goalie
Royal Sampson, captain
Roy Brown, manager
Stunt night. Capt. Geraci, Lt. Wigman, Lt. Kendig, and Dr. Robbins were present to witness the many stunts and acted as judges. Prizes were given to the five best performances
Hanibal Pembleton and Wilbur Jackson tied with Chas Williamson for 1st place; each awarded a carton of cigarettes
Inman Hill, 2nd place; 8 packs of cigarettes
Jack Johnson, 3rd
John Blake, 4th
The camp as a whole was very satisfied with all the performances. Come on, fellows, let’s have one stunt night a month!!!
Key Hole Spirits
Who is the fellow in Barracks 4 that has been acting section leader so long that the boys are telling him that he will soon be a stage celebrity.
Why are two boys from Barracks 3 taking their trunks home after they said that they intend to come back.
A certain fellow at table 15 has had the mis-meal cramps for quite a few days, perhaps it is because he forgot to leave his table manners at home.
The name has spread around camp like wild fire about a fellow that is bring BALTIMORE to BENNEZETTE. This guy sure must have a strong line of jive, because he is looking over the Pen Pal Column for another Pen Pal to write to.
We’re told that the boys in #4 are writing to girls, sight unseen. A girl wrote back to one and said that she fought in the 150 lb. division.
A boy in #5 armstronged a name and address of a girl, wrote to her and enclosed his picture. The girl upon receiving the letter became infuriated, returned the photo along with a note in which she pitched a real old fashioned boogy woogy – too bad, kid, try again.
I do not know and I cannot see, what is the matter with Barracks 3, they have no dirt they have no news. Loosen up Barracks 3 and help Camp Vann to chase away the blues.
Interested parties are wondering if Clomer White can make up his mind to go home for the holidays.
It is wondered if the boys who have been hiding behind beards are afraid of some one discovering their real identity or they are trying to imitate King Haile Selassie. Anyway, it’s quite a fad, fellows.
“Rock” is thinking about going home again! Be careful, “Rock,” O T might try to make you join up with his Faithful Followers.
Robert White is going to Binghamton, NY to greet the maker of blessed events, Sir Stork. Congrats, Bob.
Lonesome Lover McNinch better known as “Jew Boy” received a letter from a chick in Philly informing him that they (Jew Boy and her) were going to be married when he comes home. Kinda rushin’ Leap Year, ain’t she, Jew Boy?
Looks like wedding bells for our first cook Brewster Moraste (JC) on New Years. Congratulations, Brewster, and may all your troubles be little ones.
Since Marshall went home with JC to McKees Rocks he has been combing his face and washing his hair quite often. What’s the matter Marshall, is it love?
Phil Nickerson, just back from Pittsburgh reports that everybody in the Smokey City is giging and slushing. Also says that the weather is mellow and deed everyone is talking about Christmas and New Years.
Flash-flash-flash – reports are that ex Editor James Simmons was seen in Pittsburgh standing in a hallway gaging with some suskies about the way the Relief Administration is being carried out. Lest we forget, our boy Simmons is All News Paper from the word “A.”
It’s reported that ex Enrollee Henry Jenkins is giging with the Elite in and about Pittsburgh.
Why did “Rhoads” grow grey hairs during the week of December 15?
Camp Personalities. Each month, THE IRIS OF PROGRESS will endeavor to bring to you one or more of the interesting members of Camp Vann. . . .
Mr. Herbert Leroy Walker. Mr. Walker, formerly of Philadelphia, was born in Muncy, Pa. He is 39 years of age, married, and resides at the present time about three miles from camp. A graduate of Bucknell University with a BS degree, he now has the distinction of being the only colored civil engineer in the CCC throughout the United States. Affiliated with the CCC for the past 18 months he has surveyed approximately 15 miles of fire and border trails, and 25 miles of new roads to be constructed. At the present time the enrollees are working on one of the roads laid out by him. It is known as the New Trout Run Road, and is eight miles in length. During the interview with Mr. Walker, the Editor asked him if he knew of anything about Camp that could be improved upon by the enrollees in order to make Camp Vann appreciated more by everyone. To this Mr. Walker, who is also the coach of Athletic Field, could say that it might stand a lot of improvement. The field itself needs to be graded and rolled. A new backstop built and new bleachers erected to accommodate the camp enthusiastic rooters.
Following his interest in his job as Civil Engineer and baseball, Mr. Walker is also an ardent sportsman. He has shot the limit of grouse, rabbits, etc. and is proud of his poweress [prowess?] as a deer hunter. The fine deer he shot is proof of this fact.
FLASH – Thursday, Dec. 19. Born to Mrs Walker, wife of Civil Engineer Herbert Leroy Walker, a lovely baby girl. Members of the 303rd Company extend their congratulations.
“Pop” lays his stuff in stone. Enrollee James McNiel of Williamsport has completed the construction of the stone abutments for the new bridge at the entrance to New Trout Run Road. This road is under construction and leads from Camp Vann to Benezette.
Pop as he is known to his fellow enrollees, received his rating last month for the fine work he did on this bridge. The stone work for the bridge is 11 feet long and 16 feet wide.
Pop by the way is a brick-layer and stone mason by trade. His work stands out for the achievement of what a colored man really can do once he is given the opportunity.
He was assisted by James Bivins of East Pittsburgh and by Richard Barse of Williamsport. The stone was cut and faced under the critical eye of James Norris and assisted by Wilbert “Duke” Jones of East Pittsburgh.
Laff a While
Orbie: Say Crabbe, what was the first think you did when you got home that was interesting? Crabbe, without hesitation, “Well, when I woke up Friday morning, the first thing I saw was a tray sitting beside my bed.” Orbie: Yeah! That is interesting – the captain who had just come back from an overnight leave was overheard greeting his fellow officers: “Well, men, I feel refreshed after an overnight leave in any man’s town after being back here in these woods for months at a time?”
Harvey Lewis is looking for the guy that gave him the hot-foot. No use looking, kid, but maybe you can find a cheese eater.
Barracks 2 should get Mr. X to play football with them. Who is Mr. X? Why, he is the man who went to Clearfield and while returning, fell asleep in one corner of the truck, was forgotten; therefore, he slept in the garage. He knew the play he had in mind when they left him behind. At the signal (4 o’clock AM) he grabbed and missed the garage door in his hands, and made a lunge through the offensive lines. The hinged line balked his play, he lost the ball, but found his goal. (The bed.)
Rat: “Are you going home for the holidays, Orbie?” Orbie: “Now I don’t think so. The girlfriend is mad at me.” Rat: “Which one?”
Edwards: “Lyons, why are you lighting that candle?” J. Lyons: “It’s about time for the generator to stop. It’s seven o’clock already and it hasn’t stopped yet.”
Letters to the Editor
Dear Editor: Is it possible for members of Camp Vann to have a basketball team? Do you think the abandoned Hicks Run recreation hall could be obtained for practice as well as for games? R. B.
Dear R. B.: Yes. I think Camp Vann could have an excellent team providing the fellows had a place to practice. In regard to Hicks Run Hall, I suggest you consult Lt. Wigman.
Religious activities
During November, a number of Clearfield young ladies came to Camp Vann and rendered a splendid program. It was very entertaining and the members of the camp certainly appreciated the efforts of these young ladies to bring such a remarkable presentation here.
Also in November, members of the camp journeyed to Clearfield to the Baptist church and gave a short program. The camp quartett, due to unforeseen circumstances, were not present. In their stead, enrollees sang “The Old Rugged Cross.”
In December, some enrollees went to the Zion Church, the camp quartett rendering a program; also Wilbert Jackson played several selections on his guitar.
Friday, December 13, regular services were held. Attendance present – 20 members. In the Bible class held after the service, the dialogue was discussed. At its conclusion the class was dismissed until next Friday. It is a pleasure to not the increase in attendance is steadily mounting.
Nothing for you today by Joseph Stewart
“Nothing for you today.” That’s what the youth of today hear in their effortless search for employment. Young men and women answering ads that appear in the newspapers are often refused because of their lack of education, inexperience or color. It is probable that many employers do not realize that the majority of those turned down are sadly in need of work – no matter how humble it may be, they have to live and they have to eat – they must have money for the necessities of life. Buying things without money is an impossibility, so what is the next resort?
People who are on relief can buy a little food and perhaps pay a very little portion of their rent but after doing so, what have they left? Welfare issued clothing does not meet the proper demands of the needy, therefore what can a person do?
Christmas holidays are here – supposedly the happiest season of the year, but is it? Countless numbers of people would like to buy some little thing or other in keeping with the Christmas Spirit, but they cannot do it. Why? Unemployment, hence no money is the answer. There are thousands of young men today apprehended by the long arm of the law because they are forced to steal in order to exist. According to statistics 90% are forced to do so, due to the fact that working conditions are still far below the average. Every day as you scan over the daily papers it is noted that there are some young men arrested by the police for petty larceny, burglary or even highway robbery. Often many of them are married and have families. When brought before the judge or magistrate they are asked why they committed the crime. The answer in so many cases is the same pitiful story. “I couldn’t get any work, your Honor – I just had to do it. You see, I don’t get any work, your Honor, and don’t get much on my relief check. I needed the money so I stole this or that (whichever case may be).” His honor may sympathize with the prisoner but he cannot show it because he has his sworn duties to preform [sic]. He knows that a man of today cannot let his family starve or almost nude and if the prisoner did he would not deserve to be called a man. Rather than receive a weekly relief check nearly all of these men would rather work. But they can’t do so. No employer will give them work. Each has his excuses or objections which end with: “Nothing for you today.”
The boys in the CCC are living a great life and they have grown to appreciate what this organization really means to the youth of this country. There are some who fail to grasp the wonderful opportunities afforded them but it is probable that they do not understand just what it is all about. The boys who do understand are the ones who realize their responsibilities and are meeting them with broad shoulders. They are certain of their salaries – they are not afraid of being fired because of the lack of work and they are being fed and clothed. It is deemed advisable to those who are in the CCC to stay as long as possible. Then, if it is absolutely necessary to leave, be sure there is some sort of a job in view.
Foot paths
A foot path is a trail built through the forests. They are approximately six feet wide and form a network of many miles in length throughout the forests of Pennsylvania.
To construct these paths or trails, a number of men with axes take the lead and cut down any trees that may be in the right-away [sic, right-of-way] and also ten feet on each side of it. Next come men whose duty it is to clean up the brush and fallen trees which have been trimmed and cut into pieces suitable for handling. All of this is put on piles to be burned during the winter months.
The principle tool used to build these trails is a mattock. These are to dig out the foot paths and to level the high spots, thus making it smooth and neat. Then lastly to complete these paths, ditches are dug along the side for drainage.
There are many reasons for building these foot paths. The most important one is FIRE PREVENTION. In case of a forest fire a flier [fire?] crew can follow one of these paths to its source at a rapid rate of speed, so that they may aid in putting it out. Another is so that fire, upon reaching one of these paths, will be checked from spreading to other parts of the forests.
Hunters, by following them may penetrate the depths of the forests for many miles. In event that a person is lost, they will eventually come upon one of these footpaths and by following it they will be guided either into a CCC camp or to a road that leads to civilization.
The latest path constructed in this area is known as the Spring Run Foot Path. The path is four and one-half miles in length and is the standard width of six feet. Work on this was started August 15 and completed the second week in November 1935 under the competent supervision of Mr. James Lyons, Leader, of Pittsburgh, Pa., and his section No. 3. This footpath connects Emporium Rd with the New Trout Run Road now being constructed from one-half mile above Camp Vann to Benezette.
Special notice. Last month (November 1935) Camp Vann had the merit of being second in rating among the companies of this sub-district 7. This fine piece of work cannot be over appreciated as this give the camp the honor of having been the first colored camp to ever hold first place in this sub-district.
The month (December 1935) the boys worked equally as hard and efficiently and held the second position, but due to the evacuation of Camp Hicks Run (S-131) we were automatically put in first place. This success since last July has been due to the ever advancing morale of the enrollees, all of whom have worked faithfully with the officers and leaders. The summary of this record give S-84 the distinction of not only being the first colored company to hold second place, but the first to ever hold a second and a first place consecutively in any sub-district in these United States and territory. So much power to you, Camp Vann, and hold that rating!
Advertisers (hand sketched)
Miles & Co Wholesalers – Produce Quality Service – Bradford, Kane, Dubois
Sutter’s – send a greeting card to the folks at home – 16 N Brady St [Dubois]
Hibner Hoover Hardware Co – Winchester guns, ammunition, hunting goods – Dubois
Merry Xmas to the boys at Camp S-84 – Hay Drug Co – the drug store on the corner – Dubois
Merry Xmas – Dubois Laundry – 220 N. Brady St – Dubois
Happy New Years – Meats, groceries – Public Market – 151 Long Ave – Dubois
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