Safety meeting. There is a new order out stating that a Safety Meeting must be held each week in the CCC. Camp Vann holds their meeting on Wednesday of each week.
The speakers are an officer and a forester. In one of our previous meetings, Mr. McCombie, a state foreman, lectured to the boys on how to handle their working tools. He specified on the handling of the double-bitted axe, two man crosscut saw, and the pick. His lecture was very interesting and helpful. Dr. Stoltz talked to the men about the health and care taking of their bodies. His talk was also very interesting.
Eleven enrollees (listed) finished the First Aid course and qualified for the American Red Cross First Aid certificate.
Forestry department. The state department is now engaged in forest stand improvement. This type of improvement consists of cleaning up dead trees, broken limbs, twigs, and underbrush. The main object of the work is for fire hazard reduction. The engineer is engaged in surveying of state land for the purpose of making a map of this area.
Humor – believe it or not – Lt. Rassler Rice is known as the longest winded liar in the 303rd company. Rice claims this honor after continuously telling one lie after another while riding on a state body from Camp Vann to St Marys. Yes sir, 36 miles of lies and believe it or not, he never told the same lie twice.
Dr. [John C.] Stoltz Says – When I started to this camp from Sigel, Pa. where there is another CCC camp, it seemed that I would never get over here. The roads that one must travel, but upon arriving here, it occurred to me that it could be a gold mine to you fellows where opportunities are offered to you men that ordinary civilian life does not afford. With the feeling of security that you men have in receiving a regular stipend each month – a good bed and three square meals a day. Where I ask you gentlemen could such be given you other than this country. One does not appreciate the things which are afforded to us of the CCC until we look at our neighboring countries where similar projects are handled, to squeeze the uttermost from the men instead of yielding unto the men.
Here lies your golden opportunity to advance yourself along educational lines. You are given courses of study that are designed to be of practical value to you when you again become an Ordinary Citizen. “As you make your bed so will you lie” in other words prepare yourselves for life by having something in which you will be self sustaining. The only one way that you can achieve this is by good hard work towards that end – let nothing discourage you or make you fall toward the wayside – keep plugging and you will arrive to the destination in due time.
Booker T. Washington is our shining example of a man that had a purpose and stuck to it – in his [unreadable word] trials and tribulations but his efforts were not wasted because of that goal he had in mind which he finally attained! We cannot all be as this great educator was but we can pattern ourselves from his life and through his works and zeal we can become inspired.
Camp Briefs
Camp Vann is once more back to normal working conditions after two-thirds of the company was laid up with a mild attact [sic] of influenza. The first few weeks of January saw as high as 38 members confined to bed. The camp dispensary was filled to overflowing and Barrack 5, the company class and reading room, was turned into a temporary hospital. The severest cases of the epidemic lasted from four to five days. Dr. Stoltz was also confined to bed for three days. From his bed he prescribed for the sick through the hospital orderly, Hughes A. Ratchford and volunteers Everett Weathers, Harry Humphries, and Curtis Terry.
In recognition for their earnest and conscientious work, Assistant leaders James McNeil and James Gibbs were promoted to Leaders. Leader McNeil is from Williamsport, Pa., and Leader Gibbs from the City of Brotherly Love – Philadelphia, Pa.
Discharged to secure employment, Second Cook Lawrence Berry was discharged January 28 to secure employment in Pittsburgh. The 303rd company not only lost a good cook but a good baseball player as well. Members join in wishing Berry the best of luck in his new venture.
Ed. Adviser Oscar Pindle personally conducted the first class in leather craft on Jan. 29. Ten enrollees signed up for the class and all were present for the first lesson, kits and purses.
A new signal system has been installed in the Headquarters building and the Mess Hall by members of the electrical class. Through the directions of Lt. Matthews, four buzzers, wiring, and a series of dry cell batteries have been set up. A few complications arose which were instructive as well as interesting. After the wiring had been completed and all the batteries connected, the bell in the Mess Hall rang continuously. This necessitated the overtime work of trouble shooters. After checking the wiring, buzzers, batteries, etc., it was discovered that a nail used to connect wiring to the Mess Hall was causing a short circuit. Now everything is operating nicely and the footsteps of the Captain and Lieutenants have been shortened by the code system of ringing Mess Hall, supply room, quarters and office. That’s electrical engineering on a minute scale.
Courses offered
Elementary
Daily: reading, writing
Monday: arithmetic, spelling
High School
Tuesday: Creative writing
Wednesday: English
Thursday: Bible, Journalism
Vocational
Daily: Typing
Monday: Electrical, Table service, Woodworking
Tuesday: Bookkeeping, Business methods
Wednesday: PA Motor Code
Thursday: Cooking, Leathercraft, Shorthand
Other
Monday: Dramatics, Company meeting
Wednesday: Safety meeting, Leaders meeting, First Aid
