1932

Timeline

Background Information on the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Construction of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

C.C.C. Company 1433 and the Development of the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge

C.T. Trowell

Civilian Conservation Corps Camps In Charlton County

1999Camp 71, CCC Company 1450 – Toledo-St. George (1932-33, CCC Camp at Homeland (1933-36), and

CCC Camp BSW-1, CCC Company 1433 (1937-41)

Charlton County, Georgia

CCC Company 1448 at CCC Camp P-59

Fargo, GA Clinch Co News 5-29-1936

(Side Camp – Pocket)

“I’m greatly impressed with the fine job being done there”

CCC Camp BSW-1 (CCC Company 1433)

Charlton County, Georgia

++++

Robert Fechner, the National Director of the Civilian Conservation Corps and a Savannah native, made several inspection visits of the work being conducted in the Okefenokee Swamp by men in his organization. Regional and local newspapers reported that he was “greatly impressed” by their work.

Men of Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1433 (Colored) arrived at the new Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge less than two months after it was officially designated as a wildlife sanctuary. They remained on the refuge until November 1941, just prior to the outbreak of World War II. They provided most of the muscle that made the refuge.

The U.S. Biological Survey assumed responsibility for management of the Okefenokee property at midnight on November 30, 1936. A young wildlife officer, Earle R. Greene, was transferred to the Okefenokee on December 10, 1936 from Lake Mattamuskeet Wildlife Refuge. He was named Junior Refuge Manager. John M. Hopkins, a former manager of the Hebard Lumber Company property, was appointed “agent” or Refuge Manager on February 1, 1937.

An executive order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge on March 30, 1937. But announcing the establishment of a refuge did not bring the preserve into existence. This was done by the planning and work of a small refuge staff and the men of a Civilian Conservation Corps Company. C.C.C. Company 1433 was a colored unit, made up of a small staff of army officers and civilian foresters and 181 young negro men.

On February 5, 1937 the Charlton County Herald reported plans to transfer the CCC Unit to the new Okefenokee Project. The 1433rd had been formed in Coffee County near Douglas. There they built roads and firebreaks and planted trees. Their work completed at Douglas, the company was transferred to a prepared campsite seven miles from Folkston in May 1937.

The Douglas Enterprisereported on March 25, 1937 that the unit was being transferred. The paper also noted: “The camp has done a great work for this section and it is generally regretted that Douglas is losing it. The negro youths who are now in camp have been orderly, industrious and courteous and the Enterprise commends them to any place they may live.” The camp superintendent, R.E. Tittle, had managed C.C.C. Company 1450 at St. George. It was located a few miles from the new refuge in 1934-35, before Company 1450 was transferred to Douglas.

A team of Army engineers arrived at the site of the new camp in early April 1937. It was called Camp BF-1. The engineers planned the layout of the camp and began work on wells, latrines, and other camp infrastructure. The Charlton County Herald reported on April 9 that “a number of portable houses will be moved here from a former C.C.C. camp in Alabama to house the men….” The initial plan was to locate the camp at Camp Cornelia on the edge of the Okefenokee, but the site was rejected when it was found that no satisfactory water supply could be obtained there. Instead, the engineers chose a site on the Folkston-St. George highway, four and a half miles east of Camp Cornelia. By the middle of April the houses were being erected and the camp was taking shape.[1]

The company moved to the new site in late May. The Douglas newspaper announced on May 27, 1937: “Early Thursday morning a convoy of twenty-one trucks left the local CCC Camp to take assignment of work at Camp Cornelia near Folkston that will include the forestry service in the Okefenokee Swamp.” The company included 181 CCC boy, Captain Newman Burns and Lt. Albin Clyborne, the company officers, and Mr. R.E. Tittle, the camp superintendent and supervisor of the forestry work. Mr. Tittle’s foremen, J.T. Stover, Jim Williams and Ivey Kennedy also accompanied the unit.[2]

The C.C.C. Company began development work on the new Refuge during the first week of June.Their first job was cutting a right-of-way from the camp site to Camp Cornelia. The men also began work dredging out the debris in the old canal. They constructed boat trails, built overnight cabins in the swamp interior and worked on other development projects.[3]

The daily routine at the camp was much like that in an army camp. The men, called “enrollees,” were awakened by the company bugler at 6:30 A.M. The men took calisthenics and marched to the mess hall for breakfast. Following breakfast, the men policed the camp grounds, shaved, made their beds and cleaned up their barracks, and stood inspection. They were on trucks on their way to work by 7:45 A.M. Lunch was served in the field. Lunch break lasted one hour. The men returned to camp by 4:00 P.M. An informal recreation time lasted from four until 5:30 P.M., when dinner was served. After dinner some of the enrollees attended classes or worked on special projects. Others sought entertainment in Folkston. There were no restrictions on leaving camp after dinner, but they had to be back for bed check and lights out as the bugler played taps at 10:00 P.M.[4]

The food at the camp, much of it purchased locally, was nourishing, plain, and in heaping servings. CCC Director Fechner described the food as “wholesome, palatable, and of the variety that stick to the ribs.”

Refuge Manager Hopkins, a man with years of experience managing local workers, soon selected several employees to do the many chores that the new Refuge demanded. He employed Jesse B. (Brantley) Gay and Harry Chesser as Patrolman-Laborers at Camp Cornelia. Sam Mizell and Bert G. Harden were employed as Patrolman-Laborers on the west side of the Swamp. Hopkins knew these men. With the help of the CCC workers the new refuge began to take shape by 1938.

By April 1938, the men of the CCC Company had built six truck bridges, constructed a combination building and garage at Camp Cornelia, plus ten miscellaneous structures. A truck trail and telephone line was completed from the CCC Camp to Camp Cornelia. Work had begun on a topographic map.[5]

Army officers who managed the CCC camps were usually rotated from camp to camp every six months. In April 1938, the company was commanded by Lt. A.M. Withers, Jr., assisted by Lt. John Stocket.[6]

In May 1938, Mr. Tittle and several enrollees constructed and painted three large signs. They were erected on Highway One in and near Folkston. The signs directed tourist traffic to the new Refuge. The five foot by six foot signs carried the inscription: “ U.S. Department of Agriculture, Biological Survey - Okefenokee Migratory Waterfowl Refuge – 11 Miles.” The signs also displayed an image of a wild goose.[7]

Men of CCC 1433 spent many hours during May fighting wildfires in timberlands along the eastern rim of the Okefenokee and one fire in the interior of the Swamp in Christie Prairie where Scott-Kendricks Lumber Company was logging.[8]Firefighting, especially during periods of drought, was one of the major occupations of the men of the 1433rd, and CCC companies around the nation. Some of the work clearing logs from the canal and other boat trails was slowed during this time by the low water levels that made travel by boat difficult.

Earle Greene was assigned to manage affairs on the west side of the Refuge in 1937-38. He rented living space in a log cabin at Mixons Ferry (Griffis Fish Camp) and began patrolling the west side of the property. He depended heavily on Sam Mizell. Mizell had worked for Hebard Cypress Company for years and during the early1930s with the Civilian Conservation Corps. The Forest Service CCC Company at Fargo assisted Greene and Mizell. These CCC enrollees were soon at work on improving the road from Mixons Ferry to Billys Lake.

The Refuge Manager summarized the achievements of the Company 1433 in his annual report, June 30, 1938:

A good road was constructed from the CCC Camp from the Folkston-St. George highway to Camp Cornelia and boat landing, this up to the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp only – a distance of 4 ½ miles. A metallic circuit telephone line was completed from Camp Cornelia through the CCC Camp and 4 miles along the highway towards Folkston and the wires strung on TPO [Timber Protective Organization] poles the balance of the way to Folkston. This because this part of the highway is to be changed – but the line is in use to Folkston. The old Suwanee Canal – 12 miles long – and the only water-way on the east side of the Refuge allowing the use of outboard motors was cleared of hundreds of tons of old barges – boats – logs and other debris. On the west side of the Refuge a road to be built 7 miles along the open ridge known as the Pocket was partially completed for 3 ½ miles – and when completed will be the only way to get into Billy’s Lake and to a boat landing and field headquarters if the boat run known as the Narrows is not kept open and allowed to fill in with grass and floating debris. Boats were built for patrolmen and for use in clearing the canal. Signs were made and placed along the road leading to the Refuge on the east side – and 26 acres of clearing up at Camp Cornelia – all the above done by the CCC.

Between May 1938 and May 1939 the men continued clearing the canal of old steamboats, skidders, barges and logs. Some of the logs were accumulated for construction projects. A log cabin for Patrolman Brantley Gay was completed and work was begun on two other log cabins and a log service building at Camp Cornelia. The men repaired the 4000 foot long boardwalk from Chase Prairie to Floyds Island and they improved the road from Camp BF-1 to Camp Cornelia. They cleared fence lines and prepared 1500 posts for use around Camp Cornelia. South Georgia and North Florida were still open-range areas for cattle and hogs in 1938. [9]

Camp officials held open house and inspection for several local dignitaries on April 11, 1939. The visit was reported in the Charlton County Herald on April 14, 1939:

Folkston Party on Tour of Inspection of Wildlife Refuge

Company 1433 of the C.C.C. at Okefenokee Camp BF-1, near Folkston, celebrated its sixth anniversary with an open house on Tuesday, April 11. A party of officials and businessmen assembled at nine o’clock, and escorted by Lieut. James M. Carson, camp commander, and Ralph E. Tittle, camp superintendent, inspected the camp and made an extended sightseeing trip into the swamp. The inspection and tour took the full day, closing at five in the afternoon.

Those making the inspection and tour were: Charlton County School Superintendent John Harris, County Agent W.D. Jones, T.C. Gowan, W.E. Gibson, Dr. W.D. Thompson, Postmaster Verne Pickren, and Rev. Swoll Sawyer, Pastor of the Methodist Church. Everyone congratulated Lt. Carson and Supt. Tittle at the fine condition of the men, the camp, and the project.

Each building of the Okefenokee Camp BF-1 was inspected by the group. Neatness, cleanliness, and orderliness were striking qualities covering every phase of the camp life and equipment. The men seemed at ease and under no apparent strain, although they stood at attention as the group drew near. Every contact with any of the men gave the impression that the boys were well fed and healthy and in good spirits.

The mess hall, the dormitories, bathhouse, toilets, the library, recreation building, shops, laundry, pressing club, electric plant and water system were clean and inviting. This CCC camp is an actual demonstration that such can be done. Everything had a place and everything was in its place. Excellent work has been done in building permanent walks that both shed the water and remain firm when wet.

Lieut. Carson explained in an interesting manner the work and advantages of the camp, while Superintendent Tittle discussed technical matters of the project in a way that visitors could understand. Nothing was left undone for the pleasure and comfort of the inspecting party. A delicious picnic lunch of sandwiches, salad, and iced drinks were served in the camp and at Coffee Bay.

Camp Cornelia, just beyond the entrance into the Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge, was a point of unusual interest. Here is being built several log bungalows for the residences of the Refuge patrolmen. The residence of patrolman Brantley Gay is nearing completion and is of unusual beauty and is completely equipped with heating plant, kitchen, bathroom, etc. It is being built of cypress logs, sealed with a specially prepared hokum and soft cement. The interior is all finished in the natural cypress boards and ceiling.

Two bungalows and other buildings for use of the department will make this camp a scenic attraction. Just beyond at the boat landing another similar bungalow is under construction for Mr. Tommy Roddenberry, the caretaker. Other buildings are contemplated. The work to be done in this area has just begun.

The party divided at the landing, at the head of the Okefenokee canal, and boarded two large flat-bottomed boats. These boats were driven at good speed by four-cylinder, 16-horsepower outboard motors. CCC boys operated the motors. Mr. H.S. Lang, master mechanic of the camp shops, joined the party at the landing.

A delightful, interesting, and instructive twelve mile trip through this canal into the heart of the Okefenokee made more than four hours pass off so swiftly. Supt. Tittle explained in a most interesting way the work that the CCC boys have been doing clearing this canal for these twelve miles. The work has gone within three miles of Billy’s Lake which is the full length of the canal.

At the twelve mile post where construction work has pushed, the group saw the untouched section of the canal. Only to the experienced eye could one be sure that the actual canal did not end there. While the bushes and debris have so filled the canal that it is not possible to penetrate further.

The CCC boys work here with large, barge-like boats and long grappling hooks. They cut, drag, and lift the bushes and debris out of the bed of the old canal and carry it out beyond the banks where it can not drift back even at high water. This is slow, tedious, and heavy work which they have accomplished so far without any heavy machinery. It is expected that some dredging machinery may be added to the camp equipment.

The water in the canal and swamp is unusually low and has been all the winter. This has made the fishing poor and problematical. Fishing will not be good this year unless the month of May and June are rainy.

The Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge is owned by the United States government, and is under the Department of Agriculture. It comprises practically all of the 700 square miles forming the Okefenokee Swamp. This swamp is located within three counties of Charlton, Ware, and Clinch. Many alligators were seen during the day. Dr. W.D. Thompson, who has known the swamp for many years, explained that the alligators were just beginning to be seen since the government has been protecting them. They had been killed out by hunters and others who made it a business.

T.C. Gowan declares that the largest one seen could hardly turn in the canal! Certainly true that twelve and fifteen foot alligators were seen during the day. Several large and small blue herons, egrets, cranes and other water birds were to be seen on the prairies. No snakes of any kind were seen by anyone. It is said that the great fire of 1934 (sic) had thinned out the snakes.

The fish were in evidence frequently as great swirls of water would be indicated where some large trout, jack or mudfish had been lazily sunning until disturbed by the approaching boat. Many large turtles would slip into the water while others could be seen swimming near the surface. The fishermen of the inspecting party could not refrain from sighs of regret that Supt. Tittle had ruled against taking their rods.

One can hardly picture the Okefenokee to another who has not seen and does not understand the peculiar vocabulary of the swamp. For instance, prairies are fit only for fish and birds and unlike the prairies commonly known would not support the weight of any animal. They are not lakes, they are great flat areas of soggy earth upon which grass and water plants grow.

Only one who knows the Okefenokee can picture one of these bays and realize how utterly unlike these bays are to the bays along the coast. The party landed at Coffee Bay but did not get a chance to see any trembling earth.

After resisting all efforts to trap them into an initiation of the Okefenokee plan Lt. Carson and Rev. M. Sawyer swallowed hook, line, and sinker just before saying goodbye to each other at the CCC Camp. They tasted the famous Waumpee root so graciously and thoughtfully provided by Postmaster Pickren. Waumpee root has the unusual power of imparting instant and lasting understanding of much of the secret lore of the Okefenokee Swamp. None are qualified to be experts in either fishing or roaming around the Swamp until they have tasted the Waumpee root. All members of the Okefenokee plan understand thoroughly the exquisite pleasure such initiation always gives those undergoing it.

The achievements of the men of the CCC Company during this period were recorded in the reports of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, ONWR. May-July 1939.

Refuge Development and Maintenance.

Since the last report the Guides Cabin at Camp Cornelia was completed and is now occupied. The second Patrolmans cabin and the Service building practically completed. A combination bulk head and guides dock completed at the Camp Cornelia boat landing. Two toilets at the Camp Cornelia boat landing 40% completed. Boundary line fence posts put up near Camp Cornelia for half mile. Drilling for deep well at Camp Cornelia Headquarters area clayed on north side of road. Clean up and ditching about Camp Cornelia and boat landing. Clearing canal of logs etc. continued during whole period and some work done on boat runs in Chase and Chesser Prairies. Maintenance of Refuge roads on both sides. All by BF-1 Refuge personnel put up 350 Blue Goose and Penalty Signs on refuge boundary lines.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, ONWR. Aug-Oct 1939.

Refuge Development.

The service building at Camp Cornelia was completed. The second patrolman’s cabin completed except two or three days work on the inside. Considerable more work done clearing the Canal from Camp Cornelia to Billy’s Bay, and more clean up work about the Cornelia area. The fencing of Refuge boundary lines in Camp Cornelia are (about 10 miles) about 35% of original project completed but 10 miles or more may be added on the east side if satisfactory assignments are effected for Govt. protection of the King and Gowan holdings, both of which are offered by the owners for protection of wildlife. Deep well at Camp Cornelia ready for pump and power.

Well on Jones Island with ample supply of water ready for development. Two latrines at Camp Cornelia boat landing completed. Sand and gravel assembled at Cornelia boat landing for cooking shelter. Work begun on remodeling old log cabin at Cornelia for bunk house, and work begun on rustic furniture for this and for lodge on Floyd’s Island.

One house boat almost completed and two other barges in the water, one or both to be finished as house boats, to be used as side camp to facilitate work in refuge for distances from CCC Camp, all the above by BF-1. Refuge personnel assisted in drilling well on Jones Island, and now surveying and mapping old boat run from end of Canal to Billy’s Lake, and with Camp BS-1 will repair.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, ONWR. Nov-Dec 1939 through January 1940.

Refuge Developments.

But little to report under this had as construction work was held up to some extent pending revision of development program. Fencing the boundary lines in the Camp Cornelia area has progressed satisfactorily, and a cooking shelter 90% completed at the boat landing at Camp Cornelia. Old log cabin at Cornelia remodeled. The second house boat for use as side camp completed. On the west side a truck trail has been constructed, by the Forest Service CCC at Fargo through refuge lot 337 and should be extended into Strange Island.

Development work slowed during the Fall 1939. The development plan was being revised during this period.

The editor of the Hawkinsville Dispatch visited his friends, Rev. and Mrs. Sawyer of Folkston, in late October 1939. Rev. Sawyer accompanied him on a trip around Folkston, and to Traders Hill and the Okefenokee. A account of his visit, published in the Dispatch on November 1939, included the following observations:

At the entrance to the Okefenokee is Camp Cornelia, 9 miles west of Folkston, which we reached easily over a good road. the government maintains the camp and the [CCC] boys daily work in the area. The government has acquired a large part of the Okefenokee and the Bureau of Biological Survey is developing a wildlife refuge and game sanctuary.

Just beyond Camp Cornelia I noticed a number of attractive houses built of logs and asked what they were. The preacher replied that they were the homes of the Rangers and other buildings used by them and their work. Close by is the Suwanee Canal, a beautiful stream which goes into the heart of the “Land of Trembling Earth.” The canal and many boat trails have been cleared out by the CCC boys. You can go into the very center of the Okefenokee by motor boat and with a guide and I was told that it was a most interesting trip.

Vegetation about us was not too very thick, but as one got into the wilder parts it became practically impenetrable in spots. On the right and left was the black muck, and you might take a step on what looked like perfectly safe ground and only go up to your waist in rich soil, water and refuse. Along the canal at this point were many scrub oaks and back of us pines and palmettoes.

On the banks of the canal were two large house boats being constructed for use in the swamp. On the stream was another, which is to be used to convey the boys, who are young negroes, to their work. At the present time the schedule allows but little actual work, two hours being consumed in going [ to the end of the canal], two in returning and time out for meals, leaving only two hours for the work of clearing out the stream.

The CCC work accomplished during 1940 was also recorded in the wildlife refuge reports.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, OWNR. Feb-Apr 1940.

1. Refuge Development and Maintenance.

1. Physical Development.

Nine miles of woven wire fence have been completed or are under construction on the east side. Camp Cornelia has been fenced in with the construction of the cattle guard at the main road.

Camp Cornelia.

The light plant and deep well pump have been installed at Cornelia and are operating.

The gasoline pump has been moved to its permanent location near the service building.

All of the old buildings at Cornelia have been razed.

The cooking shelter at the Cornelia boat landing has been completed and is being used by visitors. A picnic shelter on the little island at the boat landing has been completed.

The CCC side camp has moved into the three house boats at the end of the canal and are now working on repairing the boat run from the end of the canal to Billy’s Lake.

The telephone line from Cornelia, along the canal to the side camp is well under way.

Fargo Entrance.

Two temporary cabins for use of the patrolmen have been constructed near the west entrance and are now being used.

All by Camp BS-1.

By spring 1940 the house boats were completed and were towed to the end of the Suwanee canal. During the summer a telephone line on poles had been constructed from Camp Cornelia, 12 miles across the Swamp, to the side camp at the house boats at the end of the canal.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, ONWR. May-July 1940.

Refuge Developments and Maintenance.

The telephone line from Camp Cornelia to the side camp at the end of the canal was completed and some clearing of the boat run toward Billy’s Lake was done for a quarter of a mile. Mile posts were made and set up along the canal, cut [but] most of the work done by BS-1 was on the old canal. The water was low and it was found necessary to work over the entire length of the old canal, especially on the last 1 ¼ miles – to take out more logs and accumulated debris for protection of propellers. – Still lots of this work to be done.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, OWNR. Aug-Oct 1940.

Refuge Developments and Maintenance.

Power line – Folkston-St. George [road] to Camp Cornelia completed and energized and personnel now enjoy the benefits of reliable electric current.

Some work done clearing right-of-way and setting posts for single wire boundary marking fence.

Some more debris removed from canal bottom for it’s (sic) entire length but more of this work to be done.

Work begun opening up boat run from end of canal to Billy’s Lake and on boat run to Floyd’s Island.

Some beds and chairs built for bunk houses at Cornelia and Floyd’s Island.

Materials for cooking shelter and latrines at Coffee Bay transported to site and work begun.

Considerable clean up done about Cornelia Headquarters area and work begun on road around Headquarters.

Road to Cornelia and truck trails along fence Camp Cornelia area maintained, - all by Camp FWS-1.

Office and laboratory in Service Building at Cornelia now fairly well equipped.

The work accomplished by the CCC Camp during 1940 was concisely summarized in the annual report of the refuge manager for the fiscal year ending October 1940.

Plantings

During the week of October 15, 1939, we had the CCC boys dig up and transplant around the Camp Cornelia 84 native holly trees (Ilex Opaca) and 53 Magnolias (Magnolia grandifolia). These were all obtained from the St. Mary’s River bottoms and were from 10 to 35 ft. high. The weather was dry and continued dry but all survived except seven magnolias and five holly trees

Refuge Developments

One log residence completed at Cornelia.

8875 square yards of canal cleared at Cornelia boat landing.

One scaffold constructed at Cornelia boat landing for raising boats from water to be repaired.

One two-wheeled trailer constructed for Refuge fire protection system.

One log service building consisting of office, laboratory, bathroom, workshop and three-car gaarage completed at Cornelia.

One thatched roof octagonal shelter completed at Cornelia.

Eleven mile-posts completed and installed along banks of Suwannee canal.

One 359’ well at Camp Cornelia completed, pump and pressure tank installed.

One 270’ well on Jones Island completed, pump not installed.

One log pump house completed at Cornelia.

7.6 miles of woven wire fencing with four strands of barbed wire completed with cattle guards. 20-foot right-of-way for this fence cleared and graded constituting a truck trail to facilitate Refuge patrol and fire prevention.

One cooking shelter and two concrete pit latrines constructed at boat landing.

Four sewerage disposal units completed on headquarters area at Camp Cornelia.

Eleven miles of grounded circuit telephone line completed along the Canal.

One log cabin at Camp Cornelia remodeled, bath, water and lights installed.

Seven rustic beds constructed for Refuge cabins.

Two portable cabins constructed and erected for housings patrolmen on west side of Refuge.

Four miles of right-of-way cleared for power line to Cornelia.

All the above done by CCC Camp BS-1

Forest Service CCC Camp at Fargo grassed the shoulders of the 6.89 miles of raod to Billy’s Lake and did some maintenance work.

The work accomplished by the CCC was recorded in considerable detail in the quarterly reports after October 1940.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, ONWR. Nov-Dec 1940 through Jan 1941.

Plantings:

Because of the change in the location of the headquarters road at Cornelia, from passing between the residences of the Patrolman and the Biologist, considerable planting of native trees and shrubs has been done at this point. The old road right-of-way has been planted to native hollies, gall berry, wax myrtle and dogwood. Some shrubs have also been set out around the residences and the Service Building. It is the plan to completely cover the open area between the residences with Bermuda grass and much of this job has already been finished.

Refuge Developments:

Work has continued during this Quarter on cleaning out the canal from Cornelia into the swamp.

The CCC pile driver is at work putting down cypress piling for the dock at the Cornelia boat landing.

Work is under way on the cooking shelter at Coffee Bay. The cooking shelter at Cornelia boat landing is undergoing remodeling of the oven.

The road at the Cornelia headquarters site has been rerouted and the boundary fence at this point has been nearly completed. Cattle guards have been installed where necessary and consequently the hog and cattle “hazard” at the Headquarters has been eliminated.

The sites have been chosen for new chicken houses to be used by Refuge personnel at Cornelia.

Brick walks have nearly been completed around the buildings at Cornelia.

A nice, large Parking Area at the boat landing has been lined with native logs and is now ready for visitors.

The Refuge Manager reported the activities of the CCC Company in his narrative report for the period February through April 1941.

Refuge Developments:

Approximately ten miles of boundary fence completed along east side. Stock proof fence here necessary and single wire boundary fence where stock could not enter. No further fencing of boundary line advisable along east side until permanent locations decided.

The cattle gaps have been widened, pits deepened and now are apparently quite effective. Hogs and cows all out of Cornelia area. Road through headquarters diverted to pass around it and immediate area fenced.

Old road through headquarters area plowed, levelled and planted; partly with native shrubs and small dogwoods, cedars, magnolias and hollies – the area encircled by buildings grassed and left more open for circulation under the trees.

Flag pole was put up near the Service Building.

Brick walks constructed about all buildings, and with old brick from Savannah River Refuge.

Two chicken houses with runways completed for residences but both outside of the headquarters enclosure. Work begun on oil house at Service Building. Fence removed from around the Patrolman’s residence and set up around the guide’s cabin at the boat landing.

Cook shelter chimney constructed.

Concrete foundation poured for footbridge leading to little island.

Cypress piling driven for official dock. Sheet piling placed and attempts made to remove water and pour concrete piling for boat house foundations, but all attempts failed, probably because of springs within the sheet piling; cypress piling will probably be used.

General clean-up about headquarters area approximately 15 acres. All the above at Camp Cornelia.

Side camp of 40 men located at west end of canal, repairing old boat runs to Billy’s Lake and to Floyd’s Island.

Considerable work done going over the canal again and removing debris from the bottom.

16 ft. fire break constructed around Chesser Island south of Chesser holdings. All by CCC.

Patrolman Gay and Deputy Game Warden Dock A. Rider repaired the board walk to Floyd’s Island – CCC having delivered the necessary boards and distributed along the walk.

The guest cabin at Cornelia made habitable. Table and kitchen furnished – Beds equipped – Curtains put up – Screens repaired and house and grounds cleaned up generally.

On west side the patrolmen with the help of a few CCC boys put down a pitcher pump for better water at the temporary cabins.

Mizell and Coleman set up a gasoline tank at the west side camp for refuge use.

Camp FWS-1[10] made a very useful supply cabinet for our Waycross office.

The work of the company was recorded in the narrative report for May through July 1941.

Refuge Developments:

By Camp FWS-1:

Work on old boat run between the canal and Billy’s Lake.

Removing tree tops and other rubbish up to 12,000 ft.

Stumps blasted up to 4800 ft.

Stumps pulled out up to 2700 ft.

Cleaned out up to 2500 ft.

Considerable clearing done on boat run to Floyd’s Island.

Cook shelter at Coffee Bay – Now complete except roof.

Foot bridge at Cornelia boat landing now 40% completed

Boat house at Cornelia boat landing now 65% completed.

Dock at Cornela boat landing now 75% completed.

Oil house at Cornelia headquarters now 90% completed.

Grease rack at Cornelia headquarters now 90% completed.

Gas pump canopy at Cornelia HQ now completed.

In a few days we will have a grease rack and oil house at Cornelia and will have the new air compressor installed in the Service Building.

Several photographs of structures constructed by the company in the August-October 1941 narrative report, along with a list of their work.

Refuge Developments:

Work accomplished for the Refuge by Camp FWS-1 during this Quarter follows:

Grease Rack completed.

Three garages 90% completed

Foot Bridge across Canal at Boat Landing completed.

Three large Refuge signs relettered.

Boat Dock completed.

Boat House completed.

Latrine at guide’s cabin completed.

All at Camp Cornelia.

Cooking shelter at Coffee Bay completed.

Latrine at Coffee Bay completed.

Some work done on Boat run to Floyd’s Island.

Refuge Biologist Carter and Patrolman Gay with help of enrollees from Camp FWS-1 constructed four water-lily duck traps.

In addition to the above, Camp FWS-1 constructed about half a mile of foot log trail from Coffee Bay toward Bugaboo Island, expecting to construct the trail to the Island. Then we hoped for many miles of such trails. Only dead and down cypress was used in this construction. This half mile of foot log trail is enough to show possibilities. If any one will walk alongside the trail for two hundred yards, then back on the log trail, he will fully appreciate the great value such trails would be through parts of the Refuge inaccessible to boats.

The Charlton County Herald published the following article on October 31, 1941:

Charlton CCC Camp Is Ordered Closed Effective Nov. First

Orders have been received discontinuing the C.C. C. camp in Charlton county. The orders are to break camp on the 1st of November, and the enrollee personnel will be transferred to Haylow, in Echols county, where, it is understood a camp is already in operation.

Since being stationed here several years ago, the work of the camp has been of such character as improving the conditions in and around the Okefenokee Swamp and Wildlife Refuge. One version of the discontinuance of the camp is that their work is contrary to the purpose for which the Wildlife Refuge was established. That is, the destruction to a degree of the wildlife habitat of the denizens of the swamp. In other works, the government took over the swamp for the protection of the native wildlife, and not for the edification of human beings.

At any rate, the business element will be sorry to see the camp go, as it did add a bit of business in the trade channels of the community. While the enrollees were colored, we have heard little intimating that they were not orderly and gave little evidence indicating unruliness.

The Herald voices the regret of the possibility of the removal from our midst of the leaders, who were capable and earnest workers and took part in the business activities of the community. However, we have not as yet learned where Supt. R.E. Tittle and his staff of co-workers will go.

We understand that camp quarters will be maintained and left in charge of keepers, who will look after the upkeep of the government property in and about the Swamp.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, ONWR. Nov-Dec 1941 through January 1942.

Physical Developments:

Three garages at Cornelia Field Headquarters were completed early in November, after which our CCC Camp was moved from us, and no development work projects are in progress.

ANNUAL REPORT, OWNR, FISCAL YEAR 1941. (photos)

Plantings:

Patrolman Gay found and brought in, 32 native dogwood trees and CCC planted in the Cornelia Headquarters area – also planted a few more hollies. The old road through Cornelia plowed up and planted in native wax myrtles, gall berry and other trees or shrubs, by CCC, who also planted those about in the headquarters enclosure – and planted grass in the openings. One small magnolia about 6 feet high, planted in October 1939, produced one full sized blossom last May.

Developments:

By CCC:

Electric water heater installed #2 building

600 man days landscaping about Cornelia.

Completed 10 beds for cabins, with chairs,

tables, etc.

Cabinet for Waycross office constructed for

filing forms, stationary, etc.

Power line 3 ½ mi. – Folkston-St. George

road to buildings at Cornelia

Dock and boat house Cornelia landing 48% completed.

Oil house at Cornelia 10% completed.

Flag pole set up Cornelia.

Parking area at Cornelia with rail, etc, completed.

Reconstructed chimney at Cornelia cooking shelter.

6.4 mi. boundary fence on Refuge lines Cornelia area constructed.

1475 man days general cleanup about Cornelia.

Road through Cornelia diverted to go around outside of fence.

2 chicken houses completed at Cornelia for dwellings #1 & #2.

13,000 man days cleaning old canal and work on boat run, canal to

Billy’s Lake, and now CCC has finally settled on the correct

methods for clearing this boat run – dynamiting the stumps,

then pulling out with a small Tom Houston skidder on a

Fordson tractor – and progress will be made – 12,000 ft.

of this boat run has been cleared except for stumps – stumps

blasted for 2800 ft. and all pulled out for 1600 ft.

Considerable work done clearing old boat run to Floyd’s Island.

3 miles firebreak completed Cornelia area.

Cook shelter at Coffee Bay 30% completed.

Latrine at Coffee Bay 10% completed.

Now building gas tank canopy.

In addition to the above we have equipped the guest cabin at Cornelia for occupancy and have springs and mattresses, chairs, etc. for the cabin on Floyd’s Island. Now have air compressor and spray gun for Service Building at Cornelia office, and Laboratory at Service Building (Cornelia) fairly well equipped – Heater installed in office – and Laboratory made convertible for dark room.

Public Relations:

During Wildlife Week, with the help from Camp FWS-1, we gave many citizens short trips into the Refuge.

NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE REFUGE MANAGER, ONWR. Feb-Apr 1942.

Physical Development.

Because our CCC Camp is not with us any more all development work on the Refuge has been stopped. The Biologist, with the able assistance of Patrolman Gay, made a plywood pole boat for his use in going to various parts of the swamps.

Development work will probably be negligible for the “duration.”[11]

A small staff managed and maintained the Refuge during the Second World War. The roads, boat trails, and other facilities constructed by the members of CCC Company 1433 made visits by servicemen and an increasing number of automobile tourists during and following the war a memorable experience.

The Refuge grew in size during the 1950s and 1960s. It was designated a National Wilderness Area in 1974 and a Wetland of International Importance in 1986. But the foundation for this national and international natural treasure was constructed by the men of the 1433rd, 1937-1941. It has been a sturdy one.

Earle R. Greene to John M. Hopkins, Feb. 18, 1938. (Corresp. ERG, ONWR)

It is possible you have heard by this time that we may lose the services of the CCC Camp on this side [The Pocket] as it may be moved or done away with.

In talking to Mr. Otmeier (sic) today he states that he has just returned from Atlanta where he went to urge that this camp be retained, and that he talked with the Forestry Dept. and tried to reach Mr. Silver over the phone but found him out of town. He did however talk to one of the other men in his office and probably by this time Mr. Silver knows about it.

Mr. Otmeier (sic) suggested that you might be of help in urging that this camp be retained on account of the work to be done on the Refuge and that he stated in Atlanta that a years work anyway on the Refuge by this camp was needed.

Therefore I am passing the word along to you in case you have not heard about it.

ERG to JMH, Oct. 30, 1938. (Corresp. ERG, ONWR)

[Comments on poachers in Billys Lake. Witnesses. Mr. High of the CCC Camp.]

ERG to JMH, Nov. 30, 1938. (Corresp. ERG, ONWR)

“We had to use our Ford Pick-Up Truck as well as the CCC tractor to carry the signs and posts through the Old road from Jones Island to Billys Island.” [Sign “Chepuckey-to-la-fa” and Floyds March, Nov 1838, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the march.]

Headline: Baker County (FL) Press, June 23, 1933

“Another Forestry Camp Established – Taylor, Florida”

CCC Company (Colored) - 200 men

Literd Bridge Camp

Osceloa National Forest

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Camp 71, CCC Company 1450 – Toledo-St. George (1932-33,

CCC Camp at Homeland (1933-36), and

CCC Camp BSW-1, CCC Company 1433 (1937-41)

Charlton County, Georgia

5-2-1930 Teachers Visit Okefenokee (TAPE) Charlton Co Herald, (CCH)

1-2-1931 150 Miles Fire Break (TPO) , CCh

6-19-1931 Invaded Okefenokee – Blake Morgan of Atlanta Jl – Fishing with Gad Roddenberry CCH

9-1-1932 Progress of the CCC Corps in South Georgia – Camp 1450 – Toledo (CCH)

12-16-1932 Your Greatest Asset – Okefenokee. Geo Storms, NY Newspaper

Following trip to Bugaboo Island (CCH)

5-26-1933 Reforestation Camps for North and South Charlton (CCH)

6-23-1933 CCC Campsite Selected – Old Tomlin Place, midway between

St Georgia and Toledo (CCH)

7-6-1933 News from Charlton CCC – St George (CCH)

7-21-1933 Articles – Camp No. 71 , CCC Co. 1450 – St George (CCH)

8-4-1933 Dispensary (CCH)

8-15-1933 CCC Camp (CCH)

12-15-1933 Beale Reports on CCC Camps – Suwanee and Okefenokee TPO (CCH)

2-23-1933 Educational Plans – CCC (CCH)

6-8-1933 CCC Anniversary (CCH)

6-15-1933 CCC New Tower (CCH)

9-28-1933 CCC Quarters at Homeland Being Made Ready (CCH)

11-2-1934 CCC Homeland (CCH)

11-23-1934 CCC – 14 New Buildings (CCH)

3-15-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

3-22-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

3-29-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

4-5-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

4-12-1935 War on the Wiregrass – Extermination (CCH)

4-12-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

4-19-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

4-26-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

5-3-1935 CCC – Cuts off his Toe (CCH)

6-7-1935 Hewers of Wood (CCC) (CCH)

6-28-1935 CCC Building Winokur Truck Trail to Race Pond (CCH)

11-29-1935 History of the Wildes Family – Mrs. R.L. Walker

2-21-1936 G.S. Roddenberry Call to Reward (51)

7-3-1936 CCC Detail Completing Truck Trails in Charlton (CCH)

7-11-1936 (Wayx Jl-Her) The CCC Camps – Poll

7-11-1937 92% of Democrats voted to continue

7-11-1938 67% of Republicans “

7-11-1939 90% of young people

7-11-1940 82% of National poll

2-5-1937 Charlton May Get Two CCC Camps for Okefenokee Project

2-12-1937 Government Plans (CCH)

“Earl R. Green, formerly of Atlanta, is directing the conservation work

at present, with headquarters at Camp Cornelia near Folkston.”

2-11-1937 (Douglas Enterprise) Information is That CCC Camp Leaves April 1

“Failure to cooperate with the local Timber Protective Organization has been the cause of the loss of the camp, it is said.”

“Mr. R.E. Tittle, who is in charge of the projects for the camp, has been working hard to save the camp here and some interest is being manifested in keeping it….”

3-25-1937 (Douglas Enterprise) Local CCC Camp to be Moved to Okefinokee Swamp

3-25-1938 “Capt. N.R. Burns of the local CCC Camp states that the entire local CCC Camp with the present officers and boys will move to a site seven miles from Folkston near the edge of the Okefinokee Swamp as soon as a camp can be built. He thinks it will not be able to move earlier than two months from now. Capt. Burns states that most probably he, Lieut. Charles Watson, Dr. Jack Galins and Prof. W.B. Brooks will go with the camp of 161 boys, but he has had no instructions concerning the forestry department which is handled by Supt. E.E. Tittle and his seven foremen.

The camp has done a great work for this section and it is generally regretted that Douglas is losing it. The negro youths who are now in the camp have been orderly, industrious and courteous and the Enterprise commends them to any place they may live. (Doug. Ent.)

4-2-1937 (Charlton Co Her)Negro CCC Camp to be Established - CCC Company 1433 (Colored) at Camp Cornelia ( now located near Douglas)

4-9-1937 (Charlton Co Her) Army Engineers Here to Complete Plans for CCC Camp

4-16-1937 (Charlton Co Her) Okefenokee Area is Closed to Public by Executive Order

John M. Hopkins, Agent in charge

4-16-1937 – 4-23-1937 (Charlton Co Her) Teachers Trip to Okefenokee

5-27-1937 (Douglas Enterprise) Local CCC Camp Moves to Folkston

“Early Thursday morning a convoy of twenty-one trucs (sic) left the local CCC Camp to take up a new assignment of work at Camp Cornelia near Folkston that will include the forestry service in the Okefinokee Swamp.”

Edward Starr of the Forestry Department will be transferred to Fargo.

181 negro boys

Capt. Newman Burns and Lt. Albin Clyborne will officer the camp.

Mr. E.E. Tittle will continue the forestry work.

6-11-1937 ( Charlton Co Her) Charlton’s New CCC Camp Begins Duties at Camp Cornelia

6-11-1938 (Modern new camp on the St George highway – 7 miles out from Folkston)

12-10-1937 Chesser-Roddenberry Marriage (Bernice and James)

3- ?? – 1938 (Charlton Co Her) CCC Banquet (TAPE)

3-24-1939 Many Visitors at Okefenokee – CCC Camp – Trip down canal (CCH)

4-14-1939 Folkston Party on Tour Inspection (CCH)

7-14-1939 Fechner Pays Visit to Local CCC Corps (CCH)

8-11-1939 Tittle Elected Pres. of Folkston Chamber of Commerce (CCH)

9-15-1939 Capt. Anderson is New Camp Officer (CCH)

11-10-1939 Hawkinsville Paper Has Interesting Story – the Okefenokee Swamp (CCH)

12-1-1939 R.E. Tittle Designs Attractive Poster (CCH)

3-15-1940 Wildlife Week – March 17 & 23 Open House (CCH)

4-5-1940 Local CCC Unit to Celebrate 7thAnniversary (CCH)

4-19-1940 Prominent Atlantans make Week-end Trip (CCH)

4-11-1941 Okefenokee Refuge to Hold “Open House” (CCH)

10-31-1941 Charlton CCC Camp is Ordered Closed (CCH)

1-9-1942 Mr/Mrs R.E. Tittle Leave for St. Marks, Fla. Supt of CCC camp there (CCH)

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE OKEFENOKEE WILDLIFE REFUGE (John M. Hopkins) Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1938

REFUGE IMPROVEMENTS:

A good road was constructed from the CCC Camp from the Folkston-St. George highway to Camp Cornelia and boat landing, this up to the edge of he Okefenokee Swamp only – a distance of 4 ½ miles. A metallic circuit telephone line was completed from Camp Cornelia through the CCC Camp and 4 miles along the highway towards Folkston and the wires strung on TPO [Timber Protective Organization] poles the balance of the way to Folkston. this because this part of the highway is to be changed – but the line is in use to Folkston. The old Suwanee Canal – 12 miles long – and the only water-way on the east side of the Refuge allowing the use of outboard motors was cleared of hundreds of tons of old barges – boats – logs and other debris. On the west side of the Refuge a road to be built 7 miles along the open ridge known as the Pocket was partially completed for 3 ½ miles – and when completed will be the only way to get into Billy’s Lake and to a boat landing and field headquarters if the boat run known as the Narrows is not kept open and allowed to fill in with grass and floating debris. Boats were built for patrolmen and for use in clearing the canal. Signs were made and placed along the road leading to the Refuge on the east side – and 26 acres of clearing up at Camp Cornelia – all the above done by the CCC.

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NARRATIVE REPORT OF THE OWNR – REFUGE MANAGER: May,June, July 1938

John M. Hopkins

REFUGE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE:

During May, June and July Camp BF-1 continued work clearing the Canal of old sunken logs and other debris and accumulating materials for the construction of Patrolman’sdwelling and Service building, also did considerable work on the truck trail leading to Camp Cornelia – claying and machining and some work on the telephone line to Folkston.

The CCC Camp at Fargo partially completed three and a half miles of the eight mile truck trail leading to Jones Island and Billy’s Lake where the field headquarters on the west side is to be located.

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From the Annual report of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR), Georgia: 1938.

by John M. Hopkins

Refuge Improvements:

A good road was constructed from the CCC Camp from the Folkston-St. George highway to Camp Cornelia and boat landing, this up to the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp only – a distance of 4 ¼ miles. A metallic circuit telephone line was completed from Camp Cornelia through the CCC Camp and 4 miles along the highway towards Folkston, and the wires strung on TPO [Timber Protective Organization] poles the balance of the way to Folkston, this because this part of the highway is to be changed – but the line is in use to Folkston. The old Suwanee Canal – 12 miles long – and the only water-way on the east side of the Refuge allowing use of outboard motors was cleared of hundreds of tons of old barges – boats – logs and other debris. (p.3)

From the Narrative Report: ONWR. May-July 1939. (p.4)

Since the last report the Guides Cabin at Camp Cornelia was completed and is now occupied. The second Patrolmans cabin and the Service building practically completed. A combination bulk head and guides dock completed at the Camp Cornelia boat landing. Two toilets at the Camp Cornelia boat landing 40% completed…. Drives at Camp Cornelia Headquarters area clayed on north side of road. Clean up and ditching about Camp Cornelia. Clearing canal of logs, etc. continued during whole period and some work done on boat runs in Chase and ChesserPrairies .

From the Narrative Report: ONWR. Feb-Apr 1940 (p.4)

All the old buildings at Cornelia have been razed. The cooking shelter at the Cornelia boat landing has been completed and is being used by visitors. A picnic shelter on the little island at the boat landing has been completed. [A rustic log bridge across the canal connected the island to the bank.]

The CCC side camp has moved into the three house boats at the end of the canal and are now working on repairing the boat run from the end of the canal to Billy’s Lake [Orange Canoe Trail].

The telephone line from Cornelia, along the canal to the side camp is well under way.

From the Narrative Report: ONWR. May-July 1940. (p. 5)

The telephone line from Camp Cornelia to the side camp at the end of the canal was completed and some clearing of the boat run towards Billy’s Lake was done for a quarter of a mile. Mile posts were made and set up along the canal, but most of the work done by BS-1 was on the old canal [ CCC Camp – Biological Survey 1, located on Folkston-St. George Highway. This was an all black CCC unit. The name was changed to FWS-1 in 1941 when the Biological Survey was changed to the Fish and Wildlife Service.]. The water was low and it was found necessary to work over the entire length of the old canal, especially on the last 1 ¼ miles – to take out more logs and accumulated debris for protection of propellers. [This was the area that was logged by the Suwanee Canal Company in 1897. A Louisiana pullboat was used to log the area north of the west fork of the canal and a Butters skidder was used in “Old Mossy” south of the west fork in 1897.] – Still lots of this work to be done.

From the Narrative Report: ONWR. Nov-Dec 1940, Jan 1941 (p. 5)

Work has continued during this Quarter on cleaning out the canal from Cornelia into the swamp.

The CCC pile driver is at work putting down cypress piling for the dock at Cornelia boat landing.

Work is under way on the cooking shelter at Coffee Bay. The cooking shelter at Cornelia boat landing is undergoing remodeling of the oven.

A nice, large Parking Area at the boat landing has been lined with native logs and is now ready for visitors.

From the Narrative Report: ONWR. Feb-Apr 1941, (p.6)

Concrete foundation poured for footbridge leading to little island.

Side camp of 40 men located at west end of canal, repairing old boat runs to Billy’s Lake and to Floyd’s Island.

Considerable work done going over the canal again and removing debris from the bottom.

From the Narrative Report ONWR: Aug-Oct 1941 (p. 4)

Foot bridge across Canal at Boat landing completed

Boat dock completed. Cooking shelter at Coffee Bay completed. (and latrine)

(Completed a half mile of foot log trail from Coffee Bay toward Bugaboo Island.)

From the Narrative Report: ONWR: Nov-Dec 1941, Jan 1942 (p. 7)

CCC Camp was moved from the Folkston-St. George Highway site to Headlight, Georgia in November 1941.

[The CCC unit used a small barge to clear the logs from the canal in 1939-41. The remains of the sunken barge in the canal about five miles out from SCRA. The remains of another sunken barge, used by the Suwanee Canal Company during the 1890s, burned during the extended droughts in 1931-32. The fires of 1931-32 burned the area between the boat landing and the Big Bend (and the Cut-Off). Francis Harper photographed the remains of the old barge on the north side of the canal two miles from the boat landing, near the inlet to Cedar Hammock. A few fragments were exposed during the extended drought of 1981. Fragments of old barges and skidders, and the old steam boats used by the Suwanee Canal Company were also exposed perturbing from the banks of the little island and the south back of the canal near the boat landing during the 1981 drought. CTT]

[The CCC unit also dug a boat trail – with potato rakes - into Chesser Prairie. It is the second trail, near the Bend.]

CCC Company 1448 at Camp P-59 -- Fargo, Georgia (Clinch Co News, 5-29-1936)