West Virginia University Graduate Students and their instructor traveled from Mon County to Harrison County, Tuesday, September 30, on a field trip to study about the heritage of the Civilian Conservation Corps (1933-1942).
The grad class toured the West Virginia State CCC Museum on the campus of the historic Quiet Dell Grade School (1922), along I 79, South of Bridgeport. Professor Jenny Boulware, WVU History Department met with West Virginia State CCC Museum representatives Dr. Robert Anderson; one of the founders who spearheaded the museum effort, and Richard Bailey, secretary, also assisted with the presentation.
The grad students viewed over two hundred displays, took notes, and listened to the presentations of Anderson and Bailey. The students asked questions and learned much about the accomplishments of the people who served in the CCC.
After the presentation in the main museum, the group was given a tour of the brand new upper barracks museum located about fifty yards from the grade school. The Harrison County Commissioners were given much credit for the renovations of the upper barracks and upkeep of the grade school. This building was one of the two barracks located at the North Central Airport at Bridgeport donated by the Harrison County Commission and the Airport Authority. Boulware noted, “This is such a beautiful beautiful project. I think you have a gem here.”
CCC brochures were given to each grad student and professor. The group then picnicked on the campus before heading back to Morgantown. “I did not realize how much the Civilian Conservation Corps meant to our parks, roads, forests, ranches, and economy at that time, and our Nation today.” commented Boulware.
Boulware is Associate Coordinator of the Cultural Resource Management Department at WVU.
