The Annual Spring Civilian Conservation Corps Honors Jubilee and Luncheon was held Saturday, April 22, 2017 in the dining hall of the Quiet Dell United Methodist Church, Quiet Dell, Harrison County.

A reception was held from 9:30 am until 11 am. CCC Displays featuring CCC Camp Hardy, Camp Harrison, and Camp Parsons were viewed by nearly thirty attendees.

Two CCC Veterans were in attendance : James Lewis, 97 and his wife Veta of Helvetia, Randolph and Doddridge Counties, and B.D. Linn, 93, of East Grafton Road, Marion County. Each spoke of his experiences serving in the CCC and in the U.S. Military.

Reggie Rogers, President of Chub Run, Harrison County, called the general meeting to order.  Pastor Brian Boley of Quiet Dell UM Church delivered the invocation.

Dr. Robert E. Anderson called the membership to order, nominating Reggie Rogers (who served as Vice President and President Pro Temp after the passing of President Charles S. Piercy of Kingmont in February) for President; Rogers was unanimously approved as President.

Anderson also updated the association on the progress of the Replica CCC Barracks and plans for the summer. “We are hoping to increase our membership and have more volunteers to help with tours of the museum this summer and fall.” He added. “We appreciate the West Virginia Heritage Crafts folks who are instrumental in keeping our museum open six days a week.”

The program continued with Co-Curator Joy Winet of Fairmont introducing the Pledge to Old Glory, and a Moment of Remembrance to those CCC families who have passed. Edwin Winet, 1931 Truck Chair, played several selections from his 1930s collection. Co-Curator Ruth Justice of Charleston and her husband Lionel, also attended.

The Spring 2017 West Virginia State CCC Museum Association Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was held.  President Rogers presented the Hall of Fame Medallion and Official Certificate in honor of the Late Raymond Comer (CCC) of Shinnston, West Virginia. Accepting the honor was R. Donald Comer, son of the Inductee, and his wife Barbara, who reside in Clarksburg.

Joy Winet related a brief biography of Mr. Comer. He was born on April 21, 1915, the son of John and Daisy Stuck Comer. Comer attended Shinnston Schools. As the Depression was causing many financial problems for his family and the nation, young Raymond joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and served at CCC Camp Parsons. Camp Parsons, Tucker County, was known for producing millions of tree seedlings for planting across the state and nation. The CCC Boys, among their  other duties, had to pick up pine cones in the forests in order to start seedlings at the Valley of Parsons. Comer served his country in WWII as a Marine and was aboard the USS Missouri when the treaty ending World War II was signed.

Right before the luncheon, catered by Gourmet Catering of Clarksburg, Edwin Winet played several timely selections on the harmonica and diatonic accordian.

Joseph Tekel of Elkins addressed plans to create a CCC Camp Parsons Museum. “There are several of the old CCC buildings remaining there and we hope to launch the project in the near future.”

Following the luncheon, an auction of antiques and valuables was held.  Matthew Earl of Clarksburg and Betty Kehrer of Buckhannon conducted the auction. Patricia Piercy was in charge of receiving attendees at the door. Betty Kehrer, Patricia Piercy, and Joy Winet set up the displays the night before. Rogers thanked all those who helped make this spring’s honors jubilee a success. “Special thanks to Patricia Piercy and her family for serving the luncheon and providing snacks and desserts.”

After the event, numerous attendees visited the CCC Museum holding their annual Spring Fling. The CCC Museum association meets every month (third Sunday) at 2 pm at the museum location. The public is invited; May 21st is the next meeting.