CCC: Civilian Conservation Corps

Through the years, at various outdoor locations, we’ve noticed signs that recognize the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) for their valuable work in natural history preservation. In the visitor center at Gooseberry Falls State Park we browsed their exhibit about the CCC, and noticed a statue dedicated to the men who served in the CCC on our walk to see the falls.

The statue at Gooseberry Falls State Park, dedicated to the CCC participants.

The CCC was a program President Franklin D. Roosevelt put in place in 1933 and it continued until 1942. It was a very innovative program and it was successful.

The plaque for the statue.

The CCC was a voluntary public work relief program that put young men to work during the depression. Men between ages 18-25, who were single and unemployed, could work for the CCC. It was unskilled manual labor and they had to leave home to find work. 

From the display at Gooseberry Falls State Park Visitor’s Center.

The men worked for the conservation and development of natural resources in lands owned by the federal, state, and local government. The program employed three million young men over the years it was in operation. I learned they were paid a wage of $30 a month, but $25 had to be sent home to their families. The men were provided with shelter, clothing and food. 

A cap issued to the CCC workers, with the division number.

This manual labor helped both the young men and their families. Apparently the young men developed an improved morale, learned skills to make them employable in the future, and improved their physical conditions.1 The money sent home helped their families.

From the display at Gooseberry Falls State Park Visitor’s Center.

And…it helped all of us seventy years later. Gary and I often comment on how grateful we are for the people who went before us who had the insight and fortitude to protect the natural lands that we so enjoy today. The CCC was a part of this.

Gooseberry Falls.

It seemed to be a win-win situation during a very depressed time in our nation’s history. I wish some kind of program like it could be put in place these days to help those who are unemployed.

I loved these tree roots…on the path to see Gooseberry Falls.

The small, but permanent, exhibit about the CCC at Gooseberry Falls Visitor Center tells of an interesting piece of our history.

1Wikipedia

Honeymoon Trail

I needed my two-year-old granddaughter to walk Honeymoon Trail with me. I wanted to go at her “stop and look at every thing” pace….only I would stop and take pictures.

But she had already gone back home when we drove on this dirt road one rainy afternoon up north. Even in the rain the colors were stunning. 

However, the next day the rain had stopped so we decided to ride our bikes on Honeymoon Trail. This road is a segment of one of the suggested Fall Color Tours on the north shore.

We’ve been going up to this area for 30+ years so we know this road and have always enjoyed it in autumn. But we don’t always see it so colorful. It was amazing.

It’s easier to stop on a bike to take pictures than stopping in the truck. These photos are taken with my iPhone. I can’t imagine having a specialized camera and capturing more of the beauty.

I just couldn’t get enough of the fall colors and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. I guess it’s a good thing I wasn’t walking.

Our ride was great fun and it was a new adventure for us…riding our bikes one Honeymoon Trail.

While driving back to the cabin we saw a wolf cross the road. That was a first for us. I was not quick enough with the camera.

Walking at the North Shore

Walking at a two-year-old “I want to stop and look at everything pace” is a wonderful way to walk…it slows us down and opens our eyes to see things we might not notice while walking at our normal pace. We enjoyed several of these walks with our grand-daughter and her mom and dad while they were here with us on the north shore.  It was delightful.

Early morning sunrise to begin the day.

After they went back home we continued our stay at the cabin for a few more days to enjoy more hiking and biking and relaxing. One trail we always hike is the Oberg Mountain Trail. It’s a rather short hike…2.2 miles round trip. You hike up, walk around a loop on top and witness great vistas of Lake Superior and of inland trees and Oberg Lake. It’s a favorite hike of ours. 

We arrived at the trailhead early one morning and spent a good two hours meandering the top and sitting to enjoy the vistas – even stopping a couple of times to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee and muffin we brought along. We were pleasantly surprised at all the fall colors. We were not expecting these colors so early in the season.

Gary taking a photo of Oberg Lake.

Here is a photo essay from our hike on the Oberg Trail.

Oberg Lake.
This is a vista point overlooking Lake Superior. It’s hard to photograph since it’s into the sun. The leaves have not changed along the shore of Lake Superior.
One of our coffee stops overlooking Lake Superior on the left and Mt. LeVeaux.
Looking down on colorful treetops.
Mt. LeVeaux.

Such astounding beauty. It was breathtaking. Pictures, of course, do not do it justice. I am grateful for this opportunity to see this beautiful change of season, to feel it’s fresh air, and to smell the distinct fragrance of the fir trees, which also add the dark green contrast to the beautiful oranges and reds and yellows.

A Change Along Scenic Drive

On our way to the north shore we always take the scenic drive instead of the expressway from Duluth to Two Harbors. It may be a slower route, but it is, as the name describes, a scenic route along Lake Superior. About half way between the two towns is a non-descript building that looks more like a house than a store. It was called Practicals, Collectibles & Antiques.  

The nondescript building for a store.

We’ve been stopping at this unique store for years. We enjoyed browsing around and visiting with the owner who was always there. He was friendly and welcoming and recognized us. We knew he was a retired military guy who wintered in Texas but would spend his summers in his shop right across the road from beautiful Lake Superior. 

A view of the lake.

The interior of the store was lined from floor to ceiling with thousands of used books and old vinyl record albums. Shelves outlined the perimeter of the store, which displayed antique dishes, collectibles and “practicals”. We always looked forward to stopping at this quaint shop. We would usually buy a couple of books at about $1-2 a piece.  

One year we apologized for only spending $2 but he graciously said…the north shore gets a million visitors a year…if each one spends a $1 that works for me…however, I run this store because it’s fun…not for the money. 

The For Sale sign for Practicals, Collectables, & Antiques.

This year at the turnoff we noticed the large hand-written “For Sale” sign in the yard. The building was locked and empty, and we were a bit sad. I guess we knew it was coming sooner or later but it was too soon for us. 

While at the cabin we searched for additional information about the store. We found a local TV news program had interviewed the owner in Spring 2018. We learned the owner’s name is Ed Johnson and that he was loved by many (we were not surprised). We learned he ran this store for 26 years and at the time of the interview he was 76 years old.

If you look closely, you can see an outhouse in the back. There was no running water in this building. The public restroom was an outhouse.

One other fond memory I have of “Mr. Ed” is from years ago, before we got to know him a bit. My mom and I would occasionally take weekend trips together and I remember bringing her to his shop once. She was using a walker at that time and she required some extra care. He always welcomed people into his store. This time, when my mom and I left the store, he came to the door to say good- bye, and then he said to me, “thanks for taking such good care of your mom.” I don’t think any other person in the world ever told me that and it really meant a lot to me and brings tears to my eyes this day.  A simple act of kindness.

“Cheers to Ed!” We trust he and his wife are enjoying their retirement. 

Our next stop was Gooseberry Falls.

Lake Superior Psalm

As we prepare for our annual trek to the north shore I usually reread the psalm I wrote years ago. I’ve posted it before but am posting it again. It continues to capture my feelings about wonderful Lake Superior and the north shore.

A new day ~ our view of the sun rising over Lake Superior. (2017)
Lake Superior Psalm 23
 
The Lord is my Shepherd
I shall thank him.
He allows me to come to Lake Superior
And hear the calming waves.
He restores my soul.
He guides me on the trails of the Superior Forest 
And leads me along the rocky shores.
Even when the waves are rough – even when the lake is calm,
I look forward to coming,
And He is with me.
His creation and His majesty, they comfort me.
He anoints me with many blessings
My cup overflows and I am grateful.
Surely I will praise him and follow him
All the days of my life,
I‘m grateful to dwell in His presence
On the shores of Lake Superior.
 
                                                
                                                Valerie 
                                                09/08
 

A Post Script

The inviting photo on the flyer advertising Northfield Shares A Dinner.

P.S. to my blog posting on Northfield Shares A Dinner.

I learned from a friend who was working the registration table that no one was turned away from the event. People who were on the waiting list were notified that they could come down and eat, and others who “just showed up” could also get a purple wristband and look for empty seats (no-shows) and sit down to eat. Many people commented on how welcoming that felt…not to be turned away.

All in all, Northfield Shares a Dinner shared dinner with about 1,200 people, and there were a few leftovers. It’s likened to the Bible story of the loaves and fishes in Matthew 14: 13-21.

Way to go, Northfield!

DJJD 2019

The Defeat of Jesse James Days in Northfield brings a lot of folks to town. The event begins Thursday night, affectionately called “townie night”, when Northfielders go downtown to get their fill of “fair-style” food. Then out-of-towners come in Friday through Sunday.

In the Quality Bakery window downtown Northfield are these yummy donuts. The bakery makes “De-Feet of Jesse James” glazed donuts for DJJD.

Every year my husband rides in the organized bike tour. He did the 60 mile ride on Saturday. And me….with my new electric bike…rode zero miles! HA 

The First National Bank, as it was in 1876. The robbers entering the bank. (DJJD reenactment 9/7/19)

Instead I went downtown with the crowds and watched the reenactment – it’s been a few years since I’ve seen it. My friend and I arrived downtown early to get front row seats in the bleachers. We sat and visited (and ate mini donuts) while we waited for the show to begin. The weather was pleasant…cloudy skies, no wind and a great temperature.

Up close of the actors in this DJJD reenactment. (9/7/19)

The reenactment includes gunfire and horses and lots of action, and it happens quickly, but it is an interesting story and portrayed accurately. The DJJD is a celebration for the defeat of the Jesse James gang, so as to not glorify bad guys. The gang’s demise started here in Northfield…actually two were killed during the bank raid.

Two robbers were shot that fateful day. (DJJD reenactment 9/7/19)

After the reenactment we walked down the closed-off main street of Northfield, and came back along the river walk and looked at the fine arts displayed along the way.

Looking towards Bridge Square. (9/8/19)

This led us back to the food stations where lots of people were buying their favorite foods. We decided to continue to the craft fair in Central Park and looked at all the wares offered for sale, then went to buy our lunch at the food stands. 

Antiques of Northfield is the backdrop of this photo. (9/7/19)

We went into the Antique’s of Northfield store downtown, which was full of people browsing and buying antiques. Antiques of Northfield is also considered a TV Lamp museum. It has the largest collections of 1950’s of TV lamps on public display. 

By mid-afternoon we were ready to leave the crowds behind and headed for the quietness of home.  

Tent Camping

When our son and his family moved to Colorado last spring we sent along our strong and durable nylon tent we’ve used for many years. It was bittersweet. It felt good to pass it on, but a bit sad knowing we probably won’t go tent camping again. 

Our tent.

We have enjoyed camping cabins in Minnesota State Parks lately so we still get to go camping, but it requires a bit more intentionality to plan and reserve a cabin verses picking up the tent (and all the equipment) and heading out.

There are many fond and fun memories that go along with tent camping. We took several family vacations when our boys were younger: to state parks in Minnesota for weekend getaways, and longer vacations to national parks. I have kept a vacation journal over the years. It’s enjoyable to look back to the places we’ve been and to remember the wonderful times we shared as a family. 

In addition to experiencing the amazing national treasures, the rituals of camping are dear to us: planning the trip, loading the car, finding a site, setting up the tent and possibly the screen tent, getting the sleeping bags and pillows and suitcases arranged in the tent, packing/unpacking the camping box with all the cooking paraphernalia that’s needed including dishes and wash basin, setting up the camp stove, placing the tablecloth on the table, finding the lanterns, keeping the cooler in the vehicle, filling the water jug, remembering towels, setting up camp chairs, gathering wood for the bonfire and finding the matches and all the ingredients for s’mores and on and on and on…so much fun…so much work…so worth it!

Rocky Mountain National Park 2019

This past week our son and his wife and two children, age 4 (almost 5) and 3 years old, took the tent to Rocky Mountain National Park and camped for two nights there. It was exciting to think about the new memories they will make with the tent.

And…our older son and his wife and daughter went camping in a Minnesota State Park over the weekend. 

Here’s to making more camping memories…

A Childhood Memory

For my writing group we were assigned to write about a childhood memory and here is one of mine.

When I was in 5th grade I went to my girlfriend’s birthday party. I would have been about 11 years old. My friend’s mother took us to a popular, children’s, live television show in Minneapolis. I don’t remember the name of the TV show…could it have been Clancy the Cop, Axel and the Tree House, or maybe Casey Jones, or Captain Kangaroo or Howdy Doody?

Cheryl was the birthday girl’s name, but I do not remember any of the other girls at the party.

It doesn’t work anymore. HA

I remember sitting on a bench as part of the live audience in the television studio. It was exciting. I’m sure it was unexpected, but on this particular show the main character asked for volunteers to participate in a hula-hoop contest. I could hula-hoop so I volunteered. I liked to hula-hoop and I must have done it often since I thought I’d have a chance to win if I entered the contest.

We started with one hula-hoop, next we whirled two hula-hoops and eventually it involved three hula-hoops. I managed to keep those three hula-hoops going around and around the longest time and won the contest. 

My prize was a Betsy McCall doll. I kept that doll for a very long time and I don’t remember when or how I departed with it. Today there are several smaller Betsy McCall dolls for sale, online, but mine ws a large doll. There are a few 29”, so I believe that was the size of the doll I won. I left the party a very excited and happy little girl.

Several years ago, after I told Gary this story, he went out and bought me a hula-hoop. We still have it. I couldn’t quite make it work for him back then (to prove myself) and I still can’t make it work today. HA

The hula-hoop was invented in 1958 and this party was in the early 60’s.

I did a little research and found out Casey Jones aired for only one season in 1958. Howdy Doody aired 1947-1960. Captain Kangaroo was on for 26 seasons: 1955-1984. Axel and the Treehouse aired 1954-1966. Clancy the Cop: 1963-1977. There were no video clips of any hula-hoop contests!

However, when I told my friend, who is a Twin Cities native, this story, she told me it was likely the show Dave Lee & Pete. It aired live, in the afternoons, and the local program was always bringing kids on stage for different reasons. I do think we went in the afternoon so it makes sense to me, but I have no recollection whatsoever of Dave Lee & Pete (the Penguin).