Discovering Another Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp in the McDonough State Forest

The Road Less Traveled-Volume 32-A Recent Bike Ride Leads to Another Awesome Discovery

Welcome back. It’s been a while since my last adventure article. July 12th was the date as a matter of fact. Since then, as you probably know, we have taken a wonderful vacation to Maine, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. I hope you have enjoyed those articles; I will post some at the end of this story.

Previously, I wrote several articles about a CCC camp that I discovered here in Chenango County, New York.

This camp (Preston Hollow Camp), was established on June 10, 1933, and was located off Griffin Road in the McDonough State Forest. As it turns out, this camp was temporary (June to November of 1933) and consisted of tent barracks. In the summer of 1933, it was the scene of racial tension.

For reference, here is part of what I wrote previously:

The camp I was in search of here in rural Chenango County was known as the Preston Hollow Camp (CCC Camp #3). Camp #3 was the home of Company 235-C, which consisted of about 200 men by July 1, 1933. In case you’re wondering, the C signified colored. At this time in history, segregation was not considered racial discrimination.

Tensions came to a head on July 7, 1933, as the men were angered that several African-American clerks who had trained with the men prior to arrival were replaced by Caucasians once the men arrived at the camp. The unrest escalated to near rioting and authorities were sent to the camp where about 6 men were arrested, and others were shipped back to New York City. Brigadier General Charles D. Roberts addressed the camp, and the men were given a chance to leave if they didn’t like the work. Some took the opportunity, some went AWOL. In the end, about 40 men were eventually replaced with new recruits. It could have been much worse.

The Site of the Permanent CCC Camp in the McDonough State Forest

On August 13th, I set out for an afternoon bike road on an awesome summer day. My ride consisted of some of the backroads surrounding Bowman Lake Park in the McDonough State Forest. Another one of my loop rides.

I knew there was a chimney remaining from a CCC camp; I had seen it years before whizzing by it in a car. I never stopped to explore. Today I did just that. About halfway through my ride, I came to the site located on State Route 220 near McDonough, NY. To my surprise, there was quite a bit there to see.

CCC Camp #3, which I had previously discovered, was replaced by Camp S-68 which stood at the site I visited that day. The camps were about 3 to 5 miles apart. Camp S-68 opened in November of 1933. It operated until 1941 and employed more than 1500 men over 8 years. They planted millions of trees, built bridges, and helped with flood recovery efforts and much more.

It was fun to read the display panels which have been placed and maintained by New York State. The chimney and remains of the foundation are impressive as well.

Overall it was my favorite type of bike ride. A nice 12-mile ride with some history to explore along the way. You can’t go wrong.