Pokagon State Park in Angola in Steuben County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Civilian Conservation Corps Camp
Photographed By Lou Donkle, February 24, 2023
1. The Civilian Conservation Corps Camp Marker
Map caption on left:
As you stroll the site, mowed areas mark the placement and dimensions of the individual buildings. Signs will orient you and provide information on the buildings.
Photo caption top right:
The camp housed about 180 men at any one time. When the Pokagon projects were all completed, the camp was disassembled and removed. Some of the barracks became housing at Tri-State University in Angola (now Trine University).
Photo caption bottom right:
Lilac bushes, daffodils and evergreen trees were planted by the CCC boys to beautify the camp. Look for these plantings, still thriving long after the work of the CCC boys is through.
As you stroll the site, mowed areas mark the placement and dimensions of the individual buildings. Signs will orient you and provide information on the buildings.
Photo caption top right:
The camp housed about 180 men at any one time. When the Pokagon projects were all completed, the camp was disassembled and removed. Some of the barracks became housing at Tri-State University in Angola (now Trine University).
Photo caption bottom right:
Lilac bushes, daffodils and evergreen trees were planted by the CCC boys to beautify the camp. Look for these plantings, still thriving long after the work of the CCC boys is through.
Bleak Times, Bright Promise
The 1929 stock market crash was the catalyst for the Great Depression. Almost 18 million people were unemployed and two million Americans were homeless. Newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented emergency measures. Among them was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC provided jobs to unemployed young men. Projects focused on reclaiming land and building parks.
Company 556
Almost 64,000 Hoosiers were stationed at camps throughout the state. Company 556 was stationed at Pokagon State Park from 1934 to 1942. Before work could begin, a camp of temporary buildings was constructed here to house and feed the CCC boys. The camp contained 12 buildings: several barracks, an administration building, officer's quarters, a recreation hall, the mess hall, a bath house and latrine.
Projects completed by Company 556
County Road Bridge, Beach, Saddle Barn, Spring Shelter, Toboggan Slide, Gatehouse, CCC Shelter, Beach Bath House, Group Camp, Park Office, Campgrounds, Parking Lots, Park Roads, Retaining Walls, Tree Planting, Erosion controls, Trails, Water Lines
Pokagon State Park CCC Camp Interpretive Exhibit in memory of Peter Nosek, Potawatomi Innkeeper, 1996 - 2008
Erected
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1929.
Location. 41° 42.175′ N, 85° 1.861′ W. Marker is in Angola, Indiana, in Steuben County. It is in Pokagon State Park. The marker is .7 miles from the Park Entrance Gate. Follow signs to the Nature Center. The CCC Camp markers are on the left just past the toboggan slide. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1475 West Indiana 727, Angola IN 46703, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Civilian Conservation Corps Camp (within shouting distance of this marker); Administration Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Flag Pole (about 300 feet away); Recreation Hall (about 300 feet away); Mess Hall (about 400 feet away); Barracks #1 (about 500 feet away); Bath House (about 500 feet away); Latrine (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Angola.
More about this marker. This marker is one of several marked archeological sites at the CCC Camp.
Photographed By Lou Donkle, February 24, 2023
2. Marker in front of CCC Camp walking-tour sites
Photographed By Lou Donkle
3. Site marker for Recreation Hall
Photographed By Lou Donkle
4. Information marker for Recreation Hall
Recreation Hall
The recreation hall was later named Weaver Hall after the well-liked commanding officer, Captain Weaver. With WWII pending, Captain Weaver left Company 556 to return to active army duty.
Weaver Hall provided:
PX which served as a post office and sold necessities, Library, Billiards and ping pong tables, and An area for visiting and writing letters home.
The recreation hall was later named Weaver Hall after the well-liked commanding officer, Captain Weaver. With WWII pending, Captain Weaver left Company 556 to return to active army duty.
Weaver Hall provided:
PX which served as a post office and sold necessities, Library, Billiards and ping pong tables, and An area for visiting and writing letters home.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 23, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 69 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on July 6, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 23, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
