Willow Springs in Cook County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Willow Springs Civilian Conservation Corps Camp #612 (cont )
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 22, 2026
1. Willow Springs Civilian Conservation Corps Camp #612 (cont
) Marker
On Sunday the men went to church in Argo or to St. James of the Sag on Archer. Sometimes there'd be entrainment in the camp or dancing at O'Henry Ballroom. During the summer many groups picnicking in the groves lining Archer made the men welcome.
When Camp# 612 closed, the land was taken over by the Cook County Forest Preserve District. All that remains of the camp is the cement floor of the mess hall and a few scattered beams and Timbers.
The Worker statue now stands on the site of the camp's parking lot.
This statue of the CCC working, fondly nicknamed "Iron Mike", commemorates the millions of young men from across the country who helped rescue America from the Great Depression. Americans would do well to remember the young men who cam forwards to aid their country in desperate times and, in so doing, left a legacy of beauty and a faith in the future of America by the CCC boys, including those on this site in Willow Springs where CCC Camp # 612 was
this page online
Erected 2025.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 41° 43.875′ N, 87° 52.669′ W. Marker is in Willow Springs, Illinois, in Cook County. It is on Archer Avenue (Route 171) west of Willow Springs Road, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willow Springs IL 60480, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: ...And It Came to Be (here, next to this marker); "The Worker" (here, next to this marker); Willow Springs Civilian Conservation Corps Camp #612 (here, next to this marker); The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) (a few steps from this marker); Willow Springs Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Towpath (approx. 0.2 miles away); Original Illinois & Michigan Canal (approx. 0.2 miles away); Land of the Healing Waters (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Willow Springs.
More about this marker. This marker is one of four that was erected in May 2025. They are behind a statue called The Worker, which was erected in
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 22, 2026
2. "The Worker" statue and four markers in honor of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 22, 2026
3. "The Worker" and four markers at IL-171 and Willow Springs
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, March 22, 2026
4. CCC Company #612, Camp Palos Hills
A close-up of the photo on this marker of the CCC company that worked in these woods southwest of Chicago.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 23, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 23 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on March 23, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 24, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
