...And It Came to Be

...And It Came to Be. . In 1994, the Willow Springs Historical Society (WSHS) was approached by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Alumni Chapter 77 requesting assistance in restoring some of the area once occupied by CCC Camp Chicago-Lemont #612. Their intent was to place a plaque honoring the young men who labored on the many projects which helped our country recover from the Great Depression. , , This effort involved cutting down trees, clearing years of undergrowth and rebuilding the original stone wall. This work was done by volunteers of the WSHS and CCC Chapter 77 with the assistance of the Village of Willow Springs and the Cook County Forest Preserves, Palos Division. , , In the midst of this restoration, volunteers became aware of the availability of "The Worker" statue. The desire to acquire the statue to be placed on the very site of Camp #612 presented a new challenge and fueled a grassroots effort to raise $16,000 to make the dream a reality. , , On June 3, 2001, "The Worker" statue was dedicated and stands here in memory of the dedication and spirit of the young men who served at Camp Chicago-Lemont #612, Willow Springs, Illinois. ,

"It is my belief that what is being accomplished will conserve our natural resources, created future national wealth and prove a moral and spiritual value not only to those of you who are taking part, but the rest of the country as well...You should emerge from this experience strong and rugged and ready for reentrance into the , Franklin Delano Roosevelt , July 8, 1933

Indeed many of the young men fondly remembered these years as some of the best of their lives. , , The Willow Springs Historical Society , Jean Thode , President