An Outline of Activities at Garner State Park

CCC Co. 879 Camp SP-42-T

James Garner's account of his experience in the CCC, first as a truck driver and then as assistant to the camp doctor and daily life in a CCC camp.

First assignment as a Truck Driver:

Assigned as full time truck driver. 1) Served at Mother Neff State Park, McGregor, Texas. Hauling lumber; 40 huts built of lumber, door in front and window in each of three sides, wood stove, one light globe hanging in center of room. 2) Served at Garner State Park.

Duties at Garner while a truck driver:

Pick up supplies daily, in Uvalde:

• Fresh fruit and vegetables
• Bread
• Milk (in 10 gal. cans, shipped in from Seguin—later in quart bottles from dairy in Uvalde}
• Canned goods
• Other grocery items
• Beef quarters (250-300 lbs.)
• Soda water
• Ice (300 lb. blocks-3 each day)
• Carry the mail (daily including mail from Concan P.O.)

Weekly, in San Antonio (stayed overnight and ate at a cooking school)

• Flour
• Corn meal
• Potatoes
• Canned goods
• Motor oil
• Movie film
• As needed-clothing, blankets, bedding from Quarter Master at Ft. Sam Houston

Note: There was an old Silver mine about 100 yards west of Hwy 83, at the top of the hill, about half a mile north of where it crosses the Leona river. (a sign on the highway said Silver Mine Pass)

Reassignment after six months as assistant to the camp doctor.

Duties as doctor's assistant:

• Finger printed every man in camp and maintained a current file
• Held sick call each morning
• Gave medication when needed
• Gave emergency medical treatment (serious accidents) Note: CCC boy, Charlie McCarley killed by falling tree
• Gave emergency medical treatment to area residents (serious accidents) (no doctor in area—doctor in Leakey had passed away)
• Assisted the doctor in surgery
• Responsible for water quality (add chlorine to water weekly)
• Sent a water sample to Brook General Hospital Lab, each Monday morning
• Drove ambulance
• Made emergency runs to the Uvalde hospital and to Brook General Hospital
• Continued to drive vehicle for recreational purposes when needed

Daily Life

Recreation

• Transported boys to Uvalde & to Alto Frio Encampment to attend movies, church services, etc.
• Also, to various locations where we played volley ball and baseball.
• Had movies in camp on Tuesdays and Thursdays
• Had a dance every month or so, in camp

Education

Classes were held two hours each week night, after work, where many of the boys earned high school diplomas.

Each person learned a trade in whatever type of work they were assigned.

• Mechanic
• Leather craft {made bill folds etc.}
• Blacksmith
• Ornamental iron work
• Cutting trees
• Sawing lumber in sawmill
• Carpentry (I picked up wood from Allen & Allen Lumber Co. that was used in wood shop to make cedar chests and other small items.)
• Cooking
• Course taught in life saving and water safety certification

Housekeeping

A laundry truck came from Uvalde each week to pick up and deliver laundry and dry cleaning. A vendor came each week to bring supplies to the canteen, where we sold candy chewing gum, soda water, razors, stationary etc.

What We Learned

• Respect for authority
• To take orders
• To assume responsibility
• To get along with others
• To do an honest days work
• Mass punishment
• Respect for the U. S. Flag

Community Service

• All in camp movies were open to area residents at no charge. Dances were also open as well. We furnished transportation to and from church services at Alto Frio, and other places.
• Gave emergency medical treatment to area residents and to park visitors

Statement

In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude, and appreciation, for having been afforded the opportunity to serve two years in the CCC Camp, here at Garner Park, and to do my small part in helping build and develop our State Parks. What I learned here helped prepare me for what came later, as I served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, in the Pacific, and in the occupation of China after the war was over. Then after that, serving in the United States Air Force Reserve.

I want to thank the personnel of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, especially Janelle Taylor and David Ham, for allowing me to come here, 65 years later, and tell my story.

Most of all, I thank God for keeping His protective hand on me throughout the long healthy and happy life I have already lived.

God Bless America.

James L. Garner
September 16, 2005