CCC statue dedicated at Fort Clinch

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

October 29, 2017 8:06 p.m.

Updated October 30,2017 8:12 a.m.

95 year-old Walter Atwood, a former CCC worker, unveiled the  CCC statue on behalf of the Friends of Fort Clinch.

Fort Clinch Park Manager Keith Alboher

Under sunny skies and mild temperatures Friends of Fort Clinch, history buffs, and other community members visited the state park on Saturday, October 28, 2017 for the dedication of CCC Worker Statue #71 honoring Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1420. This company transformed what had been an abandoned, sand- covered coastal fortification into today’s Fort Clinch, a state park that welcomes thousands of visitors each year.

Fort Clinch Park Manager Heath Alboher recognized his predecessor Ben Faure, who was involved in the initial planning efforts, and credited the many Fort Clinch workers who had helped bring the plans to fruition.

Don Hughes, President of Friends of Fort Clinch

Don Hughes, President of the Friends of Fort Clinch, credited past and current Board members for their work on the project as well.

Plans and fundraising for the statue, which cost about $30,000, had been underway for several years under the leadership of Jim McCannell, the son of a CCC worker who helped build Acadia National Park in Maine. McCannell headed up the project team that raised the needed funds in addition to serving as Vice President of the Friends of Fort Clinch.

Project Leader Jim McCannell poses with CCC Worker Statue 71

In his remarks on the history and contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps to the nation, McCannell singled out those workers who formed Camp 1420 at Fort Clinch. These men were responsible for adding much needed infrastructure to the site, including water and sewer, in addition to clearing away tons of sand that had almost buried the abandoned fort.

McCannell asked the audience, “What do these men have in common: Sgt. Alvin York, Adm. Hyman Rickover, the actor Robert Mitchum, test pilot Chuck Yeager and baseball great Stan Musial? They were all CCC workers.”

McCannell then singled out the late Mike Pikula, Sr., patriarch of a local family who came to Fort Clinch’s CCC Camp from one in Olustee. Pikula had heard rumors of a plant that was to be constructed that might provide a good employment opportunity. Pikula’s children -- Margaret, Byron, Michael and Stewart -- were in attendance to celebrate the dedication, as well as members of the extended family.

The Pikula family gathers around the CCC statue.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt formed the CCC in spring 1933 as a way to provide work relief for unemployed men during the Great Depression. Workers signed up for 6-month enlistment periods for a maximum of two years total enlistment. They were fed, housed, and provided with on-the-job training to help them gain skills for employment following their enlistment. Workers earned $30 per month, $25 of which was sent home to their families.

During the program’s 9 years of existence, 3 million men helped build the nation’s national park system and promote conservation. It was the fastest mobilization in U.S. history. The workers planted 3 billion trees and built 800 parks. Many of them became corporals and sergeants in World War II, thanks to their ability to work well as part of a team.

Fort Clinch museum building built by CCC Company 1420

The local camp was mobilized in 1937, and workers lived at the site known as McClure’s hill along what is today North 14^th Street. In addition to removing tons of sand and repairing the Fort’s brickwork, CCC workers built spur jetties, picnic areas, campgrounds, trails, Willow Pond, and the canopy road that leads to the Fort. They also built the brick building that today houses the Fort Clinch Museum.

McCannell said that Fort Clinch is CCC Company 1420’s gift to us. “Their work still enriches our lives 80 years later,” he said.

Walter Atwood hugs the CCC statue as Jim McCannell (r) looks on.

Joan Sharpe, CCC Legacy President, traveled from Virginia to be part of the celebration. Fernandina Beach City Commissioner John Miller and Nassau County School Board Member Gail Cook also attended.

There are few original CCC workers left.  Jim McCannell's dad is one of them.  At the age of 98, he lives in Maine and was not able to make it to the ceremony.  But 95 year-old Walter Atwood, who today lives in the Baymeadows area of Jacksonville, attended and participated in the unveiling ceremony.  Jim McCannell said that Walter is originally from Lebanon, Kansas and was enrolled in two different CCC camps, spending his first six months in Wyoming and a second six months in Idaho.  He performed clerical duties and personnel work.   He was most likely 18 or 19 years of age when he joined the CCC.  Walter is a former president of the National CCC Alumni Association and he is a member in good standing of the CCC Legacy organization headquartered in Edinburg, Virginia and, for his age, is remarkably active in that endeavor.

For more information on the Friends of Fort Clinch, visit their Facebook page or https://www.floridastateparks.org/content/friends-fort-clinch-state-park.

Frank A. Ofeldt III, a 24-year employee of the Florida Park Service, has recently published a book on Fort Clinch that includes more information on the work of the CCC at the Fort. Ofeldt will speak on the history of Fort Clinch at a program open to the public at the Amelia Island Museum of History on November 17, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. Contact the Museum gray@ameliamuseum.org for more information.

Florida and the CCC - Highlands Hammock State Park is home to the Florida CCC Museum, which recounts the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps contributions to Florida, particularly to the state park system.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.