Clarence Collier Case, Education Advisor, Civilian Conservation Corps, Huron National Forest

Biography of Clarence Collier Case

Education Advisor, Civilian Conservation Corps, Huron National Forest

Clarence Collier Case

April 7, 1905 to December 6, 1982

Clarence was a very gentle, pleasant man who wouldn't raise his voice. He was a person one would be proud to know. He was a very loving, congenial person, without an enemy in the world.

In later years Clarence often expressed concern about what his legacy would be. It is ironic that we have been able to collect from his notes and from the remembrances of his friends, a story of his life, his legacy.

"I was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 5, 1905. My father, William Wellington Case, 1864-1920, was born at St. Mary's, Perth County, Ontario. Georgina Collier Case, my mother, 1871-1949, was born at Beachville, Oxford County, Ontario"

"They grew up as subjects of the King and, like so many other Canadian youth of their generation and since, married and came to Detroit in 1894 to build their home. They became naturalized citizens. They had two sons, Ward Collier Case, born September 16, 1902 and me, Clarence Collier Case. Hard workers, backbone of the nation type, our parents were not great but were good parents, good employees, good neighbors, good citizens. They had pride in the land of their birth. They had pride in their adopted country."

He was very idealistic, a very philosophical man.

"The Case family was an island of Ontario in restless, surging, dynamic Detroit, in the turbulent years of World War I , World War II, with intervening "boom and bust". Father left us early but he had poured priceless social intelligence into my unripe mind for which I shall ever be grateful. Duty, the stern daughter of the Voice of God, was foremost in my mother's thinking. Whatever the problems, whatever the tensions, Mother kept her eyes glued on that which she thought was right. The Case boys were raised to respect the best traditions of King and Country, to be healthy, obedient citizens of the glorious United States of America."

Clarence attended Tilden Elementary School, then Detroit Central High School where was a member of the governing House of Representatives. He graduated with honors in 1922. An upper classman, Charles Lindbergh, was a member of the class of 1920.

"Upon completion of my studies at Albion College with a bachelor's degree in 1926, I taught at Southwestern High School in Detroit for one year then attended Union Theological Seminary in New York City before the Great Depression."

Pictured above:

Standing are Ward and Clarence; parents seated.

Pictured below:

Standing are Ward and William; Clarence is seated.

"I lived in Detroit with my widowed mother and brother, Ward in the early 1930's. Unable to find gainful employment, FDR and the Civilian Conservation Corps rescued me until Governor Frank Murphy gave me employment with the new State Department of Corrections in Grand Rapids."

"I then began my long career in government and politics by spending two years as education director for the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.). I was so impressed with this program that I promoted the C.C.C. my entire life, often using my own funds to my personal detriment.

I was assigned as a camp advisor in the Huron National Forest in Michigan in 1933, 1942 and 1946."

"I worked from 1931 to 1934 for the Public Service Commission of the State of Michigan. It was at this time that I helped to pioneer the Michigan Department of Corrections, the Michigan Office of Veterans Affairs and the Michigan Department of Economic Development."

"Following Pearl Harbor in 1941, I volunteered for induction in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Army Air Corps in England with the rank of lieutenant."

Georgina Case passed away on April 22, 1949 at the age of 77 years after suffering a heart attack. Clarence inherited her belongings, including a number of keepsakes and antiques. In March, 1955, he bequeathed a number of items to the Detroit Historical Museum, in honor of William and Georgina Case. Clarence wrote:

"The Case Bequest, then, becomes a symbol of a son's thanks to his parents, of his thanks to the common people who have made possible in the New World unparalleled opportunity for youth to participate in the determination of the social patterns in which they will live the balance of their lives."

He was a romantic, with lengthly descriptions of his past and of Detroit. He knew the streets, buildings and history of Detroit.

"I, on my own initiative and expense, in 1950, went to Washington D.C. to create a non- profit organization known as the Citizens for Conservation, which attempted to further the ideals of the original Civilian Conservation Corps. The Korean War prevented this program from reaching fruition."

Clarence traveled to Washington D.C. in the early 1950's where he lived for some time in the District of Columbia and in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Here he joined others, judges, politicians and officials if forming the Citizens for Conservation which attempted to further the ideals of the original Civilian Conservation Corps. This fledgling effort was located at 1515 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington 5, D.C. Clarence served on the board as secretary. He had the mannerisms of an Edwardian gentleman; very loving and congenial. A real 19th century gentleman; his language was profound.

The following page is one of the many newsletters which Clarence composed and published, as secretary.

"In 1958 I went to Congress to attempt to get another Civilian Conservation Corps started but was turned down."

A political researcher, Clarence worked for Michigan Congressman Fitzgerald for many years, in Lansing, Michigan. He lived in a storefront apartment, formerly an old jewelry store. He had bare necessities, yet stacks of research materials. He lived a meager existence.

"My health and finances were such that I could no longer continue my struggle. As a result in 1959 I returned to Lansing and became the doorman at the Elks Lodge until 1976."

In March of 1960, he traveled to The Chapel at the Last Stand in Waterlick, Virginia, to commemorate the 25th anniversary of N.I.P.A., the National Institute of Public Affairs, which had since been dissolved by Washington. He typed two-page newsletters in March and April of 1960, from Virginia. The content of the newsletters was repetitious yet uplifting. He spoke of the history American youth in World War I and the C.C.C. which followed in the 1930's. Here is part of his newsletter of May 31, 1956, written at Camp Roosevelt, at Massanutten Mountain, Edinburg, Virginia.

"On behalf of the Citizens for Conservation, Inc., a non-profit organization which stems from the Civilian Conservation Corps, on behalf of the approximately three million alumni of the C.C.C., alive and deceased, those present and those unseen witnesses were welcomed to Camp Roosevelt by Clarence C. Case,. The Sky Pilot of Massanutten Mountain. Very briefly, he reviewed the night time of American history in which the C.C.C. was born, how the program was assassinated as bombs fell on Pearl Harbor, how C.C.C. boys, by the hundreds of thousand, voluntarily walked into the recruiting offices of the armed services, took off one uniform, put on another."

"Many in America have forgotten the immense and endless life of sacrifice which was the lot of CCC personnel! Many in America have never known! One of the reasons for the existence of the new Camp Roosevelt, for this Memorial Day meeting is to remind America and The World of the service and the sacrifice the C.C.C. which, at the time, seemed purposeless but, in reality, was purposeful. To a world of miserable, distressed people, hopeless, to bleeding, mutilated Mother Earth God sent the Civilian Conservation Corps to transform that which was eroded and useless to that which is fertile and productive, to clear the ruthlessly raped forests, the fire-scarred tree trunks and cut-over timber and plant magnificent green growing, tree plantations. C.C.C. boys went in to the desert, irrigated them, today they are lush with trees and fruit and flowers. CCC boys went into the impenetrable, forbidding marshes. Today, there are wonderful game and bird refuges! These youth in their late teens and twenties, whose motto was "We can take it", climbed the mountains and built Skyline Drives." Page one of his 4-page Chapel newsletter is printed on the following page.

"Tapering financial resources and lack of projected income made it necessary for return to project point of departure, Lansing Michigan." (1976)

On Memorial Day in 1976 he visited Camp Roosevelt, the birthplace of the CCC, in Edinburgh, Virginia. He composed and distributed his 2-page, typewritten inspirational newsletter to friends.

"We pause to remember the youth of the C.C.C. These youth in their late teens and twenties, through no fault of their own, sacrificed the most creative period of their lives, sacrificed normal living, to serve in the wilderness; on mountain tops, isolated valleys, on the plateau, in the desert, in the marshland, wherever duty called - to transform their world, to make it beautiful, valuable, useful, to be enjoyed by hundreds of millions of people. And in the process, transformed themselves!"

Clarence was recognized for his life work by the State of Michigan on the occasion of his official retirement. An honor which greatly humbled him.

State Senator William B. Fitzgerald, who had known and worked with Clarence for a number of years as a researcher and lobbyist, contacted the Hannan Foundation at that time, requesting assistance for him. Clarence was 70 years of age and received Social Security assistance which was not adequate to care for his needs. Clarence met with the executive director for a personal interview and discussed his issues, and his desire to return to Detroit. Due to his government service it had been necessary for Clarence to be away from the Detroit area for extended periods of time, but he had always considered Detroit to be his home.

Arriving at Hannan House in 1976, Clarence was seventy years old; six feet tall, 165 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes. He had a slight heart condition but was in generally good health. A note to friends, written in June of 1979 stated:

"Please note my new address: 4750 Woodward Ave, Detroit MI 48201. Telephone (313) 833-4877, 9-10 am and 4-5 pm. Clarence C Case, Exec. Director Citizens for Conservation, Inc."

Living on Woodward Avenue at Warren Avenue from 1976 until his death in 1982, Clarence attended the Cathedral Church of St. Paul and often visited his friend, Pastor Ingalls, at Old Mariners Church on Jefferson. Clarence was an Episcopalian.

He enjoyed the city and walking the two blocks north to the main library, to continue his research. He often visited the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Wayne State campus a few blocks away to visit friends. He liked to swim at the Wayne State gym.

In later years he had neurological problems with his legs and walked bent over, with a cane. Clarence was a life-long non-drinker. He enjoyed living at Hannan House, were he found all his needs met.

A very centered and focused person, he lived for his work. That was the key to his life. He knew why he was here, and pursued his purpose relentlessly. He was very attentive to people yet inattentive to his own financial concerns. Even in later years he spent his spare money on flyers, promoting the C.C.C. He often expressed his personal concern to friends about what would be his legacy.

Clarence spent most of his life talking about politics. At Hannan House Clarence always had a "group of disciples" around him, who would meet and talk politics often. People "sat around" Clarence. He and his thoughts were the center of attention at any gathering. He was a Democrat and very absorbed by politics; very idealistic, very philosophical. The weekly meetings continued for six years, until his death.

Clarence fought for what he believed in, and he believed fiercely in the C.C.C. He was so impressed with this program that he made it his lifelong ambition to bring the program back. Clarence owned a typewriter and continued to document his research all his life.

On a lighter note, Clarence wrote to Dr. Bonner, President of Wayne State University, in 1979, expressing his request to be buried "for a while" in the area in front of "Old Main", the university building which was once his beloved Detroit Central High School.

"In the class of 1922 I graduated from Old Detroit Central High School and I continue to be grateful to that very fine educational program and the pioneers and inheritors of tax- supported education for the enrichment that came to my life under those circumstances."

President Bonner promptly replied (March 22, 1979):

"I deeply regret that the University cannot grant permission and lend assistance for you to be buried in the front of the main entrance to Old Main. Thank you very much for your kind assessment of this institution's educational role in educating the youth of America. Best of luck in all of your endeavors".

Clarence often walked two blocks, to his old high school. He wrote to a friend:

"It was Saturday, August 30, 1980 and at twilight in the entranceway to the OLD DETROIT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL (WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY'S "OLD MAIN") Cass and Warren Avenues, m using over the unusual day's events, I heard the toot-toot of a southward bound automobile and saw the friendly wave of the driver and passenger (you and Megan).With enthusiasm and gratitude to you folks I responded similarly and it will be an unforgettable experience for me."

He writes to a friend in 1981: "Hi Craig! When I see through my window a springtime morning as it now is I rejoice that I am where I am. When I look at my wristwatch as efficient as it is and helps me to fit into an ordered society I rejoice that you long have given me help for which I give THANKS TO YOU AND GOD!"

He wrote in 1982:

"It is beautiful day (Feb 10) and three below zero. My daily routine is OK. Beginning tomorrow... the beauty operator in Hannan basement will begin to cut my hair. That will cut down your trips to Windsor...and mine. If I owe you money for typewriter ribbon please inform me. Snow and ice have prevented me from crossing to Cathedral. Next week I go to podiatrist and dermatologist. The Warren Plaza Cleaners delivered my clothes to me and I paid them. I hope you are better soon. Stop in...please do. Clarence C Case 10Feb82"

Clarence wrote about his new and precious hat:

"Hi Craig! About my NEW AND PRECIOUS HAT! For a long time it has seemed as though I would never again have good teeth in my mouth and a good hat on my head such as I had so long known. AND NOW I HAVE BOTH AND ONE PAIR OF REJUVENATED ARCH - PRESERVER SHOES! They are symbols of consideration and HELP! My GOD...Help me to keep my faith! These folks are helping me! Craig, I can see that you folks are teaching 'the kids' the realities of life. APPLE- POLISHING HAS AN IMPORTANT PLACE IN OUR SOCIETY. CARRY ON! AND THANKS FOR THOSE GIFTS!"

The Wayne County death certificate states that Clarence had coronary artery disease and died within hours of suffering congestive heart failure, accompanied by acute coronary insufficiency. He passed away at Henry Ford Hospital on December 6, 1982 at the age of 77 years and 4 months. His funeral arrangements were made by the William R. Hamilton Company of Birmingham. The service was attended by thirty-five friends, mostly residents of Hannan House. His surviving relatives were not aware of his death. He is buried at Woodmere Cemetery, 9400 W. Fort Street, Detroit, in the Luella Hannan plot, Section C, Grave 28.

Dedicated to You,

Clarence Collier Case,

The Uncle I Never Knew.

In Memory of You and Your Life's Work,

On the Twenty-Fifty Anniversary of Your Death.

Ward Collier Case II

----- Ward Collier Case II

Email: wardcase AT hotmail.com

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