Charles Kalowec, CCCMan, Company 2526, Camp G-143, Rogerson, Idaho

Biography of Charles Kalowec

CCC Man, Company 2526, Camp G-143, Rogerson, Idaho

I, Charles Kadlowec, joined the 3 C's in Cleveland, Ohio. Very little work was available to a "kid" just out of high school. I felt I needed to go on my own way, not live at home.

We were in tents at Exinia, Ohio, (Curator's note, I believe he means Xenia) then went by train to Idaho.

I do not remember if other cars had passengers other than C.C.C. boys. We had one car, a Pullman as I remember.. We were fed as we re were on Army troop trains.

I was in C.C.C. Camp Rogerson, Idaho, Camp No. 2526, Camp G-143. I was there from January 1940 to June 1940.

Army Reserve Captain John Newton was our Company Commander. Our Company C.C.C. enlisted men were from Ohio in 1939 to 1940.

We had Army reveille and in the evening came to attention for lowering of the flag.

We slept in barracks. The food was plain, but nourishing. Three sandwiches, an orange, or apple, was lunch in the field projects. Coffee was made in a 10 gallon milk can.

We had a canteen, with soda pop, candy bars and tobacco. Bull Durham and Target to roll our own. We had jackets with the CCC logo on back, sold by the CCC to fellows that wanted one.

This camp was in cattle and sheep ranching land. We built 3 wire line fence on the Idaho, Nevada State Border to separate Grazing Districts. We also improved and built water stock reservoirs, and improved existing roads with crushed rock. We built new stock roads by clearing sage brush and large rock formations. We built wooden plank bridges over creeks.

We worked outside until the temperature was 30 degrees below zero, when there was a danger of frosted lungs.

We had a "spike" camp at Three Creek Idaho. This was just a post office address. It is still on the map of Idaho. The U.S. Geodetic marker at Three Creek Camp indicated the elevation was 5,280 feet, one mile above sea level.

Prairie and forest fire fighting was an active part of the camp at Three Creek.

We had camp dogs, they didn't belong to any one person. Had one that could catch jack rabbits. we older guys would put horn toads, lizard like desert creatures, in wire cage and scare new enlistees. Great Basin Rattlers were in the area, not as large as diamond backs. Should identify as timber rattler although in desert.

Rogerson was about 25-30 miles from the city of Twin Falls. An occasional rec trip was scheduled to Twin Falls, Easter Sunday 1940 in particular to go to church.

I would have stayed for another term, but was and am still afraid of fire. I came home by train with one set of wool clothes, under wear, shirt, trousers, socks, shoes.

My CCC money helped my family in various ways. It helped put bread and beans on the table and kept insurance paid. My personal experience was wonderful. To go to another totally different area of the U.S. was a wonderful learning experience.

I am, as many three C's men are, a World War Two vet. The CCC helped me adjust to my Army time and gave me an understanding of our great nation.

I had the pleasure of being in Twin Falls fifty years to the month later. I now live in Arkansas. The C.C.C. was very active in this state as well.

I do sincerely think a program such as the C.C.C. would be a benefit to our nation today.

----- Charles Kalowec

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