Biography of Merritt Junius Smith

CCC Man, Company 1633 Carbon River & Camp Rainbow Falls, Doty, WA & Company 1303, Pack Forest Camp, La Grande, WA & Camp Narada Falls, Longmire, Washington

Merritt Junius Smith was my grandfather. He was born in Coffey County, Kansas on July 19, 1873. He married Loretta Bartlett Muscroft on February 26, 1896 in Whiting, Iowa. They had seven children together before her death on November 8, 1918. Many years later, he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps (curator's note, whether he served as a local experienced man or a veteran is not clear from the submission, but given his age must have been one or the other), serving from June 22, 1933 to July 10, 1934. During that time he kept a diary of his CCC life which is set forth below, with some portions illegible due to condition.

"What I Saw In the C.C.C."

30 October, 1933 : Sick today, did not go to work. Saw a man taken to the hospital tent. Foot hurt in accident at Rock Point. Power shovel over bank. Shinpagh hurt.

31 October, 1933 : In camp all day. Dr. would not let me go to work. We are getting ready to move camp. May go in the morning. Got the power shovel out of the river today.

1 November, 1933 : Pay Day, received $30 pay. In camp all day. Man got drunk and stole a car here at camp today. Stopped him at the park gate. Did not get far before they got him. Served him right.

2 November, 1933 : Rain, Rain, Rain, more rain, No work today. I am glad as I am not well. mail did not get into camp. Rivers on the rampage. It if rains like this all night I am afraid for the cribbing. Don't know when we will move. Just heard that we are going to lose Lute Burg and Dr. Johnson, two fine men. None better no where. Sent $20.00 home today.

3 November, 1933 : Worked until noon today. River washed out some more of the curbing last night. Some one has blundered. No reason why the cribbing should not have been washed out but inefficiency.

4 November, 1933 : No work today, Sat.. Going to move camp tomorrow. Going to Doty Washington, a little more than 100 miles from here. The transport trucks came in this afternoon, 10 of them. Lots of excitement. Big U.S.A. trucks.. Boys all packed up ready to go. Been here all summer and nor much done but monkey around and waste time and money.

5 November, 1933 : Breakfast 5:30 A.M., read to break camp at Carbon River, Load trucks and camp at 7 A.M.. For Camp Rainbow Falls at Doty, Wash. Drive about 125 miles to our new camp at Doty, long hard ride.

6 November, 1933 : Monkey around camp so not much work today. Ground ax, filled my bed tick.

7 November, 1933 : Worked in shop today. Saw a lof of work done that was not needed. It seems no one knows just what they want.

8 November, 1933 : Work is inside again today, sharpened 24 axes today and 4 butcher knoves for the boys in the kitchen. More monkey work.

9 November, 1933 : Worked in the shop today, don't like the foreman. He is a sucker. Went to Olympia tonight and saw Orthello and Grace (Author note, these are two of his children). They have a nice home, both of them. Went to Tacoma with Orthello from Olympia.

10 November, 1933 : In the shop, same old stuff. No one doing enough work to digest his food.

11 November, 1933 : Went to Tacoma with Orthello. Had a good time, not much improvement in things in Tacoma, hard times is all one can see and hear. Poor people. I don't know what they will do this winter. Today is Marshall's, my brother, birthday. No, it is the 10th of Nov., not Nov 11, that is birthday.

12 November, 1933 : Sunday, went to Tacoma again today saw Grace. She came home from Oakville where she has been visiting for a few days. Came back to camp from Olympia tonight got in about 12 mid night.

13 November, 1933 : This is Monday night, nothing much doing today, same old stuff. No work, just monkey around. Hear lots of bad talk here in the bunk house. Lota talk about the new mess sergeant no one likes him. Started to take milk. Got the first bottle of milk today at the new camp. Also the P.I. newspapers, first since we moved.

14 November, 1933 : Same old job, more carelessness, auto truck wrecked today. Will take from $50.00 to $75.00 to repair the truck and I don't know how much it will cost to repair the other car. Some more CCC money wasted.

15 November, 1933 : Worked in shop, changed help in the shop today. Goldburry went in as tool man, no news much today. Made a talked before the Co. last night, bidding Sargent Jones goodbye.

16 November, 1933 : Grinding Ax today - cold bad day - Rained - Saw some blunder today made two large doors and they were not large enough by a foot.

17 November, 1933 : A nice day today, sun nice and bright. Worked in the shop all day. Food not very good. Not cooked very well, not seasoned and served good, coffee very poor. Saw some lost labor. They have worked for a week making a road & just got it finished and then it was not in the right place so they proceeded to move it. Some more management. Lots of lost motion. Got the new powder house about finished anyway, they unloaded a load of powder in it today. The boys came home from Ft. Lewis tonight.

18 November, 1933 : Saturday, no work today, some of the boys went to Seattle, will be back Sunday night. Sent the circular letter on today and Grace and the boys each a postal card. Sun has shone bright all day, warm and nice outside. Had supper, not any thing to write home about. Lot complaint about the food.

19 November, 1933 : Sunday. No work today. Been laying around camp all day, have been reading so much that I can hardly see. The boys here in this bunk house are making so much noise that one cant hear or see or think.

20 November, 1933 : I was transferred from Doty to La Grand, Wash. to Pack Forest camp, S. 223, La Grande Wash. Don't know what I will do here, will find out in the morning.

21 November, 1933 : The bell rang at 6:20 A.M., we left camp at 8;30 A.M. for work went 16 to 18 miles from Lad Grande to National. It rained all day. We did not do much work today. We are making a new road 9 ft. wide, it dont' amount to much except as an excuse to spend the tax payers money. I was going over to the mess hall to church tonight at 7:30 P.M.

22 November, 1933 : We signed the payroll today. Monkey around all day after riding out to work on the road 18 miles away, just stand around and watch the fire and nothing. Left camp at 8:10 A.M., left the job at 3:10 P.M., got in camp at 3:55 P.M.

23 November, 1933 : Wonderful bright morning, sun shining, air clear, mountains gleaming clear white with new snow, lovely world to live in. Not much work today, just standing around and watching the fire. Got onto the job at 8:40 A.M. and left at 3:00 P.M., very good supper.

24 November, 1933 : Left camp this A.M. in the rain. It rained until noon then the sun came out. Saw more waste of food. More than half of the lunch is throwed away. The men say what is the difference, the Government is paying for it so they got a few bites & then throw it away & then they say they don't have enough to.

25 November, 1933 : Same thing over long ride morning and night. Set around the fire all day, then go home, eat supper, sit around, sit around for an hour or so, then go to bed. Get up in the A.M. and watch the waste through another day. It is always the same.

26 November, 1933 : Sunday, been in camp all day. Reading and sleeping, very dull here on Sunday, nothing to do or no where to go. It will soon be time to bed.

27 November, 1933 : Got in 2 1/2 hours this forenoon and 2 in the afternoon, not much time to be called a days work. Raining tonight. Just had an argument on temperance. I am a temperance man, and most of this bunch are not. Signed up to go home next Wednesday night for Thanksgiving, going to ride to Seattle in a truck. It will save $2 for me, maybe more. Will see the boys, "Oh Boy", I am glad.

28 November, 1933 : Snow last night. Ice in the ditch all day. Fire burning nice, making it nice and warm. Very cold riding out to the work this morning.

29 November, 1933 : Pay day today. Went to Seatle today and on to Olympia. Saw Grace and Orthello and families, had a nice time.

30 November, 1933 : Thanksgiving day, had turkey and chicken for dinner. Saw my new daughter in law, she is a darling, and I love her with all my heart. I will help them all I can for they are worth their weight in gold, both of them, Jim and Mary.

1 December, 1933 : Went to Oakville with Jack and Grace, got back home about 10 P.M.

2 December, 1933 : Went to Tacoma with Jack and Grace to help Grace to do some shopping, home to Olympia about 9 P.M.

3 December, 1933 : Stayed at Orthello's place last night and he got me home to camp in time for supper.

4 December, 1933 : Back on the job this A.M., rather cold this morning, some snow on the ground, but not bad work grading road, Home in camp. (illegible) due Saturday?

5 December, 1933 : Rained all day, got some clothes this evening, oil skins, two shirts, and two O.D. (olive drab) shirts, had church in mess hall tonight. Still raining don't know if they will work tomorrow or not if it is raining in the A.M.

6 December, 1933 : Out all day in the rain and Oh! how it rained. Some of the boys without over shoes and the mud and water nearly a foot deep. Food not very good today. Not enough milk this morning to go with the coffee. Very bad (illegible).

7 December, 1933 : Not much rain today, we are making road near National Washington. We have had the hardest rain in years, here the last 4 days, about 4 inches of water fell. Grub not very good.

8 December, 1933 : Weather bad this A.M., got to move tool box this morning from near National to a new job above Ashford at Cat Creek abotu 28 miles from camp. It is an hour and a half ride every morning and night. Had beans for lunch, not much dinner but well served. The man that serves the lunches out on the job does the best he can with what he has to work with. We are supposed to work 6 hours, but we left camp this A.M. at 7:50 O'clock had 1/2 hour for lunch and arrived at camp at 4:25 P.M..

9 December, 1933 : Home all day with Marry and Jimmie and Ira. My it is a real home to come to. Mary sure has made a home out of a house, and the boys and I do enjoy it. Wonderful girl Mary. Boys are helping Ed Larson move today. Mrs. Larson and little boy here a short while today. regret that I must go back to the camp tomorrow, but I think it is for the best that I go.

10 December, 1933 : At home all day visiting with the boys and Marry. It is so nice to have a woman at house, and she is so nice. It is like pulling teeth to leave home for camp. We had an awful time on the way, rivers all out of their banks, water everywhere. We had land slides, wash outs and bridges all gone. Farmers homeless, stock drowned, more than $1,000,000 damage. Got to camp at 12:30 A.M.m All in.

11 December, 1933 : This morning went out to clear up land slides. No rain this fore noon but it sure did rain these evenings. I wish it would stop. Not very well tonight, I am so tired that it is hard to write. Don't know what we will do tomorrow, I am going to bed.

12 December, 1933 : Another day lost motion, just standing around doing work by hand that should be done by machinery. The last 3 days all we have been doing is raking gravel into (illegible) where it could have been done with in two hours with a grader.

13 December, 1933 : Not much rain today. Men not very much interested in the (illegible) because there is no (illegible) in sight for the (illegible) work (illegible) food not bad. The last day (illegible) come of is. Men are kicking but some of them would kick at anything that might be placed before them. Just got notice that I am to get part of the overtime due me from camp 1633, hard 4 days, something (illegible) days. Boys playing cribbage (illegible) of noise, lots of fun.

14 December, 1933 : Very (illegible) weather this fore noon but it snowed hard all the after noon. Moseyed back to National road job this A.M., about 60 men in the crew. Had dinner on the job, had winers sandwich and beans and coffee, not much of a lunch, lots of complaints from the men. Cold riding to and from work. 20 miles seems too far to ride to work. 40 miles.

15 December, 1933 : Worked in 6 inches of snow today, about 2 inches at camp. Not many men in camp tonight. Lots of men have gone home or to town, no work tomorrow, Sat. Signed the pay note tonight, may get pay before Christmas, but don't think so. I hope (illegible) (illegible) (illegible) I can go home for Christmas (illegible) if we don't, I can't. Food very good today. Lunch not so good (illegible) this job.

16 December, 1933 : In camp all day, we do not work Sat., only 5 days per week. Cold this morning, warmer this afternoon, snow gone here in camp, cold and blustery tonight. Food good but very poorly cooked. Many of the men have gone home for the week end. Have been reading nearly all day - going to bed now - it is 8:45 P.M.

17 December, 1933 : In camp all day, rained hard since Friday night and still raining hard every where. Been reading and sleeping all day. Boys coming from home. Some of them reported rivers all at flood stage. Rain and wind put our light and water system out of business for a while today here in camp. Lots of water (illegible) in camp tonight.

18 December, 1933 : Rained all day, every one worked around camp today hauling in sand and filling mud holes, much needed work. Lieut. Sparro has been transferred from C.C.C. camp at Doty, Wash. to this camp, he came in this P.M.. I went out to work this A.M. but came in before noon sick. Took a large dose of Castor Oil, not very well yet. Don't know if I will work tomorrow or not.

19 December, 1933 : Work on the road from camp to the pavement, about 1/4 mile, with garden rake raking gravel (illegible). Did the same thing on the same road. A Crew of 60 (illegible) men 2 days doing what one (illegible) man with a grader (illegible) do in 20 minutes and do it better. I went out this after noon and started a fire and sat on a log and watched it burn. That (illegible) did (illegible) around and keep warm. Just lost money, Food bad (illegible)(illegible)(illegible)(illegible). I don't know if I will work tomorrow or not, if I will wok (illegible) or not (illegible) feel better than now I won't because I am sick.

20 December, 1933 : Had row with officers today. I am not very well and I went to the first aid to see the Dr. and he was not there and the attendant got hard boiled and I told him to go to hell and thwy told them that I was not going to work today and they take it (illegible) it. And when the Dr. came I went to see him. I understood that I was relieved for the day. By about 2 P.M. the Lieut came in to the barracks house called me into the office and the (illegible) told (illegible)I (illegible) to work and (illegible) to the officers believe me they (illegible) in (illegible) to get me some milk. The food is not very good, but if I can (illegible) milk. I can get by. (illegible) all day.

21 December, 1933 : Went out on the job today at national. Rained all day, water everywhere, rivers at flood stage, slides on the roads, water running over pavements and roads. Not very well today, going to Olympia tomorrow morning.

22 December, 1933 : Left camp for Olympia this A.M. at 8:15, did not know whether would get there or not because of high water, water everywhere, had to detour around washed out bridges and roads every little way. At last arrived at Tumwater, about 2 miles south of Olympia, took buss for home in a down pour of rain, found folks all well, very busy getting ready for Christmas (illegible) poor trip (illegible), so far.

23-31 December, 1933 : (Writes about Christmas with family each day, interesting but outside the subject of this book).

1 January, 1934 Breakfast and got ready to leave home for camp. Went to town and took the stage and I arrived at camp at about 4:30 P.M. Had supper and going to bed soon.

2 January, 1934 Back on the job after the Holidays. Rained all day. Not very well tonight, have been sick for a month. Some thing wrong with my stomach, the doctor can't find what. I think it is the poor grub. Any way the food is very bad. There was a protest made as to the poor food tonight. We have been getting butter at a rate of 1 1/4 lbs per 12 men, where we are allowed 1 1/2 lbs per 12 men. We have their promise that we will get more butter. They said they were paying 48 cts per gallong for milk, and milk can be had for 21 cts for milk, we have their promise of more and better food. The lunche that send out on the job is very bad. I could not eat it at all, the men are kicking their head off about the lunche, the food is not cooked proper and not served right.

3 January, 1934 Sick all day, did not go to work this AM. Pay day today received $30.00, sent $25.00 home to the boys this evening. Have $5.00 left, paid my laundry and paper bills, have some money left. Rained some today, I don't like to lay around (illegible).

4 January, 1934 Sick, 'can't seem to get well, they don't have the best of Drs. in this camp and no medicine except pills and castor oil. We had beans last night for (illegible) a fair start that we (illegible) and they made. The men sick (illegible) of the medicine, quite sick of big (illegible) about the grub. I am on a milk diet.

5 January, 1934 Bright sunshine today, the nicest day we have had this winter so far, on the sick list yet, getting better, plenty of milk, 2 quts a day, but it is doing the work, but I am getting tired of it. Food is some better than it was a few days ago, room for improvement yet. Tried to get leave so I could go home, but they would not let me go because I was on the sick list.

6 January, 1934 No work today, Sat, only a few men in camp. Most all of them gone to town. Good food today, but I can't eat much but milk but I get plenty of that. I think I will be on the job Monday. Sky clear and bright tonight. It is the first time that I have been able to see the North Star since I came here. I hope it stays clear for awhile. Men are coming home from town. (illegible) them (illegible) To bad. The (illegible) boy came in to day, don't know what their names are.

7 January, 1934 Sunday, went to church tonight at Eatonville, heard a good sermon by Rev. Greening. Some of the outfit got drunk and had to be helped into the truck and they will make a racket all night. Went down to see Tacoma's Electric Light plant. It is a nice place. Nice day, sun was shining bright tonight.

8 January, 1934 Back on the job again today, but oh how tired I was tonight. Am not well by any means but think I am improving, but it is hard to get along. Fine day, sun shone bright. Not much mud. Did not do much work, just burnt stumps. Had some fine music here in camp tonight. Lots of news in the paper from Congress thanks to Mr. Roosevelt for the good work. Some of the boys had a big hangover this morning, they were drunk last night.

9 January, 1934 Not such nice weather today as yesterday, not bad though. Went in to the show here in camp tonight. Put on by the U.S. forest service, very good. I am getting better of my sickness, think I will be all right soon. Raining now.

10 January, 1934 Went to Eatonville tonight with a bunch of boxers to work out at the gymnm, it is there first time. Cold wet day. Lunch very bad, could not eat any of it except the milk. Men all mad about it.

11 January, 1934 Nice day out on the job. Same kind of lunch as yesterday, only the coffee was not fit to drink.

12-13 January, 1934 Went home tonight...(Writes about being home for the weekend)

14 January, 1934 ...Came to camp at about 9 PM, am going to bed.

15 January, 1934 Back on the job today, cold today, ground froze this morning. Burned stumps and brush, not much work except to get dry wood to keep the fire going. Had 4 1/2 pt bottes of milk for lunch today, but that milk is good for me. I am feeling much better. Took bath this evening, feel better for it. Two men got dishonorable discharge for being drunk.

16 January, 1934 Rain, more rain. Went to Church tonight, heard Harry T. Strong, Dist Chaplain preach, good sermon. Burned Stumps today, food better not at all bad. My health is improving, will soon be all right again. Not much to write about tonight, am going to movie about 8:30 PM.

17 January, 1934 Nice day, no rain, warm bright sun shine, small crew out today. Some of the men gone to Fr. Lewis at witness Govt Marshall trial. Trying a man charged with stealing company money. Not much work today. Some talk of putting in a fly camp at National Road job, but I am not going if I can help it, don't know I will make it yet, may have to go. lots of war talk in the papers. Boys gone to basketball game tonight.

18 January, 1934 Not bad weather today, not much work done today. I have worked two weeks burning out two stumps, just sit around keep the fire going. They could have been dug out in two days by two men and if they had used powder, they could have been removed in two hours. Lunch not good today, sour(?) beans. My lunch was short all I had for lunch. 1 pt of milk and slice of bread. The beans I could not eat. Some of the boys have gone to Alder to play basket ball tonight, hope they win. Raining tonight. Signed the pay roll this evening at 6 PM.

19 January, 1934 Weather very bad, raining hard all day, not much work done today. Orthello was here this evening. He was up at Elby today and stopped when he went home. He was here at camp at supper time....Men gone home for the weekend and only a few men in camp tonight.

20-21 January, 1934 (Writes of weekend home)...had dinner then had to go to Tacoma to get to take the truck for camp. Got in at about 8:30 PM.. Did not rain today.

22 January, 1934 Out on the job again in the mud and rain, sure came down today, and is still raining. Had a bath tonight and shaved and changed clothes.

23 January, 1934 Very nice day. Was changed today from burning stumps to work on the road, not bad work. Food is better than it was or has been for a long time. We had ice cream and cake for supper, very nice. I have plenty of milk, so I have no kick coming, but some of the men are not so well provided for, but the food is better than it was. Boys gone to the basketball game at Capautson(?). Some of them went to the gym for a work out with the boxing gloves this morning. Some war talk in the papers, don't know. Hope it will blow over for we don't want any war.

24 January, 1934 No rain, but we had some snow today. Worked on the road. They just heard that they caught Jack Adams for stealing gas. To bad, he is a nice kid, but. Saw the Dr. this evening, he said that I must have all the milk that I want. Food is better than it used to be, but there is room for improvement yet.

25 January, 1934 Worked on the road at National. Ground covered with snow, and it rained all day. Not very nice work. Had a good supper tonight. The boys won the basketball game last night at Eatonville. One more day left in this week. Some one stole an auto engine last night, and one man went to jail for stealing gas, same night. Oh! 4 or 5 card games going here in the bunk house tonight. Hope it does nto rain tomorrow.

26 January, 1934 Fine day, no rain, nice and warm so we could take our coats off, and it made us feel young again. Yesterday was the first day that the P.I. Newspaper came by mail, thru the store at La Grande. No milk for supper, and I feel it too, for I need it. Food very good now. Many of the men gone home for the weekend, some of them will be drunk before they return to camp.

27 January, 1934 (illegible) today. Weather not bad, sky over cast, but not cold. Walked over to La Grande, got some candy, saw Dr. J. Johnson, my old Dr. from Carbon River, fine man, met his wife, very nice woman.

28 January, 1934 In camp all day. Have been reading all day and sleeping. Some of the men are drunk today. Food very good, plenty of milk and (illegible) meat, some fruit. Not much complaint about food. No rain today.

29 January, 1934 Nicest day this Winter, sunshine all day, had the impression of my mouth taken for my new teeth tonight. They will cost me $30.00 too much but I must have teeth.

30 January, 1934 Weather not bad today, worked on the road at National, not much work was done today. Boys taking it easy, no one to make them hurry and they won't do it themselves. Was called into see the Dr. this evening about the milk, to see if I could get along without the milk, but he said that I must have milk so that is that. I get milk all the time from now on, just as I have been doing. Had a fight in the mess hall last night, not much damage done. Food much better than it was, no kick coming. Was trying to get the fights at Seattle over the radio, but could not get it for some reason. Must go to bed now, nearly 10 PM.

31 January, 1934 Pay day, received $30.00 today, pay Jan.. Paid $10.00 on my new teeth. Paid for the paper, 85 cts., and my laundry, $1.00, leaving $18.75. Rained today, did not work very hard today. Food good enough for any one. Big boys gone to Eatonville to the fight. I was going but had to go to La Grande to pay for the paper and they went and left me, but I don't care much.

1 February, 1934 Nice Day, sun shine all day, to warm to work. Worked on the road at National, not much work done however. Some sickness in camp, nothing very bad, I don't think. Some of the men had to hav a shot in the arm tonight. Had a very good supper tonight, had spare ribs and sauerkraut, spuds, lettuce, bread, butter, coffee, peaches for dessert, plenty of it and well cooked, no kick coming.

2 February, 1934 Went to Seattle today, was at Jimies place for supper. Went to the illegible a Olympic Height club house, saw all the old gang.

3-4 February, 1934 (Home for the weekend)...Left town at 7 O'Clock and arrived at camp at about 7:15 PM.. Had a good time over the week and now its time to go to bed.

5 February, 1934 No rain, not much work, just monkey around. Had work, 1/2 over time today, just as a present to Uncle Sam, lots of kick about it. I don't know how it will come out. Dr. here tonight, tried my new teeth, had to do some more work on them, he wants me to go down town to the office, if I can I will go. I think I can make it.

6 February, 1934 Lots of trouble about the 1/2 hour over time to put in the sidewalk. Some of the men would not work on the walk, they will not work because they think the office was trying to put something over on them, they think that if they did this they will have to do everything around camp on their own time, but the walk is 3/4 in now and it only one long day so far. I was asked to make a short talk here in the new hall next Friday night, the Lieutenant asked me to speak.

7 February, 1934 Everything going fast over in the new hall. Music, pool table, and ping pong, reading and writing tables are full. We get new dishes tonight. We don't have to work our mess kits now, that is much better. Raining tonight. Boys gone to play basketball somewhere this evening. New side walk nearly all in, much better than walking in the mud. Paper full of news of rioting in Paris, bad news. Don't like to hear of such things, it means death and suffering.

8 February, 1934 Worked on the road at National. Cold and windy today. Have been working on the program in the new hall. Some of the fellows are trying to back out, but we are going to hold them to their promise if we can. I think the Governor will be here, I am on the program for a speech and will have charge of the players. I found and brought down from the mountains a large piece of the back bone of some kind of animal. We will show it tomorrow night.

9 February, 1934 Worked all day. Moved our camp where we eat lunch, from Stoners place up the road about 1 mile. This is the night of the big blow out in the new hall, and it was a success, it sure was, all of the people could not get in the hall. It was packed to the doors, not even standing room. People on the outside packed around the windows trying to see through the mass of people inside. Program lasted about 2 hours, and then dancing until about 1:30 PM.(probably an error, 1130?), and such a crowd, good music and such a supper, Cake, Ice cream and sandwiches, all you wanted and plenty of it, had a lot left over. Orthello, Louise and the kids were here. Grace and Harry were here also. They had a good time, I am glad they came, althought I did not have much time (to) visit with them. I had charge of the program and it took all of my time until the thing was all over. Harry's birthday today, 5 years old and such a fine boy, he and I had a greatest illegible time and get together.

10 February, 1934 Saturday, no work today. Did not get very illegible by the morning was so tired last night when I went to bed, sit around and read the paper and talked about the blow out last night. Every one will illegible. Only two meals today, Some body in camp last night, many drunk - tough. We had a fine time. Bed time.

11 February, 1934 Sunday, not very well have been lying down mostly all day, have not each much today, I drank 1/2 pt. bottles of milk, hope I fee better tomorrow. Saw M.O. fro Olympia here in camp this afternoon, had quite a visit. Some of the boys are trying to get a transfer from this camp to some camp East of the mountains. Some of the bunch went up to Longmire springs today. They report no snow in the mountains.

12 February, 1934 Nice day, sun warm and bright, no a cloud in the sky, pussy willow in bloom, bees humming everywhere. My teeth fitted to night, suppose to get them next Monday night. I hope so, am getting tired waiting for them. Worked on the road at National today. Saw the mountain tonight as we were coming home from work, beautiful sight covered with snow. Not very well today.

13 February, 1934 Fine day. Lots of war news in the papers. Moving picture show here in the mess hall tonight, not much of a crowd. Heard the fight in Seatlle between Woods and Pane. Pane won the bout, decision. It was a good fight. Food very good.

14 February, 1934 Another fine day. Lieutenant Bliss and the Dr. was out on the job today. Not much to report at this time. Only war news and that is too awful to talk about. Some of the men are crazy to get into the fight, the poor fools. Bedtime. One of the men wants to use my glasses.

15 February, 1934 Short arm inspection tonight. About every other night we have inspection. We are getting tired of it. Such things get old after a while. Food is very good illegible and there is plenty of it. Work is going on as usual, not much being done, but no one seems to care, so I should worry. Plenty of war news in the papers. Oh, I am so sorry, it means that they are going to kill off a lot of young men. Oh it is awful. I only hope this government has sense enough to stay out of it.

16 February, 1934 Signed the pay roll tonight. We are getting on very well with the work on the road at National. The hall is full and there is so much racket that one can't hear anything. It is nice just the same. We had a very good write up in the paper about the program held in the mess hall. It was sure very good. I am going to try to get a few copies. Some talk of a trail camp on the job at National, but I am not going there is I can help it. there will be no light except candles, no baths and we will have to live in the tents, not me.

17 February, 1934 This has been the nicest day this Spring. Sun shone bright all day. Some of the fellows have gone home tonight, Saturday. We had to work to day, 6 days this week so we could have next Friday off. We will be off from Wednesday night until Monday morning. Washingtons birthday is Thursday. Some of the men are going home next week end. Some of them have jobs and won't be back. The men are getting tired of the C.C.C.. I am glad they are getting work else where, they can at least be home.

18 February, 1934 Sunday, had charge of the hall for church. Heard a very good sermon by some preacher from Tacoma. Fine day, sun shone bright all day.

19 February, 1934 Got my new teeth tonight, they look all right, but they sure don't feel very good. Been sick all day, if I don't feel better in the morning I don't think I will work tomorrow.

20 February, 1934 Sick, no work for me today, sore throat. I feel awful bad tonight. Am not going out for the weekend this time. Phoned to Grace today. They have been sick. I asked Grace to write to the boys in Seattle and tell them I won't be down until the first of the month. Nearly every one is going out over the weekend. We get off from Wed. until Mon. AM. Washington birthday next Thurs., 4 days off.

21 February, 1934 Every one gone home except m. I thnk I will be the only one in this bunk house tonight. I am on duty for 48 hours, fire patrol. Heard that we are going to loos Lieutenant Bliss in a few days. They want me to speak at the farewell supper. I am much improved in health tonight. Think I will be able to work Monday. Place very lonesome tonight. Weather fine.

22 February, 1934 Washington's birthday, beautiful day. Am on duty all night and day tomorrow, on fire watch. Was the only one in this bunkhouse last night, there will be two of us tonight. I am much improved in health. Will soon be in good condition again. Have 3 more days before I have to go to work. By that time I will be ready to go. Got a new book tonight, "The Riddle of the Universe", by Ornit Hackle. Don't know how I will like it. Had a very good supper tonight. Illegible was very good. Been reading all day.

23 February, 1934 In camp all day. I came off duty at 5 PM this evening nothing more to do until Monday morningm, but read, eat and sleep. Had a fine supper tonight, pork chops, spuds, fruit cake, corn, milk, coffee, bread, butter, gravy will all the fixings and there was plenty of it. No one has any kick coming. I am nearly well again, will be fit as a fiddle Monday morning and will be back on the job. Will be glad to go to work again. Two of us in this bunkhouse tonight and last night.

24 February, 1934 Saturday, no work today. Been in camp all day, nothing to put down, only had a fine supper and all day. The food has been very good for the past month. No one has any complaint to make now about the grub. it is good enough for anyone. Milk came in large milk cans today and served in large bowls now they will get more milk per man. 1/2 pint bottles is not enough milk to do any good to any man. I am glad the men will be able to get more of the milk for they need it. Not many men in camp and I don't think there will be before Sunday night and some of them wont be back at all. Some of them will go A.W.O.L. I thinkm and some of them will find some kind of work before they come back and get their discharge. I hope they all get work and won't have to come to out so I won't have to stay much longer.

25 February, 1934 Here comes the drunks. The gange is getting in and they are bringing lots of booze and half of them are drunk. I have been in camp for nearly a week, have been sick, but am better now. Will be on the job in the morning. Big change in the weather, cold and windy, looks like snow. We may get it yet, I hope not, yet, we need it bad so we will have water next summer.

26 February, 1934 Feb. 26, 1896. 38 years ago today was our wedding day. Oh, what a day, how bright the world looked that day, what plans we made, what prospects were ahead of us. Then came Nov. 8, 1918, what a change, Mamma gone, but the children left. As fine a bunch as any man ever had, 6 of them. Thank God for my children. Raining again tonight, it may turn to snow before morning. I hope not. Had my teeth worked on tonight. I think that they will be better now, my mouth is getting well now. Worked today out on the job.

27 February, 1934 Rain today. Burning brush and work on the road. We were short handed, some of the men are sick, some AWOL, some won't work, never saw so much lost time. We had preaching in the hall tonight about 50 men attended the service. We had Mrs. Bliss play the piano. The singing is not very good because the men won't sing, some of them can sing very well if they want to. Boys gone to the basketball game tonight at Eatonville. They got beat last night at Mineral. Don't know the score.

28 February, 1934 Pay day today, received $30.00 tonight, paid $10.00 on my teeth and for my paper, $1.00 and $1.00 for laundry. So now I am even with the world. Raining again, looks bad for tomorrow, but we will have to go to work just the same. Good supper tonight, plenty of it. I want to go home this weekend if I can. Some of the men are going to work Saturday, but I won't if I can help it.

01-03 March, 1934 No entries

4 March, 1934 Went home and could not write in my diary, so will have to skip these 4 days. I am sorry, but could not help it.

5 March, 1934 Returned to camp this evening. Left Seatle at 1:37 PM, arrived in Tacoma at 2:30 PM, was going to take the bus for LaGrande but got a ride on the camp truck, so it did not cost anything to get home. Some of the men went over to the navy yard to see the big battleships, they say they had a fine time.

6 March, 1934 Worked at National on the road. Rained and snowed nearly all day. Food is fine, no kick to make on the food, plenty and very good and well cooked. Turned in old gloves for new this evening. Some of the men are going home this month.

7 March, 1934 Bright sun shine today. Oyster for supper tonight. Had my teeth fixed tonight, they are better and do not hurt me so much or they did. They may be alright after I get use to them. Some of the boys went to Eatonville to play basket ball tonight. Not much sickness in camp as there was. Men in from the trail camp at Linburg. Some of them are drunk.

8 March, 1934 Sun shine bright all day. Saw Dr. Johnson of Electron C.C.C. camp tonight, he was here in camp for a few minutes this evening. He is a fine man, he came in and sent for me. He seems glad to see me. Worked on the road at National, burning brush and old rail road ties. Hard work, had to work alone. Phoned to Grace tonight, asked her to come to the dance the CCC are giving at Triangle Hall. Don't know if she will be there or not.

9 March, 1934 Worked at National today. Went to the dance at the triangle tonight, was there for a few hours and then walked home with Mr. Mcentosh (MacIntosh?) and went to bed.

10-11 March, 1934 Went to Olympia today, road in to Ft Lewis with the truck and then took the stage from there to Olympia..(weekend with family)..arrived at the camp at a little later 4 PM, had supper at 5 PM, now I am going to bed.

12 March, 1934 Had a bath tonight, and had the Dr. work on my teeth. my mouth is sore and the teeth hurts me. Wrote a letter to Zioncheck in regard to the clothing allowance. They want to take our clothes away from us when we are discharged, and I am going to head them off if I can. The clothes are a part of our pay and I want it. Good grub now. Lots of sun shine, not much hard work.

13 March, 1934 New order on the board tonight in regard to reenlisting in the C.C.C. As it is now I will not be around to enlist for only 3 months more, but I don't care, maybe I can find some thing else to do before my time is up the first of July, if not, well I should worry. Had fried oysters and Ice cream for supper, nice day today.

14 March, 1934 Lots of talk about where we are going to move to when we move from this camp. Only about 1/2 of the men are going to renlist for another hitch in the C.C.C. Some of them have jobs to go to, some of them are just tired of it and are going home work or no work, just home sick and I don't blame them. Boys playing basket ball tonight at Eatonville. Wrote a letter to Mike tonight. Good grub, weather has changed, think it will rain tomorrow, hope not. My mouth is as sore as it can be, my new teeth hurt me so I can hardly stand it. I don't know what to do with them.

15 March, 1934 Had clothing inspection tonight. Only 1/2 of the stuff here, the men have taken lots of the stuff home. They think that it belongs to them which it does and they have taken it home. Had fish for supper, not very good, had ice cream, it was fine. The rest of the supper was very good. Rained this evening but it has cleared off now. Got signers to the petition against the League of Nations and the world court here in camp tonight, that got about 60 names tonight. This is the second one I circulated. some of the men won't sign it, they are too dumb, they think it will get them into trouble.

16 March, 1934 Worked on the road at National today, digging ditch, not hard work. Some of the men are going to work Sat and Sunday hawling gravel. They wanted me to work but I could not see why it is necessary, so I did not work. The boys have gone to Eatonville to see the boxing bouts tonight. Had a fine supper, roast pork with dressing, mashed spuds, bread and butter, pie, corn, coco, coffee and well cooked, it was a fine supper. There is not much kick about food now. Truck went to Tacoma tonight, will leave town at midnight, here at about two o'clock in the morning, to late for me so I am going to bed.

17 March, 1934 Some of the men worked today, graveling road at National. Lieutenant Mury (Murray?) left for the East today. Been in camp all day. Not much to write about. So much noise over in the hall that one can't write or read or think. no hot water at the bath house, so I did not get to take a bath.

18 March, 1934 Went to church at Eatonville tonight. We had services in the hall today, also some of the boys went up to the mountain today. Had a fine supper tonight. Food is good as any one can ask for and it is well cooked.

19 March, 1934 Some of the men were called into the office and got fired, it was some of the men who would not work when out on the job. Furgesson and Jhonson are out of our crew, there has been an awful squawk all day.

20 March, 1934 Furgesson and Jhonson put up an aeful kick this morning about being fired. They will work until the first of next month, the illegible are done in the CCC. I don't think they have any kick coming because they have not worked as they should, and would not let the other men work if they could help it, it serves them right. To be sure they don't get much pay, but if they did not want to work for $1.00 per day they should not have signed up for it, no one to blame but themselves. Went to lessons tonight. I am talking spelling and math. Don't you think I should take spelling? You will if you should ever read this little book. Signed pay roll tonight. It is the last time we will sign the roll this enlistment. It is 10 months since we went into the CCC.

21 March, 1934 Sent a lettergram to Hon. Homer T. Bone at Washington, D.C. in regard to the clothing that has been issues to us since we came in to the CCC. They are going to take it away from us if they can, but we are going to fight it. Had moving picture show in the hall tonight, showing pictures of the work that is being done in the forest of the U.S. by the C.C.C., also some pictures showed the mill in operation. I don't know if I saw the rig that Gene is running or not, but I saw the carrgoe with the log on it and it looked all right, but I could not see the sawyer.

22 March, 1934 Worked at National today, helped work on the ditch, had the cat to help pull the stumps, and got out sonme logs to build a bridge that makes easy work. Wrote a letter to Hon. Homer T. Bone and Hon. C.C Dill at Washington D.C. in regard to the clothing we have received since we came into the CCC. Will get the letters off in the morning. Many of the men are going to ask for their discharge the last of this month. They are getting tired of the CCC. Had a fine supper tonight. Ice cream and cake for dessert.

23 March, 1934 Been on the fire patrol allday, the first fire of the season had about 20 men until we got the fire under control, only a small fire, started when sonmeone dropped a cigarette last night and it smoldered all night and when� the dew was all gone and when the wind began to blow this morning the fire was on its way and it we had not got on the job just when we did it would have been too bad, but we got it before it got very bad. Not going home this weekend. I am on fire patrol detail over the weekend and can't leave the camp.

24 March, 1934 On fire detail this week end. Talked with Grace by phone today. They are well. Sent the circular letter on today. Must write to Cora. She is sick. I wish she would get well. No work for me today, but there was a crew working on the road today at National. They are getting in a hurry to finish the enlistment.

25 March, 1934 Sunday night. Another man quit today. It seems that some of the men are finding work and going away from camp and the CCC. Not much to write down tonight. Have been reading and sleeping all day. Wrote a letter to Mike. I hope he gets work so he won't have to come here.

26 March, 1934 Got a letter from Zimcheck in the Congress today. He said that he had enclosed a letter from emergency conservation work Charles H. Taylor, and he said that we were to get only enough clothes to go home in. I don't think that is right, those clothes are part of our pay, just as much as the $1.00 per day. Had lessons tonight. It is raining and I think we will get wet tomorrow, I hope not. More men leaving the CCC every day. Good grub now.

27 March, 1934 Rain some today. Rev. Strong, Chaplain, here tonight. Was detaield to handle the meeting. Did not have time to take my lessons, but had a long talk with Rev. Strong over the C.C.C. and the effect on the youth of this Country. He thinks it is awful, he thinks the kids would be better off if there never had been any C.C.C.

28 March, 1934 Rained all day, mud ankle deep every where, not much work done, everybody is getting a canteen credit for .50 cts out of the mess fund. The food is very good now, has been for a long time, no kick coming.

29 March, 1934 Not much rain today although it has rained a little several times. Our road is getting in bad shape because of the rain. Went to school this evening. The Congress has passed the Vet. bill, overriding the presidents veto. I don't think it should have passed at all. Signed up for another hitch tonight in the C.C.C. Bad as it is I think it is better than no work. If Mike gets in we will be all right. Had short arm inspection tonight. I suppose it is all right but it is an awful bore. It makes me tired.

30-31 March, 1934 Raining this morning and when it came time to go to work and we were in the trucks, the order came that we were not going out to work, so I went to Olympia. (spends weekend with family)

1 April, 1934 ...arrived at camp at about 9:45 PM

2 April, 1934 Did not get off to work from camp on time this AM. It seems they did not know where to send us to work. After a while they sent us out near Eatonville to make a fire trail, hard work, but we were near camp. Did not have to ride so far in the trucks. The ground was white with snow this morning and the logs very, very slippery, had to be very carefull.

3 April, 1934 Worked on fire trail in Pack Forest today. Movie here tonight, wild life and natural history, very good. Had a talk with the two Lieutenants about the clothing. Told them that I am going to fight them to a finish on the clothing question, that I would take it to the President of the United States if I have to. Had Oysters and ice cream

4 April, 1934 Worked at National today, roads were in awful condition, so rough that we got stuck before we got to the job. Had chicken for supper, but it was hard for me to eat because my teeth hurt me so. A lot of men are turning in their clothing tonight, so they will be on their way home at noon tomorrow.

5 April, 1934 Pay day today, received $30.00 in cash. Finished paying for my teeth tonight and had some work done on them. About 40 of the men were discharged from the service in the CCC today and have gone home. They were a happy bunch and were glad to go home. Some of them have work and some of them have not. Going home over the weekend if I can. Had a new job today, hard charge of the lunches. It don't mean anything, but hard work.

6-8 April, 1934 (home for the weekend)

9 April, 1934 Worked today on the road at National, not very hard work. Were at class tonight. I like the lessons and I will get some good out of it.

10 April, 1934 Very nice day, cleaning the right of way for the road at National. Thought I was to take care of the lunches but had to do something else. A large bunch of men, about 95, stopped here and had supper. They are new men on their way to some CCC camp. All of them are young men from 18 to 25 years of age. Some of our fellows went to Eatonville to play baseball tonight after supper. The boys are having a good time over in the Pack Hall. They are singing and playing the piana, and some of them are playing ping poong and some of them are playing pool, but it will be tim to go to bed, so the noise will soon stop.

11 April, 1934 Had charge of the lunches today. We were working now where they were blasting stumps and I have the head ache as result. It is long hard ride to work. They gave the basketball boys a prize for good work in the games they played this season.

12 April, 1934 Jimmies birthday, 24 years old today and a fine boy, has a home all his own. Dear old Jin. Just came in from classes, we had spelling and English. It is very interesting. Some of us are as dumb as a post. Soem of the boys went to Eatonville to play baseball this evening. Had a fine supper tonight, fish and spuds, string beans, pie, bread and butter with all the trimmings.

13-15 April, 1934 Went home tonight (weekend home)

16 April, 1934 Monday, worked on the road at National, had charge of the lunch, not very hard work. Wrote a lettrer to Zioncheck and to the director of National Park Service for a job of work in Alaska. Hope I get it, if I do I will be on my way soon.

17 April, 1934 Lots of new men in camp tonight. Some of them are old men and some are young. Not very well, went to see the Dr. this evening, got a handful of pills. I hope that I feel better in the morning than I do tonight. I am attending to the lunches out on the job, not very hard work except in the morning when we have to pack the grub into the camping place, that is hard work. Just learned that Mike can't get into the CCC as long as I am in the outfit. I wish the whole outfit was in Hell as far as a crow could fly in 6 months. This is the wore outfit that I ever had anything to do with.

18 April, 1934 Another big shipment of men came into camp tonight. We will soon be up to strength again. May go powder man tomorrow, been looking after lunches for a week, not much work to it. I am nearly sick tonight. If I am not better in the morning I may not go out to work. Wrote a letter to Mike tonight. I am sick and going to bed.

19 April, 1934 Sick tonight, not going out to work in the morning. Saw the Dr. tonight. They are very busy giving the new men shots in the arm, about 100 new men in camp. They don't have enough clothes to go around. The Lieut. Bliss asked me to see if I could keep the boys still after the lights were out at 10:00 PM. I don't know why he came to me, but he wants us to govern ourselves, if we will. I don't know what I can do but I will try to get them to do the right thing. Had a bath this evening changed clothes. Got a new pair of sox tonight, going to bed.

20 April, 1934 In the camp all day, sick been lying down most of the day, but I am much improved, think I will be all right by Monday. Some visitors in camp tonight, some U of W people. The Lieut. sent for me and introduced presented them, they were nice people. I don't know why should the Lieut. should introduce me. He must like me, but he and I have crossed swords about every other day, but if there is anything he wants he comes and asked for me. Last night he came and asked me if I would see if could get the men to be quiet after the lights was out. So I went to the men and had a talk with them and they did know that I was trying to get them to obey the rules, and it worked. But they did not know how it came about. It wads all as still as a mouse as soon as the lights were out.

21 April, 1934 Saturday in camp all day. I am getting well. I am much better than I was & will be on the job Monday. It is rather tiresome to be in camp 3 days at a time. Had a great argument about war.

22 April, 1934 Sunday, in camp all day, reading. No church in camp so I had nothing to do but read and sleep. Had good eats all day. I am about recovered from my bad cold. Will be on the job Monday. The new men are noisey, outfit won't go to bed at night and they get up at about 4 AM. Make so much noise than no one can sleep.

23 April, 1934 Monday, back on the job this AM. Rained some today, but we did not get much wet. I had charge of the lunches, had to pack there about a mile through the mud and over old logs, but we got there just the same. Had spelling contest here in camp tonight between camp fellows and some folks from Eatonville, the Eatonville people won but it was a nice contest. We may do better next time. I got 90% in my spelling tonight, not bad I think. Raining quite hard tonight, it will be awful muddy on the job in the morning and we will have to walk up the big hill when we go to work for the trucks can't get up the hill when it is wet.

24 April, 1934 Raining, it don't look very good for tomorrow on the job. Had church services in Pack Hall tonight. Rev. Strong preaching, only a few men there. We won't be able to get up the hill with the truck when we go to work tomorrow morning. I did not go to class this evening, had to arrange for the preaching in the hall. I am going home to bed. They are cutting lots of fine timber that would make fine fire wood, but they won't let no one go in and get it, just let it lay on the ground and rot down, nice big fir trees 4 to 8 ft, on the stump as sound as can be, enough in one tree to last one family a year and they will let it rot.

25 April, 1934 Went to classes tonight. Enjoy it very much, shall keep at it as long as I can. No rain today, had charge of the lunches, not very hard work. Had about 100 hundred men for lunch at noon today. Have a new commanding officer. Don't what his name is, seems to be a nice fellow.

26 April, 1934 On the road at National, had charge of lunches. No rain today, went to classes, very interesting work, I enjoy it very much, it will help me. Many new men are sick from their shots in the arm, some of them are quite sick, others it did not hurt much. Some of the men have gone to play base ball.

27 April, 1934 Rained nearly all day. They are trying to make a road, but it is slow work, the mud is deep and the road is rough and full of chuck holes, and they are doing it all by hand work, and the men won't work for $1.00 per day, and I don't blame them especially in that mud hole. Thery had some of the boys on the carpet tonight because they quit when it was raining. The boys were sick with sore arms where they took three shots for disease and then out in the rain, it was enough to make any man lay down on the job, and some of them do not have rain clothes and were wet to the skin. They had to send one man home because he was sick.

28 April, 1934 Raining, been around camp all day reading and sleeping, not many men in camp tonight. Many of them have gone home for the weekend. Not much to write down. Have a new commander in camp, a Captain Brown. I don't know where he came from. He looks like he is all right, but you can't tell a speck about it, he may be a bad one. We will soon find out. Don't know when we will move camp at the falls is not ready for us yet. Some say we won't go before the 15th of May. I hope we don't go before 15th of July because I don't want to go at all. Hope I get a job in Alaska.

29 April, 1934 Went to church twice today. Talked a few minutes while at church at the young peoples meeting. Otherwise was in camp all day. They have a nice church in Eatonville. Met a lot of them, fine folks. I am sorry that we are going to leave this camp, so we can't go down there to church. Had a talk with Lt. Bliss about the lunches. They are going to make a change in the lunches, don't know how it will work out. Got to go to bed, the light will go out soon. Some of the men are finding the jobvs and asking for their discharges, glad of it.

30 April, 1934 Pay day, we received our pay and some of the boys are drunk already. Some of them did not have enough money coming to get drunk so they are sober. Some of us are going up to this old guy over at the tavern and tell him if he don't cut out selling booze to the kids, we will take his joint apart. It is too bad, and the kids should have their heads knocked off for getting drunk. I had $30.00 pay tonight. I paid for my newspaper, owed for two months. Mrs. Hodges is a very nice woman, I like her very mjuch. She is postmaster at La Grande. Had a letter from Zioncheck in regards to the job in Alaska, not much chance.

1 May, 1934 Work at National, rained this afternoon, came home to camp found out that I could get a chance to go home and jumped into some clean clothes and went to Seattle, without supper. Went to Tacoma..(home chat)..got back to camp at about 6:30 this AM in time for breakfast at 6:45 AM and left for work at 7:30 AM.

2 May, 1934 Mikes birthday today, 22 years old, fine lad. Rained hard all the afternoon. Did not have charge of the lunches today, worked on the road in the mud. Some kind of a show in the hall here in camp tonight.15 cents admission, did not go, wrote a letter to Mike. Some of the boys are playing and singing, making good music. Some of them are playing cards.

3 May, 1934 Two fiddler and two guitars going full blast so I can't do much writing, but the music is fine and we enjoy it very much. Don't know whether we will work at National tomorrow or not. We brought in all the tools tonight. Went to class tonight, had diesel engine class, it is very interesting.

4 May, 1934 Rained hard all day, mud a foot deep every where. Took in all the tools tonight, so we can move camp Monday. Don't know whether I will be going to Narada Falls Monday or not. I hope not. Went to Olympia tonight...my father's birthday... (time at home).

5 May, 1934 (home stuff)...went to see the Governor today. Had a long talk with him in regard to the clothing that has been issued to the members of the C.C.C., which the Government is taking from the men on discharge from the service. The Governor said he would take it up with the proper authority and see if he could help. He seems like a very nice man, at least he had time to hear what I had to say and showed much interest in what I had to say.

6 May, 1934 (home stuff)...took the truck to camp, got in at 9:30 PM. The bell just rang for lights out so I must go to bed.

7 May, 1934 Rained nearly all day and it was very disagreeable and muddy. Most of the boys were wet, I don't think they should be compelled to work out without rain clothes. Some of the men are nearly sick from exposure. They are sending some of the men to the new camp at Narada Falls tomorrow morning. I think all of us will move this week. I don't want to go, but I suppose I will have to go. Good music here in the bunk house tonight. Went to class tonight, diesel engineering and math. Hay for me now.

8 May, 1934 No rain today. I think we are done on the National road at least we came out with all the tools when we left the job tonight. They said we were done and when we got to camp there was a bulletin on the board that we were going to move and we went and packed up and got all ready to move and then the order was countermanded and now I don't know when we will move, but it will be only a day or two before we go. Lots of music here tonight. No class tonight. One of the men got a job and has gone home. Had a letter from Zioncheck in regard to the job in Alaska, enclosing a letter from the Department saying that it was under civil service and that I should apply to the local board in Alaska for work, but I don't think I will do that just now.

9 May, 1934 In camp all day. Campe all tore ip, we are ready to move in the AM tomorrow. I don't want to go, but have to go. Some of the boys have gone to Eatonville and some of them will be drunk when they come back, too bad.

10 May, 1934 Well, we have moved to Narada Falls and we are crowded into tents. 22 of us in this tent. Left LaGrande at 9:15 AM and got here at about 11 AM. Had dinner and went to Long Mirer after tools, got through work about 5:30 PM. This camp will be all right if it don't snow or rain, but it is awful cold here. Don't think we will have enough bedding. There will be 10 or 12 large tents when they get them all up. Don't know what we will do tomorrow. I was sorry that we had to move at all, but I only have a little over a month to go in the C.C.C.. I can stand it. Lots of complaint among the men.

11 May, 1934 Worked out with landscape gardner today. Did not work very much, just monkey around. Don't feel very well. Saw a bear today, nice black fellow, he was here in camp. There was some deer here too, they are very tame.

Diary Two, "Compositions"

12 May, 1934 Very nice day, sun shining bright and it is nice and warm. Lots of people here from town to see the Falls. Many of the men gone to town. Only a few of the tables full at supper time. One of the officers was telling me what a break the old men were getting the last month of service in the C.C.C. here in this beauty spot. All bunk. New Officer in camp today. Don't know who he is but he look like some young squirt. Don't know whether he will have anything to do with us or not.

13 May, 1934 Did not go home this weekend so was around camp all day. Saw two bear here in camp. They are nice to look at, but they are dangerous. They get into everything they can. Not many men in camp, most them gone to town. And some gone fishing. Some of them out in the mountains. Been reading and sleeping. The new Lieutenant named Coen. He is a Jew.

14 May, 1934 Out on the job again today, digging plants for the landscape gardener to plant around camp. Not very hard work, just monkeying around and keep out of sight. They are building a new garage. Lots town people here over weekend. They stop here to see the Fallds. They think it is nice to look at then after that they go to Longmire, it is a nice drive.

15 May, 1934 Went to Diesel Class tonight, some of the men are much interested and some are not. Some of them are here just to kill time. We saw some deer. They are very tame. I could almost put my hand on them. I was put in charge of a crew of men today. Get a rating today. Will get $36.00 per month. That will help some. Some of them are good, some are not, the men I mean.

16 May, 1934 Raining tonight. Captain Strong the Chaplain held church services in the mess hall tonight. Mrs. Strong was here with Mr. Strong. She is a very nice woman. Diesel Class tonight. I was told not to do much work myself but to keep the men going. I can do that and not hurt me any. We got 8 or 10 new men today. They are sleepin in the Wash house tonight, not very nice place to sleep.

17 May, 1934 Signed pay roll tonight. Will get pay the last day of the month. Snowed all day but it melted as fast as it fell but it is awful wet in the brush where we have to work. Still getting out plants to plant here in camp. It is nice. But it is a lot of work for nothing. Some of the old timers were called into the office and asked to reenlist for another hitch. I can go in for another 6 month term if I want to, don't know if I will or not.

18 May, 1934 No rain today. Had a rather easy day, only got out 4 loads today but the less some of the men do the less they want to do and that makes it harder for the foreman. So I had to keep after them all the time. 3 truck loads of men went to town tonight. About 75 men no work today. Sat. Men were doing their washing today. Lots of strike news in the papers. (Curator's note, May 18, 1934 was a Friday, so either Sat here means sitting or is mistranscribed or these dates are jumbled)

19 May, 1934 I have been in duty in the office today, am off duty at 10 PM tonight. Saw dentist that made teeth for me. He said he would make them if I would go to his office. I am going as soon as I can for my teeth hurt me. Lots of folks here from town this afternoon to see the Falls and visit the camp. (Curator's note the transcription given me has this as 20 May and the next entry as 19 May, I changed the dates but not the order of events, its possible the events should have been switched as well, if you can find the historic weather for these dates can determine perhaps).

20 May, 1934 Snowed all day the tents leaked and the men had put tarred paper over their beds to keep them dry. Two bears in camp nearly all day. They are very tame but they won't let anyone touch them. They get into the garbage cans and anything else they can find. Some of the men got some nice pictures. Many of the men went out, some of them will come back full of whiskey. The food is just fair, not as good as it was. We have a great bunch in our tent, they joke lots with each other, we have lots of fun.

21 May, 1934 Very nice day, sunshine and warm. Looking for trees in the forrest shoulod not be a hard job, but to find a certain kind if another thing, just try it. Some of the men went fishing tonight. Went to class. Some of the men don't work as they should, but they don't get much pay.

22 May, 1934 Very nice day, almost too warm. We have been getting out plants to plant around the Falls, it makes it nice. Saw some deer and a fox today and there is a bear here in camp tonight. Two men had a fight, but no one hurt, not much tonight, must go to bed.

23 May, 1934 Still digging plants. Some of the men are good and some are not so good. We got out 4 loads of plants. Rained some today, not much but it was enough to make bad work in the woods. Some of the men were wet thru. Some of them have rain clothes and some have not. It is much the same as yesterday. Wrote a letter to my sister Cora & one to Jimie, Mary & Mike in Seattle.

24 May, 1934 Rained some today. Had a crew of 10 men. Got out 6 loads of plants. The truck that was hauling gravel broke down and they sent the men out to me. Some of them were good, some no good. Must go to class tonight. Lt. Bliss left for Seattle and back to the Navy. He was a good commanding officer. Camp gave him a fountain pen.

25 May, 1934 Rain some today. Not much. We done fine with the work, got more plants with less crew because all of the men worked better than the crew that I had yesterday. I am on duty at the office tonight. Took another mans place so he could go to town. Had a long talk with Chaplain Strong tonight. I like him very much. No mail from home or from Cora. Wish I knew how she is. I hope she is improved.

26 May, 1934 Very nice day. In camp all day, read the paper and a good sleep. Not many men in camp. Some of them went up to Camp Muir about half way up the mountain. It is a hard climb, Big bear in camp this AM. He ate a pail of left over hot cakes and was so full he had to go and lay down and sleep, he is not a bit wild, he is fat and his fur is very nice. Some of the men came home from Eatonville pretty well teacd(?) up. Got in at 4 AM.

27 May, 1934 On duty at the office all day, not much work about it but had to be there just the same. Just saw two deer from the window. They are nice. Lots of people here from town today. Wrote a long letter home this afternoon. Used the typewriter. One of the men got a job and is going home. I am glad for him. Nice day today, many of the men were out in the hills hiking around, they seem to enjoy it but they come home all in. Food not bad now but some of them are kicking, but some of them would kick no matter what kind of grub we have.

28 May, 1934 Not much to put down tonight. Work on the job went as usual today. Had some extra men today, men worked fine today. Got out of the usual number of loads of plants. We are getting rid of some of the men that are no good. Saw some deer today and there was a bear in camp this morning. The men have a fine time feeding him and playing with him.

29 May, 1934 Let another man go today. I hope we are through with him. There is a large amount of water going over the Falls now. Our landscaping looks very well. The man in charge of the work knows his stuff, I think. Much better than some of the other men on this job, some of them are not good as foreman.

30 May, 1934 Everything covered with snow this AM. The men did not like to go out to work. Work went on as usual though, but they went at it and done fine. It is not bad when they all take hold and do their part. Pay day today. I received $33.20. Got my pass to go to town tonight. Went to Diesel class tonight, but did not make much headway, no light and too much noise. No mail tonight.

31 May, 1934 Rained and snowed all day today. The tents leaked as the snow melted and the water ran through and we had to cover over beds with tarred paper to keep them dry. Had a fine dinner today. Chicken with all the fixings, Ice cream with starwberries, cake and everything,. It is so cold the men can't keep warm in the tent with the stove red hot.

1-3 June, 1934 Went to town tonight, it is a long hard ride in the truck...(home stuff)...We left camp at about 5:10PM and arrived at Seattle at 8 PM...(home stuff)... I got a ride for Jimie and Mary on the CCC truck as far as Tacoma. It saved them $1.50. Mary rode in the cab with the driver. We left Seattle at 6:00 PM and arrived at camp at about 9 PM. Some of the men were drunk so they were unable to walk and had to be put to bed.

4 June, 1934 Back on the job this morning. Had 8 men to work digging plants. Rained to day but not until it was time to quit so we did not get wet. Not much to put down tonight & I must stop for it is dark.

5 June, 1934 Very nice day, no rain, not too warm. Work went fine today. Men did their work very well, two men sick, Light and Goodrich. I sent Light to camp. But we got our work done on time and some plants left over for the planters in the morning. Bear under the mess house. Some of the men chased him out and he went up the hill mad as could be. Went to diesel class tonight. Had an interesting time.

6 June, 1934 Not too much to put down tonight. The same old job, digging plants. Men worked well except for Crapo. He is lazy and one of the men was sick. I don't know what his name is. It rained hard this afternoon, but it was wet in the woods. We got out the usual number of loads of plants. Two of the men tried to fight it out tonight, one of them is a big coward and he done a lot of squacking but little fighting.

7 June, 1934 Rained all day, it was so wet in the brush that we were wet through. We had a shake up in my crew today. I told them that if they did not snap out of it that I would send them into the office and they would to talk to the officers and that a dishonorable discharge (D.D.) for the men that would be his part, and it made a difference. Pretty good supper tonight. I don't know if I can go home this weekend or not. Some of the men are. Playing poker here in the tent tonight. I am going to diesel class tonight.

8 June, 1934 Nearly through planting at camp. Will be at Paradise in a few days. Went to Eatonville with Jack Estest and then found out he was not going to Tacoma. Then he went to Puyallup to take me down to the dentist. Rather nice of him but he had his girl along with him so he was not any thing. (?)

9-10 June, 1934 (home and saw dentist for new lower plate)

11 June, 1934 Monday. Back at work this AM, had 10 men today, got out 7 loads of plants. Went to first aid class and to show at Paradise tonight. Saw some nice pictures of the park and the wild life, it was very good. Paradise> is a nice place, fine view, can see the mountain top to be sure when you are at Paradise. You are nearly half way up the mountain.

12 June, 1934 Worked on the job. We got out a nice lot of plants. The men did well. Very nice weather, sun was nice and warm. We got electric lights in the tents today, but there is something wrong with them, they go out every little while, but they are fine. Nearly done with the work here at Narada Falls. Going to diesel class tonight. It is very interestig, but it takes lots of time and work to attend so many classes. Some of the men playing poker tonight.

13 June, 1934 Finish landscaping here in camp at Narada Falls. Working at a job above camp tearing down an old road grade, it is hard work for the men. I took my crew and went out on the job and got along all right. I would not hurry the men. Got my shoes from the shoe maker, fine job, my shoes are as good as new. Sent another pair down to the shoe shop. Just heard they are not going to let us keep our extra lights, but I am going to keep my lights as long as I can. Saw a nice deer today, went to first aid class tonight, it is very interesting work.

14 June, 1934 Very nice day. Worked on the old road grade above camp. Tried to blast it out with powder but it was too loose. Put in 20 sticks of powder but it did not lift much dirt, just blowed out a little hole. Went to class tonight. Just heard that Lt. Spiro (Sparro earlier?) is going to leave this company next Saturday. he has to report to Fort Lewis for duty. Some bear in camp this AM. Won $1.00 on the fight between the big Wop and Bear. Bear won by tec. knock out. heard the fight over the radio, it came in fine (Editorial Note by transcriber) I believe he is referring to the fight between Max Baer and Primo Carnera).�

15 June, 1934 Had the men planting plants on the old road grade above the camp. It is a hard job, it is all rock and no soil to work with. I don't know if the plants will grow or not, they won't if they don't keep them well watered. We took only 1/2 hour for lunch and got to camp at 3:30 PM. Some of the men went to town.

16 June, 1934 In camp all day. Emptied my bed tick and refilled it with straws, now I have a good bed again. Some of the men went to Eatonville to play baseball, they lost the game. Narada Falls was beat, I don't know what the score was. I don't know what outfit they played. Nice day today. Grub nothing to write home about. Got my teeth from the dentist today, they fit much better than they did. I think my teeth will be all right when I get used to them. Two bears in camp today.

17 June, 1934 Sunday. Went to the funeral of one of the men of this camp named Wilbur Whiteney, a fine young man, 21 years old. There was a large crowd at the hall at Elbe. He was buried at Mineral. We took a truck load from camp. It is about 25 miles from camp to Elbe and it tool all afternoon, got back just in time for supper. Lots of people here in camp from town.

18 June, 1934 Work on landscaping this forenoon, got out 3 loads of plants, had 10 men until noon and after noon, 8 men. We started on a new job, we are getting out stone to build a sidewalk at Paradise. It will take a lot of stone and when we get done with the walk we will have to get out enough stone to build a retaining wall at Paradise. It will take nearly two months if they do as much as they want to. Went to first aid class tonight, very interesting work.

19 June, 1934 We were hauling rock today, but it is hard work, slow work. But we are going to get some new tools to work with but as it is not it is awful. Lots of snow up here yet. Up at Paradise it is so cold that we have to wear our coats to work. We are building a sidewalk from the entertainment hall to the hotel. Not much to put down tonight, so I will go to bed.

20 June, 1934 Had a large crew today, and they worked fine. We got out 5 loads of rock for the retaining wall and 2 loads of rock for the sidewalk at Paradise. This is hard work and it is dangerous, but we have not had any trouble yet. The men are careful. I don't know if we will get out rock tomorrow or not. I think they are planning a fire drill. I hope not, for it is hard work and I think it not necessary. Had to turn out for work at 12:30 PM today. The men don't like that very well. Food is bad but it could be better. I have all the milk I want to drink but I have no kick coming. Went to first aid class tonight, it is very interesting work and enjoy it very much. There is a large class every night. Weather is nice but it is cold here at night. Bed time now.

21 June, 1934 Raining tonight. Had fire drill today, the whole company was out in the woods fighting a make believe fire. Some of the men were wise to the job and some were not, but the whole thing is a joke. We went down below Longmire to drill. They scattered flour around to represent fire and had the men dig a fire trench around it. The men had a lot of fun. Awful cold tonight, it may snow before morning. Capt. Brown told me had signed me up for another hitch.

22-24 June, 1934 Worked getting out rock for wall at Paradise, blasted down a lot of rock. One year ago today I was sworn into the C.C.C. and tonight I signed the final pay roll. Went to Seattle tonight, got in about 8 PM, Mike was in Olympia to see the Governor on the relief and did not get home in 2 AM. Ray Lenard was with us tonight.

23 June, 1934 In town all day watching the strike. It was a nice day, but Seattle is dead as a door nail, no work for any one. Mike and I were walking around and trying to help the strike. Lots of C.C.C. men in town.

24 June, 1934 Well, some fun down at Pier 41 tonight. Mike and I was down there for a while today. I don't know how it turned out, all I hope is that the strikers have guts enough to stay with it. They will win if they do. Mike is in it all over.

25 June, 1934 We had the new winch to work with and it worked fine, it is so much better than lifting rock with our hands. The men will work with machinery when they won't worth with their hands. Rained today. Had orders to stand by for fire duty. I was ordered to take charge of the tools and it took me an hour to load the tools, then we were ordered to quarters to wait orders.

26 June, 1934 Out on the job today. It is so cold that we had to put on extra clothes to keep warm. We are ahead of them with out end of the job. Had a good crew today, they worked fine. I don't have to watch them all the time, all I do is say boys we will load this rock or that and that is all it is done. 1st. Lt. Marvin Cone (presumably Coen from earlier?) came to me and asked to take care of his baby while he and Mrs. Cone went out at night. That is a little unusual to say the least - I can make a few dimes. There is a lot of kick at the fact that I am to leave the service. My foreman is kicking but I don't think it will do any good. I would like to stay but I should worry.

27 June, 1934 Rain very hard today. It was so bad that we had to quit work for a while, got under the truck, the men were wet through, but we got out the usual number of loads of rock. I went to Paradise last night to take care of Lt. Cone's baby while Lt. Cone and Mrs. Cone went to the dance at Eatonville, they got back at 2:30 AM, the Lt. took me back to camp. I got to bed at 3:00 AM.

28 June, 1934 Awful cold here today, had to wear more clothes to keep warm, got out 6 loads of rock today. Food not very good, lots of complaint, but I can stand it until I am discharged which will be July 10 if everything goes as planned. Heard President Roosevelt talk from the White House at Washington, D.C.. It is good, lots of news of the longshoreman strike at Seattle, don't know how it will come out. Got my ticket to go home tomorrow night.

29 June, 1934 Not much to put down, just work on the work truck getting out rock for the work at Paradise. We were stopped from taking rock at the rock slide near Reflection Lake because they were afraid we would spoil the looks of the slide. Don't know where we will get rock Monday, but I don't care. Going home.

30 June, 1934 (home stuff) No work in Seattle. Strike on, it looks like the strikers will win. One of the strikers was shot & killed Saturday. Too bad. (home stuff).

1 July, 1934 (home stuff)...started for camp at 6 PM and arrived at about 10 PM. Found everyone on fire duty and about 60 men gone on the fire and all the rest of them standing by with their blankets rolled and some of the mern in bed with their clothes on. Not much work in Seattle unless one wants to scab on the longshoreman and I won't do that if I never work again.

2 July, 1934 On fire duty all day today and it looks like we will be for some time. Don't know how they are getting along at the front. Just heard that it has got away from them again, if that is true we may have to go yet to fight fire. I hope not. Just that one of the trucks from the camp at St. Andrews went over the bank and was wrecked. It was loaded with men, 25 in number. Some of them were killed and others were badly hurt and the truck was a total loss. So much for fire fighting with green men.

3 July, 1934 Worked the job today, had 5 men and one of the boss men. Got out 4 loads of rock. Not much of a days work, but it is enough. Some of the men just came in from the fire over on Deer Creek. Rather a bad fire, about 1200 acres. But it was in an old burn and it did not do much damage, but the men are tired and hungry and cold.

4 July, 1934 In camp all day on fire duty. Nice day, thousands of cars here and going up to Paradise and up to see the mountain. A steady stream of cars all day long and lots of them stop here at camp to see the C.C.C. men. Well I will soon be out of the C.C.C.. Some of the men that went out to the fire are returning. They say that the fire is under control. I hope so.

5 July, 1934 Out on the job again today, only have two days more to stay in the C.C.C.. Nice weather, but it is bad for it is dangerous because of fire. Been hauling rock for work at Paradise. Got our 4 loads, had a new crew of men today, only one old man with me, but they worked all right. Grub is very good now, but some of the men are kicking, but some of them would kick if they had nothing but pie. The supper was good tonight.

6 July, 1934 Very nice day. Had 5 new men on the job today. Got out 4 loads of rock. The new men worked all right. I think this is my last days work in the C.C.C.. I don't think I will have to work Monday because I was on duty all day the 4th which is a holiday, if so no more work for me Monday. They were around after men to send out on the fire. Some of the men refused to go. Don't know what they will do about it. They may fire him, if they do he will get a D.D.. Lots of strike news in the paper today. I hope the strikers win. Most of the men have gone home for the weekend and there are so many men on the fire there is only a few men left in camp. Grub is all right. Going home in a few days.��

7 July, 1934 No work today. Very cold, had to wear a coat all day. Not many men in camp, nearly all of them out on the fire. A few of them just came in just now. One of the men got a D.D. this AM because he would not go out on the fire. His name is Max Glison. He lost $10.00 by his bullheadedness, it serves him right. Must go to bed, it is time. Food was very good today. No one has any fault to find.

8 July, 1934 My last watch on duty at headquarters and I did my last work out on the job yesterday. Grub only fair, but no one can live on it. I have milk so I am better off than most of the men.

9 July, 1934 Around camp all day, no work today for the men that are going out. Went up to Paradise this afternoon with Jack Estes. Had some ice cream and went through the buildings and saw the sights. Lots of people up at the resort. Was examined by the MD and will get my discharge in the morning. Some kind of a blow out tonight in honor of the men that are going out. May be asked to speak a few minutes. Well, this is a wild night the men are glad that they are going home. They, here in our tent, and are singing and playing (says paying or praying in the transcript but given earlier music references playing seems most likely in this context). I spoke a few minutes and said goodbye.

10 July, 1934 Received my discharge from the C.C.C.. The number of my discharge is C.C.9-102329. Signed by Emmett Brown, Eng-Res commanding officer 1303 Co., C.C.C.. Also my reward of Honor signed by W. Pabst, Camp Superintendent and Captain Emmet Brown and Robert Fechner, Director of Emergency Conservation Work. We were paid off and sent home. Left camp at 9:15 AM and arrived at Seattle shortly afternoon. Went home...

Discharged shortly before his 61st birthday, Merritt Junius Smith returned to his family and found new work to help them through the depression. On May 11, 1937, at his job at an orchard in Rock Island, Washington, Mr. Smith stood up from his lunch and uttered his last words, "Well, it is time to get back to work."

--- Julia Menard-Warwick

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