Published: March 25, 2008 01:17 pm            

CCC Camp in Burns, OR

Ernest Perkins of Marshes Siding celebrated his 92nd birthday March 25th. Most McCreary Countians remember Perkins, who spent many years working at the Western Auto Store in Whitley City. Perkins spent 21 months at the Squaw Butte Mountain CCC Camp in Burns, Oregon, He recalled there were several guys at this camp from McCreary County. While serving at the Oregon camp, Perkins was a cook, with a salary of $30. a month. He said he kept $5. and sent home $ 25. a month. Later he was promoted to second class with a raise to $36. then up to first class and mess sergeant which meant an increase in his monthly pay to $45. This group photo was taken in May 1937. Perkins is on the front row, second from right. Although there were more from McCreary County, after 71 years, he can only remember a few: Johnny Meadows, Dewey Perkins, Warren Meadows, Henry Nevels, Phil Price, Roy Hunley, Ralph Morgan, a Boyatt and Cordell.

(Photos compliments of Ernest Perkins).

        

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