Wednesdays with Dad

My dad and I explored a nearby regional trail a week or so ago on an unseasonably warm fall day. We both like to take pictures and had no agenda, other than to hang out together and spend some time outside! Perfect!

Unknowingly, we came across the remains of work camp.  A little research revealed that it was established in May of 1935. The camp had 13 buildings: six bunk houses, a lavatory/washroom, a recreation hall, a kitchen and dining hall, and an office building, two garages, and a blacksmith shop. The remains of the recreation hall's stone chimney still exist at the former camp site. Besides this chimney, the only other extant structure known to have been built by this particular camp was an overlook area (pictured below).

Most WPA enrollees were unemployed men who lived within the area of a WPA project. They lived at home and reported to the job site each day. In June of 1935, however, the WPA had established 25 camps here (sometimes called work camps, transient camps, or treatment centers) that provided work, lodging, food, and clothing specifically for transients or homeless men.

In 1935, this camp had the distinction of being the only WPA transient camp for African Americans in the state. However, the African-American enrollees had apparently been transferred to another camp by the time the overlook was constructed in 1938. The overlook wall was apparently built by white "transients" who resided at Mendota Work Camp No. 1.

The sign designating where the recreation hall once stood.

The overlook, now a picnic area.

The view from the overlook.

Just some cool old stairs...

My dad loves trees.

Some hints of fall starting to show...

A not-so-subtle reminder that we're not in 1938 anymore.

Dad enjoying capturing a picture of a cool tree.

Sunlight peeking...

The fireplace is all that is left of the recreation area in the work camp.

And lots of pricklys...