Historic CCC footlocker from Interstate Park discovered at local barn sale

Ninety-year-old artifact will form basis of new exhibit about New Deal program that built many facilities at iconic park.

St. Croix 360

October 23, 2020

2 minute read

Via the Friends of Interstate Park – Wisconsin:

Recently discovered at a Dresser barn sale, this is a special little trunk. Painting on the top of the trunk and stencils and stickers inside the trunk verify this to be an authentic Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) issue footlocker. This footlocker was the property of a CCC member who worked at Interstate and Pattison State Parks in the mid-1930’s. The footlocker is in exceptional condition.

Unfortunately, we have been unable to locate the owner of the locker. Please assist us in solving the mystery if you can!

The CCC was a voluntary public works relief program that operated from 1933 to 1942 in the United States for unemployed, unmarried men ages 17–28. The work of America’s young men dramatically changed the future and today we still enjoy a legacy of natural resource treasures that dot the American landscape.

The history of the Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC is beginning to fade but their legacy is forever recorded in their projects at Interstate Park and many other areas around Wisconsin and the United States. The quality of the construction of roads, buildings, and steps is incredible. Excellent examples can be enjoyed at our own Interstate Park.

Planning is currently underway for an expanded CCC archive at the Interstate Visitor and Nature Center. Donated by Trudy Lorenz and Nancy Beck, the footlocker is the first item to be added to the CCC pictures already at the park.

Help us ensure that the CCC heritage is not forgotten. Can you help us find more items to add to the Interstate Park CCC archive? Please scrounge around your homes and out-buildings for anything CCC.

If you have any items that you are willing to donate or loan to the park, please contact Nancy Beck at 715-494-0272 or becknancy525@gmail.com or Trudy Lorenz at 715-755-3773 or trudylorenz@gmail.com

Would you like to join us in supporting Interstate and Straight Lake State Parks? To learn more about Friends of Interstate Park and become a member, please go to www.friendsofinterstatepark.org.

We will keep you posted on the progress of this exciting addition to Interstate Park!