Friends of Fort Clinch
Press Release
Submitted by James McCannell
September 21, 2016 10:00 a.m.
Do you enjoy Fort Clinch State park? It most likely would not even exist without the back breaking work of the men of the Civilian Conservation Corps, CCC. In gratitude for their efforts, the Friends of Fort Clinch group is planning to honor their role in developing the Fort Clinch State Park that we all now share.
The “Friends” will be conducting a fund-raising campaign, the goal of which is to purchase and install a monument in the form of a 6 foot tall bronze statue entitled “CCC Worker” to be placed near the welcome center and museum area at the park in the latter part of 2017. The campaign is a matching fund campaign that will help raise the needed $11,800 which the “Friends” group will match dollar for dollar.
Are you a descendant of a CCC worker or do you know someone who is? Are you an interested citizen who is grateful for the work that the CCC accomplished? If so, the Friends of Fort Clinch group needs your help and support in preserving the legacy of these unsung heroes who helped to make our state park a reality.
Beginning in 1937, CCC Company 1420, set up camp 3 miles southeast of the city of Fernandina. Operating from May 25, 1937 through 1942, they performed reconstruction efforts on the 19th century masonry fort located on Amelia Island as well as constructing roads, clearing trails, erecting buildings and developing camp grounds. One of their most physical, labor intensive job assignments included the use of little more than shovels and wheel barrows to remove some 10,000 cubic yards of sand and debris which had blown into the fort itself after it had been abandoned for a period of many years. The result of all of their work would later become the Fort Clinch State Park that we all enjoy today.
You can help the Friends of Fort Clinch State Park purchase a “CCC Worker” statue to commemorate and honor the work that the Civilian Conservation Corps did for us here on Amelia Island. If you can help in this effort or would like additional information, please contact Jim McCannell at 904 261-5831 or [email protected]. or contact the park office at 904-277-7233. Please send donations for this worthwhile program to Friends of Fort Clinch State Park, 2601 Atlantic Ave. Fernandina Beach, FL 32034 or visit the park and make a donation in person.
Friends of Fort Clinch State Park is designated as a 501, (c) (3) Not for Profit Organization by the IRS so all donations are tax deductible.
“ CCC WORKER ” Statue Project
You can feel free to bring your donations to my gallery, Amelia SanJon Gallery, as membership chairman I can get them deposited for you and give you credit and thank you letter of appreciation for your tax deductible donation…Thanks in advance. This is a very worthwhile and lasting memorial for the workers.
Ft Clinch was part of growing up in Fernandina in the 50s and 60s. Who else had a real fort to just play in? No one any more, but it was perfect! Bring on the CCC statue!