CCC statue becomes reality
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
A crowd estimated at 300 people attended a ceremony Saturday at Marion County Lake in connection with the unveiling of the state CCC statue.
At least 14 former CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) enrollees were present and given special recognition. Some were from Oklahoma. Local CCC veterans were Bill Holdeman and Raymond Oursler, Marion, and Paul Williams, Peabody.
Several Marion County Lake residents featured prominently in the ceremony.
Don Jolley, who served in the National Recreation and Park Association for 44 years, served as master of ceremonies. He paid tribute to all who had a part in the lake's construction, including President Franklin Roosevelt and county engineer James Meisner. He also praised the 5,261 Marion County residents who voted in favor of the purchase of land for the project.
"They deserve a hand, don't you think?" he asked, and got a rousing response.
Dwight and Helen Beckham were recognized for their efforts to place Marion County Park and Lake on the National Register of Historic Places and raise $21,000 to acquire the statue.
In response, Helen Beckham said: "It takes a village to raise a statue, and I want to thank all you villagers."
Bill Holdeman led the flag salute and Robert Priest gave the invocation.
Dale Snelling, lake superintendent for 41 years, introduced his family and talked about their strong connection to the lake. He also praised the CCC workers who created it.
"What they did for one dollar a day still stands today," he said.
Retired judge William Randolph Carpenter of Topeka, a native of Marion, spoke of his Congressman father's commitment to President Roosevelt and the work of the CCC. He said the bill creating the CCC was the first piece of legislation enacted after Roosevelt became president in 1933.
Carpenter recalled trips as a child to the lake site to see "the great excavation," as his father called it.
"If my father were alive today, I'm sure he would say it was one of his greatest accomplishments," Carpenter said.
Walter Atwood, president of the National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni, was key-note speaker. He has ties to Kansas, having been raised on a farm near Lebanon. His wife is from McPherson.
In 1940, he served in the CCC in Idaho. He said CCC men used wheelbarrows, axes, picks, and shovels to accomplish their assigned tasks.
"We might be the forgotten generation," he said, "but our legacy is here to stay."
Keith Sexson, Assistant Secretary for Operations, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, said the CCC conducted 45 projects in Kansas during its existence. These resulted in numerous opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor recreation in the state.
"The quality of life of those who use these facilities is much enhanced," he said.
He noted there now are more surface acres of water in Kansas than in Minnesota, "Land of 10,000 Lakes."
In an impressive closing ceremony, Helen Beckham, along with several helpers, had the honor of unveiling the six-foot tall, bronze statue as "Amazing Grace" was played on the bagpipes.
An almost reverent hush came over the crowd as Dwight Beckham sounded a flawless rendition of "Taps" on the trumpet.
When it was over, the CCC worker could be seen standing proudly on a large limestone rock, overlooking the beautiful lake which he and others like him created. Like the lake, it is a monument for all time.
