Friends of Fort Necessity News Release Release
LECTURE SERIES: The Tree Army Makes Camp at Fort Necessity
FARMINGTON, Pa., The Lecture Series for the Friends of Fort Necessity is set for Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010 in the Visitor Center of Fort Necessity National Battlefield. Speaker for the evening is Jeffrey Meyer. His subject is “The Tree Army Makes Camp at Fort Necessity."
Mr. Meyer is from Allison Park in Pittsburgh and a graduate of Hampton High School. He attended Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, earning a double major in Archaeology and Religious Studies, as well as a minor in Classical Studies. Currently, he is in graduate school for Archaeology at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Meyer volunteered at Fort Necessity last year and through a grant program is now serving as a Seasonal Ranger. After completing his masters degree he plans on furthering his career with the government.
In 1935 a very different army, compared to George Washington’s, set up camp at Fort Necessity. This army had the difficult task of combating two enemies that threatened the United States - poverty and agricultural decay. The Great Depression put millions out of work and soil erosion ravaged farmland across the nation and President Franklin D. Roosevelt responded to the national crises. From the darkness and uncertainty of unemployment, millions of men the country over were enrolled in the Civilian Conservation Corps, receiving uniforms, shelter, meals and the pride of public service.
The 2nd Wednesday of the month is the date chosen for the Friend’s Lecture Series at Fort Necessity where the CCC “Tree Army" made their camp and built a beautiful park that we enjoy today.
Further information is available by calling Fort Necessity at 724 329-5905. Fort Necessity is located 11 miles east of Uniontown on U.S. 40, the National Road.
-FoFN-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
