Michigan based author Bill Jamerson will present a music and storytelling program about the Civilian Conservation Corps at the Warsaw Public Library at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5.

The program is free and open to the public. Jamerson’s program includes stories, a short video, reading excerpts from his novel and playing original songs with his guitar. Jamerson has presented his program at CCC reunions, and at CCC build state and national parks around the country. The stories he tells are about people both ordinary and extraordinary; stories of wit charm and strength. This year marks the 80^th anniversary of the CCC.

The Civilian Conservation Corps was a federal works program created by President Franklin Roosevelt in the heart of the Great Depression. During its nine year run from 1933 to 1942, over two and half million young men between the ages of 17 and 25 years of age enlisted across the country. They were known as “Roosevelt’s Tree Army” because they planted over 3 billion trees nationwide. The enrollees lived in work camps located far from towns and were paid a dollar a day. A total of $25 a month was sent home directly to their families.

Some of the songs Bill performs include Chowtime, a fun look at the camp food, City Slicker, which tells of the mischief the young men get into in the woods, Borrowed Mom, is the story of an orphan who finds a mother and Tree Plantin’, Fire Fightin’ Blues tells of the hardships of work. The folk songs range from heartwarming ballads to foot stomping jigs. The stories and songs are as educational as they are entertaining, as honest as they are fun.

Jamerson has produced a dozen documentaries for Michigan Public Television, and recorded many songs on historical subjects. In his presentation, he shares stories he has picked up first hand from former CCC Boys he has met over the years. Audience members are encouraged to bring photo albums or other CCC memorabilia.

For more information and to register for this program please call WCPL at 574-267-6011 or visit www.warsawlibrary.org.