CPS Camp Number 004

Technical Agency: Soil Conservation Service<

Summary:

CPS Camp No. 4, a Soil Conservation Service base camp was located three and a half miles east of Grottoes, Virginia just outside of Shenandoah National Park. Mennonite Central Committee opened the camp in May 1941and closed it in May 1946. CPS men cleared pasture lands, stabilized gullied banks and performed other work to halt soil erosion.

CPS Camp # 4 Grottoes, Virginia

The Grottoes CPS Camp

Drawing by John Klassen, submitted by son Paul.

CPS Camp No. 4, Grottoes, Virginia.

Three men peeling potatoes. David Hess and two others sit outside the kitchen and dining hall.

Digital image, Photo #43. Box 1, Folder 8. MCC Photographs, Civilian Public Service, 1941-1947. IX-13-2.2. Mennonite Central Committee Photo Archive

CPS Camp No. 4, Grottoes, Virginia.

Civilian Public Service field work. Persons left to right (not including persons on truck): R.D. Rhodes, Jay Farmwald (night watchman), Lloyd Schlabach, ?, ?, Ernie Detweiler, ? Landis Martin, Linford Drupp. Christ Yoder and two others on the truck.

Digital image, Photo #35. Box 1, Folder 8. MCC Photographs, Civilian Public Service, 1941-1947. IX-13-2.2. Mennonite Central Committee Photo Archive

CPS Camp # 4, Grottoes, Virginia

Dressing chickens. Left to right: ?, Ammon Stoltzfus, Mary Emma Showalter (dietitian), ?, and Charles Walters. Outside kitchen and dining hall, preparing for camp meal.

Photo # 44. Box 1, Folder 85. MCC Photographs, Civilian Public Service, 1941-1947. IX-13-2.2. Mennonite Central Committee Photo Archive