The first meeting of the NACCCA North Carolina Chapter 175 was held Sunday, October 7, 2001, 11:30 A. M. at Camp Yonahnoka, Linville, N. C. with approximately eighty in attendance.
The Emcee, Jim Martin a life member of NACCCA from Linville Land Harbor, Newland, N. C, opened the Program asking for a few moments of silence to pray for our country. Jim read an article about the Civilian Conservation Corps entitled “Who Are We?”.
Rev. Joseph Miller, Pastor of the Pineola Baptist Church, Life member of NACCCA and Chaplain of our NACCCA North Carolina chapter 175 gave the Invocation and sang “God Bless America”.
The Avery County High School ROTC presented the “Colors” and Jim and Jennies High Country Blue Grass Band played “The National Anthem” and other patriotic songs.
Distinguished persons and dignitaries who were recognized are: North Carolina Senator David Hoyle, Professor Olen Cole from North Carolina A & T State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, Jim and Hugh Morton from Linville, N. C., Paul Rash, Dean of Mayland Community College, Newland, N. C., David Biddix, Marketing and Media Coordinator and Jon Wilmesherr, Interim Dean, Learning Resources Center and Distance Education from Mayland Community College, Earnest Hayes from Linville Land Harbor a former Blue ridge Parkway Ranger, served in top management for twenty-six years at Linville Land Harbor and is now helping maintain the L.H. Golf Course, giving his advice and help in many ways, Dr. Rick Garrett, Vice President of Instructional Services from Mayland College, Robert Winston’s grandson, Christ Brooks a Lifer, recruited five Life Members including Senator David Hoyle.
Professor Olen Cole was the guest speaker. His father served in the CCC and WW11. Professor Cole has written a book on African American participation in The Civilian Conservation Corps. His presentation was very informative, giving the history of African American Members and their accomplishments especially in the construction of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Professor Olen Cole has also researched the history of Civilian Conservation Corps in North Carolina.
Jim Martin introduced the Board of Directors: Robert L. Winston, founder of NACCCA North Carolina Chapter 175, Paul Eddie Rash and Stacy R. Davis. The newly installed officers of NACCCA North Carolina, Chapter 175 are Robert L. Winston, President, Paul Rash, Vice-President, Betty Olsen, Secretary and Gene Smith, Treasurer were also recognized. Samuel Gray, Curator at Mountain Gateway Museum and Service Center, Old Fort, N. C. Presented a display “Hard Times, Happy Days” describing the Civilian Conservation Corps era.
Jim and Jennie Vance entertained with “Jim and Jennies High Country Bluegrass Band” from Crossnore, N. C. Jim had two brothers in the CCC and Jennie had one brother in the CCC.
Lunch was provided by the Pat Ray Post VFW Ladies Auxiliary and members.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Olsen, Secretary
For more information on NACCCA Chapter 175, please contact us.
