"In 1935, at the age of seventeen, I decided to sign up in the Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.). This was a program set up by President Roosevelt to create jobs for young men all across the country. The government paid teenagers thirty dollars a month, twenty-two of which went home to their families to ease the pain of the depression. This was my chance to get away from all of the problems at home and still be able to help provide for my family." --Dominick Gadamowitz On March 21, 1933 President Roosevelt issued a message to Congress calling for the creation of "a civilian conservation corps to be used in simple work not interfering with normal employment, and confining itself to forestry, the prevention of soil erosion, flood control and similar projects." He estimated that as many as 250,000 men could be provided jobs by the summer. ( footnote)

Recruits Wait in Line Location: Philadelphia, PA Date: 1940 Agency: CCC Credits: unknown Source: NARA (SPB) Enlarged Image Description: None Available.