Roger "Hillbilly" Bryant interviewed by David W. Benavitch

Creator:
Bryant, Roger W., Sr. (Roger William), 1915-1999 and Benavitch, David W.
Scope and content:

Records the recollections of Roger "Hillbilly" Bryant, Conservation Corps enrollee and cook at Camp 8, Lyndhurst/Sherando Lake, Virginia from 1934-39. Describes work in the coal mines of Southwest Virginia, impact of Depression on family; and learning about the CCC. Recalls CCC enrollment process, stay at Fort Meade, Maryland, and transfer to Camp 8. Mentions early days at the camp site: road construction (Howardsville Turnpike, Campbell Mt. Rd., Coal Rd.) cutting trails (Bald Mt. Tower); setting boundary lines using barbwire; and hauling rock. Describes in more detail experiences as a cook: use of coal stoves, 5-6 man crews; different mess halls (for Army officers, Forest Services, and enrollees); particular dishes, the warm table (i.e., buffet style dining); and attendance at a cook and bakers school at an Army base in Pennsylvania). Talks about "deployed" units which were maintained in more remote areas for purposes of trapping and recording game movement. Mentions recreation/off-times at the Camp and in Waynesboro (swimming at the Lake and boxing; entertainment by a CCC string band which regularly played in Harrisonburg on Saturdays at WSVA, the local radio station). Talks about individuals he met and various stories/experiences associated with them (the "local experienced men;" the commanders; also the pet mascots incl. a dog and two bear cubs). Recalls various nicknames men were known by, incl. his own. Mentions several situations related to moonshining: hiding a car which was used for storing and transporting whiskey, and a major fire at Big Priest Mt. which was caused by a still catching on fire. Talks about various friends who met their wives at the Camp and his own discharge after marriage. Reminisces about the impact of the CCC on his life and training which led to his job as a cook in the Navy during World War II. In general, records his experiences and impressions of five plus years as a CCC participant at a camp which later became a part of the national forest recreation system.

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Parent restrictions:
Collection open to research. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.
Parent terms of access:
The copyright interests in this collection have not been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk (library-special@jmu.edu).

Contents