The Soldiers of Poverty

by Mary J. Schueller, Tashina Meyer (Illustrator), Sarah E. Smith (Editor)

This creative nonfiction story begins in Virden, Illinois and follows the factual events of the author's father, Mike Kerkes, before joining the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The narrative continues with Mike's friendships and his work in the hewing yard at Giant City Park in rural southern Illinois. After a reorganization of CCC manpower Mike is transferred to Company D-692 as a lead carpenter to help develop Copper Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin, where the men endured one of the coldest winters on record. A desperate cry for help from the U.S. Forest Service on Isle Royale, Michigan during the drought of 1936 sent Company D-692 to help contain the inferno that threatened the entire island from destruction. Conditions on the island soon forced ordinary men into circumstances in which heroes find themselves. The book concludes with a tribute to these men by their grandchildren and an update on the two state parks they developed that are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

329 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published June 23, 2006

Reviews

[Marieta Grissom · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a page-turner, non-fiction book. I enjoyed reading about the CCC guys, who, as it turned out, worked in two areas we have visited.

[Joellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best writing, but since I've always had a interest in the works of the CCC I found it to be a great historical read. It really explains the life and experiences of the young men who joined. It has many pages of actual menus, letters, ads, etc to bring history to life for the reader. I'm sure this was a work of love for the author to honor her dad and she succeeded in doing that. He sounds like a wonderful man Mary!