Dennis H. Cremin - Starved Rock State Park: The Work of the CCC Along the I&M Canal

The authors are indebted to many individuals and organizations for their assistance in the preparation of this book. The National Archives contributed CCC work reports and photographs. John M. Lamb, Director of the Lewis University Canal and Regional History Special Collection, and Special Collections Librarian Mary Ann Atkins shared their photo collection. Photographer John Voss provided contemporary photographs that document CCC structures along the canal route. CCC alumni Aaron Hill, Stephen Palco, and John Prazen supplied invaluable camp pictures. Local historian Mabel Hrpcha offered her photographic collection which broadened this investigation. We are beholden to Steve Potter for allowing us to feature his postcard collection of Starved Rock State Park.

John Daly, Director of the Illinois State Archives, sent us official state documents. Scholar Philip E. DeTurk offered information about camp newsletters. Julie Borden of Northwestern University, Theodore Karamanski of Loyola University in Chicago, Ann Keating of North Central College, Vince Michael of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Mary Tano of the Illinois and Michigan Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission, and Dr. James H. Cremin, provided timely assistance. Executive Director Rose Bucciferro of the Will County Historical Society lent her support and encouragement.

We value the oral history interviews with members of the CCC, including John Prazen and Melvin Keith Bost. Special thanks are due to Mickie Fisher and members of the National Association of CCC Alumni, Local Chapter 77, who shared insightful information. All the personal collections and memories inspired each of us who worked on the project.

The IDNR staff at Starved Rock State Park, especially Jon Blum and Toby Miller, generously shared their collection. David Carr, Hal Hassen, Joe Hennessy, Dan Bell and Jill Jackson lent their assistance throughout the process. National Trust for Historic Preservation staff Ann Hintze, Pat Chinderle, Bill Swanson, and Bette Nelson, assisted with the exhibit and public programs. University interns John Holevoet and Mary Sandgrin and volunteer Justine Lamb contributed their time and talents. Special recognition is owed to Judith Richardson for her assistance in proofreading and editing. The authors extend our deepest appreciation to everyone.

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STARVED ROCK STATE PARK HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

Beautifully situated along the south bank of the Illinois River is Starved Rock State Park. Less than 100 miles from Chicago, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors who walk along its trails, dine in its fine restaurant, and glory in its panoramic views. A hike up the sandstone butte or an exploration of any of the 18 canyons promises an exhilarating experience.

The Illinois River and its tributaries attracted the first people to this area. As early as 8000 BC Native American cultures thrived here. From 1500 to 1700, a number of Illiniwek, a confederation of many sub-tribes, lived here. One of these sub-tribes, the Kaskaskias, established a village with a population of as many as 7,000 along the bank of the Illinois River across from the current park. In 1673 French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette canoed up the river below the great rock. Marquette returned in 1675 to found the Mission of the Immaculate Conception, the regions first Christian mission, at the Indian village. In the winter of 16821683, the French built Fort St. Louis atop Starved Rock.

Starved Rock State Park derives its name from a Native American legend of injustice and retribution. In the 1760s, toward the end of the French and Indian War, Chief Pontiac of the Ottawa tribe was slain by an Illiniwek while attending a tribal council. According to the legend, during one of the battles to avenge his killing, a band of Illiniwek, under attack by a band of Potawatomi (allies of the Ottawa), sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Potawatomi surrounded the butte and held their ground until the Illiniwek died of starvation, giving rise to the name Starved Rock.

In the 1890s, private ventures at Starved Rock tapped some of the recreational potential of the site. Starved Rock was developed for vacationers, complete with a hotel, dance pavilion, and swimming area. In 1911 the State of Illinois purchased the site, making it the states first recreational park. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps placed three camps at Starved Rock State Park and began what has become a remarkable legacy of their labors.

All of the images are postcards and are provided courtesy of Steve Potter.

In the 1890s entrepreneurs capitalized on the charm of the natural features along the Illinois River by building Starved Rock Hotel. The hotel was later torn down. In the 1930s, the CCC built the present lodge on the bluff overlooking the river. ( c. 1905)

This was the entrance to Starved Rock. The site had long been favored for vacations because of its extraordinary beauty and the allure of its French and Native American heritage. ( c. 1915)

Park boats like these made short excursions on the Illinois River. ( c. 1909)

The paddle-wheeler, Lola , is depicted at the base of Starved Rock. The natural features of Starved Rock dominate this section of the Illinois River. ( c. 1910)

Within the eastern section of the park is Horse Shoe Canyon, long a popular destination. It is one of many with waterfalls cascading down to the rocky canyon floors. The canyons are cool, shady, and overgrown with ferns, vines, and flowering plants. ( c. 1910)

Formal trails and rustic bridges assisted these men in exploring the parks many points of interest. Explorers hiked to places with fanciful names such as Skeleton Cave or the Cave of the Winds. ( c. 1925)

This lookout from Wild Cat Canyon featured a view of the Illinois River.