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Camp Copperhead, Forest Service CCC Camp NF-17, was established in July of 1935 and located in Pocahontas County near the mountain hamlet, Frost, WV. All CCC camps had certain unique characteristics, and this one was no exception. One cold wintry night the large wooden water tank that supplied the camp caught on fire. On Sundays, large crowds of CCC "Boys" and local townspeople would gather in Camp Copperhead to watch captured copperheads and black snakes in snake fight competitions. Well... until the higher CCC brass got wind of this past time.
In our CCC museum we have on display a sample of home-made soap made by the church women of Frost. Historically, it would not be significant, except it is very similar to the soap made by women of Frost in the 1930's and sold to the CCC back in the days of Camp Copperhead.
It has been said that every community-at-large around, or in the vicinity of any CCC camp realized a vital economic return of approximately $5,000 in cash, goods and services each month as a result of the support needs of these very productive CCC camps. Such was the gradual ground swell; the beneficial ripple effect across the Land in CCC locations, everywhere.
Contributed by: Robert Anderson, WV CCC Museum Association Author - Written on the Land
Photos and information contributed by Robert H. Lee, Enrollee from July 1935 - September 1937. Robert H. Lee West Virginia CCC Co. 3539, F-17, Camp Copperhead, served as the "home place" for Robert Lee from the ages of 18 - 20. He terminated his enrollment in September 20, 1937 to accept employment that will better his condition. Born in Newburg, WV he now lives with family in Stafford, VA. (Click to enlarge photos)
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