Thanksgiving 2024 - Bastrop State Park
In 2011, there was a devastating wildfire in Bastrop State Park. Heroic efforts by firefighters
saved the cluster of cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. This was the first
time that these cabins caught my attention and ever since then, I wanted to stay in one. Well, the
time finally arrived. We reserved one cabin that sleeps 5 and immediately learned that our son, Mark,
and his whole family would be there. Luckily, we were able to reserve the one next door and
all four of our children and the three grandkids were set to spend three days together. No TV
or other distractions, just endless board games, big breakfasts together, outdoor hikes. So much
to be thankful for with our whole family.
Most of the gang - Phillip became ill after a few hours and had to return to Houston
Playing Uno
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| A lasting legacy |
Oldest and youngest Kissells
Scenic Lookout built by the CCC
Our eldest and youngest offspring
Walnut mantel carved by CCC workers
Unfortunately, a burn ban was in effect so the fireplace could not be used.
These three are clever AND the best!
farkleberries growing along the Farkleberry Trail
Snag left after the 2011 fire
There has been quite a bit of regrowth in the park over the past 13 years.
Over the years in our travels and camping trips, we have encountered numerous CCC
structures around the country. We have recently read a few books about the work of the CCC
and will be paying more attention to their legacy in the future. The structures were so well built
using local materials that they are still in use. Most were built using plans drafted by National
Park Service architects.
Suggested Reading:
Brandimarte, Cynthia. Texas State Parks and the CCC: The Legacy of the Civilian Conservation
Corps. Texas A & M University Press, 2013
Pearson, P. O'Connell. Fighting for the Forest: How FDR's Civilian Conservation Corps Helped
Save America. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2019
We spent the last few days of December camping at two state parks in northeast Texas - Eisenhower State Park on the south shore of Lake Texhoma and Bonham State Park. With weather turning colder, we returned to Houston on New Year's Eve.
Another Denison native son, Capt. Sully Sullenberger
A beautiful sunny day at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge
snow geese
Entrance built by the CCC
Remnants of water tower built by CCC, just 400 feet up the hill from our campsite.
Fannin County Courthouse in Bonham in early morning light, flags are at half-staff
for President Jimmy Carter
Rayburn served 24 terms in Congress and was Speaker of the House for 17 years.
While not born in Texas, his home is near Bonham.
Now a trip down memory lane . . .
Observation Tower built by CCC
Three-tier spillway built by CCC in Cleburne State Park, TX
Grandsons Caleb and Logan at the spillway on a camping trip a few years ago.
The travel itch is getting strong so we are eagerly looking forward to more camping trips to Texas State Parks and seeking out more CCC structures. More to come in 2025!
