The Civilian Conservation Corps, Part 2: Big Shoulders: The story of CCC Boy Michael Rataj.

On this week's episode of North Country History with Rob Burg, I am joined by Bill Jamerson, an award winning documentary filmmaker turned author and performer, to discuss the life and experiences of CCC Boy Michael Rataj. Mike came from poverty in Detroit and came of age in the wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the CCC changed his life. Both Bill and I knew Mike and heard his numerous stories over the years, and we share some of our own stories and thoughts on Mike.

Michael Rataj was the perfect representative of what the CCC did for more than 102,000 young men in Michigan and millions across the country. For many years Mike was involved with both the National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni (NACCCA) and the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni (MCCCA). Mike helped lead and organize the annual CCC Alumni Reunion that was held at Higgins Lake for many years, and was a volunteer and seasonal historical interpreter at the CCC Museum at North Higgins Lake State Park. 

In 1993 Bill Jamerson produced his film on the CCC in Michigan, titled "Camp Forgotten." Michael Rataj was a contributor to the film. In 2007 Bill published the historical novel "Big Shoulders" about the coming of age story of a teenager who joins the CCC. Mike Rataj was Bill's main inspiration for the story and many of Mike's own experiences were used in the book.

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For more Information:

For Information on Bill Jamerson, his programs, films, book, and CD: http://billjamerson.com/

For information on the CCC Museum, its hours and programs: https://www.michigan.gov/mhc/museums/hln-ccc

For further information on the Civilian Conservation Corps in the United States: https://ccclegacy.org/

For further reading about the CCC:

Apps, Jerry. The Civilian Conservation Corps in Wisconsin: Nature’s Army at Work. Madison, WI. Wisconsin Historical Society Press. 2019.

Hivert-Carthew, Annick. Proud To Work: A Pictorial History of Michigan’s Civilian Conservation Corps. Wilderness Adventure Books. 2006.

Rosentreter, Roger L. Roosevelt's Tree Army, Michigan's Civilian Conservation Corps. Lansing, MI. Michigan Bureau of History. 1986. (It is available online at: https://www.michigan.gov/mhc/museums/hln-ccc/ccc-in-michigan)

Schueller, Mary J. The Soldiers of Poverty. Richfield, WI. Rustic Books. 2006.

Sommers, Barbara W. Hard Work and a Good Deal: The Civilian Conservation Corps in Minnesota. St. Paul, MN. Minnesota Historical Society Press. 2008

Symon, Charles A. We Can Do It! A History of the CCC in Michigan 1933-1942. Escanaba, MI. Richards Printing. 1983. 

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