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Voorhees State Park |
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Voorhees, like Parvin State Park, served as a camp for the Civilian Conservation
Corps (CCC) - Franklin Roosevelt’s program to get people back to work during the
Depression. The CCC planted trees and constructed shelters, picnic sites and
trails throughout the park. Two overlooks provide scenic views of Round Valley
Reservoir and Spruce Run Reservoir.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) History at Voorhees
From 1933-1941 about one thousand young men worked at Voorhees and Hacklebarney
in a Depression-era federal agency known as the Civilian Conservation Corps. The
CCC was the brainchild of one of the 20th century’s leading figures, President
Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The agency had two goals: to give jobs to unemployed
young men, between the ages of 17 and 24 and veterans of World War I, and to
undertake thousands of conservation projects across the nation in parks, forests
and at historic sites.
When the CCC boys arrived at Voorhees in 1933, they found three relatively
undeveloped parcels of land. The park still reflected Governor Voorhees’ use of
the property as a farm including pastures, woodland, barns and an apple orchard.
By the time the CCC boys were finished working eight years later, under the
supervision of the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Army, they
had built the present-day road systems, shelters, latrines, visitor amenities,
and trail systems or major public access areas that still remain or are used in
different ways today.
Each CCC company had 200 men, although that number was not always maintained.
The CCC camp at Voorhees was initially known as Camp #20 or Camp Voorhees. Later
it was given the designation of SP#5 with Company 1268 assigned to it. SP
designated State Park and the company number coincided with the Army Corps
district.
CCC boys were paid $30 a month and $25 was automatically sent home to family
members or guardians for their support. The boys were paid $2.50 every other
week. For many enrollees at Voorhees, the CCC provided vocation and avocational
classes. The education program was known as “The School of the Woods” and
included job training, current events and access to a camp library.
The staff of Voorhees State Park continues to pursue learning about their CCC
history. All former enrollees or surviving family members of Company 1268 are
encouraged to contact the park office at 908-638-6969.
Additionally, in an effort to show our appreciation to the enrollees of CCC
Company 1268, Voorhees is planning to erect a life-sized bronze statue of a CCC
worker at the entrance of Company Street. This statue would commemorate the
outstanding work of the CCC throughout this great country during the years of
1933 to 1943. Contact the Voorhees State Park main office at 908-638-6969 to
learn more about how to be a part of this effort!
CCC history courtesy of
Peter Osborne, author
Images of America: Hacklebarney and Voorhees State Parks.
Observatory
In 1965, the New Jersey Astronomical Association built an observatory on land
leased from the state. The 26-inch Newtonian reflector telescope is one of the
largest privately owned telescopes in New Jersey. The public is invited to
explore the night sky at skywatching programs that are offered year round by the
NJAA. For further information, call (908) 638-8500.
Trails
Voorhees has 7 trails that are suitable for a wide range of abilities and
interests. All trails in the park are multi-use except the Cross Park Trail and
the Parcourse Circuit, which are footpaths only. The trails range from wide and
graveled to rocky and steep in places; the parcourse is accessible for people
with disabilities.
back
Camping
For forms and information on booking a campsite visit our: reservations page
These fees are in effect as of September 6, 2005
Campsites: 47 tent and trailer sites with fire rings and picnic tables are
available. Modern toilets and showers are within walking distance. Trailer
sanitary station is open April 1 through October 31. Campsites open all year.
$20 per night.
Group campsites: Two group sites; capacity: 50 campers each. Picnic tables, fire
rings, toilets, showers. Open all year. $50.00 per night.
Shelters: Three shelters. Cabin-like structures with wood stove for heat and two
double-deck bunks, which sleep up to four people. Sites include a fire ring and
picnic table. Open all year. $10 a bunk per night, based on the number of bunks.
To view a picture of the shelters click here.
Campground Map (Low resolution for viewing purposes)
Campground Map (High resolution for printing purposes) File
Size:1,763 KB
Picnicking
Several picnic areas with table and grills are located throughout the park. For
larger groups, we also offer three reservable picnic areas with shelters. Area
A, Area B, and Area C can accommodate 100 people each. They may be reserved for
a fee:
These fees are in effect as of September 6, 2005
$80.00 per day
Day After Labor Day to Friday Before Memorial Day
50 percent of Fee
Group Picnic Cancellation Fee
• Groups of 20 or more people shall reserve picnic facilities at least five days
in advance. Such group use is not permitted on Holidays except as authorized by
the Superintendent. Reservations for picnic areas are handled by the individual
park area offices.
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