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John Baker, CCC Member, Tells of Film Star's Visit.
Salem (Ohio) News | Friday, January 5, 1934, pg 5.
A visit with Harry Carey, screen actor, camp routine and battles with the forest fire which recently caused millions of dollars in damage to California forests are related in a letter received by Miss Marion Baker, Salem R.D. No. 2, from John A. Baker, Salem boy who is a member of the Citizenship Conservation Camp [sic; Civilian Conservation Corps camp] at Bear Canyon, Saugus, Calif.
Members of Baker's company entertained Carey, famed western and character player of the screen, and were, in turn, entertained by him. Carey told of work in connection with the production of the picture, "Trader Horn," in which he played the title role, and also narrated other interesting incidents of screen-land.
The CCC lads stationed at Bear Canyon, Baker relates, have accomplished many things in a material way and the camp also has benefited the members greatly, physically and mentally. The youths have built 12 miles of truck roads, six [and] one-half miles of foot and pack trails, constructed eight miles of fire lanes and built three public camps.
In addition to this work, Baker narrates, the company has also done much work in its own camp and has brought it recognition as one of the outstanding camps in the Fort McArthur district.
Summoned to battle the devastating blaze on Mt. Lukens in La Canada, the boys were called to their fifth fire. This blaze burned continuously for three days and three nights and covered an area of more than 6,300 acres. Loss is estimated at more than $5,000,000.
Concluding his letter Baker says that "three months of our second enlistment are up. We're enjoying it here but we are certainly anxious to get back home."
News story courtesy of Lynn Baker-Hack, granddaughter of John A. Baker (subject of story).