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Reviews
Milwaukee Journal | West
Bend Daily News State author to visit Rothschild LibraryBY AMY RYAN
ROTHSCHILD — During Great Depression of the 1930s, the federal government created the Civilian Conservation Corps, which put men to work planting trees in the nation’s depleted forests and improving state national parks, including Mountain State Park. Richfield author Mary Schueler details this work in her book, “The Soldiers of Poverty”, through the experiences of family. Schueler began researching the CCC for personal reasons. Her father, Mike Kerkes, joined the CCC in 1933, to develop state parks in Illinois and Wisconsin. After his death, she wanted to tell his story but had difficulty finding any information on CCC. “When I first started wanting to know more about my fathers service, I was appalled that there was so little in print,” Schueler said. She compiled the information into a book, which she will discuss Sept. 24 at the Rothschild branch of the Marathon County Library. Dee Bohn, the branch’s director, said Schueler’s book and upcoming visit have caught the attention of local residents.
“It’s very inspiring to see authors come and talk about books because it gives real substance to what they’ve written”, she said. “It’s real one-on-one contact between the authors and the readers. Schueller hopes her book and visit will help reignite interest in preserving the efforts of the CCC. “I want to pass along their legacy to the next generation, to the kids that will be preserving out rustic architecture.” she said. “My father really worked hard as a young person, and I would hate to have all of that lost in history.” |
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“A lot of people have already come in and said, ‘I remember
the CCC. My dad was in it or my uncle was in it,’” Bohn said. “I believe the visit will really have an impact.”