Minnesota's Greatest Generation

Johnny Buskowiak's Footlocker

What's inside Johnny Buskowiak's footlocker?

A Civilian Conservation Corps member's footlocker was his home-away-from-home. This footlocker belonged to Johnny Buskowiak. Open it and explore!

Transcript

The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) began in 1933. The program provided jobs to young men in Minnesota’s forests and on farms. To qualify, a man had to be a US citizen between 17 and 23 years of age. They were paid $30 each month with the understanding that $25 would be sent home to help their families. CCC camps were run like military camps. Enrollees were issued uniforms and kept their few belongings in an army-style footlocker. This footlocker belonged to John Buskowiak who worked at the Plainview, Minnesota CCC camp 2709 and later at Lake City. Take a look inside!