The historical marker commemorating the Civilian Conservation Corps' work at White Rock Lake was plagued by delays.
But organizers say the four-year wait seems serendipitous now.
The marker was expected to arrive this week – just in time for a Dallas gathering of participants in the New Deal work program established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933.
About 35 members of the National Association of Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni are attending the national reunion at White Rock Lake, where CCC Company 2896 operated from 1935 to 1942.
The advocacy group For the Love of the Lake plans to unveil and dedicate the plaque at 10 a.m. today at Winfrey Point. The Texas Historical Commission approved the marker, which will overlook the nearby baseball diamonds where the corps' camp once stood.
Steven Butler, who wrote a book and maintains a Web site about the lake's history, proposed the marker to commemorate the corps and another documenting the lake's story, which will be installed later.
"Nobody really knows that there was a CCC camp at the lake," Mr. Butler said. "They did a great deal out there, and the thing of it is, we're still enjoying the fruits of their handiwork to this day."
CCC crews planted trees and built roads, trails and picnic areas around the lake. They built the Flag Pole Hill picnic pavilion, the East Lawther Drive entrance bridge, and Big Thicket, Winfrey Point and Sunset Bay recreation buildings, among other structures.
For the Love of the Lake volunteers restored the Big Thicket this year. They used photos taken during its construction to ensure historical accuracy.
"We're very proud of that," group board member Andy Watkins said at an alumni gathering Thursday. "And we're proud of following behind a great group like you all."
The Army used the White Rock barracks for soldier induction and training during World War II, according to Mr. Butler's research. The government incarcerated about 300 German prisoners of war there in 1944-45. The next two years, Southern Methodist University used the barracks for overflow student housing.
The buildings were demolished or moved by 1951. Two baseball diamonds took their place in 1954.
Today's activities, including history talks and tool demonstrations, continue until 4 p.m. The public is invited.
E-mail elangton@dallasnews.com
What: National Civilian Conservation Corps alumni reunion
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today
Where: Winfrey Point, White Rock Lake Park, 950 E. Lawther Drive
Cost: Free
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