SALAMANCA — HistoriCorps, the nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving historic structures on public lands, is recruiting volunteers to restore a group of cabins originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, or CCC, in Allegany State Park.
The work is undertaken in partnership with the park and the New York State Park System.
Ryan Trail cabins are in the part of the park that was settled by Quakers. The farming of the early 19th century gave way to industry and associated activities such as lumbering. By the 1850s there were reports of sawmills appearing wherever there was running water. The advent of railways and later the car, brought more and more people to the area in search of rest and recreation.
In 1921, the New York State Legislature authorized the acquisition of 67,000 acres of land to form Allegany State Park.
The park was developed extensively between 1933 and 1942 when the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Works Progress Administration undertook the construction of roads, bridges, camping areas, trails and picnic areas. The CCC also carried out reforestation, riverbank retention works and improvements to wildlife habitat.
The Ryan Trail cabins, which date from that period, are now in a state of deterioration and in need of extensive work before they can be used again by park visitors.
HistoriCorps volunteers will re-roof 10 cabins in total, repairing and replacing siding, repointing stone fireplaces, rebuilding stone piers and rehabilitating windows and flooring. As with all HistoriCorps projects, field staff will train volunteers in the necessary skills. No experience is necessary. All tools will be provided. (Given the location, cellphone service is not guaranteed.)
There will be five consecutive project sessions in the summer of 2017, each one lasting a week, running from July 30-Aug. 25.
All are welcome. Those aged 14-17 must have a parent or guardian in attendance. A special welcome is extended to students and alumni of Alfred State College.
HistoriCorps will provide volunteers with lodging in the cabins themselves. Each cabin has two twin beds with mattresses, running water and electricity but volunteers will need to bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towels and toiletries. All meals are provided.
Volunteers provide their own transportation. Volunteers wishing to use RVs or their own tents must make arrangements with HistoriCorps ahead of time, as space is limited.
For more information about all HistoriCorps projects, or to register as a volunteer, contact Liz Rice, volunteer manager, at (720) 390-6085 or visitwww.historicorps.org. Students interested in earning certification through HistoriCorps Institute should contact Jamie Baird at jbaird@historicorps.org.
