Preliminary Inventory Of The Records Of The National Park Service
(Record Group 78)

Inventory

RECORDS OF THE BRANCH OF RECREATION, LAND PLANNING, AND STATE COOPERATION

The Branch of Lands, also known as Lands and Maps, was established in 1928 to investigate areas proposed as parks and to supervise land acquisition activities. On July 1, 1932, the name of the Branch was changed to the Branch of Planning, and supervision of land acquisition activities was transferred to the Branch of Lands and Use, a predecessor of the Office of the Chief Counsel.

In 1933 the Branch was put in charge of Emergency Conservation Work (Civilian Conservation Corps) activities in State and local parks. On January 15, 1936, it was also assigned CCC work in the national park areas, previously assigned to the Branch of Forestry. The Branch was also in charge of Work Projects Administration (ERA) projects; the recreational demonstration area program for the development of submarginal land as parks; the park, parkway, and recreation-area study, undertaken in cooperation with State and local governments to aid in planning the development of public park facilities; and for a time the U. S. Travel Bureau. During World War II it directed the Civilian Public Service program for conscientious objectors in national and State parks.

The name of the Branch was changed several more times: Branch of Planning and State Cooperation (1935), Branch of Recreational Planning and State Cooperation (1936), Branch of Recreation, Land Planning, and State Cooperation (1938), Branch of Recreation and Land Planning (1941), Branch of Land Planning (1942), Branch of Lands (1943), Lands Division (1947), and Land and Recreational Planning Division (1948). In 1950 the Division was divided into the Land Planning Division and the Recreational Planning Division. There have been later changes. In this inventory the name of the Branch of Recreation, Land Planning, and State Cooperation is used because most of its records in the National Archives relate to programs of the depression period and this name is most descriptive of its activities during those years.

Until 1938 the head of the Branch was designated an Assistant Director of the National Park Service. In that year his title was changed to Supervisor of Recreation and Land Planning. Later it was changed successively to Chief of Land Planning, Chief of Lands, and Chief of Land and Recreational Planning. Conrad L. Wirth was the head of the Branch during most of the period covered by the records described in entries 37-80.

37.STATE PARK FILE. 1933-47. 206 ft.

`There are general records, records relating to regional offices, and records relating to each State arranged in alphabetical order (including a section for parks in the Tennessee Valley Authority area) and thereunder according to the decimal classification system used for the central classified files of the National Park Service (see entry 7). Within headings and subheadings the individual documents are usually arranged chronologically. Comparatively few documents are dated after 1943.

Letters received, copies of letters sent, memoranda, narrative and statistical reports, accident and travel reports, minutes, procedural issuances, bulletins, press releases, directories, estimates, requisitions, purchase orders, contracts (invitation, bid, and acceptance forms), vouchers, inventories, photographs, maps, tables, charts, copies of periodicals and other publications, speeches, clippings, and other records relating to CCC projects supervised by the Service in state and local park areas.

38.PROCEDURAL ISSUANCES CONCERNING CCC AND CWA WORK. 1933-34. 2 ft.

Arranged in rough order by type of record or subject and thereunder for the most part chronologically.

Included are circulars, bulletins, orders, handbooks and supplements, press releases, and sample forms issued by the Park Service, the Office of the Secretary of the Interior, the CCC (ECW), the Civil Works Administration, the War Department, and other offices. There are also many mailing lists for individual items.

39.RECORDS OF DISTRICT OFFICERS AND INSPECTORS CONCERNING STATE PARK EMERGENCY CONSERVATION WORK. 1933-35. 5 ft.

Arranged by district and thereunder chronologically. For reports for the period after the districts were replaced by regions, see entry 40.

Mainly semimonthly and weekly narrative reports, some with photographs, clippings, and other illustrations.

40.REPORTS OF REGIONAL OFFICERS AND INSPECTORS CONCERNING STATE PARK EMERGENCY CONSERVATION WORK. 1935-36. 6 ft.

Arranged by region and thereunder for the most part chronologically. For reports for the district offices in existence from 1933 to 1935, see entry 39.

Chiefly monthly and semi-monthly narrative reports often with photographs, clippings, and other illustrations. Included are some reports by assistant regional officers and by technicians. There are reports for the original eight regions in operation before their consolidation in 1936.

41.PROJECT REPORTS ON CCC PROJECTS IN STATE AND LOCAL PARKS. 1933-37. 55 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State, thereunder by project number, and thereunder for the most part chronologically. Some reports for Hawaii and the Virgin Islands are at the end of the series. A list of projects for which there are reports is available in the National Archives.

Periodic (mostly bimonthly) narrative and photographic reports usually submitted by project superintendents. There are also summary reports and some special reports. In addition to a large number of photographs, some maps, plans, charts, tables, and other illustrations are with the reports.

42.NARRATIVE REPORTS CONCERNING ECW (CCC) PROJECTS IN NATIONAL PARK SERVICE AREAS. 1933-35. 16 ft.

Arranged for the most part alphabetically by State, thereunder by project number, and thereunder chronologically. Some reports are arranged alphabetically by area. Many of the reports were maintained at one time by the Branch of Forestry.

Mainly general progress reports, but some concern specific subjects and work programs. Most of the reports were prepared periodically by project and camp superintendents; but some were prepared by park superintendents, engineers, and others. Included are many photographs, maps, plans, statistical reports, tables, charts, and other illustrations. A few reports are dated later than 1935.

43.MANUSCRIPTS AND ILLUSTRATIONS FOR PUBLICATIONS CONCERNING EMERGENCY CONSERVATION WORK. 1933-38. 3 ft.

Arranged for the most part by name of publication.

Typewritten manuscripts, galley proofs, drawings, blueprints, photographs, and other records relating chiefly to three publications: Portfolio of Park Structures and Facilities, Portfolio of Privies and Comfort Stations, and Park and Recreation Structures. Copies of the first two are included.

44.RECORDS CONCERNING WPA PROJECTS. 1935-43. 3 ft.

There are general records, records relating to each region, and records relating to each State, arranged in alphabetical order and thereunder for the most part chronologically, except that sometimes records relating to a particular subject are together.

Included are letters received, copies of letters sent, reports, memoranda, procedural issuances, tables, lists, schedules, photographs, and clippings. The records relate chiefly to proposed projects.

45.PROGRESS REPORTS ON WPA PROJECTS IN STATE AND LOCAL PARKS. 1935-37. 2 ft.

There are reports for the following States in the order listed: Alabama, California, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. For each State the reports are arranged by project number and thereunder chronologically.

Periodic reports, chiefly monthly and bimonthly, submitted by project superintendents. Most of them are narrative reports with statistics, photographs, maps, clippings, and other illustrations included. Some routing sheets and correspondence concerning the reports are included.

46.RECORDS CONCERNING WATER MATTERS. 1936-49. 42 ft.

Arranged by subject, in large part according to a numerical system. Some records have been assigned decimal classifications (see entry 7). Many of the subject headings concern areas and projects and are arranged geographically. Within headings and subheadings the records are usually arranged chronologically.

Included are reports, many published or processed, letters received, copies of letters sent, memoranda, maps, tables, charts, schedules, minutes, notices of hearings, copies of legislative bills, procedural issuances, press releases, clippings, photographs, and copies of publications. They relate to water resources and facilities, recreation areas at reservoirs, river basin programs, water diversion, flood control, and the like. Many of the records relate to Bureau of Reclamation and Corps of Engineers projects.

RECORDS CONCERNING RECREATIONAL DEMONSTRATION AREAS

47.RDA PROGRAM FILES. 1934-47. 95 ft.

Divided into general records and records for each region. With the records for each region are records relating to the States in the region in alphabetical order and records relating to individual projects in the States. Thereunder arranged for the most part according to the National Park Service decimal classification system (see entry 7). Sometimes there are subject headings within decimal classifications. Some records are arranged by subject headings that are not assigned decimal classifications and some records are identified by Resettlement Administration classification numbers. Within headings and subheadings the records are usually arranged chronologically. Many records relating to land acquisition are in separate series (entries 48 and 50).

Included are letters received, copies of letters sent, memoranda, narrative reports, inspection reports, camp appraisal reports, project manager's reports, weekly tract reports, offers to sell land, land appraisal reports, acreage determination certificates, schedules of land recommended for purchase, reports on families residing in project areas, questionnaires, employment reports, accident reports, permits, procedural issuances, maps, plans, photographs, newspaper clippings, press releases, brochures, copies of publications, charts, lists, tables, notices of Presidential authorization, estimates, vouchers, and financial statements. There are some records transferred from the Resettlement Administration and a few records dated later than 1947.

48.RECORDS ON RECREATIONAL DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS. 1934-36. 2 ft.

There are reports for the following States in the order listed: Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Arranged thereunder by individual project. Some of the same types of records are among those described in entries 47 and 50.

Mainly preliminary reports and final plans submitted by field officials and technicians. Included are photographs, maps, plans, estimates, tables, correspondence, land appraisal reports, offers to sell land and other exhibits.

49.LAND PURCHASE CONTROL CARDS. 1934-36. 3 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State and thereunder by project number. The individual offer cards for a project are usually arranged in groups according to action taken on offers and thereunder alphabetically by owner. For the offers and other records submitted, see entry 50.

Cards for individual offers give name of owner, acreage, officer price, offer and tract numbers, expiration date, date of acceptance when applicable, dates of receipt and processing of offer and supporting documents, and occasional other information. Summary cards for projects are included.

50.RECORDS CONCERNING LAND PURCHASES. 1934-36. 7 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State and thereunder by project number. For individual projects the records concerning the acceptance of offers are usually separated from the offers and supporting documents. The former are usually arranged chronologically and the letter by offer or tract number or alphabetically by name of owner. Other records concerning land purchases are among those described in entries 47, 48, and 101.

Included are letters received, copies of letters sent, copies of correspondence of the Resettlement Administration, memoranda, notices of acceptance of offers, schedules of land purchase areas, offers to sell, options, appraisal reports, tract ownership data forms, plats, acreage determination charts and certificates, and recommendations of field officials.

51.PROJECT RECORDS OF THE PROJECT PLANNING AND CONTROL SECTION, LAND UTILIZATION DIVISION, RESETTLEMENT ADMINISTRATION. 1935-36. 4 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State, thereunder by project number, thereunder by a numerical subject classification system, and thereunder chronologically.

Included are letters received, copies of letters sent, memoranda, narrative and statistical reports, maps, applications for project numbers, budgets, and purchase orders for equipment relating to individual recreational demonstration projects. Other records transferred from the Resettlement Administration are among those described in entry 47.

52.NARRATIVE AND STATISTICAL REPORTS OF MANAGERS. Nov. 1941-Dec 1942. 10 in.

Arranged by month and thereunder usually alphabetically by area.

Reports concerning use of areas, construction, maintenance, inspection, fire protection, and other pertinent subjects. Transmittal letters and some maps, photographs, and other illustrations are included.

53.LAND TRANSFER RECORDS. 1943-50. 2 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by area and thereunder for the most part chronologically.

Included are letters received, copies of letters sent, copies of quitclaim deeds and bills of sale, certificates of acceptance, transfer of property forms, memoranda, maps, reference sheets for transmitted abstract and title papers, and control cards, all of which relate mainly to the transfer of recreational demonstration lands and improvements to the States, as provided by an act of June 6, 1942 (56 Stat. 326). There are also records relating to transfers of areas to other Federal agencies, as further provided by the act. A few records are dated earlier than 1943. Other records concerning these transfers are among those described in entry 47.

RECORDS CONCERNING THE RECREATION-AREA STUDY

54.CLASSIFIED FILES. 1836-47. 15 ft.

There are general records, which include records concerning the regions; and there are records relating to the individual States arranged by region and thereunder by name of State. Thereunder for the most part arranged according to a few classification of the Park Service decimal system (see entry 7), especially 207—reports and 601-12—recreational areas. Sometimes there are subheadings within the decimal classifications. Within headings and subheadings the records are usually arranged chronologically.

Included are letters received, copies of letters sent, completed survey forms, narrative reports, memoranda, maps, charts, tables, schedules, photographs, clippings, copies of publications, procedural issuances, press releases, and estimates. Comparatively few of the records are dated after 1942. For maps maintained apart from the textual records see entry 149.

55.MONTHLY REPORTS. 1936-41. 2 ft.

Arranged by region and thereunder chronologically.

Narrative reports concerning recreation study and planning activities submitted by regional supervisors, State supervisors, assistant State supervisors, recreation planners, recreational specialists, and park planners. Tables, schedules, charts, and other illustrations are often included; and there are some transmittal letters and other correspondence. Most of the reports are for 1937 and 1938. For reports maintained in Region I see entry 98.

56.RECORDS CONCERNING COMPETITIVE RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT. 1935-40. 1 ft.

Arranged for the most part alphabetically by State and thereunder chronologically. Sometimes records concerning several neighboring States are filed together.

Included are reports, letters received, copies of letters sent, memoranda, maps, photographs, and clippings. The records relate to the investigation of possible duplication and conflict in the recreational development programs of different agencies, especially between Forest Service facilities and national and State parks.

57.REPORTS CONCERNING RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 1940. 6 in.

Arranged alphabetically by State.

Forms submitted by regional offices concerning individual Federal and State areas being developed under the supervision of agencies of the Department of Agriculture. They give information concerning location, ownership, character and extent of development, management, financing, and other pertinent subjects. Often maps and transmittal letters and sometimes narrative reports accompany the form reports.

58.MISCELLANEOUS RECORDS. 1935-42. 1 ft.

Arranged for the most part by subject and thereunder chronologically.

Included are reports, correspondence, memoranda, maps, photographs, charts, tables, copies of publications, digests of laws, and sample forms. Many of the records relate to special studies.

RECORDS OF THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION

The Development Division coordinated and executed policies affecting development programs for CCC and WPA projects, maintained conformity with established regulations and procedures, and prepared data and recommendation concerning project and job proposals.

59.NOTICES OF PRESIDENTAIL AUTHORIZATION FOR ERA (WPA) PROJECTS. 1938-42. 4 in.

Arranged by fiscal year and thereunder alphabetically by State.

Chiefly processed copies of notices for individual projects with some tables.

60.MEMORANDA SENT TO FIELD OFFICERS. 1936-42. 5 in.

Divided into several subject groupings and thereunder for the most part arranged by assigned number. A list of the memoranda for each grouping accompanies the records.

Processed copies of circular memoranda.

61.REGIONAL OFFICE MEMORANDA. 1936-41. 3 in.

Arranged by region number and thereunder chronologically.

Processed copies of circular memoranda sent by regional offices relating principally to CCC and WPA work.

62.RECORDS RELATING TO CIVILIAN PUBLIC SERVICE CAMPS. 1941-48. 6 ft.

There are general records and records relating to individual areas (including areas only proposed for camps). Thereunder, records relating to more specific subjects and particular kinds of records are often filed together. Within headings and subheadings for the most part arranged chronologically. Some records are designated by the 201 classification of the central classified files of the National Park Service (see entry 7).

Included are memoranda, correspondence, narrative reports, statistical and financial reports, estimates, allotment advice forms, manual and procedural issuances, tables, photographs, and clippings. Civilian Public Service camps, in operation from 1941 to 1947, were for conscientious objectors and the sites were usually old CCC camps. They were generally under the supervision of the Selective Service System. Religious groups were responsible for camp administration; and difference agencies had technical supervision of work projects. National Park Service projects included forest protection work and the preservation and maintenance of park improvements. Camps were established at Glacier, Great Smoky Mountains, Hawaii, Sequoia-Kings Canyon, and Shenandoah National Parks; along the Blue Ridge Parkway; and at Patapsco State Park in Maryland. Details were sometimes sent to other areas.

Records of the Project Application Section

63.GENERAL RECORDS. 1935-43. 3 ft.

Arranged by subject and thereunder usually chronologically.

Correspondence, memoranda, reports, procedural issuances, lists, tables, maps, estimates, sample forms, and other records relating mostly to CCC activities but also to WPA work and other matters.

64.INSPECTION REPORTS. 1934-39. 2 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State with some reports at the end concerning recreation use of reclamation projects and the amount of work needed to complete projects.

Chiefly reports of investigations of state and local park sites proposed for development under the CCC (ECW) program. There are also reports on work progress, investigations of charges, and other subjects. There are correspondence, photographs, maps, plats, clippings, and other records with the reports.

65.MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING CCC CAMPS. 1935-42. 3 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State and thereunder chronologically, except that there are usually separate records concerning requests for CCC development and occasionally concerning particular areas.

Chiefly copies. There are some reports, work program outlines, and other records. They relate especially to the establishment, continuation, and termination of camps.

66.RECORDS CONCERNING ABANDONED CAMPS. 1934-44. 2 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State and thereunder by camp number.

Form reports, correspondence, memoranda, inventories, invoices, and other records relating particularly to transfers of custody and disposition of buildings and equipment. There are records for both Park Service camps and camps of other agencies. Some records are dated as late as 1949.

67.CAMP PROGRAM MEMORANDA. 1933-42. 6 ft.

Arranged by period. Thereunder there may be originals, revisions, and annotated sets maintained by different officials. Individual sets are usually arranged alphabetically by State.

Originals and carbon and processed copies of memoranda sent to the Director of the CCC and returned with his approval. They contain recommendations from regional officers and inspectors, lists, tables, correspondence, and other records.

68.INTERIOR DEPARTMENT CAMP DIRECTORIES. 1938-41. 3 in.

Arranged chronologically.

Periodic lists showing the designations and locations of CCC camps and land development (RDA) projects under the technical supervision of agencies of the Department of the Interior. The name and party affiliation of the Member of Congress in whose district each camp was located are also given. Not a complete set. There are also two summary directories of CCC camps from the beginning of the CCC program to the time the directory was compiled.

69.ALL-SERVICE CAMP DIRECTORIES. 1933-41. 1 ft.

Arranged chronologically.

Periodic lists showing the designations and locations of all CCC camps.

70.ROAD MAPS. 1933-38. 1 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State.

Published maps distributed by gasoline companies and State governments with some other maps. On many the locations of CCC camps have been marked.

Records of the Work Control Section

71.FEDERAL PROJECT RECORDS. 1934-43. 48 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by area and thereunder usually divided into the following headings: correspondence, active jobs, completion records, work programs, and camp applications. Within headings usually arranged chronologically or by job number, as appropriate.

Letters received, copies of letters sent, memoranda, maps, blueprint plans, narrative reports, project application and accomplishment record forms, job application and completion record forms, job routing sheets, job application review forms, work program outlines, camp application review forms, camp applications, project sheets, estimates, justifications, and other records relating chiefly to CCC projects but also to WPA projects in Park Service areas, in the Territory of Hawaii, and in the Virgin Islands.

72.STATE AND LOCAL PROJECT RECORDS. 1937-44. 3 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by State and thereunder by project.

Included are job application and completion record forms, job applications review forms, notices of job clearance, work program outlines, requests for side camps, final CCC camp site liquidation inspection forms, blueprint plans, maps, specifications, bills of materials, estimates, justifications, memoranda, reports, and correspondence relating to projects in State and local parks in Texas, Utah, and Vermont.

Records of the Progress Records and Cost Analyses Section

73.RECORDS CONCERNING PROJECT PROGRESS AND COSTS. 1934-42. 3 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by subject and thereunder chronologically.

Included are memoranda, correspondence, statistical reports, financial statements, tables, schedules, procedural issuances, rosters, press releases, and sample forms. The records relate chiefly to progress and costs, on WPA, CCC, and RDA projects.

74.RECORDS CONCERNING STATISTICAL COMPILATIONS. 1935-41. 10 in.

Divided into three main headings: operations, reference, and tabulations. Thereunder the records are arranged by more specific subjects and thereunder for the most part chronologically.

Memoranda, correspondence, procedural issuances, tables, charts, statistical reports and summaries, maps, requisitions, purchase orders, and other records relating chiefly to the reporting and tabulation of statistical information on CCC work.

75.ECW WORK PROGRESS AND COST REPORTS. 1933-37. 3 ft.

Arranged alphabetically by area, thereunder by camp number, and thereunder chronologically.

Statistical reports for individual camps, chiefly monthly but also for other periods. The reports are for Park Service areas only; there are not reports for State and local parks.

RECORDS OF THE SUPERVISOR OF PROJECT TRAINING

The Supervisor of Project Training was in charge of developing and coordinating a training program for CCC enrollees.

76.GENERAL RECORDS. 1935-42. 8 ft.

Arranged by subject for the most part in alphabetical order. For some subjects there are subheadings. Within subject headings and subheadings the records are usually arranged in rough chronological order.

Included are correspondence, memoranda, reports, procedural issuances, press releases, training manuals and outlines, addresses, agendas, minutes, tables, charts, maps, photographs, clippings, copies of publications, requisitions, and vouchers. There are some records, mostly copies of publications, dated before 1935.

77.CORRESPONDENCE AND MEMORANDA. 1935-42. 6 in.

Divided into the following headings: Washington office, regional offices, territories, Director of the CCC, superintendents, and miscellaneous. Thereunder arranged chronologically. There are not records in all the categories for every year; and there are many other letters and memoranda among other records of the office, especially the general records (entry 76).

Incoming and outgoing letters and memoranda, mostly copies.

78.JOB OUTLINES. 1936-42. 2 ft.

Except for some examples at the beginning considered particularly well prepared, arranged alphabetically by kind of job.

Chiefly standard forms prepared by field supervisors. They describe the purpose of particular jobs on projects and on- and off-the-job training to be provided for them.

79.RECORDS CONCERNING "P. T. SERIES" PUBLICATIONS. 1936-42. 2 ft.

Arranged by series publication number.

Printed copies, drafts, correspondence, memoranda, photographs, drawings, clippings, periodicals and other publications (some dated before 1936), and other records concerning the preparation and distribution of the "P. T. (Project Training) Series" of booklets. Some related to technical subjects, such as carpentry, concrete, lumber, and truck driving; and others to general training policies and methods.

80.PHOTOGRAPHS. ca. 1937-41. 7 in.

Arranged alphabetically by subject.

Prints and negatives showing training and work activities, work products, and personnel. Other photographs are with the general records (entry 76) and with the records concerning "P. T. Series" publications (entry 79).