Who were the men serving at Camp Mercer?

Map of enrollee home towns

For many enrollees, Camp Mercer was a huge departure from their previous life, and they were a bit naive regarding their new surroundings. 

Statistics tabulated by Camp Mercer Educational Department in April of 1935, from approximately 180 men in camp. Camp Nationalities:

• German 58
• Dutch 4
• Polish 27
• Finland 4
• Irish 17
• Scottish 3
• French 14
• Welch 2
• Norwegian 11
• Russian 2
• English 8
• Belgium 1
• Swedish 7
• Swiss 1
• Italian 6
• Spanish 1
• Bohemian 5
• Indian 1
• Danish 4
• Unknown 1

Cigarettes: 133 enrollees smoked, preferring Camels, Chesterfields and Lucky Strikes. “And strange as it may seem, there are 45 men in camp, who do not smoke at all.” 

Bill Summers (lower right) and Camp Mercer project leaders, 1939

Enrollee planting trees

Lunch break during field work

The enrollees had daily chores, including laundry.