The journey was completed by train at 5:00 p.m. on May 18th, the first duty and work being tent pitching and preparation of the first meal in camp. The following day was devoted to camp organization and the induction of local experienced men into the company. Befor the end of the second week barrack buildings had replaced tents and Army 5s the field ranges.

With two weeks of experience, the regulars or oldtimers welcomed the first group of rookies, 135 strong, on June 4th and these same rookies reported to Frank Boezinger, Camp Superintendent, for work on the project on June 5th. One day later the rookies experienced their first forest fire duty and acquitted themselves in a commendable manner.

Trail building, lookout construction, tree felling, and fire fighting occupied the time of the company. The major construction work undertaken during these early months was the work of constructing a cable suspension bridge across the Sacramento River at Camp Sims seven miles south of the home camp. This structure completed provides a passage twenty feet in width over seventy-five feet in length and thirty feet above the bed of the Sacramento. Of all steel construction, the structure is a splendid piece of work, a credit to the American youth who pioneered the CCC.

First change in command came on June 6th, 1933. Capt. Robinson relieved, returned to troops and First Lieut. Linn S. Chaplin, Inf-Res., assumed command. Records indicate that Lieut. Chaplin (now Captain) was the first reserve officer to command a company in the district. Lieut. Chaplin served as commanding officer until August, 1934, and was followed in turn by Capt. Thomas L. Edwards, CW-Res., who guided the destinies of the 978th until May, 1936. Capt. Edwards returned to civil life in May, 1936, and was succeeded by Capt. Frederick S. Curren, Sig-Res., who is still in command at the present time. (1939)

After a winter and a second summer at Castella, Camp Castle Crags was turned over to the State Park System and Company 978 began and completed its one move, a journey of seven miles south to Camp Sims. The move was made on October 23rd, 1934, and from that date to the present time Camp Sims has been the home of the company.

Company 978 has been a Bay Area outfit since its formation, over three-quarters of its personnel at all times calling San Francisco, Oakland and surrounding cities home. Coming from the same localities and the same schools, the group has been homogeneous. The average enrollment period for the company is over one year of service. Jordan Thompson, Senior Leader, dates his service from May, 1933. Three first cooks have been with the company over two years and eighteen months respectively. Our Mess Steward has been in the CCC kitchens since 1933 and in his present capacity eighteen months. Two and three years service records are not unusual for the enrollee members.

Taking part in all programs, the record of the company is good. Landscaping of the camp ground began under the supervision of First Lieut. G. L. Orth, Med-Res. The appearance of the camp grounds appeals to the new-comers and the majority are proud of their home.

The health record of Company 978 has also been constantly good. Our safety record is outstanding and is jealously guarded by the boys. Two minor truck accidents are the sum total of equipment mishaps. In both cases the enrollee driver was found blameless. No enrollee has ever been injured on a recreation trip and no enrollee has suffered a major injury on the work project or in camp.

The educational program has been consistent without being spectacular. Co-operation on the part of the high school faculty has made high school work and credits possible for all who care to complete their high school work.

Enrollee advancement records show a number of the boys taking regular part time service with the Shasta National Forest and several have chosen railroad work as a career at Dunsmuir, California.

The conduct of the members as a group in Dunsmuir has made it possible for them to make advantageous social and business contacts of value in that city.

Looking back over the past four years and more, we can accurately say: We are just another good outfit taking it all as we found it and leaving just a little bit better place than when we found it.

Present staff: Capt. Fredrick S. Curren, Sig-Res., Commanding; Capt. Walter J. Brown, Inf-Res., Adjutant; Dr. William E. Downing, CS, Camp Surgeon; Mr. Perry E. June, Educational Adviser; Mr. Neil Taylor, Project Superintendent; Henry Erhart, Foreman; R. McDonald, Foreman; Harold DeLemos, Foreman.

Major projects: Construction Sacto River steel bridge at Camp Sims, construction Sims lookout and road, construction Bradley lookout and road, Sugar Loaf lookout and road, improvement Toll House road to Trinity County, construction Everett Memorial Highway on Mt. Shasta, fire trail construction Northern Shasta and Eastern Trinity Counties.