Guided with a steady hand

Placing the Mother Neff State Park in its historical, cultural, and political milieu, Dan Utley and Jim Steely tell a compelling story of how people decided a particular tract of rural farmland was worthy of preservation as a place of refuge and recreation for the public. In doing so, the authors provide a microcosmic look at the Civilian Conservation Corps and its work in Texas. Central to the story is Pat Neff, Texas governor and university president, who guided the park's development, significance, and history with a steady hand reminiscent of the one who had carefully led him "from childhood to manhood.". Drawing from oral histories, and extensive archival records including correspondence, CCC camp newspapers, historical photographs, vintage drawings, and archaeological surveys, Utley and Steely tell the unique story of a New Deal-era park and the grand vision of a governor who was also the park's donor, benefactor, and promoter.