During the early years of the existence of Letchworth Park there was very little growth. The first impetus for growth came in the thirties when the famous Civilian Conservation Corps (see the "Civilian Conservation Corps") was utilized by the State of New York,as well as many other states, to construct improvements to the property for the enjoyment of the public. In the early days tent camping, for instance, was done at "Chestnut Lawn" where the area known as Group Camping is now, and later at St. Helena.

By far the biggest single effort that enlarged Letchworth Park was acquisition of the land for the Mount Morris flood control dam. It is interesting to note that a huge tract of land within the park is owned by the Federal government and managed by the Corps of Engineers. The Corps gave the State of New York a 99 year lease on the land not directly utilized for the dam and its functions (known as the Federal Reservation). Within the gorge any land below 760 feet above sea level is owned by the federal government. When the river floods the land under water is federal land and extends up-stream all the way to the base of Lower Falls.

Then in the 1960 Land Acquisition Bond Act, passed by the voters of New York, land was added to Letchworth along River road in the Livingston County, and in the north end near what is called the North, or Mount Morris Entrance.

Growth in facilities that are most apparent to the visitor would include the High Banks Tent & Trailer Camping Area and the entire complex at the north end of the park. This includes the Gordon W. Harvey Swimming Pool, the three picnic pavilions, comfort stations and parking area. At one time a central building was a concession stand but that was diverted to office type use when it was unproductive as a concession. These improvements came in the 1960's.

Tom Breslin