WPA built this pool house in the city park where I live...it has been transformed into a small water park for children.The Works Progress Administration (renamed in 1939 to the Work Projects Administration; WPA) was the largest New Deal agency, employing millions of people and affecting almost every locality in the United States, especially rural and western mountain populations. It was created by Franklin Delano Roosevelt's presidential order, and funded by Congress with passage of the Emergency Relief Appropriation Act of 1935 on April 8, 1935. The legislation had passed in the House by a margin of 329 to 78...
By March, 1936, the WPA rolls had reached a total of more than 3,400,000 persons; after initial cuts in June 1939, it averaged 2,300,000 monthly; and by June 30, 1943, when it was officially terminated, the WPA had employed more than 8,500,000 different persons on 1,410,000 individual projects, and had spent about $11 billion. During its 8-year history, the WPA built 651,087 miles of highways, roads, and streets; and constructed, repaired, or improved 124,031 bridges, 125,110 public buildings, 8,192 parks, and 853 airport landing fields.
As we drove around town my hostess pointed out places of historical notice. Many of the structures happened to be built by the WPA. Parks, schools, hospitals and the sort. The park structures are beautiful and continue to enhance the city where I live offering what people call scenic beauty and charm.
Across the country structures such as the ones built by the WPA dissentigrate before our eyes. I wonder what it will take to revitalize small towns and parks? Say what you will about "big government".... the WPA brought life to many corners of the country and left a legacy of thier work.
2 comments:
there was an interesting story on "history detectives" about all of the artists that were put to work painting murals.
there was an interesting story on "history detectives" about all of the artists that were put to work painting murals.
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