Oakland Sites

New Deal federal works programs completed widespread infrastructure improvement projects throughout Oakland, Maine. Michael J. Denis's report "Some Tidbits of Oakland History" details the following: "Clyde G Blake, the new road commissioner, noted in 1934 that most roads were widened, 825 feet of stone base road was laid on Ten Lots Road, 3350 feet of state aid road was constructed on Fairfield Street, and 4000 feet of Rice's Ripps Road, 900 feet of Summer Street, and 800 feet of Fairfield Street were resurfaced. Hosea Ireland was back as commissioner in 1935. He noted 2950 feet of improved road on Fairfield Street, 900...

"The major accomplishment according to Superintendent Nickerson was the beginning of construction on a new elementary school, which would be named the John S. Tapley School, designed to replace the two buildings being used at that time. The new building was a Federal Public Works Project, which meant that 45%, or $29,250, of the $65,000 cost was paid by the federal government. The building committee of Francis Thwing, Marion L Tapley, Daniel M Marshall, Harold York and Harold Bridges, worked long and hard, coming up with a plan for a two story plus basement, 60 by 100 foot building of...