Civil Works Administration (CWA) Sites

"Beginning late in November considerable work was accomplished with Civil Works Administration forces employed on forestry work in the Wachusett, Sudbury and Distribution sections."

The local high school received a $15,000 CWA football stadium in 1934. The stadium is not located on the school property, but rather a few blocks away in Wallace Park. While the site no longer functions as a football stadium, the stone bleachers are still standing, and now overlook two baseball diamonds.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) and its successor, the Works Progress Administration (WPA), both engaged in improvement projects at the old Walter Reed General Hospital (as it was then known).  The entire army medical complex, covering around 80 acres, was closed down in 2011 and Walter Reed Army Medical Center  (as it came to be known) moved out to Bethesda MD.    The former site has been repurposed as the Children's National Hospital and a huge mixed commercial and residential development, The Parks at Walter Reed. CWA crews painted buildings, planted trees, and helped build an elevator shaft at the center...

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) began and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) completed improvement work at the former Wardwell Field airport. The airport, which was six miles north of Casper, is no longer extant; the former airport property is now the site of the town of Bar Nunn. Casper Star-Tribune: "The largest of all work relief projects was the new airport and runways at Wardwell field, completed at a cost of $93,357, itemized as follows: CWA, $46,809; ERA, $12,710; county, $33,838. Wardwell field six miles north on the Salt Creek highway ... The project included construction of an ample,...

"Washington Crossing Historic Park is a 500-acre site operated by The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission in partnership with the Friends Of Washington Crossing Park. The park is divided into two sections. One section of the park, the "lower park," is headquartered in the village of Washington Crossing located in Upper Makefield Township in Bucks County, Pennsylvania..." (Wikipedia) The WPA and CWA did extensive work on Bowman's Hill and the surrounding area: "During the mid 1930s there were approximately seven major improvement projects completed at Bowman's Hill under the Civil Works Administration and Works Progress Administration of the New Deal under President...

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) expanded Washington Park in Laramie, Wyoming.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) developed Washington Memorial Park in Guernsey, Wyoming. "In Guernsey, Washington Memorial Park was fenced, graded and given sidewalks and water mains." There does not presently appear to be a park by this name in Guernsey; the site and status of this project is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) constructed what was then known as the V.F.W. Pool at George Washington Park in Casper, Wyoming, in 1934. Work relief labor conducted additional development work at Washington Park. Casper Star-Tribune, March 3, 1935, discussing work relief projects from 1934: "Within the park is the Veterans of Foreign Wars' swimming pool and dressing-room building, the latter requiring an outlay of $15,978 last year." The status of the facility is unknown to Living New Deal.

The Washington Park Zoo is thought to be the only zoo completely designed and landscaped by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) and its predecessor agencies (FERA – Federal Emergency Relief Administration, and CWA – Civil Works Administration.) It spans across 15 acres on a hilly sand dune in Michigan City, IN, close to the southeastern tip of Lake Michigan and to this day houses more than 220 animals of 90 different species from around the world. Planning for a zoo board first began when Albert R. Couden was appointed city manager in 1928. He hoped the zoo would work as a...

In 1934 the Civil Works Adminiistration (C.W.A.) and Emergency Relief Administration (E.R.A.) conducted the following improvement work along part of Washington St. in the City of Barre: The street was widened, graded, drained, slopes sodded and granite retaining walls built. The W.P.A. removed disused street car rails from the street in 1938.

Delaware utilized substantial federal resources in developing and improving its road network during the Great Depression. Among the dozens of projects undertaken by the federal Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) during 1934 was construction along Washington Street in Wilmington. According to Delaware's Annual Report of the Chief Engineer State Highway Department, 1934: The work was carried on throughout the State, and consisted largely of clearing and grubbing, ditching, grading, sodding, construction of sidewalks, building of masonry culverts and bridges and the re­ pairing of dikes along the banks of the Delaware and Christian Rivers. An average of 1,410 were put to work each week...

In 1936 Work: A Journal of Progress reported that in 1933-34 the Civil Works Administration (CWA) relief workers constructed 245 feet of seawall at the Sewer Division property yard and a cable shed at the garage. The exact site was not specified. Nevertheless, the Water and Sewer Authority (then known as the Sewer Division) owns a large waterside property at the foot of First Street on the Anacostia River that would be a likely place for such a seawall.  This is further confirmed by a later report in Work: A Journal of Progress that the Works Progress Administration (WPA) was soon...

Municipal reports from Nashua's local governments documented extensive New Deal work on the cities water and sewer systems during the 1930s: 1933 Mayor Alvin Lucier reported: "As we take over the reins of government today, we do so with abiding faith that it shall continue its progress. Such is the pledge that we make to the people who have chosen us as their representatives. Although he was against mortgaging our city's future by bond issues, Mr. Sullivan saw a duty to co-operate with President Roosevelt's program started last summer, when the federal government provided over three billion dollars for public works in...

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) constructed 3,100 feet of water mains in Hopkinton, Iowa: "bout 500 feet near the school, a 300-foot extension just south of the business section and several blocks running east to the water tower ... In this latter stretch it was necessary to dynamite solid rock the entire depth of the ditch for 300 feet."

Two New Deal work relief programs: the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) were responsible for a massive project to improve and expand the water supply for Asheville. In addition to a dam and accompanying facilities at the North Fork / Burnett Reservoir, the project included extensive pipe work. Asheville Citizen-Times: "Begun Under CWA In 1933, Resumed By FERA In 1934 With completion of the North Pork water line project by forces of the North Carolina Emergency Relief administration recently, the supply of water from the North Fork watershed has been doubled. The project consisted of the removal of eight...

Rebuilding the water supply system was part of the massive amount of public works projects undertaken in this small industrial city. In the winter of 1993/34, under the Civil Works Administration, the Mayor said "work was accomplished at great odds, inclement temperature, ground frozen to a depth of over four feet in some places. Let me, very briefly, tell you what work was accomplished: 4100 feet of six inch water pipe was laid on Sabattus Road. 8500 feet of six inch was laid on Webster Road. 600 feet of six inch water pipe on South Avenue. 4400 feet of eight inch water pipe at Barkerville,...

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) conducted projects to extend the water system to places not previously served by said, in Boone, North Carolina.

The Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) constructed water mains in Maynard, Massachusetts, including along an 850-foot stretch of Parker St. in 1934. It and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (F.E.R.A.) conducted repairs at the town's pumping station that year. Work was continued in subsequent years by the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.).

In 1934 the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) completed a Civil Works Administration (CWA) to dramatically expand the capabilities of the water supply system for Tazewell, Virginia. The project included laying seven miles of six-inch water line. Plans also called for construction of a permanent reservoir.

Ashland's water system was greatly expanded during the 1930s as a result of federal assistance. Work included: High St.: The federal Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) extended the water main system along High Street in 1933. The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) constructed wells there in 1935. Union St.: The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) extended the water system along Union St., E. Union St., and W. Union St. starting in 1935. Metropolitan Ave. (W.P.A., started 1935) Olive St. (W.P.A., started 1935) Cedar St. (W.P.A., 1937) Tri St. and Eliot St. (W.P.A., 1937) Prospect St. (W.P.A., 1937)

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) worked to improve the water system in Clearmont, Wyoming. Cassity: "At Clearmont, the water main was repaired at the same time the streets were resurfaced, and the laying of four hundred feet of water pipe on Big Horn Avenue improved the water pressure for the residences." It is unclear whether this refers to a project in Sheridan, as there is a Big Horn Avenue in Sheridan though not in Clearmont. Cassity refers to a similar project in Sheridan in the subsequent sentence.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) improved the water system in Greybull, Wyoming. Cassity: "As for running water, Greybull's experience was repeated at a number of other communities. CWA workers replaced a wrought iron water line on Third Avenue with cast iron pipe and replaced 2,200 feet of pipe on Greybull Avenue: “This change of pipe was badly needed and the change of pipe has helped to greatly improve the Greybull Water System."

Cassity: "In Jackson, Mayor C. W. Huff put workers on an ambitious project to expand and supplement the town’s water system."

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) worked to improve the water system in Sheridan, Wyoming. Cassity: "Sheridan installed a new water main on the north side of town, replacing 2,650 linear feet of 4 inch wood pipe with 6 inch cast iron pipe, and noted with satisfaction the result: “improving water system and providing employment for needy citizens.”" In the previous sentence Cassity identifies this as an accomplishment of a similar CWA project in Clearmont: "the laying of four hundred feet of water pipe on Big Horn Avenue improved the water pressure for the residences." It is unclear whether this refers to a...

A stone airport hangar at Watertown Regional Airport in South Dakota was constructed by the federal Civil Works Administration (CWA) during the Great Depression. The exact location and status of tis structure is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

The historic Liberty Grove school was constructed 1934 by architect James Manly Spain in a one-story Colonial Revival style. CWA funds provided $22,000 toward the $32,000 school building. The award for the construction contract was to be submitted by the CWA board. In 1939, the Liberty Grove school was part of PWA project W1183 to fund construction and improvements for five Hinds County schools. Liberty Grove school received funding to construct a gymnasium and four additional classrooms. A bond issue for $21,000 was set for October 18, 1938 and approved. PWA funds for all five schools was $151,986 loan toward...

In 1933-34, Civil Works Administration (CWA) relief workers did flood mitigation work on the Watts Branch of the Anacostia River,  “lowering the stream bed in some sections, straightening out bends and clearing away debris to increase the rapidity of the run off of water.” (Work 1936) Several years later, in 1940, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) returned to the site for additional improvements: “The District WPA has resumed work on the storm water flood elimination project at Watts Branch, near Minnesota Avenue and Hunt place northeast…" (Washington Post, May 10, 1940). Not all such channelization of the time was wise.  Work is...

The Civil Works Administration (CWA), the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), and the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) supported the construction of welfare housing in Houlton ME between 1933 and 1935. Excerpts from the Annual Town Reports, Houlton Maine: 1933 Partial Cost of Houses Constructed For Welfare Department 13 people involved and the Houlton Planing Mill $1,337.83 Welfare Department – Labor Expenses 41 men employed as laborers $1,525.00 paid from R.F.C. Account. ADMINISTRATION Besides the High School lot, the Chairman personally supervised the building of six small houses which were occupied when built by those unable at that time to own or rent homes. Report of Federal Activities...

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) supplied labor toward the following project in Golovin, Alaska: "A road is being built to a well half a mile out of Golovin and the well is dug deeper and larger. It is hoped that this well will prove a better source of water than has even been here before." The location of this project is currently unknown to Living New Deal.

Delaware utilized substantial federal resources in developing and improving its road network during the Great Depression. Among the dozens of projects undertaken by the federal Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) during 1934 was construction along Welsh Tract Road in Newark. An average of 1,410 were put to work each week during 1934 as a result of the CWA’s road, sidewalk, bridge, and other related infrastructure efforts in Delaware.  

Delaware utilized substantial federal resources in developing and improving its road network during the Great Depression. Among the dozens of projects undertaken by the federal Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) during 1934 was construction along West Avenue in Holloway Terrace, northeast of New Castle. According to Delaware's Annual Report of the Chief Engineer State Highway Department, 1934: The work was carried on throughout the State, and consisted largely of clearing and grubbing, ditching, grading, sodding, construction of sidewalks, building of masonry culverts and bridges and the re­ pairing of dikes along the banks of the Delaware and Christian Rivers. An average of 1,410...

The West Bethel School was one of several schools that were improved with Civil Works Administration (CWA) funds in Bethel. The work consisted of painting the interior and exterior of the building, and the labor was paid for the most part with CWA funds. The CWA expenditure was $1236.00. The West Bethel school building was moved a few feet. Today the school building serves as the West Bethel Children's Center. Excerpt from the Annual Reports of the Officers of the Town of Bethel: "1933 Superintendent of Schools Through the funds furnished by the Civil Works Administration milk has been provided each school day to meet...

Improvements were made to the Millbury, Massachusetts's old West Millbury School building and grounds with the assistance of federal New Deal funds. The old school, which also went by the name of Grass Hill School, has since been restored by the local historical society. The Civil Works Administration provided labor for a roof shingling project begun and completed in 1933. At the same time Federal Emergency Relief Act funds enabled other improvements at the school, such as the installation of concrete steps. The National Youth Administration conducted miscellaneous improvements at the school.

Delaware utilized substantial federal resources in developing and improving its road network during the Great Depression. Among the dozens of projects undertaken by the federal Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) during 1934 was construction along West Street in Wilmington. According to Delaware's Annual Report of the Chief Engineer State Highway Department, 1934: The work was carried on throughout the State, and consisted largely of clearing and grubbing, ditching, grading, sodding, construction of sidewalks, building of masonry culverts and bridges and the re­ pairing of dikes along the banks of the Delaware and Christian Rivers. An average of 1,410 were put to work each week...

In 1933-34, the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) carried out pavement repair and other unspecified improvements to a long segment of West Virginia Avenue NE, from Mount Olivet Road to New York Avenue.   The road was paved with “temporary material consisting of broken-concrete base, broken stone, and slag. These large aggregates are choked with smaller material, and an application of asphaltic cement completes the operation. This construction forms a very good temporary roadway.”   The work is likely still extant, but paved over several times since then.    

Multiple school buildings in southeastern Vermont were improved with federal Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) funds and labor. Athens/Jamaica town report, 1933-4: At present there are four different jobs under the C. W. A. either going on or finished. At South Wardsboro the school house has been shingled and a new chimney built. At West Wardsboro one side of the school building has been shingled. At Athens running water is being piped to the school. In South Newfane the school building has been moved farther back from the road and is being completely remodeled. The labor for all these projects is provided...

In 1935-36, Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) carried out repairs to a half-mile segment of Western Avenue, from Wisconsin Avenue to Fessenden Street.   The road was paved with “temporary material consisting of broken-concrete base, broken stone, and slag. These large aggregates are choked with smaller material, and an application of asphaltic cement completes the operation. This construction forms a very good temporary roadway.”   The work is likely still extant, but invisible beneath subsequent repaving.  

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) undertook a project "painting the building on Delaware street wharf"—a city-owned facility—in New Castle, Delaware, starting Jan. 1934. The facility appears to be no longer extant.

The Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) and Federal Emergency Relief Administration (F.E.R.A.) supplied labor for Maynard town projects White Pond in 1934. In addition to planting trees, workers cleaned its banks of brush and dead wood, and cut wood for other purposes. White Pond, an important component of Maynard's water supply system, is physically split among Hudson and Stow townships. Work was continued by the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.).

Construction on White Rock Lake began in 1910 in response to a water shortage in Dallas. The City of Dallas dammed White Rock Creek in 1911 and built a water processing plant. White Rock Lake was the city’s main source of drinking water until a bigger lake was built in Lewisville, Texas in 1929. The City of Dallas transferred ownership of the land surrounding White Rock Lake to the Park and Recreation Department. The Park and Recreation Department started developing the 1,254 acre White Rock Lake Park in 1930. One of the first projects was stone picnic tables. Next to these...