Education and Health Sites

According to Greenville's Record Argus the federal Civil Works Administration painted the interior of two schools in Titusville, Pennsylvania in 1934. More information is needed to verify the exact location of these projects.

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) developed school playgrounds in Keeline, Wyoming in 1933/4. Cassity: "School life appears to have been significantly upgraded by the CWA workers at schools in the towns and countryside alike. Playground facilities, often taken for granted, came now where there were none previously. At Keeline, five schools added playground equipment like teeter-totters, merry-go-rounds, and swings."

Youth employed by the National Youth Administration carried out rehabilitation work for Guayanilla's public schools. Through its student work program, the National Youth Administration provided work opportunities and helped Puerto Rican youth graduate high school and college. "By the spring of 1935 though, 20 percent of the nation’s twenty-two million youngsters remained out of school and either on relief or wandering the country looking for work. In 1937, the President stated: 'I have determined, that we shall do something for the nation’s unemployed Youth…' Beneficiaries would be all male and female youths aged 16 to 25 not regularly attending school." Excerpt from a...

Youth employed by the National Youth Administration carried out landscaping work for Ponce’s public schools. Through its student work program, the National Youth Administration provided work opportunities and helped Puerto Rican youth graduate high school and college. "By the spring of 1935 though, 20 percent of the nation’s twenty-two million youngsters remained out of school and either on relief or wandering the country looking for work. In 1937, the President stated: 'I have determined, that we shall do something for the nation’s unemployed Youth…' Beneficiaries would be all male and female youths aged 16 to 25 not regularly attending school." Excerpt from...

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) renovated a school in Cameron, Texas, ca. 1935. A 1935 Austin American Statesman article mentions the school renovations: "Milam county: Cameron Renovate school buildings and grounds In school district Federal funds, $16,136; sponsor's contribution $4085." The structure in question was likely the school built in 1920 in memory of C. H. Yoe.  

A few New Deal projects helped relieve the effects of the Depression in this very small coastal town. Population 135 (1930 census) Pronunciation of Arrowsic is Ah-row-sick. 1933 Repair of Schoolhouse (CWA) : town share $50 School Superintendent report “The re-modeling of the entrance to the North School room has made a wonderful change in the appearance of the interior of the building. The additional floor space is much appreciated when community events are held in the schoolroom. We take this time to thank the Senior League members for their generous donation of $40.00 to help in the expense of the project. A...

A December 1933 newspaper article reported that: “The public schools in Bingham will close Friday for a vacation of four weeks. All school activities have been postponed until after the recess. In accordance with the Civil Works program extensive repairs are to be made during that time. At the High school a crew of local men will have four weeks of work in remodeling the entire interior plan of the building. The Junior High room will be made into a larger main room by the removal of the dressing rooms. The English rooms will be made larger and painting and redecorating will...

The Civil Works Administration of Jefferson County employed women in a school clean up project 37-C-348-2. Excerpts from the Report on Civil Works Administration of Alabama Jefferson County Division: "The clean-up of Birmingham Public Schools and Public Buildings enabled the employment of white and colored unskilled women, and constituted cleaning of walls, dusting of walls, polishing furniture and brass, washing windows and woodwork, and various duties the principals of the schools could outline in order to create cleaner, healthier and more attractive schools, not conflicting in any way with any of the work outlined for the janitor or maid, such as mopping...

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) conducted a school repair project in Blue Rapids, Kansas in 1935. The project provided employment for 109 men.

From the Annual Report of the Municipal Officers of the Town of Bristol Maine: "Improvements on school grounds The Selectmen very kindly approved two special school projects under the Civil Works Administration. Under this plan marked improvements were made on the school grounds at the high school building and also at the Round Pond school building. This was in addition to the repairs made on school grounds in other parts of the town under the special appropriation granted at the last town meeting. Grounds We were all very much pleased to see the alders disappear last fall thru the work of the CWA. If...

In the 1935 municipal Town Report, the School Superintendent reports on WPA assistance: "It seemed right that if we were to have music again in the schools we should have a special room and equipment; the W.P. A. offer was too valuable to refuse; and we placed extra coal in the schools this year to be prepared... "Late in the fall W. P. A. projects were begun at the Village Schools. Mr. Fred Huntley supervised the work and Mr. Fred Hutchins had charge of the paint work. The inside of the Primary building including the music room has been painted three coats,...

The only annual town report available, 1933 mentions federal help for the small town of 1,112 (1930 Census) in rural Washington Country. "The appropriation suggested for repairs is to enable the town to take advantage of a C. W. A. project, already approved. Under the terms of this project, six painters and two carpenters will be supplied two days a week until the work is finished or until the time for the project expires. It is hoped to have all buildings painted throughout, to build a toilet at the grammar school and to take care of all other necessary repairs...

Among the Works Progress Administration (WPA) projects identified as completed in a Abilene Daily Reporter article from June 14, 1936 was "repairs on a ward school building" in Cisco, Texas. "Building repairs, including a new concrete foundation, painting and refinishing inside and outside, cost $12,299. Forty-five men were employed for five months." The location of this project is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

The 1934 - 1935 town report mentions Federal help in this island community of 349 (1930 population): "All school buildings have been cleaned and, under the F. E. R. A. project, both buildings have been shingled, and the outside trimmings at the Islesford school have been painted. It was hoped that under another project the interior of our schools could be painted and other necessary improvements made. It is possible that this may materialize later. In closing, I wish to heartily thank the superintending school committee and citizens for their support during the year." The town share was $606

The Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) provided funds and labor to conduct repair and improvement work to multiple schools in Danville, Vermont. "Work has been done on the Stanton, Harvey, North Danville, West Danville, Hill and Village Schools. All labor was paid for by the United States Government and one-third of the cost of materials was paid by the State Government. ... It seemed to be too good an investment to be wasted; repairs and improvements have been made which would have cost many times the same amount later."

1934 Report of Superintendent of Schools: "At West Farmington, Farmington Falls, Fairbanks School and the Red School, grading was done, the labor for which was paid by the Federal Government, but the material was furnished by the School Department. This is responsible for most of the deficit in the Repair Account. In addition to grading the grounds at the Red School, a new fence was built and the roof of the schoolhouse was shingled." The Red School House survived and was moved to the county fair grounds in 2007.

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) conducted a school repair project in Frankfort, Kansas in 1935. The project provided employment for 20 men.

The WPA allocated $2,390 for Harrison, Montana school building repairs in 1938.

The Works Progress Administration completed improvements and repairs for the Highlawn School in Highlawn. The work consisted of “painting and repairing school building, grading and cindering yard and construction of new porch.” The exact location and condition of this facility are unknown to the Living New Deal.

Schools were one of the many work programs that helped reduce welfare rolls in the depths of the depression in this industrial city. Out of $239,193.23 distributed by the Civil Works Administration (CWA), "Nearly all of our public schools have been painted and varnished 12 rural schools are also to be painted." The 1934 town report, under Federal Emergency Relief Project From Dec 1933 up to Feb. 1935 specifies the schools. "5. Painting and varnishing the interior of City Schools. Martel, Pettingill, Coburn, Frye, Dingley, Wallace, Jordan, and Lewiston High School. Exterior and interior painting of the twelve suburban schools, with general repairs such...

In the November 1, 1934 issue of the Independent Reporter, the community notes mentions that the Kew brothers were engaged in painting the Lincoln School building with the help of a CWA grant, both interior and exterior getting much needed work. Marilyn Sterling-Gondek of the Old Canada Road Historical Society, who helped Living New Deal locate the building, mentions that it was rebuilt in 1906 and used until 1960.

The Civil Works Administration (C.W.A.) provided funds and labor to conduct repair and improvement work to multiple schools in Peacham, Vermont. "Work has been done on the Ewell's, South Peacham, East Hill and Penny Street Schools. All labor was paid for by the United States Government and one-third of the cost of materials was paid by the State Government. It seemed to be too good an investment to be wasted; repairs and improvements have been made which would have cost many times the same amount later."

Much work was accomplished in the resort community of Rangeley (1930 pop. 1,472) by the New Deal in the improvement of education facilities and child support. 1933 FEDERAL AID FOR THE SCHOOLS Nursery School Project The Federal Government is paying the salary of the Nursery School teacher and is also paying for the dinners for these children. 15 children are now in attendance at this school. This school is provided for the children of those families who are on relief or eligible to relief. The Federal Relief Administrator has also loaned the Nursery School some blankets. Milk Project for Underweight Children The town is now...

According to town reports, needed repairs were conducted on the former school system of Searsport by CWA, FERA, & WPA. Of the school houses mentioned, only one on Mt. Ephraim St. survives as an apartment building. 1933 "There were three projects of grading school grounds entered under the C. W. A. which the Selectmen have engineered. This work will certainly improve the looks of the buildings and also make it possible for the children to play on the school grounds, instead of in the street. Much credit is due the Selectmen for the interest that they have shown in these projects. The...

Like other rural Maine towns, St. Albans got help with its one room school houses from the New Deal. "A substantial improvement in the physical condition of the school buildings has been made during the past year as the result of the W. P. A project. At the Village a new ceiling was put on and the interior of the building painted. The entrances were changed, making for much greater safety. The Five Corners, Merrill and Lang school buildings were painted on the inside and the Hopkins was painted an outside coat and shingled and the chimney topped out. A new...

According to local resident Sidney Winslow who was a worker on CWA/MERA projects on this small island community (population 1,843 1930), some work was accomplished on the school system. "1934 July 1. This new ERA project on the schoolhouses calls for new gutters on the Washington Building and two coats of paint. Two coats of paint on the White Schoolhouse and also two coats on the Granite Island School building also, general repairs on inside and out of the latter building. Repairs are being made on the ball ground and the school ground of Washington building. Fine followed by cloudy Sunday,...

During 1933 and 1934 much-needed repairs were undertaken to the school system. From the annual reports of the city of Waterville: 1933 "School Superintendent: Through the efforts of the city officials, funds from the Federal government have been made available for much needed work in the building that would otherwise have remained undone for many years. During the summer months the corridor, auditorium, and gymnasium walls and ceilings were cleaned and refinished with washable paint. Early in the fall the balcony was removed from the end of the gymnasium. This permits of a regulation basketball surface, 60 ft. long and 3-5 ft....

In 1934 the E.R.A. helped in a school repair project No. - 05 - 43 - BL - 01 "This year the Grammar Building had its three class rooms painted two coats. One of its chimneys was built higher so that the stove that keeps the toilets warm would have a better draft. The front of this building had two coats of paint, and some work was done on the foundation. All of the seats and desks at this building were refinished so that they are as good as new. The outside of the high school building had two coats of...

There was a PWA built school addition within the Doniphan school campus built in the mid-1930’s, however there is no evidence of that older school.  Surrounding the current schools, however, is this well-built rock wall that retains the plaque indicating that it was built by the WPA from 1936-1937. Most of the wall is in very good condition.  Portions have been removed for construction purposes on the northwest side.

The 1934-35 town report mentioned: "Toilets were built at Wiswell Hill and Clewleyville as E. R. A. projects. The town paid for the material, the Federal Government for the labor. Cost at Wiswell Hill for material $127.26 Cost at Clewleyville for material 118.30" The town of Holden had 8 one room school houses. Earlier reports complained about the deplorable condition that the toilet facilities at the schools were in.

This sandstone wall was built by the WPA between 1937-38 in Valley View, Texas, about 60 miles north of Dallas/Fort Worth. From 2013: An upcoming school bond to build a security fence places the wall in danger. A campaign is underway to save it. 2016 update from contributor Andy Hogue: "The wall has been preserved! As part of 2016 school renovation and expansion projects, the Valley View School Board decided to place the new security fence on the inside of the wall (closest to the school). Repairs were made in some of the more deteriorated places and new capstones were added. A...

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (F.E.R.A.) conducted in-fill landscaping work at the then-school building in Dover, Mass. in 1934. The precise location is unknown to Living New Deal.

In 1935, the Public Works Administration (PWA) constructed a building of local stone as an addition to the complex of Cuba Public School buildings on the same block. (The other buildings date to 1905 and 1922. The former has since been demolished and the latter is now home to the Recklein Auditorium Civic Center.) The PWA-constructed building "provided room for a study hall, library, music room, as well as vocational agriculture and home economics" (447). Today, the building houses the Crawford Historical Society.

According to the 1933 and 1934 town reports, a significant amount of work in the city of Belfast was accomplished by the New Deal, particularly improvements, addictions and new construction for the town schools. 1933: Superintendent of Schools Under the C. W. A. the brick walls in the High School have been scraped and repainted with a sealer and two coats of paint. We are also maintaining a school for illiterates in the City under the Emergency Relief in Education. Milk is also being provided from the Federal Fund. 1934 Under the newly formed School District construction was started December 3rd, of a new...

Multiple small schools across Dorado, Puerto Rico were constructed as a New Deal project with the aid of Public Works Administration (P.W.A.) funds in 1937. The P.W.A. supplied a $19,000 loan and $13,346 grant for the project, whose total cost was $29,658. The exact locations and statuses of the facilities are unknown to Living New Deal. P.W.A. Docket No. PR-1010-RS

Public Works Administration project W1012 was approved 9/25/1935 to construct unspecified schools in Juneau. The project provided a loan of $26,351 and grant of $26, 351. The project began construction 4/20/1936 and was completed 9/12/1936 for a total of $58,776. Exact location is unknown.

The schoolhouse in Kim, sited in the Comanche National Grassland, was constructed between 1933 and 1941 by the Civil Works Administration (CWA), the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), and the Works Progress Administration (WPA). It consists of three buildings: an elementary school, gymnasium, and high school. The buildings are made of local sandstone and materials salvaged from the historic Fort Lyon.

Mobile, AZ was settled by African-Americans, but by the 1930s there was also a substantial white population. Town population was apparently only about 40, although there seems to have been about 100 homesteaders. The Works Progress Administration dealt with the racial tensions by repairing the established one-room school (presumably for Blacks) at a cost of $3178. They also built a second school (presumably for Whites) at a cost of $10,266. That's a big expenditure for only a handful of children-- but by the 1950s the population had grown substantially.

The New Deal was involved in improvements to the school system in the small mill town of Brownville and Brownville Junction. According to the 1933 town report, the town paid its share of $1,064.32 for materials for a Civil Works Administration (CWA) school project. The school superintendent reported that the  CWA requested a school project and school officials asked for an enlargement of the Brownville Junction High gymnasium. The CWA paid for all labor and $626.00 for materials. May 1934 was the planned completion date when the CWA was liquidated. Its reported that under Federal Emergency Relief, 65 pupils were receiving...

The Works Progress Administration made an allotment for a "new, modernistic school building" for Byram Elementary School, completed in October 1938. The Public Works Administration (PWA) W1183 funded construction for new buildings and improvements for five Hinds County schools 1938-1939, including Byram. Bond election was held October 18, 1938 for Byram to issue $33,000 for a new auditorium, gymnasium, and additional classrooms. PWA W1183 funded school buildings in Hinds County with a loan of 151,986 toward estimated cost of 337,746, approved 6/22/1938. Construction began 11/14/1938; completed 12/4/1939 for a total of 322,153 for all projects. Architects were N. W. Overstreet...