Schools Sites

Menlo Avenue Elementary School, which opened in 1913, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation, Board of Education member Arthur Eckman told the Los Angeles Times, “I am sure that every member of the board agrees with...

Kent, Washington's Meridian Elementary School was originally constructed as a federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) project beginning in 1937. "Adding one more to the list of schools being built in the State of Washington by the Works Progress Administration, state administrator Don G. Abel, today announced a $80,211 school building and garage for children of the Meridian School near Kent, Washington. The school district is providing $31,620 of the total account, for materials. The project, scheduled to get under way by November 22, calls for the construction of a one-story tile and concrete building and a separate garage to house the...

The "Stripped Classic, Art Moderne" (Mississippi Department of Archives and History) 2 story brick with limestone trim building was completed for a construction cost of $591,489 and project cost of $688,195 (Short & Stanley-Brown, 1939, p. 216). The project also included a separate gym, which was converted into a library in 1964, and Ray Stadium, the adjoining sports field. The school is still a functioning high school. From contributor Susan Allen: Ray Stadium features "two steel-reinforced concrete stadium bleachers facing each other are set in a man-made slope. The bleachers are supported at the rear by concrete columns attached with segmental...

In 1938, the Public Works Administration (PWA) completed additions to the existing 1920 school and constructed a new gymnasium for the Merigold Public Schools.  Both buildings have been demolished.

Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works (FEAPW) workers built this elementary school together with the nearby Elim Elementary and the Lander Gym which was part of the Hilmar Union High School. The Merquin School was built in 1938, two years after the other projects, "as a special emergency public works project."  

Merritt Middle School was built in 1942-43 with funding by Public Works Adminstration (PWA) (part of the Federal Works Agency) to the DC Commissioners for the Board of Education.  It is unknown if the district government paid a portion from its own funds. The school closed in 2009 and the site has been retrofitted as a district police headquarters.   The look of the present building – 1960s brutalism – suggests that the school had been rebuilt since the New Deal.

The structure originally built as the Lehi School Auditorium in northern Mesa, Arizona was constructed as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in 1936. Located on the east side of N Horne south of Lehi Rd., the building is now part of the Mesa Historical Museum Annex complex. Waymarking.com: "In 1936, a WPA project added an auditorium to the Lehi School on Horne and East Lehi Road. It was so well built that it was designated as the community bomb shelter during the cold war. Further, when the building was no longer needed, due to its sturdy construction, it would have...

The Public Works Administration funded the construction of facilities for the Mexico School in Mexico, NY. Excerpt from the Mexico Academy & Central School District, Mexico High School History: "On June 19, 1937, the cornerstone was laid for the new $500,000 high school building. The architect for the project was Mr. Harold Fullerton from Albany and the project was administered through the Public Works Administration . The building is of Georgian Colonial style and was built to house 1500 students and last for 150 years. Substantial materials besides the brick exterior include terrazzo flooring, marble, and brass. Additionally, the original building library is...

Originally constructed as a high school, what is now Micaville Elementary School was built in 1936* with assistance from the Works Progress Administration (WPA); it was one of five schools built by the WPA in Yancey County, North Carolina. * While one source cites 1938, an inscription on the building states 1936.

Micheltorena Street Elementary School, which opened in 1905, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation, Board of Education member Arthur Eckman told the Los Angeles Times, “I am sure that every member of the board agrees with...

"The I-shaped plan of Abbot Hall was designed as part of a four-dorm complex for male students, including its partner Mason Hall as well as Synder-Phillips residences. Shared common areas including the kitchen and bakery were originally built to link Abbot to Mason Hall. However, in 1958 renovations to basement corridors were completed to allow residents to walk from one hall to the next. Created as the residential complement to the female dormitories in the West Circle Complex, Abbot Hall is similarly Collegiate Gothic in style. The building, named after Theophilus C. Abbot, the third president of the University, features...

"Partially funded by the PWA, Campbell Hall is part of a complex of six residence halls originally for women. It was named after Louise H. Campbell, a state home demonstration leader from 1920 to 1930. The Tudor-style design, with its high-pitched gabled roofs, metal casement windows, slate roof, and Renaissance detailing, recalls medieval estates."

"In 1938 PWA funds were secured to expand the Veterinary Clinic, erected in 1913 on the southeast corner of Farm Lane and East Circle Drive. Designed by the Bowd-Munson architectural firm, the addition blended well with the Collegiate Gothic style of the existing structure. In 1952, a Veterinary Clinic added, joining the Department of Anatomy and Animal Pathology to form Giltner Hall. This building honors former professor and Dean of Veterinary Medicine, Ward Giltner (1882 – 1950) and houses scientific laboratories and classrooms."

"The hipped roof, limestone trim and simple design of the PWA-funded Music Building complement the Collegiate Gothic and other architectural styles of this historic section of campus. The large, metal-framed windows, however, allude to future stylistic developments. Samuel Cashwan, supervisor of the Michigan Sculpture Program for the WPA, designed the Art Deco limestone reliefs framing the southwest entrance. They depict images of dance and performance, such as children dancing to the beat of drums."

"This PWA building by architect Ralph R. Calder, built in memory of Richard M. Olin, M.D., was considered “modern in every detail.” Although additions to the building were made in 1956 and 1969, the bulky massing, textural variety, and minimalist limestone trim distinguish this building from others nearby. Samuel Cashwan designed the twelve symbolic reliefs that frame the main entryway. He chose the fitting subject of the healing arts, framing the building’s name with two Greek goddesses of health, Panacea and Hygeia. The two pilasters display themes from modern medicine. On the left, in descending order, they are “Medical Magic,”...

Designed by Robert R. Graham of Middletown, NY, Tupper Lake, New York's then-high school was constructed with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration funds during the 1930s (PWA Docket No. 6423). It is possible this project consisted of just the school's auditorium; further research is needed to clarify this point.

The Middle Intervale 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 for all school improvements in Bethel. The exact location and condition of this facility are unknown to the Living New Deal. 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...

Catskill, New York's middle school was constructed with the aid of federal Public Works Administration funds during the 1930s (Docket No. NY 1173). The building was originally known as the Union Free School. Today the building is part of an expanded education complex that includes Catskill's high school.

Lawrence Middle School in Lawrence, New York was originally constructed as the town's high school during the 1930s. The project was aided by federal Public Works Administration funds (PWA Docket No. NY 2724). The building replaced an old high school on Central Avenue. According to PWA documents at the National Archives the building "is located on an 11-acre site with a 500' frontage on the main thoroughfare of Lawrence ." "The red face brick walls have a limestone base and are trimmed with limestone and wood. Exterior doors and windows are wood and the roof is slate. The building is rectangular...

Marcellus, New York's Chester S. Driver Middle School was originally constructed as the Central Grade and High School during the 1930s. The project's construction was aided by federal Public Works Administration funds (PWA Docket No. NY 1159-R).

The Morgan Middle School contains a building that was formerly named the Morgan High School Mechanical Arts Building.  A new high school was built one block east of this site, but the Morgan Middle School still uses the building. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the building in 1936 as part of a $155,000 Public Works Administration (PWA) building program in the Morgan County School District.  Also included in the project was the construction of the Morgan Elementary School and extensive remodeling at Morgan High School. The architects of the building are not known for certain but are likely Scott & Welch...

The PWA provided funding for the construction of a new high school in Sidney, MT -- now the town's middle school. "The loan and grant to school district No. 5, Sidney, Mont., is for construction of a three-story, fire proof high school building to accommodate 300 students. ... The PWA estimated work can start in one month, giving approximately 65 men employment for six months."

What is now the Virginia City Middle School was an educational facility constructed between April and September 1936 as part of a federal Public Works Administration (PWA) project. The building replaced the historic 1876 Fourth Ward School (now a museum). The New Deal middle school has since been altered and features a newer addition to the original structure. The PWA provided a grant of $14,727 for the school's construction; the project cost $34,727 in all. (PWA Docket No. NV 1016)

The PWA constructed a large gymnasium, auditorium, and additional classroom space with entry hall at Knob Noster Middle School in 1939, at a cost of $40,296.

The Works Progress Administration completed an addition for the Middlefield High in Middlefield CT, circa 1937. The exact location and condition of this facility are unknown to the Living New Deal.

Middleton Street Elementary School, which opened in 1932, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. The school appears to have been rebuilt yet again in the 1950s or 60s, although the PWA auditorium may remain—confirmation is needed. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation,...

"Located in the rural area of Midlothian, southwest of Chandler, (from the intersection of Hwys 66/18, south on Hwy 18 4 miles, then West 2.25 miles on Midlothian Road (CR950), this two-room schoolhouse was constructed by the WPA in 1936-1937. It is a one-story rectangular building with a double gabled roof, and native sandstone walls. The entrances on the south and west have a typical WPA arched entrance, sheltering single doors. The windows throughout have been boarded with wood and painted a rust color. Behind this boarding on the east side is a row of ribbon windows in each classroom....

Under project number 665-66-2-153, the Works Progress Administration (renamed the Works Projects Administration by the time the project finished) built a new school in Milano, Texas between 1938 and 1940. The school had eleven classrooms and a combination auditorium and gymnasium. Per the Austin American Statesman: "Milam county received a WPA allotment of $43,098, and will match it with $38,578, employing 100 workers, to construct a new school building at Milano with 12 classrooms and gymnasium."

Miles Avenue Elementary School, which opened in 1932, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation, Board of Education member Arthur Eckman told the Los Angeles Times, “I am sure that every member of the board agrees with...

The Works Project Administration built a school in Milford, Texas in 1940. The official project number was 65-1-66-186. The school had twelve classrooms and a combination auditorium and gymnasium. The school is still in use.

The PWA granted a loan of $55,000 for a new Mineral County high school building in 1934. In 1940 the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a tennis court at the school at a cost of $1,902. The building is still in use today.

The Minnesota Machinery Museum is housed in the former Hanley Falls School built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1939.

Miramonte Elementary School, which opened in 1912, was rebuilt with funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA) between 1934 and 1935. In January 1934, the PWA allocated $9,380,000 to the Los Angeles Unified School District for the rehabilitation of schools damaged in the severe 1933 Long Beach earthquake.  One hundred and thirty schools would benefit from the system-wide loan and grant, with 2,500 men to be employed in rehabilitation work over 21 months. Upon receiving news of the PWA allocation, Board of Education member Arthur Eckman told the Los Angeles Times, “I am sure that every member of the board agrees with me...

Drew Athletic Field was constructed behind the school in the late 1930s. Dorland Street was removed to make room for the field. The October 3, 1938 edition of the Daily Pacific Builder reported that $65,000 in PWA funds had been allotted for the project.

Built in 1937 by the WPA.

"The Mitchell School library in Racine, Wisconsin had a series of 5 mural panels done by Santos Zingale under the WPA. These murals are currently in storage. They were removed in the 1950s when the school library was remodeled. They lie in darkness, waiting to be restored!" This school had a fire several years ago. The murals were damaged and sent to an art restorer in Chicago. As of September, 2021, the murals appear to have been lost or stolen. According to a representative of the Racine Unified School District, there is no record of what happened to the murals.   

Located about nine miles east of downtown Miami, Oklahoma, the former Moccasin Bend school building was built by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) in 1936. Built of ashlar masonry, the 76' x 30' building was located on the south side of E 100 St. A building with these dimensions can be found near given coordinates at the Eastside Assembly of God Miami; further confirmation is requested to determine whether this was the school building.

Modoc Union High School was constructed in 1939 as a Public Works Administration project and is located along North Main St (Hwy 395) in downtown Alturas, CA. There are two bronze plaques that hang near the front entrance to the school. The top plaque mentions the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works by Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harold L. Ickes as Administrator of Public Works. The plaque lists the school as being constructed in 1939. The building's architecture contains Art Deco themes. The school still functions as a high school today.

The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a $93,300 loan and $37,399 grant for construction what is now the Mohawk Avenue School in Sparta, New Jersey. Total cost of the project was $136,628. PWA Docket No. NJ 8215

The Mojave elementary school was built in 1938 with $150,000 in federal funds from the Public Works Administration (PWA).  It was made primarily of reinforced concrete. There has been considerable alteration of the exterior and windows over time, plus addition of further structures to house the school, about which we lack further information.  The front entrance is a stripped down version of the original and the bas-relied and original doors have disappeared.