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New Deal Smiles

New Deal Smiles

The Great Depression was not all breadlines and sorrow; the New Deal turned millions of frowns into smiles, as seen in thousands of photos of workers and people benefitting from CCC, WPA, NYA and other projects. Thanks to Brent McKee for the fantastic idea of compiling these photos.

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Young women enjoying a WPA-built swimming pool in Jefferson County, Alabama. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (June 1938).

A businesswoman in Carbon Hill, Alabama, happy to have a New Deal: “The only day we have any business is on WPA pay days.” Photo courtesy of the National Archives (October 1938).

American Indian children playing. From Indians at Work, March 1940. U.S. Office of Indian Affairs

Two boys are happy to have new overcoats, from an NYA-run surplus commodities shop in Salem, Virginia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives and the New Deal Network (ca. 1935-1939).

NYA workers Ray Schakel and Mary Weissker prepare to recondition and distribute donated toys to underprivileged children in Long Beach, California. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Two NYA workers in Riverside County, California, happy to help build America. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

(left to right) Thelma Thompson, Mildred Blankenship, and Betty Ishibashi happily prepare food for medical patients at Rancho Los Amigos, as part of an NYA project in Los Angeles County, California. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Binnie Mitchell, an NYA student worker at Pasadena Junior College (California), seems quite satisfied with her tempting creation. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

NYA workers having dinner together in San Diego. Employment, instead of the dole, seems to suit them just fine. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

At this NYA resident project in Berkeley, California, young women enjoy the opportunity to socialize and network in between their studies. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Young women training to be domestic workers in South Gate, California, get ready to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

NYA worker Frances Leyva helps a child recovering from injury, at the Helping Hand Home for Convalescent Children in San Diego. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

(left to right) Lee Cretarolo, Paul Dunlap, Hall Brant, Jimmy Pulara, and Terry Cruse are glad to make music in an NYA band for their fellow Los Angeles residents. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Job opportunities in Federal Project Number One bring smiles to these performing artists in San Diego. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

Singing in a WPA recreation project in California brightens the mood. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Young men happily singing folk songs at a WPA recreation center in Baltimore, Maryland. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1938).

A PWA-funded disposal plant project in San Pedro, California show that good jobs = happy people. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1933-1942).

WPA-built swimming pools brought smiles to millions of Americans. These smiles are in Carbon Hill, Alabama. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

This young fellow is enjoying some peace and serenity in a park in Gadsden, Alabama, improved by the Federal Emergency Relief Administration. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

A WPA librarian is glad to deliver books to the citizens of Wake County, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (September 1938).

Toys made or repaired by WPA workers brings a smile in New York City. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Young New York City residents on a WPA recreation project learn craftsmanship. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Great food during hard times brings a smile at a WPA-run health camp in Jacksonville, Florida. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA-supplied food and clothing brings a smile of relief in the aftermath of the deadly Gainesville Tornado of 1936 (Georgia). Photo courtesy of the National Archives (April 1936).

A WPA circus performance brightens the day for these children at the Bellevue Hospital in New York City. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1939).

These young men are enjoying an outdoor performance of the WPA’s Federal Theatre Project in New York City. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1939).

Delighted to have new dresses from a WPA sewing room project in New York City. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA swimming pool therapy generates a set of smiles in New York City. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (May 1936).

A new toy is always a good thing. A young girls leaves a WPA toy loan project in Atlanta, Georgia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (May 1938).

Helen Keller, champion of the blind, appreciates one of the many thousands of talking books made by WPA workers in New York City. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA artist Lucienne Block is happy to create “Cycle of a Woman’s Life,” a fresco mural at the House of Detention in New York City. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Enjoying WPA-built tennis courts in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (January 1939).

Three young ladies in Indiana test their broadcast radio skills on a WPA adult recreation project. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Things are always better after a nice hot shower, as this WPA worker makes crystal clear. He and other WPA workers live on a large workboat, while helping to create the Delta National Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Kids and toys just go together, as this young lady shows at a WPA toy repair shop in New Orleans. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Fun is had, and memories are made on this WPA recreation project at Coggshall Park in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Enjoying a WPA-built pool in Monroe, Louisiana. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Both girl and dolls seem pleased with this WPA toy repair project in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

In Indianapolis, Indiana, a safe walk to school is a happy walk to school. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Saving and repairing dolls, for distribution to underprivileged children, is satisfying work for these women in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A WPA school lunch in Illinois has the right ingredients for a smile. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

New and clean showers, and plenty of them, bring cheer to this WPA-built swimming pool facility in Monroe, Louisiana. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

These children are developing their acting skills on a WPA recreation project at the Mankato Public Library in Minnesota. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Dance can lift the spirits, as this WPA adult recreation project in Louisiana shows. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Toys galore at a WPA toy repair project in Chelsea, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

After giving birth and caring for a new baby, it’s nice to get a little help from a WPA housekeeping aide in Brighton, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A young audience in Louisville, Kentucky is entertained by a WPA puppet show. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

This child is happy to receive the expert care of a WPA nurse in Michigan. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

This WPA archery recreation project in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a nice break from the 9-5 grind. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

This young citizen of Crawfordsville, Indiana, is more than happy to polish off a WPA lunch. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A WPA entrée? A WPA dessert? What could be better? Photo taken in Portland, Maine, and provided courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

PWA funded good-paying jobs, and good-paying jobs created smiles – it wasn’t rocket science. Photo shows a PWA-financed subway project in Chicago. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (June 1940).

John Zimmerman (center, dark suit, waving), WPA director for recreation projects in Louisiana, celebrates Recreation Day in Algiers, Louisiana with an exuberant crowd. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

These WPA workers are refurbishing toys, to be distributed during Christmas time to underprivileged children in St. Paul, Minnesota. A job with a higher social purpose is a job worth smiling about. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Winter doesn’t have to be dreary… when you have a WPA-built ski area to play in. Photo taken in Bridgeton, Maine, and provided courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Another happy skier at the WPA-built winter recreation area in Bridgeton, Maine. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Bathing instructions, provided by a WPA nurse in New Orleans, meet with the approval of both mother and child. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A warm summer day + a WPA-built swimming pool = happiness in Meridian, Mississippi. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (June 1938).

A WPA adult recreation project in Butte, Montana—folk dancing—brings out the inner kid. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA-built tennis courts, at St. Roch Playground in New Orleans, will make for a great day of fun and exercise. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Enjoying a brisk winter day at the WPA-constructed Belknap Mountain Recreation Area in New Hampshire. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Teacher and students are both very pleased with an American flag sewn by WPA workers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA job to build-up America sure beats handouts for this worker in Webb City, Missouri. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (September 1936).

Musicians in Des Moines, Iowa, are happy to ply their trade in the WPA’s Federal Music Project. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (July 1938).

Eleanor Roosevelt and Ellen Woodward (head of the WPA’s women’s and professional division) share good times with Mississippi newspaperman Fred Sullen. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

It’s good to have a job in the WPA! Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A young boy enjoys a children’s art exhibit in Washington, DC, sponsored by the Federal Art Project. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (January 1938).

These young boys and girls are happy to have a WPA school lunch in Washington, DC. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (February 1938).

A WPA paycheck brings a smile in Washington, DC. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (January 1939).

Being in the CCC in Shasta Forest, California sure beats roaming the countryside in a fruitless search for work. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1933-1942).

Performers in a Federal Theatre Project vaudeville show in San Francisco. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1939).

Modeling clothes made on a WPA sewing room project in Milwaukee. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A recipient of WPA medical assistance in Richmond, Virginia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

A WPA hot lunch is a recipe for happy schoolchildren in Lawrence County, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1936).

A guitar-playing quintet, part of a WPA music and recreation program in Prentice, Wisconsin. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1939).

More players in the Prentice, Wisconsin WPA project. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1939).

Students enjoying some free time in a newly-remodeled dormitory at the College of William and Mary, Richmond, Virginia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

Student nurses, pleased with their new, PWA-built John Gaston Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1940).

Two girls from Syracuse University enjoy a dog sled ride on a WPA-improved trail at Lake Placid, New York. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Survivors of a flood in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania are relieved to find emergency help at a WPA and YMCA station. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1936).

Skaters at the WPA-improved Lake Placid, New York. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Eager for a WPA lunch at the Millwood Grade School in Spokane County, Washington. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A new coat for winter, provided by a WPA sewing room project and the Federal Surplus Commodities Corporation, near Salem, Virginia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1938).

A girl receives WPA and Red Cross-assisted treatment for infantile paralysis, in Albany, New York. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1936).

Two more cheerful recipients of WPA and Red Cross infantile paralysis therapy in Albany, New York. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1936).

These vacationers seem pleased with the new, WPA-built Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood, Oregon. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1937-1938).

A WPA hot lunch is appreciated in Greenville, South Carolina. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1938).

Three young residents of Galion, Ohio enjoy their summer at a WPA-built swimming pool (Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1937).

Skiing at the WPA-built Timberline Lodge, on Mt. Hood, Oregon, makes for a nice vacation. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1937-1938).

Artist, model, and sculpture all seem content with the WPA’s recreation services in Washington State. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

A WPA homemaking course in Seattle, Washington. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Eleanor Roosevelt shakes the hand of one of the infantile paralysis patients at a WPA and Red Cross facility in Albany, New York. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A WPA music class in Columbus, Ohio. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A WPA folk dancing class in Everett, Washington. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Near Buffalo, New York, these Seneca Indian girls enjoy a better quality of life during the Great Depression, thanks to WPA jobs for their fathers. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1936).

Pool therapy at the infantile paralysis center in Albany, New York, run by the WPA and Red Cross. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1936).

A WPA canal and fish protection project in Parker, Washington. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1939).

These children are being entertained by a WPA puppet show in Buffalo, New York. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1936).

A young girl with infantile paralysis receives treatment in a WPA-built therapy pool at the Gorman School for Crippled Children, Dayton, Ohio. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Another patient at the Gorman School in Dayton, Ohio. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A therapist and two patients at the Gorman School in Dayton. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Another satisfied patient at the Gorman School in Dayton. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A group photo at the Gormon School, a scene replicated in WPA clinical facilities all across the United States. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Learning how to make artificial flowers in a WPA handicraft class in Buffalo, New York. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1936).

A former slave is enthusiastic to learn reading and writing in a WPA literacy class in Columbus, Ohio. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA housekeeping training, like this one in Columbus, Ohio, frequently led to private employment. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A WPA-built swimming pool brings joy in Columbus Grove, Ohio. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

These WPA workers in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, are happy help their fellow citizens recover from a flood. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1940).

Thrilled to be in a WPA music class in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA-built swimming facilities are great places to cool during the summer. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A WPA art and handicraft class in Philadelphia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

A WPA-built swimming pool in Marysville, Ohio, is a great place for community recreation. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

WPA artist Bernice Cross working on a mural for a children’s hospital in Prince George’s County, Maryland. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (1937).

In her book, "The Roosevelt I Knew," U.S. Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins wrote, "With few exceptions, even people who regarded themselves as Roosevelt haters felt agreeable toward him in his presence. They could not resist his contagious fondness for people - all kinds of people." Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress (1937).

This child is happy to be gaining greater mobility at a WPA-built hospital in West Virginia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

These young men are getting a reprieve from poverty and unemployment, in the CCC at St. Joe National Forest, Idaho. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (September 1933).

This young lady seems pleased with the services she’s receiving in the WPA nursery program in Seaford, Delaware. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

The National Youth Administration is training this young woman to be an airplane mechanic. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Resident Work Experience Projects, conducted by the National Youth Administration, provide employment and training for young adults who were hungry for jobs, like these young women in Parkersburg, West Virginia. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

Happy to be at National Youth Administration summer camp in Rhode Island. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

A young Puerto Rican man, happy to have a job in the National Youth Administration. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

The National Youth Administration provided employment opportunities for high school and college students, helping them to complete their education. Photo courtesy of the National Archives (ca. 1935-1943).

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The 2023 New Deal Book Award

The winning titles and authors have been announced. The 2023 Award, with a prize of $1,000, will be presented at the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library June 22, 2024.

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