Massachusetts Sites

The W.P.A. worked at Fellsmere Park in Malden, MA. Efforts included the development of an overlook of Fellsmere Pond.

Description of a project undertaken by the W.P.A. in 1937: "Fellsway Police Station; the area adjacent to the police station on Fellsway West in Medford was developed by the completion of a project started in 1936. A large baseball field and drill ground was constructed, the brook along the roadway was confined between stone masonry walls to prevent flood damage and incidental work was performed." The location of the former Fellsway Police Station in Medford is unknown to Living New Deal. Our map places this project at Hickey Park, which abuts Fellsway W and features a large field with baseball diamonds.

Recently the Scituate Visitors Center, a stone building located at the southeast corner of a parking lot for the North Scituate MBTA station in Scituate, Massachusetts, was constructed as a federal WPA project during the late 1930s. The parking lot is at the southwest corner of Country Way and Gannett Road. Wikipedia: "The WPA Field House and Pump Station is a historic water works facility on Henry Bailey Turner Road in Scituate, Massachusetts. The field house at Bound Brook Park was built ... with funding from the Works Progress Administration, and is a rare historical recreational building in the town. The building...

A water filtration plant construction project in Newburyport, Mass. was undertaken with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. PWA Docket No. MA 1033

Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) laborers constructed a new fire alarm signal station in Everett, Mass. The exact location and status of this project is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

In 1941 W.P.A. labor undertook the following work in Framingham, according to the town's Annual Report: Improvements to Fire Alarm System and Cable Underground conduits and cable for the fire alarm system were laid from the Central Fire Station to Waverley Street to connect with the underground system already installed at that point, thus doing away with the necessity for poles to carry the fire alarm system overhead any longer. The Fire Alarm Whistle, formerly located at the old water pumping station at Linden Street, was moved to the Central Fire Station and installed in the tower of the same. A...

"The city of Greenfield, with a population of 15,500 in 1930, had not only outgrown its old fire headquarters but the location of the old building in the business district had become undesirable due to traffic congestion. The new building has space for seven pieces of apparatus, as well as the chief's quarters and a watch room on the first floor. On the second floor are a recreation room, two dormitories, locker room, kitchen, library, officers' rooms, and the necessary toilets, showers, etc. The exterior walls are water-struck red brick; the cornices, windows, doors, and cupola...

The Town of Palmer, Massachusetts's website states: "1938 showed a major change for the Fire Department. The sixth chief was elected, a new engine house built, and new fire apparatus purchased. The structure of the department changed also. A study committee chosen in January returned in September with a proposal by the Federal Government Public Works Administration. The Fire District had only eight weeks to act on the proposal, however the proposal was approved that night. The Palmer Fire District was the first in the nation chosen by the P.W.A. for this project which was to spur economic growth in the...

Rockland, Massachusetts received a new fire station with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. Construction on the building began in 1938 and was completed 1939. The building, which has since been extended, is still in use today. The PWA contributed $27,000 of the $60,857 total final cost of the project. PWA Docket No. MA 1440.

E. R. A. funds were used to assist the Mansfield, Massachusetts Fire Department with upkeep and beautification in 1934. "The Central Station received a coat of paint on all outside wood and metal surfaces during the year, also part of the inside walls and ceilings were painted." Three Fire Department trucks and a pump were also painted with the aid of E. R. A. funds.

Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) laborers constructed a fire drill practicing tower in Fitchburg, Mass. The drill tower was located at 28 Oliver St in Fitchburg. It was built behind an already existing fire station. The drill tower along with the fire state were demolished in early 2017.

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (F.E.R.A.) provided the labor for painting the then-fire station in Maynard, Massachusetts in 1934, at what was hailed "quite a savings" to local taxpayers. The old fire station was located at the site of what is now a private business (as of 2017, The Paper Store) on Nason St. Work was continued by the Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.), which also installed a new fire alarm system with new fire alarm boxes.

In 1934 The Foxboro Reporter wrote that work on the hose room at Foxboro, Massachusetts's fire station was a Civil Works Administration project. Exact location and current status of this project are unknown to the Living New Deal.

The former East Fairhaven fire sub-station was constructed with Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor in 1937. W.P.A. Bulletin, 1937: "Down in the lovely little town of Fairhaven, across the harbor from New Bedford, WPA has built a new sub-fire-station at the junction of Aiken and Washington streets, adding fire protection to the town and helping reduce fire insurance rates. Fire protection is extremely important in Fairhaven. For some of its fine old mansions were built by whaling skippers and could not be replaced, once destroyed. The fire station project was begun last July, completed Oct. 25." Much of Washington Street in Fairhaven has...

Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) laborers constructed a 55-foot fire drill-tower in Everett, Mass. The exact location and status of this project is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor constructed a fire station in South Deerfield, Mass. The facility was dedicated March 31, 1937. WPA Bulletin: South Deerfield— A parade featured by an antiquated pumping outfit and horse-drawn steamer followed by modern motor equipment, was a main event at the recent dedication of the brick fire station recently completed by WPA. The new station serves Deerfield as well as this town. Since 1990, the historic site has housed Schoen Books, specializing in Judaica in all languages.

The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (F.E.R.A.) painted the former Dover firehouse in 1934. The location and current status of the old building are unknown to Living New Deal.

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted improvement work at the Ashland firehouse, including exterior painting in 1935 and roof repairs in 1936.

WPA project description: "Badly handicapped by the ravages of last September's hurricane and gigantic tide," fishing, "Cuttyhunk's only industry, is being aided by WPA which is repairing the Fish Wharf and fish houses. Without houses to receive the day's catch and with the Fish Wharf so badly damaged it could not be used, Cuttyhunk fisherman had a hard winter. During winter months the 120 natives of the island support themselves by fishing. The sea-girt community is supported in summer by vacationists." The location and status of these facilities is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

In response to heavy flooding after a severe storm in 1936, Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor—under the direction of U.S. Army engineers—constructed dikes along the Connecticut River in many Massachusetts communities, including Chicopee. The exact status and locations of these dikes is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

In response to heavy flooding after a severe storm in 1936, Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor—under the direction of U.S. Army engineers—constructed dikes along the Connecticut River in many Massachusetts communities, including Holyoke. The exact status and locations of these dikes is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

In response to heavy flooding after a severe storm in 1936, Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor—under the direction of U.S. Army engineers—constructed dikes along the Connecticut River in many Massachusetts communities, including Montague. The exact status and locations of these dikes is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

In response to heavy flooding after a severe storm in 1936, Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor—under the direction of U.S. Army engineers—constructed dikes along the Connecticut River in many Massachusetts communities, including Northampton. The exact status and locations of these dikes is presently unknown to Living New Deal. WPA project details: "Provide flood protection by constructing a new earth dike and enlargening existing dike" Official Project Number: 713‐2‐87 Total project cost: $215,000.00 Sponsor: War Department

W.P.A. Bulletin, 1937: "ew projects will build two huge dikes in Springfield and its sister community, West Springfield, at a cost to the government of $304,000. At its peak, next spring, the projects will employ about 500. ... The Springfield dike will extend from the North End bridge to the Boston & Albany Railroad bridge. There will be 3000 feet of earth embankment and 1000 feet of concrete seawall. It will cost $132,000. No concrete work will be done during freezing weather."

In response to heavy flooding after a severe storm in 1936, Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor—under the direction of U.S. Army engineers—constructed dikes along the Connecticut River in many Massachusetts communities, including Sunderland. The exact status and locations of these dikes is presently unknown to Living New Deal.

In response to heavy flooding after a severe storm in 1936, Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor—under the direction of U.S. Army engineers—constructed dikes along the Connecticut River in many Massachusetts communities, including West Springfield. A WPA Bulletin refers to this dike; "Another reason for the home building drive in this section is the flood-prevention sea-wall atop the dike on Riverdale Street which was built by the War Department with WPA labor."

Description of a project undertaken by the W.P.A. in 1937: "Forest Grove Road, Waltham; a project to widen, relocate and improve this roadway, which traverses land in the Charles River Reservation, was approved and work was started in November, 1937. The bulk of the work will, however, have to await favorable weather in the spring."

Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) labor developed Forest Hill Cemetery. WPA Bulletin, 1937: Eventual income of $450,000 to be derived from the sale of burial lots, will benefit this city when WPA work projects on Forest Hill and Laurel cemeteries are completed. Almost 200,000 square feet of waste land are being transformed into a fine cemetery by the work projects.

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted improvement work at Fort Andrews on Peddocks Island in Hull, Mass. Project information: "Improve buildings and grounds " Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐251 Total project cost: $132,214.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Banks, U.S. Army

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted a development / improvement program at the former Fort Banks in Winthrop, Mass. "Rehabilitate buildings and improve grounds" Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐252 Total project cost: $138,214.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Banks, U.S. Army "Improve buildings and grounds" Official Project Number: 365‐14‐2‐20 Total project cost: $87,654.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Harbor Defenses of Fort Banks, U.S. Army "Improve buildings and grounds" Official Project Number: 365‐14‐2‐6 Total project cost: $85,656.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Harbor Defenses of Boston, Fort Banks, U.S. Army "Improve, reconstruct, and modernize buildings and grounds" Official Project Number: 765‐14‐2‐15 Total project cost: $143,252.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Banks, U.S. Army "Improve buildings, etc. at Forts Banks,...

The Work Projects Administration (W.P.A.) undertook extensive construction and development work at then-Fort Devens in preparation for U.S. Army use. The following W.P.A. projects were sponsored by the Commanding Officer, Fort Devens, U.S. Army, and the War Department: "Repair and rehabilitate buildings" Official Project Number: 13‐2‐14‐90 Total project cost: $122,340.00 "Complete the construction of buildings and utilities" Official Project Number: 13‐3‐14‐134 Total project cost: $277,660.00 "Rehabilitate buildings, facilities, utilities, and grounds" Official Project Number: 154‐2‐14‐457 Total project cost: $655,502.00 "Repair and paint buildings and targets" Official Project Number: 165‐14‐XXXX "Improve buildings, facilities, and grounds" Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐200 Total project cost: $117,689.00 "Improve roads" Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐521 Total project cost: $797,818.00...

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted improvement work at Fort Duvall in Hull, Mass. Project information: "Improve buildings and grounds " Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐251 Total project cost: $132,214.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Banks, U.S. Army

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted improvement work at Fort Heath in Winthrop, Mass. Project information: "Improve buildings, etc. at Forts Banks, Heath and Rice Wharf" Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐59 Sponsor: War Department

Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) laborers repaired Boston's old Fort Hill Fire Station during the mid-1930s. The building was torn down in 1952 to make way for construction of the since-buried downtown freeway.

"The following work was done by the W. P. A.: At Fort Hill Wharf Disposal Station a sprinkler system was installed; fence, floor and ramp, and roof were built." The exact location of the facility is unknown to Living New Deal.

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted a development / improvement program at hundreds of military sites across the country. A DoD history document cites works at "Fort Banks" in Hull, Plymouth County, but it is possible these refer to Fort Revere. "Repair, modernize, and improve buildings" Official Project Number: 265‐14‐2007 Total project cost: $7,569.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, U.S. Army "Paint and repair buildings" Official Project Number: 265‐14‐2013 Total project cost: $11,359.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Banks, U.S. Army "Modernize and improve buildings" Official Project Number: 365‐14‐2‐3 Total project cost: $38,612.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Harbor Defense, Fort Banks, U.S. Army "Rehabilitate and modernize buildings and improve grounds." Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐251 Total project cost: $132,214.00 Sponsor:...

The W.P.A. conducted numerous improvements at the former Fort Rodman in New Bedford, Mass. Project details: "Recondition buildings, grounds, and facilities" Official Project Number: 165‐14‐2‐11 Total project cost: $80,540.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Adams, U.S. Army "Improve grounds and recreational areas" Official Project Number: 265‐2‐14‐179 Total project cost: $38,458.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Rodman, U.S. Army "Improve buildings" Official Project Number: 765‐14‐2‐41 Total project cost: $76,327.00 Sponsor: War Department "Construct rifle range" Official Project Number: 765‐14‐3‐7 Total project cost: $2,404.00 Sponsor: War Department

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted improvement work at Fort Ruckman in Nahant, Mass. Project information: "Improve buildings and grounds " Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐251 Total project cost: $132,214.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Banks, U.S. Army

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) conducted restoration and preservation work at Fort Sewall in Marblehead, Massachusetts.

The Works Progress Administration (W.P.A.) conducted improvement work at Fort Standish on Lovells Island in Boston, Mass. Project information: "Improve buildings and grounds " Official Project Number: 165‐2‐14‐251 Total project cost: $132,214.00 Sponsor: Commanding Officer, Fort Banks, U.S. Army