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  • Community Center - Dunning NE
    At an election in February 1937, the voters were given the task to decide whether or not Dunning would have a new community building. The vote was three to one in favor of building the auditorium. The building would be built in the city park. The $14,000.00 building would be completely equipped “for any high class entertainment.” In March 1938, word was received from Washington D.C. that the Dunning Community Building project had been approved. Although funds from the Works Progress Administration (WPA) had not yet been appropriated, the project would go forward. It was thought that, as drawn, the plans...
  • Community Center - Gretna NE
    A community hall was constructed in Gretna, Nebraska by the Work Projects Administration (WPA) ca. 1940. The location and status of the facility is unknown to Living New Deal.
  • Community Center - Springfield NE
    The stunning Springfield Community Center (originally Community Hall) in Springfield, Nebraska was constructed by the Work Progress Administration (WPA) between 1938 and 1940. Construction leveraged locally quarried sandstone, which "bolstered the local economy by employing area men."
  • Community Center (former) - Cook NE
    A community center in Palmyra, Nebraska was constructed with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The PWA provided a $9,900 grant for the project, whose total cost was $21,763. Construction occurred between Dec. 1938 and Mar. 1939. Living New Deal believes, though is not certain, that the structure in question is that at 106 N 2nd St. (PWA Docket No. Neb. 1354)
  • Confluence Jetty - North Platte NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a jetty near North Platte, Nebraska: "Project 997" was described as follows: "River protection work at the junction of the North and South Platte rivers east of North Platte. Workmen are constructing a 1,500 foot jetty to a towhead in the middle of the river. The object of this work is to backfill some land and reclaim it for the North Platte airport." The project provided work for seven men.
  • Crystal Lake State Recreation Area Improvements - Ayr NE
    Nebraska.gov: "In the 1920s mechanical refrigeration ended the ice business and Crystal Lake became a private recreation area for picnics, dancing, swimming, boating, fishing, and skating. In 1937 the 63-acre site was purchased by the state and improved by the WPA. Silt eventually filled the lake, and in 1976 a $180,818 renovation of the lake and park was a project of the Ayr Bicentennial Committee. Crystal Lake State Recreation Area is part of the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission system."
  • Dam and Lubeck Reservoir - Orleans NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) conducted a massive dam on the John Lubeck farm southwest of Orleans, Nebraska. The farm is placed three miles west and four miles south of Orleans, per an article in The Orleans Enterprise. The dam was "350 feet long and 22 to 23 feet in height, measuring 110 feet at the base and 13 feet across at the top." It was planned that the lake impounded by the dam would become a resort. Per Google Maps, a lake called Lubeck Reservoir is impounded by a dam that generally fits the dimensions above. The structure is located...
  • David City Park and Auditorium - David City NE
    The David City Park begins long before the Great Depression of the 1930s. In 1889, Mrs. Phoebe Miles donated twelve acres to David City for a park, with the stipulation that the city pay the taxes and make improvements. During the depressed financial climate of the 1890s the city was unable to uphold their bargain, and the land reverted to Mrs. Miles. In 1902, a group of citizens organized the David City Park Association and purchased the twelve acres. In addition to buying the land, they also planted trees and made other improvements. In 1905, the city passed a bond issue...
  • Dawes County Courthouse - Chadron NE
    The historic Dawes County Courthouse in Chadron, Nebraska was constructed with the aid of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The PWA provided a $44,893 grant for the project, whose total cost was $99,771. Construction occurred between January 1936 and January 1937. PWA Docket No. NE 1013.
  • Delzell Hall - Peru NE
    W.L. Delzell Hall, a men's dormitory at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska was constructed as a federal Public Works Administration (PWA) project in 1939.
  • Fairground Improvements and Bandshell - Stanton NE
    The Work Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a bandshell at the then-Stanton County fairgrounds at Stanton, Nebraska, and conducted other improvement work at the grounds. The bandshell was dedicated by the governor of Nebraska on July 26, 1936. The location and status of the work is unknown to Living New Deal; however, Living New Deal believes it to be located on county property southeast of Stanton by the Elkhorn River.
  • Federal Building Extension - Grand Island NE
    The Federal Building in Grand Island, NE underwent an extension during the early era of the New Deal. "Supervising Architect of the Treasury James Knox Taylor designed the new post office and federal building in Grand Island, authorizing the final architectural plans in 1908. Workers completed the building, which officially opened on November 26, 1910, at a cost of $108,000. By this time, Grand Island was the third largest city in Nebraska and its economy was thriving. Postal facilities occupied the first floor of the new building, while the second floor held a two-story district courtroom and associated court offices. As its...
  • Filtration Plant - Pawnee City NE
    A water filtration plant in Pawnee City, Nebraska was constructed with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The PWA provided a $13,019 grant for the project, whose total cost was $28,903. Construction occurred between Dec. 1938 and Jul. 1939. The location and status of this facility is unknown to Living New Deal. (PWA Docket No. Neb. 1430)
  • Fire Station (former Armory) - Falls City NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) completed construction of the former National Guard Armory in Falls City, Nebraska. "edicated on December 11, 1936. It was converted in 1972 to a City Hall and is currently the Falls City fire station."
  • Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge - Valentine NE
    Fort Niobrara NWR - Valentine NE Fort Niobrara Wildlife Refuge was established by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1912 by Executive Order.  The principal aim was to protect bison and elk herds which had dwindled almost to extinction under the pressure of market hunting in the 19th century.  It was created out of the old frontier Fort Niobrara and today covers almost 20,000 acres of grasslands and riparian forest in Nebraska. In October 1933, the CCC began work in the refuge. A number of projects were identified, including a big game fence measuring twenty-one miles, a seven mile four-wire stock fence, fire prevention...
  • Gibbon Public School - Gibbon NE
    The Gibbon Public School was designed by John P. Helleberg, Kearney architect. The contract for plumbing and heating the school was given to Art Hilberg of Kearney in December 1935. The building was estimated to cost $45,400.00. The Public Works Administration (PWA) provided a grant in the amount of $20,450.00 toward the building’s construction. The construction of the school was initiated on February 24, 1936 and completed by August.
  • Golf Course (no longer extant) - Crawford NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a golf course in Crawford, Nebraska in 1936. Living New Deal believes the golf course to be no longer extant, located at a bend in Dodd road to the northwest of the city and the current city park. Northwest Nebraska News: "The WPA project for the improvement of the Crawford city golf course which has been in progress for the last two months was completed this week New greens were built, bunkers and other improvements have been made which makes the Crawford course one of the best in this sector of the state. To keep automobile...
  • Gosper County Courthouse - Elwood NE
    The historic Holt County Courthouse in O'Neill, Nebraska was constructed with the aid of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The PWA provided a $34,363 grant for the project, whose total cost was $70,086. Construction occurred between September 1938 and December 1939. PWA Docket No. NE 1196.
  • Great Plains Indian Highway Development - Hayes Center NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) created a farm-to-market road: Nebraska State Route 25, a.k.a. Great Plains Indian Highway, heading north from Hayes Center, Nebraska.
  • Gymnasium - Henry NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed a gymnasium in Henry, Nebraska. The location and status of the structure are presently unknown to Living New Deal.
  • Hampton Auditorium - Hampton NE
    In September of 1938 the citizens of Hampton, Nebraska went to the polls to decide if the Village should transfer $6,000 from the electric light fund and borrow another $7000 for the purpose of building an Auditorium. Those funds were to be matched at 30% by funding from the Public Works Administration (PWA). The issue carried by what the Aurora Republican Register called “a small margin.” In fact the vote of 111 to 61 represented a winning margin of 64.5%. In February of 1939 bids were let for the project. Local builders Bamesberger and Parpart were granted the general construction contract...
  • Harmon Park - Kearney NE
    The oldest portion of the park, the block between 5th and 6th Avenues and 29th and 30th Streets, dates back to August 7, 1876, when it was given to the city by Thomas Perkins and James Harford "for the sole and only purpose of a public park for the use and benefit of the inhabitants of said city," according to the deed. It was later dubbed Third Ward Park, and was so designated for many years. Beautiful trees, grass and flowers, some sidewalks, a couple of drinking fountains and a few benches were all this park could boast in the...
  • Heartwell Park - Hastings NE
    In 1935, the city of Hastings was notified that they had been given approval from the state Works Progress Administration (WPA) office for three projects, two of which were to be of benefit to Heartwell Park. Final approval from Washington would be given in late September 1935. In the first, Heartwell Lake would be deepened to prevent the water from stagnating. The total cost was expected to be $11,268.60, all of which would be borne by the WPA. In November, the weather began to turn cold, and there was a concern that the ground in the lake would freeze, preventing...
  • Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium Improvements - Omaha NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed cat and bear cages at what was then known as the Riverview Park Zoo in Omaha, Nebraska. A 1936 article cites "new cement cages" begun in the fall of 1935 that would house animals once the WPA completed construction. The status of the project is unknown to Living New Deal.
  • Hershey-Dickens Road Development - Dickens NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) created an all-weather farm-to-market road "from a point seven miles south of Hershey through Dickens to the southern point of Lincoln county" in Nebraska.
  • Holmes Elementary School - Lincoln NE
    Holmes Elementary School in Lincoln, Nebraska was constructed as a federal Public Works Administration (PWA) project. Construction occurred in 1937. PWA Docket No. Neb. 1282. Short and Stanley-Brown: "The Holmes School occupies a 10-acre plot, thus providing ample space for playgrounds. It accommodates 160 pupils. The building is one story and a basement in height, and is T-shaped in plan. It contains three classrooms, a combination library and museum, a playroom, a storage room for bicycles, and a community room which has a stage and a kitchen. The construction is semifireproof. Exterior walls are brick trimmed with wood, the floor is reinforced...
  • Holt County Courthouse - O'Neill NE
    The historic Holt County Courthouse in O'Neill, Nebraska was constructed with the aid of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The PWA provided a $49,909 grant for the project, whose total cost was $114,981. Construction occurred between January 1936 and February 1937. PWA Docket No. NE 1009.
  • Ice Equipment - Beaver City NE
    An ice equipment project in Beaver City, Nebraska was undertaken with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. Living New Deal knows no further information about the project at this time. PWA Docket No. 3754
  • Infrastructure Development - Elsie NE
    The Works Progress Administration (WPA) conducted miles of street improvement work as well as constructing and improving curbs and sidewalks in Grant and Elsie, Nebraska. The WPA also installed new water mains and sewers in the communities.
  • Infrastructure Development - Grant NE
    A street improvement project in Grant, Nebraska was undertaken with the assistance of federal Public Works Administration (PWA) funds. The PWA provided a grant of $17,775 for the project, whose total cost was $68,151. PWA Docket No. 1044 The Works Progress Administration (WPA) conducted miles of street improvement work as well as constructing and improving curbs and sidewalks in Grant and Elsie, Nebraska. The WPA also installed new water mains and sewers in the communities.
  • Ingleside State Hospital - Hastings NE
    In November 1935, federal Public Works Administration (PWA) Administrator Harold Ickes allotted $237,200.00 to the Hastings State Hospital for three units in the institution’s building plans. Together with the $290,000.00 provided by the state legislature, the allotment raised the total amount of funds to be spent to $527,200.00 for the construction of a new hospital building, a building for the night watch, and a sewage disposal plant. Kenneth Gedney was hired to be the architect for these improvements. Bids were called in December 1935. The bid for excavating the basement of the night watch building was given to F. C. Hageman...
  • Juniata Park - Juniata NE
    The city of Juniata was given a Works Progress Administration (WPA) grant in the amount of $8,014.00 for park improvements.
  • Kearney High School Addition (demolished) - Kearney NE
    In June 1934, the PWA presented a grant to the Kearney School Board for a $7,000.00 addition to the existing high school. Architect John P. Helleberg was hired to prepare specifications for the project, which would include rearranging the building to provide additional classroom space and a more convenient plan on the second floor. One valuable change to the high school was a new chemistry laboratory that could accommodate thirty students at one time. The existing large assembly hall was repurposed as a library and study hall. New bathrooms and lockers were also provided. The project cost approximately $24,000.00, with...
  • Kearney High School Athletic Field & Stadium - Kearney NE
    Construction of the concrete “stadium” at the Kearney High School athletic field on West 21st Street was designed primarily to provide dressing rooms for the high school athletes, but also provides seating for a large number of sports fans. It was built on the north side of the track, and measured 76 by 37 feet in size, costing $15,500.00. The stadium and locker room building was in its final stages of construction in December 1938, and Kearneyites were excited that their students would, for the first time, have the benefit of modern, convenient sports facilities. Plans for the stadium were prepared...
  • Kearney Highway Shop - Kearney NE
    In May 1938, a storage yard and highway shed was under construction on 33rd Street between 1st and 2nd Avenues. Utilizing Works Progress Administration (WPA) labor, the building and completed site was estimated to cost $8000. One and one quarter acres of ground were fenced with six-foot wire mesh on steel posts set in concrete. A patrol shed, measuring 56 by 40 feet, with three large stalls for maintainer machines and trucks was built on the site. A repair shop and office space were located in the building as well. Factory-made steel trusses and columns were used in the construction....
  • Kearney Tuberculosis Hospital - Kearney NE
    In November 1937, the State Board of Control decided to proceed with construction of a new men’s hospital building at the State Tuberculosis Hospital in Kearney. The building was estimated to cost $125,000.00, the bulk of which would be funded out of the unicameral’s “building fund” for state institutions. Officials were hopeful that they building could be completed by the fall of 1938. John Latenser and Sons, Omaha architects, were selected to prepare the plans for the building. The Latensers had experience in designing hospitals, including the University Hospital, the Douglas County Hospital, Clarkson Hospital, Lord Lister Hospital, Clearview Home...
  • Kenesaw Auditorium - Kenesaw NE
    The Kenesaw auditorium was originally a Civil Works Administration (CWA) project that eventually morphed into a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project with the termination of the CWA. The WPA portion of the project began in November 1935. The town of Kenesaw donated both money and labor to the project. The WPA installed and constructed two septic tanks and cesspools, finished the interior walls, offices and floors, constructed stage props and the staircase, hung the doors and built a large marquee. The WPA also provided 325 folding chairs for the auditorium. Even so, parts of the building remained unfinished, such as...
  • Kenwood School - Kearney NE
    A Public Work Administration (PWA) grant was given to the Kearney School Board for the erection of Kenwood Elementary School, announced in late June, 1934. Architects McClure and Walker submitted plans and specifications to the PWA engineer’s office in Omaha for approval, for which the engineer was allotted thirty days, and then the request for bids had to be published for thirty additional days before a bidder could be hired. The School Board was looking at a September 1st date for selection of bidders if all went according to plan. Still, the architects were convinced that the Kenwood School could...
  • L Street Water Main - Fremont NE
    An early Works Progress Administration (WPA) project in Fremont, Nebraska was described as follows: Removing and replacing water main on L street in Fremont between Third street and Jackson street. This will improve the fire protection in that area. Fourteen persons are employed on this project. L Street is no longer (assuming it was) continuous in this area.
  • L'Eau Qui Court Cemetery Improvements - Niobrara NE
    "June, 1936, city water was taken to the cemetery, W.P.A. Labor laying the pipes, 8 3/4" freezeless hydrants were placed. Two rows of trees were planted from the highway to the cemetery gates ..."
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