Concord Sites

Municipal reports from 1933-1942 detail PWA and WPA work on several local cemeteries. In 1933, the PWA spent nearly $5,000 on the following: Fencing Blossom Hill Cemetery. Crematory Blossom Hill Cemetery. Drainage Blossom Hill Cemetery. Grading Blossom Hill Cemetery, Maple Grove Cemetery, Pine Grove Cemetery. Water systems Maple Grove and Woodlawn Cemeteries. The report states, "This work required a vast amount of time, as the federal government is very exact in detail and text." A 1939 report stated further that: "With the assistance of the WPA, the pond at Blossom Hill Cemetery was restored after many years of disuse. To further beautify this area, azaleas and rhododendrons were...

"The year 1938 is most remembered for the devastating hurricane and subsequent floods, but this was also the year steps were taken that resulted in a new library building being built. Although an urgent need for expanded library facilities had been felt for some time, the matter did not come to a head until the State of New Hampshire started condemnation proceedings to acquire the library property to make way for the State House Annex. Fortunately, sufficient funds were made available from the condemnation award, various library construction trusts and a federal PWA grant to finance at no direct cost...

Following the flood of 1936 in the Merrimack Valley, action was taken by local and national leaders. In 1936, the city reported the following resolution: "Whereas, the recent flood in the Merrimack Valley caused serious damages to our industrial plants, many of which suffered not only through the direct damage but production loss and their employees became victims of the flood through unemployment and loss in wages and. Whereas, floods such as we have experienced may again occur unless immediate steps are taken to create storage reservoirs, Be it resolved, that the Concord City Government hereby respectfully petitions the President of...

In 1934, town officials resolved to use $2,500 of CWA money for constructing bleachers at Memorial Athletic Field. In 1940, more bleachers  from nearby were moved and set up at Memorial Field.

Town reports for Concord document a number of miscellaneous improvements to parks around the city. A 1933 report of that year stated: "With funds obtained from the CWA considerable work has been done and all the parks received attention." In 1933 and 1934, the CWA was involved in tree work around the city. In 1939, the city reported it had received "468,000 man-hours of labor during the past year. This labor was applied to a huge variety of useful permanent work. In addition to these improvements, live water holes were built; and enlarged facilities were provided at the Russell...

A 1935 municipal report described extensive PWA support for a town pumping station and pipes to provide better fire protection: "The plan as adopted provided for the erection of a 250,000 gallon stand-pipe on the height of land on the extension of Auburn Street, known as the Long Pond road, the building of a brick automatic pumping station on Columbus Avenue and the erection of a 250,000 gallon water tower on South Main Street in Penacook. To complete the two extra high services it means the laying of a large amount, about 6000 feet, of 12 inch cement lined cast iron pipe....

Municipal reports for the city of Concord report extensive New Deal road work throughout the 1930s. In 1933, the PWA contributed almost $5,000 to improvements on South Main St., South State St., Pleasant St., Warren St. and School St. The same year, CWA funds were used for the construction of Runnells Road, Snow Pond Road, Sylvester St. and other work, including the removal of "about 500 hitching posts." This sort of road work continued in 1934. A 1938 town report describes extensive WPA help with municipal road projects. In 1939, the report explains more specifically that "the city received 468,000 man-hours of...

In 1940, the WPA helped construct a new wading pool at Rolfe Park. A municipal report from that year reported that: "This pool, which has a depth ranging from three and one-half to four feet, meets a long felt need in the Ward One section of the city."

Municipal reports for the town of Concord document New Deal improvements to the park throughout the late 1930s and early 1940s. In 1935, the CWA funded a stone wall along Broadway, enlarged the park's wading pool and removed dead trees and stumps. In 1936, the PWA completed a new bathing pool in Rollins Park. A further 75 foot addition was added to the old pool in 1941. In 1939, acres of land were graded at the park. In 1940, 400 feet of ashlar wall was constructed and a new baseball diamond was developed. Rollins Park bleachers were relocated.

Annual reports for the city of Concord from 1933-1942 show extensive New Deal work on the municipal sewer system during the Depression. In 1933-1934, the reports discuss PWA work on storm sewers and "combined systems" on Prospect Street, Walker Street, South Street, Concord Manor and Plains. In 1936, the WPA laid pipes on Joffre St., Penacook, Elm St. Cross St., West Concord, Clark's Field Outlet, Franklin Terrace, Redwood Ave., Downing St., Plains, and Prescott St. In 1937, the WPA and the PWA continued work on the city's water system, building 4,345 feet of sewers and 2,878 feet respectively. Work included the following locations:...

Municipal reports for the town of Concord document extensive New Deal improvements in White Park. In 1935, the entrance to White Park at the corner of Center and High streets was remodeled. In 1936, the PWA completed a cement bathing pool in White Park. In June of 1937, the WPA completed a new administration building for the park, "furnished and equipped so at the end of the year the City of Concord has the foundation for one of the best service bureaus in tree surgery, insect control, tree and flower preservation and propagation in this section of the country. The new...