Farmington Sites

The 1936 Annual Report of the Town of Farmington N.H. reported the following WPA flood recovery projects: The year started out most discouragingly with the disastrous floods of March 12th and 19th, 1936. An idea of the damage done at that time may be had from the following figures covering the cost of repairs. Using figures furnished us by the State Highway Department the net expenditure by the town (1/8 of 1 per cent of our valuation as required by special act of the legislature) was: Town expenditure:  $2,471.64 State expenditure:   $1,488.47 Total:                          $3,960.11 To this should be added W. P. A. payrolls...

Between 1936 and 1940, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) undertook forestry work in Farmington, New Hampshire, to clear the area of currant and gooseberry bushes. Below is a detailed list of the work undertaken: 1936 WPA funds expended: $2,550.26. Area covered: 2,182 acres. Currant and gooseberry bushes destroyed: 59,743. Number of men employed: 18. 1937 WPA funds expended: $1,188.20 Area covered: 1721 acres Currant and gooseberry bushes destroyed: 62,200 Number of men employed: 8 1938 Area covered: 1545 acres Currant and gooseberry bushes destroyed: 28,216 Number of men employed: 9 1940 WPA funds expended in New Durham, with Farmington labor: $786.96 Area covered: 1,002 acres Currant and gooseberry bushes destroyed: 24,892 Number of local men employed: 7

The 1936 Selectmens report mentions W.P.A. assistance to the town of Farmington: "With respect to Article 3 of the Warrant covering budget items 10 and 11-a, we suggest a small appropriation of $1350.00 to cover our 'Sponsor's Contribution' for the completion of the W. P. A. project for the reconstruction of the filtration system at the sewage disposal plant. The $670.02 thus far expended by the town on this project has come from a surplus in revenues other than taxes and other balances accruing during the year but we think it advisable to make this provision for its completion."