New Hampshire Sites

A small amount of Federal assistance was provided to this typical small New England community (1930 population 2,066). 1933 RFC loan 730.84 for Highways & Bridges Request for a C.W.A. loan for grading at the Factory, Center, and Westport schools. THE PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE This crisis can be met, but not in a day or a year, and education is a vital factor in the meeting of it/ —FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT. ***** "The most important question requiring an answer today at the hands of the American people is: What are we going to do about our public schools? Shall we maintain them on such a basis as will give our children an education...

Extensive work was done in Berlin by a combination of the CWA, FERA, PWA, NYA, CCC and WPA all during the existence of the New Deal when “in 1935, under the leadership of newly-elected Mayor Arthur Bergeron, the Farmer-Labor Party began the process of reorganizing city government and acting as a conduit for federal monies in response to the mass lay-offs in the the Great Northern and Brown paper mills” (https://www.berlinnh.gov) 1935 The period of the Civil Works Administration ended on April 1, with jobs incomplete as follows Athletic Field, Boating and Bathing Pool at the Bog. 1936 "The Federal Work Projects have assisted...

Extensive work was done in Berlin by a combination of the CWA, FERA, PWA, NYA, CCC and WPA all during the existence of the New Deal when “in 1935, under the leadership of newly-elected Mayor Arthur Bergeron, the Farmer-Labor Party began the process of reorganizing city government and acting as a conduit for federal monies in response to the mass lay-offs in the the Great Northern and Brown paper mills” (https://www.berlinnh.gov) A municipal report of 1938 explained: "The park work has been carried on as a WPA Project and work was done on Glen Avenue where the lot was graded, learned and...

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...

Extensive work was done in Berlin by a combination of the CWA, FERA, PWA, NYA, CCC and WPA all during the existence of the New Deal when "in 1935, under the leadership of newly-elected Mayor Arthur Bergeron, the Farmer-Labor Party began the process of reorganizing city government and acting as a conduit for federal monies in response to the mass lay-offs in the the Great Northern and Brown paper mills"   (https://www.berlinnh.gov) Road, street, and sidewalk work in Berlin included the following: 1934 CWA work on the Glen Rd. 1935 FERA constructed the Rockingham St wall. 1936 "By far the two largest jobs undertaken by the city were...

The municipal report for 1939 described WPA involvement in local road projects: BRIDGES "County Farm Bridge, replanked under W.P. A. project." COUNTY FARM ROAD CONSTRUCTION "This project is of gravel surface with tar binder, from Sixth street to the County Farm entrance. From the County Farm entrance for a distance' of 3,000 feet was surfaced with gravel by the Highway Department in 1938. The project is being completed as a W. P. A. project. Tar binder has been applied to this part, and the balance to Sixth street is in process of construction."

A huge amount of road, street, and sidewalk infrastructure work employed hundreds of the unemployed all throughout the life of the New Deal by the CWA, FERA, and WPA. Town reports throughout the 1930s document such work in Nashua, NH. In 1934, 23 projects were "completed in whole or in part by C. W. A. and F. E. R. A. funds, to an amount of many thousands of dollars." This work included projects on North Hollis Road, Bloods Crossing Road, Charlotte Avenue, East Dunstable Road, Ferry Road, East, Conant Road, Hills Ferry Road, Removal of Carbarn on Kinsley Street. In 1935,...

The town report for 1938 says that the WPA helped build North Side Road in work that employed 23 people.

Annual reports for the city of Dover detail extensive work on the city's sewer system: 1939 SEWERS "Central avenue, Spring street to Cemetery entrance. This sewer was started by the Highway Department, old cement pipe being replaced by 806 feet of 18-inch Akron pipe, later was completed as a W. P. A. project. Expended by the Highway Department $721.18, by the W. P. A. and City of Dover $2,999.95. Total expenditure $3,721.13." ASH AND MT. VERNON STREET SEWER "This sewer connects Central avenue sewer with Grove street sewer, taking Mt. Vernon street in from beyond No. 67. The work is being done as a WPA...

Extensive work was done in Berlin by a combination of the CWA, FERA, PWA, NYA, CCC and WPA all during the existence of the New Deal when "in 1935, under the leadership of newly-elected Mayor Arthur Bergeron, the Farmer-Labor Party began the process of reorganizing city government and acting as a conduit for federal monies in response to the mass lay-offs in the the Great Northern and Brown paper mills"   (https://www.berlinnh.gov) Utilities, culverts, water mains, storm drains, & sewer lines were improved by New Deal agencies: 1934 CWA builds the Coos Street Culvert, Boating and Bathing Pool at the Bog. 1935 "FERA builds the Main...

Between 1935 and 36 the WPA helped in reconstruction work on the town water supply Jackson Pond which had originally been built in 1894. In 1936, the WPA supplied labor for a water extension.

Municipal reports from 1938 and 1939 reported the following WPA activity in Gorham: 1937 Storm drains Alpine St & Promenade St. Water mains Alpine St and to the Island on the east end of Washington St. The town is now able to get W. P. A. assistance and it has been suggested that the following sewers be built: Alpine Street, Promenade and Church Streets, and the Leblanc-Willis sewer. Estimated cost of these projects is material furnished by the town $2907.60 and we recommend this amount be appropriated and raised. All labor for these projects will be furnished by W. P. A. 1938 The new dam at the...

Annual municipal reports for Claremont document extensive New Deal involvement in developing the city's water supply and sewage systems. In 1935, this work included WPA aid in the construction of the local Rice Reservoir, and CCC construction of five "water holes" "in outlying sections as an added aid in combating fires on isolated farms." In 1940, the PWA contributed to a municipal sewer project, and WPA labor was used to improve the hospital's sewer lines. New Deal aid for sewer projects continued into 1941.

During 1936 the annual town report mentions the Work Progress Administration helping with a sidewalk $128.46, construction of water holes $147.41, flood reconstruction $40.00, and loam for cemetery $17.85 for a total of $339.04. During 1940 $4,014.12 was provided by the W.P.A for the Relocation Account for the construction of a Town Hall, lands, streets and sidewalks in New Village. "Hill Village, NH: Relocating An Entire Town In February 1937, residents of Hill Village NH learned that their village, near the Pemigewasset River, was to become a flood control reservoir for the Franklin Falls dam project To accommodate the construction of the...

According to a historical sign on site, "Named for Fridjof Nansen, the Greenland explorer. Berlin's first ski club formed in 1872. The club sponsored the "Big Nansen" constructed in 1936 -38 by the National Youth Administration and the City of Berlin. At the time, it was possibly the tallest steel-tower ski jump in the world, standing 171 feet high. The first jumper Clarence "Spike" Oleson in 1937. In 1938, the Olympic trials were held here. Four times Milan hosted the United States Ski Jumping National Championships: 1940, '57, '65, '72." The architect of the ski jump was John Barnard Nichol, a...

Nashua Airport at Boire Field is a public use airport located northwest of Nashua. Municipal reports from the 1930s detail New Deal assistance building the airport. A 1934 report explained that local authorities had been authorized to buy land, which was "acquired to be developed as a C. W. A. Project, and to be used as an Airport." Work on the project by the CWA and FERA began that year. The 1935 report stated that with FERA support a "modern brick hangar and administration building" were erected. More of the landing field was prepared. In 1936, the WPA began helping with...

1933 Mayor Alvin Lucier in his inaugural address listed 4 major projects done in cooperation with Federal Relief agencies. 3. PARKS AND COMMONS AND RECREATION FACILITIES. This project was designed to further develop the Artillery Pond project and includes some building. This would bring nearer to realization a well thought out plan for the development of an area particularly well suited by nature for a recreational center. It also includes work to be done at the South Common and at the swimming pool at Field's Grove. 1934 Mayor Lucier in his annual report wrote: "No less than seven Federal programs have directly affected our people. During...

"The Peirce Island Outdoor Pool in Portsmouth, New Hampshire (population 21,000), is a Great Depression–era municipal facility that has served several generations during its 69-year history. The pool’s unique location, storied past, and status as a beloved recreational asset make it distinctive. The pool sits on a 27-acre municipally-owned island adjacent to Portsmouth’s downtown. Purchased in 1923 for $11,000, Peirce Island is a popular recreation asset that also offers a boat launch, a network of walking trails, shore access for fishing, a playground, a sand volleyball court, and picnic areas. Built in 1937 by the federal Works Progress Administration, the pool...

According to annual town reports,  federal assistance supported important improvements to the Pine Grove Cemetery during the New Deal. From 1935 to 1937 the Public Works Administration (PWA) was involved in work at the Pine Grove Cemetery, and in 1938 the Works Progress Administration (WPA) took over the job.

A municipal report from 1936 explains: "The WPA is involved in cataloging all the graves in the Pine Hill Cemetery."

The federal Public Works Administration (PWA) provided funds for the construction of a bridge spanning New Hampshire's Pemigewasset River between the towns of Plymouth and Holderness. The PWA span replaced an older wooden covered bridge. However, in 2005 the state of NH replaced the PWA span with a steel and concrete bridge. "The 1935 Holderness town report lists federal help with a "NEW IRON BRIDGE For the benefit of the voters of the town, the following account will give the cost of the new iron bridge at Pemigewasset River. Receipts Federal Grant, P. W. A. $14,500.00 Town of Holderness 8,000.00 Town of Plymouth 12,000.00 State of New Hampshire...

Four murals depicting pivotal scenes from the history of Portsmouth, New Hampshire were commissioned by the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) and painted by artist Gladys Brannigan. They were installed in the auditorium of Portsmouth Middle School (on Parrott Avenue) in 1936. The current location or status of the murals is unknown.

The Treasury Department funded the construction of the Lancaster NH Post Office in 1935.

Lebanon, New Hampshire's historic post office was constructed in 1937 with federal Treasury Department funds. The building, which houses an example of New Deal artwork, is still in service.

The historic post office in Meredith, New Hampshire was constructed with federal Treasury Department funds. The building, which opened in 1936, is still in service.

The historic post office in Milford, New Hampshire was constructed with federal Treasury Department funds in 1939. The building, which houses an example of New Deal art, is still in use today.

The Newport, New Hampshire post office was constructed in 1935 with Treasury Department funds.

Built in 1936.

The historic post office in Plymouth, New Hampshire was constructed in 1937 with federal Treasury Department funds. The building, which houses an example of New Deal artwork, is still in use today.

The post office in Wolfeboro was completed in 1937 with funds provided by the Treasury Department. It is also the site of Andrew Winter's 1938 mural, "New Hampshire Sugar Camp," completed with funds provided by the Treasury Section of Fine Arts and viewable in the lobby.

"New deal relief entitled "Town of Derry" created and installed by Vladimir Yoffe in 1938. It remained in the old post office until 2002 when the building was demolished. It has since been restored and since 2004 has hung in the Arts Center on the campus of the Pinkerton Academy in Derry."

Charles Kaeselau's oil-on-canvas mural "Rural New Hampshire" at the Lebanon, New Hampshire post office was painted with Treasury Section of Fine Arts funds and completed in 1939.  According to the contract for the project dated Jul. 1, 1938, the mural was to be "14' wide by 4'8" high, with a total approximate area of 61 sq. ft." Mr. Kaeselau was paid $830 for the project: $200 for the preliminary design, $300 for a "full size cartoon and photograph," and $330 upon completion and approved installation of the mural.

An oil-on-canvas mural entitled “Lumberman Log-Rolling” was painted for the Milford, New Hampshire post office in 1940 by Philip Von Saltza.  Mr. Von Saltza received $700 for his efforts according to the project's contract dated April 15, 1940.  The mural was completed and installed by the end of August.

This oil-on-canvas mural in the lobby at the Peterborough, New Hampshire post office entitled “New England Post in Winter” was completed in 1938 by Marguerite Zorach. Primarily a textile artist, Zorach was an earlier innovator in the American modernist movement. Her work appeared in the 1913 Armory Show. She also completed two New Deal post office murals in Fresno, CA. Ms. Zorach received $550 for her efforts, according to the project's contract dated May 1, 1937. Postmaster Martin J. Keenan wrote on Jan. 6, 1938 that the mural had "been satisfactorily installed, and is considered a real asset to our new...

The fresco secco painting titled "First Post Rider of Plymouth," installed above the Postmaster's door in the Plymouth, New Hampshire post office lobby, was painted by R. Crawford Livingston.  According to the contract dated June 25, 1937 the artist received $660 for his efforts.  The mural, which measures 13' wide by 3'10" high, was completed in early 1938. The mural was described in one local newspaper as depicting "the first arrival of mail pouches by pony express in a rural settlement of the colonial period. ... The talented young artist's work has provoked much favorable comment for its universal outlook and...

Andrew Winter painted this oil-on-canvas mural, entitled "New Hampshire Sugar Camp," in 1938 with funds provided by the Treasury Section of Fine Arts. It is viewable in the lobby of the Wolfeboro post office.

Nina de Brennecke created three carved mahogany bas relief sculptures: "Peaches," "Dewberries," and "Drilling," in 1942 with funds provided by the federal Treasury Section of Fine Arts. They are viewable in the lobby of the historic Hamlet, North Carolina post office.

The Allenstown Public Library was erected in 1934 by Public Works Administration (PWA) workers at a cost of $13,138.00. This Colonial Revival structure was designed by Harold, Homes, Owen, Inc. The original contract stipulated that the majority of the construction work was to be by hand in order to employ more local workers longer.

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....

Town reports from 1939, 1940, and 1941 report some effort at work relief in the small town of Enfield by the WPA. 1939 "During the past year the library was fortunate enough to be included in a State W.P.A. library project with a worker assigned us for about ten months. Considerable progress has been made on the card catalogue, and another volume added to the collection of historical scrap-books. The addition of some much needed shelves and a re-arrangement of the fiction section has made our books more accessible." A W.P.A. Blister Rust control effort employed 8 men along with additional men...