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Seattle Municipal Archives Guide

Record Group: Department of Parks and Recreation

Record Series: Works Progress Administration Recreation Project Reports

1936 -1940

0.8 cubic foot (2 boxes)

Established in 1935, the WPA (Works Progress Administration; the name was later changed to Work Projects Administrati on) provided employment for out-of-work citizens who built highways, wrote and performed in plays, constructed buildings and bridges, created public artworks, planted trees, and participated in many other activities. The "Federal One" Project, consisting of the Federal Art Project, Federal Writers' Project, Federal Theatre Project, Federal Music Project, and Historical Re cords Survey, provided work opportunities to professionals in the arts and culture. State and local governments received federal WPA f unds and engaged workers in a variety of projects, including construction, repair, and improvement of public buildings a nd facilities. This work relief program paid a salary of approximately $40 per month and had employed over 8 million worker s by the time it was dissolved in 1943. Between 1934 and 1944, Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department received federal and state aid from the WPA, CWA (Civil Works Administration), and WERA (Washington Emergency Relief Administration). Many of Seattle's parks were improved by WPA workers, who participated in remodeling, painting, gardening, and construction projects. WPA engineers also surveyed and drafted plans for parks improvements. The WPA Division of Recreation and Education worked with the Parks Department on the staff ing and supervision of several recreation centers throughout the city; the programs and classes were well-attended and included music, drama, dance, and sports. Series contains statistical and narrative weekly reports of recreation programs led by staff employed through the WPA's Division of Recreation and Education. Reports include names of leaders, numbers participating in programs, and observati ons of regional supervisors. The city was divided into the Northern, Southern, and Central Divisions and city-wide recreation a nd music and drama. Also included are a catalogue of recreational activities and information relating to the YMCA and to personnel for the project.

Location:
Seattle Municipal Archives

Finding Aids:
Folder List
EAD Guide to the Works Progress Admini stration Recreation Project Reports 1936-1940

Corporate Name Subjects:
Seattle (Wash.). Dept. of Parks and Recreation.

Topical Subjects:
Sports and Recreation
Youth -- Recreation -- Washington (State) -- Seattle
Recreation -- Washington (State) -- Seattle

Geographical Subjects:
Seattle
Seattle (Wash.)