The Skowhegan State Fair is “The Nations Oldest Consecutively Running Agricultural Fair” Celebrating 197 Years. During the Great Depression, various public works projects were initiated in town, including the construction of a grandstand for the racetrack. According to the Independent… read more
The Skowhegan Fire Station was built in 1904. According to a local news article from 1935, FERA carried out extensive improvements to the station: “A thorough cleaning of the interior of the Skowhegan fire station is being followed by the… read more
An Independent Reporter article from the 1930s reported that an Emergency Relief Administration crew was nearing completion of a job at the local municipal building: “By the close of the present week the Municipal building will lose some of its… read more
Newspaper articles describe various projects in carried out in Skowhegan by the CWA, FERA and the WPA, as well as direct food relief provided by federal agencies. In 1934, the CWA began a sewing project employing local women. In 1938,… read more
“Work Of Constructing National Guard Rifle Range Resumed Tuesday Dan Cassidy, clerk at the local ERA office, announces that work was resumed Tuesday on the construction of the National Guard rifle range on the Sylvain farm situated just off the… read more
Many projects were launched in town during the Depression in an effort at reducing relief rolls. The following CWA and FERA projects were reported in the Independent Reporter: Aug 24, 33 – Road projects announced. $5,000 for the Middle Rd…. read more
The Independent Reporter often covered the ongoing work of the New Deal at providing relief for the unemployed on work in Skowhegan. In 1933-1934, the CWA and then FERA carried out extensive improvements to the local junior and senior high… read more