Founded in 1813, Colby College is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges in the United States. It moved to its current location in the 1930s with significant help from the New Deal: Former Colby student Leonard C. Cabana (class… read more
According to the 1933 and ’34 town reports, the Civil Works Administration (CWA) and Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) were involved in: “REPAIRS TO HOUSES The CWA laid the last section of flooring in the Central Station and built a… read more
In 1933, acting under the leadership of Mayor Thayer, the local C.W.A. administrator, various actions were taken to stabilize the finances of the town and reemploy as many people as possible. Reconstruction Finance Corporation Grant Received during 1933: $19,820.75 Among… read more
Streets got some help from the New Deal as part of the cities effort at tackling the pervasive unemployment in the city. Only 1933 and 34 town reports were available. 1933 Road Commissioner “On account of frost ruining many of… read more
The Robert LaFleur Airport is a small general aviation airport in Waterville. It was originally opened in 1931. A 2011 history of the airport explains the federal involvement in its development. In a 1933 town report, Mayor Thayer explains that:… read more
During 1933 and 1934 much-needed repairs were undertaken to the school system. From the annual reports of the city of Waterville: 1933 “School Superintendent: Through the efforts of the city officials, funds from the Federal government have been made available… read more
“During June, 1934, a project for concrete sidewalk construction was started in Waterville. This project was self-sustaining and cost the ERA nothing except for labor and trucks. From June until the last of October, 6,671 lineal feet of 4’0″ and… read more
“The Gilman Street Bridge, since named “Thayer Memorial Bridge” , which was undertaken as a C. W. A. project in 1933 was completed under F. E. R. A. early in 1934. Although the cost of this project exceeded the estimate… read more
The Ticonic bridge is a 575 Foot concrete and steel I beam structure that carries route 201 over the Kennebec River and connects Waterville and Winslow. The bridge was one of 26 bridges that were badly damaged or destroyed by… read more