Preparations

Each season brings a different type of maintenance to the parks. Snow needs to be removed in the winter. After it melts, and before the grass needs to be mowed in the summer, is a great time to spruce things up. 

The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt with an Executive Order in 1935.  The goal of the WPA was to help alleviate the mass unemployment caused by the Great Depression.  There were many WPA funded infrastructure projects in Hartford, including several in the City Parks.

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WPA workers grading the beach at Batterson Park.  Parks Department employee Ted Makula is the driver of the 1935 Ford truck.

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WPA workers finish the walk at Pope Park, April 24, 1938.

  

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Men, employed through the WPA, worked to prepare the walkway from the pond to Ridgefield Street at Keney Park, May 2, 1940.

  

  

Hungry? They prepared for that, too.

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May Day was one of the first events of the season. This stand was set up to provide refreshments at Goodwin Park, 1922.

  

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In June, the crowds would arrive to enjoy the roses at Elizabeth Park. The Refectory ready for "Rose Sunday," 1922.

  

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Food trucks have been serving Hartford for decades. This one was stationed at Colt Park, May 31, 1925.

  

And then, of course, they did mow the lawn.

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Emil Therkelson mows the lawn at Bushnell Park.

  

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Mowers lined up at Colt Park, 1940.

  

Preparations