Historical Society set to give WPA tours

The Logan County Historical Society: Beyond Statehood is pleased to unveil their new self-guided WPA Tour series. In an effort to share and preserve the history of the New Deal in Logan County, the LCHS has created four unique web-based tours that can be experienced in a variety of ways.  The East Guthrie tour is perfect for an afternoon walk or bike ride.  The West Guthrie Route will highlight the contributions of the Civilian Conservation Corps and the National Youth Administration’s often forgotten efforts. Outside of Guthrie there are two more routes which highlight rural WPA projects in Crescent, Meridian, Coyle, and Langston.

Oklahoma was one of the hardest hit areas of the country by the Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930s.  The New Deal was created to help bring relief to millions of people who were unemployed.  In 1935, there were 798 families on the rolls in Logan County who were in need of relief and employment, half of which lived in Guthrie.  In an effort to provide useful employment and decrease the burden on local communities, numerous relief programs were created.  The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was the largest organization formed.  In Logan County alone the WPA employed over 1,200 men.  Organizations, including the Civilian Conservation Corps, Civil Works Administration, Public Works Administration, and the National Youth Administration, employed numerous additional people.  Each organization had a unique purpose, but each was designed to provide employment for those in need, while helping to improve infrastructure and public welfare.

The web-based guides will help you experience these WPA buildings, education and employment sites, and will highlight uncommonly remembered New Deal history. These tours are free to the public. This link will take you to the home page for the tours.