The WPA was extensively involved in flood control construction in Arroyo Seco during the 1930s. Excerpts of WPA involvement in that history follow: 1934-35: Trapezoidal channel is constructed in the Central Arroyo from Devils Gate Dam through the Rose Bowl… read more
Two Works Progress Administration concrete pedestrian bridges built over the Arroyo Seco flood control channel in the Brookside Golf Course next to the Rose Bowl.
“The Brookside Park Improvements, WP 25, WP 5702, WP 5704, WP 6978, WP 7716, WP 8101, WP 9534, WP 9624 and WP 9810, sponsored by the City of Pasadena, comprise a diversified construction program to improve the facilities and beauty… read more
A lattice steel public toilet built similarly to the one next to the Rose Bowl nearby. Two plaques on the front read “Built by United States Work Projects Administration 1940” and “Renovated by Public Works and Transportation Building Systems and… read more
1 of 27 schools in the Pasadena CA school system that the New Deal, whether the WPA or PWA, was involved in reconstructing, demolishing, or reinforcing after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Was built in 1926 in a Gothic style… read more
The CCC built a set of three debris catchment basins below Eaton Canyon in 1940.
1 of 27 schools in Pasadena that were rebuilt, demolished, or reinforced after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake by either the WPA or PWA. 1909 School built 1914 Replaced with a new brick building. 1933 Damaged by the 1933 earthquake…. read more
“When Franklin D.Roosevelt was elected in 1933, his Works Progress administration (WPA) put Pasadenans to work on park, flood control,and utility projects.They improved Brookside Park for the Chicago White Sox,who set up spring training there.” (www.pasadena.edu) The stadium mentioned is… read more
1 of 27 schools in Pasadena CA that the New Deal was involved in rebuilding, demolishing, or reinforcing after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. 5 photos available at the Pasadena Museum of History depict the demolition of the school by… read more
This was 1 of 27 schools in the Pasadena CA school system that the New Deal was involved in demolishing, rebuilding, or re-inforcing after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. The school was originally built in 1925, but was badly damaged… read more
This 16′ x 40′, oil on canvas mural, “Modern Education/School Activities,” was completed in 1942 by Frank Tolles Chamberlin through the PWAP. It adorns the school library. The artist described its theme as “youth and its activities.” According to Pasadena… read more
In the town of Pasadena, California, “the CCC put… young men to work quickly on projects such as the extension of New York Avenue (now called New York Drive) from Foothill Blvd (now Altadena Dr) to Sierra Madre Villa Rd.”
Government help was crucial in restoring Pasadena Junior College after it was hit hard both by the Great Depression and by the 1933 Longbeach Earthquake. As the school website’s history section explains: “Many difficulties arose in meeting the problems of… read more
This pedestrian bridge over the Arroyo Seco flood control channel within the Rose Bowl parking lot was constructed by the WPA in 1935-36.
“One of seven Lattice Steel Toilets and Concession Stands at Pasadena Rose Bowl. W.P.A. #25 Jan. 1936” A description and photo of the toilet pictured here appears in a photo album compiled by New Deal officials. It is unclear whether… read more
A Works Progress Administration-built stone bridge crosses the Arroyo Seco along Washington Boulevard at the edge of the golf course. The WPA laid a plaque (possibly bronze) at the end of the bridge. It is currently covered by a modern… read more
“W.P.A. #25 Jan. 1936” 4 photographs in a New Deal album show construction work of rubble walls along the base of the Rose Bowl. From the outside, much of the rubble wall tunnels and ramps around the stadium can be… read more
This reinforced concrete bridge over the Arroyo Seco flood control channel was built by the WPA in 1939.
The WPA made improvements to the school in the 1930s, constructing a new cafeteria and a one story frame, stucco building. They also made extensive ground improvements including: grading, landscaping, seeding, walkways, drives, walls, fences, etc. The Pasadena Museum of… read more
