Holliston 1934

Food prices may be high during this economic upheaval but hearken back to the Great Depression here in town. If you were on welfare, one of your jobs was to tend to cemeteries otherwise not provided for.

The schools were granted funds in the amount of $37,590.00. Remember the population in 1934 was about 2,804. The town voted to abandon the Braggville School House and the Selectmen were authorized to dispose of the town’s interest.

Selectmen were kept busy with numerous acronyms from Washington such as WPA (Works Project Administration), CWA (Civil Works Administration) & FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Administration).

Bronze plaque from concrete sidewalk poured in 1934 at the corner of Mechanic and School streets in Mudville. (Now part of the Holliston archives)

That year Town Hall and Town Farm were painted along with the library, new and old fire stations and three schoolhouses. The Class of “34” graduated 30 students including this writer’s aunt Jessie Annie Blair.

When it came to public works, the Highway Departments payroll list was blotted with unemployed workers. The General Highway account listed 127 men, making anywhere from $1.00 to 505.38. And that was just one account under the department. Maintenance, Snow, Railing, Bridge, Sidewalk, Washington Street Construction, & Prentice Street Construction rounded out the list, many of these accounts listing more than the General Highway account in number of men employed.

The police department ran on a budget of $3,050.00, the fire department $3,600.00 and the entire school system on an appropriation of $38,915.00.

Bacon could be purchased for $.20 / lb., bread $.09 /loaf, potatoes 5lbs. for $.17 and another necessity toilet paper 3 rolls for $.14.

Bobby Blair

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