The Great Depression and New Deal Influence

The Value of Recreation

In conjunction with the Works Progress Adminstration, the National Recreation and Park Association encouraged state agencies to employ jobless citizens for work within recreation and tourism fields.  Recreation based tourism afforded cities with geographic advantages an insulation against extreme unemployment typically found in factory towns.  

North Carolina secured approximately $30 million dollars in profit from travelers’ dollars in 1936, the equivalent of $480 million in 2020.  In an era subject to 25 to 35 % unemployment rates, the tourist business actually saw significant increase in employment opportunity.  Tourism produced: 60% more revenue than lumber, 11% more revenue than clothing, and 51% more revenue than oil between 1935-1938.  These numbers show tourism as a powerful engine in economic survival during the Great Depression era.

Employment opportunities for women were also prevalant, although these jobs often were subject to stereotype gender bias - typically as cooks or boarding house keepers.  Women in beach towns were able to obtain a level of self-sufficiency through wage work not otherwise available due to staggering unemployment percentages.

The Value of Fishing

Coastal postcard advertising of the era prominently featured fishermen.  President Hoover stated that fishermen are “possessed of much faith and hope.” Fishing remained a much-loved pastime for generations of beach dwellers, as well a practical means of feeding one’s family in times of scarcity.  Fishing recreation drew 10 million visitors per year during the Great Depression, resulting in tackle sales of nearly $8 million during the era.  Works Progress Administration funds' distributors could clearly view the impact this form of recreation had within economies of these regions, as well as relaxation and recuperation benefits to citizens.  As such, investment of New Deal era funds became increasingly available.

In 1935, a cooperative formed in Morehead City to oversee a program of oyster planting and growth.  Millions of bushels of oysters were planted in local waters to encourage growth.  The oyster observation study program grew out of a collaboration between the North Carolina State Department of Conservation and Development and the Works Progress Administration.  The oyster program provided continued employment to 15,000 people directly dependent on fish and shellfish products for their livelihood, as well as employment of scientists and marine specialists who provided scientific analysis of oyster growth. 

In the same year, fishing brought an estimated $1.67 million dollars to the North Carolina economy.  Postcard advertising represents this financially sound occupation and pastime.

The Value of WPA Programs

Works Progress Administration funds bolstered the local economy and provided significant long-term jobs, all while assisting communities to present a picturesque vacation and recreation area.

In 1932, the Intracoastal Waterway project received $14 million dollars in federal funds to construct the portion spanning from Norfolk, Virginia to Wilmington.  The waterway provides ease of transportation, whether commercial or recreation, by connecting primary bodies of water.  In 1933, funds for erosion control measures became available, thereby improving ocean vitality.  The same year, in both August and September, the coast experienced back to back hurricanes, necessitating the creation of a coastal protection program.

The Civil Works Administration purchased Northern North Carolina bridges, funded the Wright Brothers Memorial improvements, and facilitated construction of the Roanoke Theater – all coastal features providing employment within the tourist industry.  Wrightsville and Carolina Beaches also received allocations, resulting in improvements within the communities. 

Such expenditures facilitated access to the beaches, improved infrastructure to accommodate an influx of guests, and provided recreational opportunities.  Happy postcard imagery of bathing beauties and abundant catch would pale without an accompanying pleasant and positive experience while visiting.