OT: Once The US Gov't Was The Largest Housing Developer for the Working Class

Investment Analysis Clubs Macro Economic Trends and Risks
1

In 1918, as World War I intensified overseas, the U.S. government embarked on a radical experiment: It quietly became the nation’s largest housing developer, designing and constructing more than 80 new communities across 26 states in just two years.

These weren’t hastily erected barracks or rows of identical homes. They were thoughtfully designed neighborhoods, complete with parks, schools, shops and sewer systems.

In just two years, this federal initiative provided housing for almost 100,000 people.
The above achived article is titled:“THE HOUSING OF THE
UNSKILLED WAGE EARNER”.

When the U.S. declared war against Germany in April 1917, federal authorities immediately realized that ship, vehicle and arms manufacturing would be at the heart of the war effort. To meet demand, there needed to be sufficient worker housing near shipyards, munitions plants and steel factories.

2 Likes
2

The US must have been full of Socialists back then. Studebaker built a subdivision for it’s employees, just to the south of their main factory complex in South Bend.

Fortunately, the US is much Shinier now, where the “JCs” take away the Proles pension and medical benefits, and stuff the money in their own pockets instead.
/sarcasm

Steve

3

They built a whole community for Hoover Dam. All of the families had houses built by the government. They finally auctioned off all the homes in the 1980’s and the town was turned over to the public.

2 Likes