Collection of Photographs and Negatives Documenting National Youth Administration Work Projects in Ohio

[Ohio]: Circa 1938. 133 photographs, plus 15 duplicates. Of the 133 unique images, 109 are paired with their original negative; one additional negative included, but lacking its photo. Photographs vary in size, with most being approximately 2-1/2 x 3 inches or slightly larger. Each photograph pasted to the corner of an 8-1/2 x 11-1/2 manilla envelope, except in cases where the photo has come loose or if the photo is a duplicate; in those cases, it is enclosed within the envelope, along with the negative, if there is one. Soiling, paste action, and some occasional damp-staining to envelopes, affecting several photos and a couple of negatives; ink and pencil notations to envelopes. Good condition or better overall.

An uncommon collection of images documenting NYA work projects in and around Ohio. Although Ohio is not explicitly noted on the envelopes, the notations reference "Jewell" -- likely Tilford Jewell, the district supervisor for the NYA in Ohio -- and we note an Ohio license plate on a truck in one of the photographs.

The photographs are almost all unposed images of young men in the NYA program working on various projects, with the most extensive shown here being what appears to be the construction of an outdoor sports field, complete with stadium seating. It is possible this was the M & M athletic field in McConnelsville, which was in construction in May 1939, according to the local newspaper. Also shown are what may be the construction of dormitories -- one of several such projects around the state, including in McConnelsville -- and working on a river bank.

Despite the widespread success of the NYA, which employed nearly 5 million young men and women during its 9-year run, from 1935-1944, photographs of enrollees and their projects seem to be fairly uncommon, particularly candid shots such as these.