Draining of Indian Pond, other projects

The Great Depression had a profound impact on those who lived through it. It was a test by fire and hardened the resolve of those who made it through those dark days. The times were dark in that jobs were hard to find, starvation was right around the corner, and for some, hunger and despair were ever-present companions.

At this point in history Franklin Roosevelt was elected President. Although many of his policies resulted in a dramatic increase in government programs and entitlements, these programs were not such that they rewarded inaction or paid someone to stay home.

To the contrary, the...