Norvelt: A New Deal Subsistence Homestead
It was a chance for a new beginning. That was the vision Eleanor Roosevelt saw in 1933 when she led the effort to begin construction of Westmoreland Homesteads, the town known today as Norvelt. The vision was part of the New Deal her husband, and President, Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented to strengthen the economy in the United States. The plan gave 254 families the opportunity to build new homes and learn how to sustain their lives through farming and gardening. Eleanor's vision was that families would be instilled with pride and hope by being a part of the building process. Today, after celebrating its 75th anniversary, many would agree the story of Norvelt has been a success.