California Recreation: WPA's Diverse Activities, 1937

This silent film from 1937 illustrates the wide range of recreational projects sponsored by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) across California. The footage captures various activities enhancing community engagement and physical well-being, including bike polo in Monterey, beekeeping in Paso Robles, and the crafting of trout flies in San Luis Obispo. It also shows pottery shaping in Morro Bay and children building model airplanes in San Francisco. Athletic pursuits are highlighted with swimming in San Diego, archery classes in Redding, and girls' calisthenics in Sacramento. Cultural and entertainment aspects are covered with a puppet show in Stockton, a rope trick exhibition in Modesto, lawn bowling in Oakland, bicycle races at a San Jose velodrome, and a grand recreation parade in Fresno, showcasing the WPA's efforts to enrich community life during the Great Depression.