Project 4 Rob Cantrell
Amst 205
December 12, 1995


PROJECT 4: A Look at Greenbelt



The history of Greenbelt is a well documented event. In an effort to alleviate housing problems in the 1930's due to the Great Depression, Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed Rexford G. Tugwell head of the Rural Resettlement Administration. The idea was to create planned communities, modeled after England's "Garden Cities", in which low income housing would be available to American's that might otherwise not afford homes. Three of these types of communities were built, including Greenbelt, Maryland.

Nestled in the woods about 20 miles from Washington, D.C., Greenbelt became the most famous of these developments. The design was for a community surrounded by a greenbelt of trees, hence the name. Included in the design were recreational facilities, schools, a shopping area, and lots of open space for playgrounds. The main focus was to create an environment that catered to families and children. Low income families were chosen to reside in the community, and strict rules were laid out that the owners had to follow. The task was completed in 1937, and the first 885 families moved in shortly after. Though the selection process was very discriminatory, and I naturally do not agree with it, the families that were chosen had nothing to do with that aspect. They were simply given a chance to improve their lives, and provide a better home for their children.

When I toured Greenbelt several weeks ago, I was impressed with all aspects of the community. Having two young kids myself, I was particularly fascinated with the obvious attention given to children and family values. It was nice to see the numerous playgrounds, the ballparks, the underpasses, and other items specifically geared towards maintaining a safe and fun environment for children.

Definitely the most interesting aspect of Greenbelt, in my opinion, was Center School. It is rather obvious why they named it Center School, since it is located in the middle of the community, and is within walking distance to most homes. What caught my attention, however, was the sculpture that decorates the entire front of the school. Known as the "friezes", they are six uniquely sculpted high-reliefs, each illustrating a passage from the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. They were created by Lenore Thomas, a WPA employee who was commissioned by the Federal Government in 1937 to produce the sculptures. Along with the friezes, Thomas also sculpted the "Mother and Child" statue, termed "The Buddha" by locals, which is located in Roosevelt Center.

Below are the six sculptures:

For a close up view of any picture, just click on it.
This is the first one. It appears to depict a family. Under the people are the words "WE THE PEOPLE", the first three words to the Preamble.


This one shows two people shaking hands, flanked by several people working. Possibly, it is reflecting the spirit of cooperation among residents. The caption reads "TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION".


Above the words "ESTABLISH JUSTICE" are several people standing before a judge. It should be noted that many of the sculptures depict people holding tools.


This one above shows two workers engaging in peaceful discussion. Below them reads "INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY".


In this sculpture, a worker and his family look on as soldiers march. Below is the caption "PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE".


Finally, this last one depicts several workers with the words "PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE" below them.

As it is often the case with art, and artifacts, the physical characteristics are easy to observe. What is left to the viewer is the interpretation and meaning of the object. Consequently, bias and personal experience will play a role when evaluating such items. While researching the friezes, I was unable to find any concrete analysis of the meaning. Thomas published a book called The Tender Stone in 1964, but she did not disclose any interpretation of her work in Greenbelt. The only reference to these sculptures occurs in the introduction by her husband. There, he recounts her interest in sculpting; and her dissatisfaction in the amount of pay she received from the Government. It is within this context that I will give meaning to the friezes. While I give a more personal perspective that I believe the friezes symbolize, Hannelore takes a more analytical approach in detailing what type of art the friezes fit in to, as well a sociological meaning.

When the Government created Greenbelt, it had some very specific goals: to provide affordable housing for less fortunate American's, to insure community cooperation and safety, to offer space recreation, to provide a quality education, and to enforce the idea of strong family values. However, just building the community does not guarantee that years later the same ideals are observed. What is needed is a way to constantly inspire and give hope to future generations. How better than to place this message conspicuously on the front of the community school, where countless children will read it time and time again. Not only was this done, but it was done very cleverly...by incorporating part of the Constitution in the message.

In a sense, the spirit of Greenbelt is portrayed in the friezes. "We the People" signifies the people in the community. "To form a more perfect union" is the act of building the town in hopes that it will offer a better way of life for the residents. "Establish justice" was realized when the town created the community police force. "Insure domestic tranquility" suggests peaceful cooperation among neighbors. "Provide for the common defense" may refer to the National Guard unit that many of the male residents participated in. And, "Promote the general welfare" communicates the many organizations that were set up in Greenbelt to encourage a healthy and prosperous town. All these messages posted on a place of learning where thousands of children over the years will read them and incorporate them into their values.

If the purpose of these artifacts is to communicate a message, then, certainly, that message is clear. The pursuit of happiness is definitely obtainable if the principles that has guided Greenbelt for more than fifty years are instilled in every community. Hopefully, the children that have walked past those sculptures will take with them a part of Greenbelt, and pass it on to new communities.