Actual Tenants of Greenbelt
The accepted
families of Greenbelt were quite similar to the criteria desired by the
government. The median age for Greenbelt was 24.7 years, considerably
younger than Washington's 33.2 years. These statistics explain why the
birth rate that occurred in Greenbelt that was higher than that of
the national average. There was a younger liberal majority, which was
composed of families with younger children. This shows that Greenbelt was
accommodating to new families, who were just starting to have
children. There was also a conservative minority, that was
represented in the community. These people were generally over forty with
children in their
teens.
In September of
1937, families began to move into Greenbelt and by
November, about 150 families were moved in. During this period of time,
restrictions and regulations for the families were made by Roy Braden, the
first town manager. A book called Handbook of Greenbelt was distributed.
The first requirements were for residents to keep their homes neat and
orderly, not to make loud noises, and to park in the correct spaces.
Greenbelt was visited by many during the evenings and weekends.
Therefore, a
regulation was made that there was to be no laundry hung outside to dry
after 4 p.m. each afternoon. No clothing or bedding was permitted on the
lines on Sunday. Directions were given on how to clean and use the
appliances with a special note to save electricity and not keep the
refrigerator door
open too long. A certain type of cleaner was required for the asphalt
floors. These guidelines were set to maintain the high standards of
appearance desired by greenbelt's designers.
In the row housing
of Greenbelt, hedges needed to be trimmed and
cultivated in order to insure their growth. This was considered the
responsibility of the tenant. Fences were forbidden. If families wanted
to protect their flower beds, they could be protected by small, green
wire. The grass was expected to be taken care of by the tenants by having
them use a sprinkler on it two times a day in the summer months. A bill
was charged to those who did not follow this regulation.
The townhouses (left) and apartments (right) that families of
Greenbelt cared for.
The willingness of
the families to become involved was obvious, during the first year,
thirty-five organizations, detailed in April's project.
Everyone in the community was expected to become involved. For many
families, Greenbelt was a "fresh start" on their lives. G. Douglas
Warner, a former Greenbelt resident recalled his father's extreme
happiness when he moved to Greenbelt and realized its opportunities.
Warner felt that Greenbelt gave him an "at homeness" feeling and a sense
of citizenship. Warner's sister, Phyllis, remembered the wonderful time
she had growing up in Greenbelt. She recollected the dances, games, and
all
of the activities available in Greenbelt. Phyllis felt that "the values
learned through our parents and their love for this cooperative community
have remained for both my brother Doug and myself. The town was filled
with positive role models working to establish a sense of community. I am
greatful to have been there" (Warner, 70).
Images of community life such as the town dance (left) and children
playing (right).