Ramsey County History – Spring 1991: “A Period Of National Tragedy—The Homeless and the Jobless in the 1930s”

A Period Of National Tragedy—The Homeless and the Jobless in the 1930s

Author: Virginia Brainard Kunz

The Great Depression in Ramsey County, seen in part through the experiences and words of A. E. Heckman. Heckman came to St. Paul in 1931 to lead the United Charities. In 1932, when the Depression finally took full effect in St. Paul, he headed a unique public-private partnership, running the county welfare board while being paid by United Charities. Government, private charity, and leading citizens and businesses worked together to provide relief. Heckman also directed WPA projects in the area. Heckman returned to United Charities in 1935. Despite all the charitable and other relief efforts, the Depression did not began to lift until 1940.

PDF of Kunz article