East Cooper Democrats

Mt. Pleasant, SC

Alhambra Stimulus Breakfast, Feb. 14 (Economic Recovery Meeting)

Members of Charleston County Democrats, East Cooper Democrats and Organizing for America held a breakfast on Saturday, February 14 to recognize Alhambra Hall's heritage as a New Deal Stimulus Project under FDR during the great depression. Participants will met at Alex's Restaurant (302 Coleman Blvd., Mt Pleasant, SC 29464) for breakfast at 9:30 a.m. and went to Alhambra Hall (131 Middle Street, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464) at 11 am, for brief statements to the press.

Alhambra Hall was constructed as a Works Project Administration project in 1937, financed by the Federal Government to help created jobs. It was a "green" project long before that term was used; utilizing recycled materials salvaged from the abandoned Ferry Building which connected Mt. Pleasant to Charleston before the Cooper River Bridge was constructed. Since then, Alhambra hall has been the site for countless recreational programs and social gatherings. While Alhambra Hall's heritage as a WPA Depression Era stimulus project isn't mentioned on its historic marker, participants will gather there briefly to remind the community that responsible investments by government can created jobs and enrich communities, often far into the future. In addition to serving the community, Alhambra hall continues to contribute to the local economy providing employment opportunities to florists, wedding planners, caterers, musicians and transportation companies.

The WPA was criticized by conservatives in the 1930s, who claimed it was a wasteful "make work" program of little value to the nation, arguments similar to those made against government stimulus spending today.