Hope in Hard Times

Hope in Hard Times, Volume 1, examines the transformative history of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, during the Great Depression. This historical study focuses on how 250 families utilized New Deal programs to build a cooperative community and raise their standard of living. By working alongside the federal government, these residents transitioned from an underserved class into a stable middle-class community. The narrative explores the social conditions and the ambitious federal endeavors that shaped this unique planned community in western Pennsylvania.

Timothy Kelly provides a detailed look at the successes and struggles of these original inhabitants against the backdrop of 1929 economic hardship. This history book traces the evolution of Norvelt from a desperate settlement into a model of civic engagement and New Deal success. The text also addresses the modern political tensions regarding government intervention that persist among the descendants of these pioneering families. This work serves as a significant resource for those studying Pennsylvania history and social conditions.