Evening star., 1935-06-23

clearly points to the faith Of the
administration in this new plan.
IN OCTOBER, the month the project
crystallized, the appropriation for
Transient City was $4,000. In No.
vember it jumped to $50, 900 and since
December the monthly grant has
been $4,000. Most Of the initial ap-
preparation Is being spent on basic i'm
provementS and reconstruction. When
these are completed operating costs
VIII be greatly reduced and the
monthly expenditure of running the
camp should be only few thousand
dollars.
Starting with a population Of 800,
the growth of this strange city has
been mushroomlike in its speed. DUR
ing the last of April, according to q
more or less elastic census, the popu-
lation was nearly 5000, with daily
influx of $50 to 200 from Maryland
and the District of Columbia. One
can only guess at the number the
city will eventually hold, for the
daily busses bring in full quotas each
trip.
At Fort Eustis the transients are
welcome. They are invited, but not
detained. They may leave at any
time, but these men, happy in their
new environment, seem to be digging
in, preparing for a long stay. They
are learning trades, tilling the farms
and working at selected occupations,
eagerly building their self-created city
and meeting its problems. The old
fort Is now in the third cycle Of its
varied career. Constructed during the
World War, it housed an entire divi-
sion of 10000 soldiers. After the
war it was used by the Department
of Justice as q Federal correction
camp for prohibition violators. But
with repeal there was no longer any
use for such q camp. Fort Eustis
was abandoned and general deteriora-
ton set in. The vast set-up Of ma
chinery and buildings rusted and de-
cayed and the wide roadways and
cement walks were covered with weeds.
Now everything Is busting activity.
The 125 two-story barracks are being
repaired and painted inside and out.
Shops are undergoing re1uvenation,
machinery is being overhauled and
brought up to date. Land is being
cleared and there are over 1000
acres under active cultivation. Event
ually 5000 acres will be under the
plow, providing food for this city oi
rehabilitation, and it is expected that II
may provide food for the transient
centers of Maryland, Virginia and the
District.
REYoND question the largest tran
~ sient community In the country
If not In the world, It has multiplicity
of activities-naterial and spiritual
educational and recreationsL The
"business section" Is built around the
familiar square" with its big covered
band stand. Two bands. one white
one colored, give concerts twice Q
week. A short wave radio hook-ur
carries speeches and music from thi'
point all over the inhabited area Of
the city. On one side of the square te
the telephone exchange and system
with 500 outlets and its dozen or more
''hello girls" This group is respon-
sible for the appearance Of the build
ing as well as its operation, and the
girls have beautifled 1t with q hedge
flowers, built-up garden, white paint
and an effective trellis.
A complete fire department ano
patrol system is across the way and
weIl-drilled hremen leap eagerly tc
the call and slide down the pole with
as much speed and precision as
metropolitan guardian of public
safety.
In close proximity Is the church
where Sunday services are held, both
Catholic and Protestant. In the after
noon q white haired Negro, whose
faith has not been shaken by months
On relief, breaches the gospel 10 hii
singing congregation.