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Modern kitchen in a Westmoreland home, circa 1936.
Credit: Library of Congress
Supported by President Roosevelt and Harold Ickes, Virginia Senator Harry F. Bird argued that electric lights, indoor plumbing, and other modern conveniences were an "extravagance" for the "simple mountain folk," who would live in Westmoreland. Disagreeing, program director Milburn Wilson and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt argued that as a demonstration project, Westmoreland should provide its residents homes that would elevate their standard of living. Wilson and the First Lady prevailed, as can be seen in this Westmoreland home kitchen.