U.S. Federal Civil Works Administration for Illinois.

Started Nov. 1933, as part of the Federal Program, to provide jobs for the unemployed in Illinois.

Originally formed in 1932 as the Illinois Emergency Relief Commission, a charity led by independent Republican businessmen and social workers, it was renamed by Harry Hopkins head of the Federal CWA Program. When changed to the CWA, Robert J. Dunham, chairman of the commission, remained as head. In December an advisory board was set up to deal with administrative problems. Dunham remained as titular head and in charge of direct relief grants. Wilfrid Reynolds, executive secretary, oversaw social services and relief work. Franklin D. Chase, the state engineer for CWA, became the real head of civil works and a greater emphasis was placed on the engineering aspect of all projects.