20s, Depression and WWII (1921-1950) continued
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Rutland and Vermont were not hit as hard by the Depression as the rest of the country. But that did not mean that there were no hard times for many individuals and families. This 1930s view shows Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) recruits arriving at the Rutland Railroad station for CCC camp.


With World War II on the horizon many Rutland young men volunteered or were drafted and most have memories of departing from the old Rutland Railroad Station.

A Japanese two-man submarine, on display in Depot Park, encouraged Rutlanders to participate in a war bond drive. The Rutland honor roll in the background may have been an even greater motivation to participate.

After the end of World War II, Rutland was struck with an unexpected disaster. After a heavy rain on a June day in 1947 an overflow of water from the Chittenden dam caused the earthen dam in East Pittsford Pond to give way and sent a wall of water down East Creek leaving great destruction in its wake. At the intersection of West Street and East Creek, the flood of 1947 destroyed a highway bridge and a railroad bridge as well as flooding the surrounding area.