The following are anonymous photos taken in New Orleans during the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration. They’re not just some sad Depression Era pictures but show people with a lot of hope for the present and future. The WPA’s focus on health, art, construction and education often had that effect.

Staying healthy. March 5, 1941.

Studying radio. January 18, 1937.

Parish Prison literacy class. February 16, 1937.

Playing tennis. July 31, 1936.

Pontchartrain Beach. 1940.