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Documents of the Great Depression from Family Collections
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Harold Sims
Artist and CCC Cadet
In 1933, at age 20, Harold H. Sims, a young cadet in the CCC, painted a portrait of FDR with "A New Deal" on a banner beneath his likeness. Harold's father, a deputy sheriff, was killed in the line of duty the year before and Harold, being the oldest son left at home was left to care for his mother and the rest of the family. The CCC was a Godsend to them not only during the depression, but also during the tragic loss of his father. Because supplies were limited, he used the canvas from an old army cot for his painting. Officials from his camp sent the painting to the President as a gift.
Sims was a lifelong artist, but made the military his career, serving as a navigator, mostly due to the influence of President Roosevelt.
Photographs
 Harold Sims with Painting |
 Harold Sims and a fellow cadet in CCC uniforms |
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