Chatfield in Fillmore County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

The New Deal Comes to Chatfield

Photographed by McGhiever, October 4, 2025

1. The New Deal Comes to Chatfield Marker

Inscription.

The New Deal Comes to Chatfield. . , The auditorium-gymnasium addition to Chatfield High School was built in 1935-1936. It was one of many PWA public school building projects in Minnesota. The building was designed by Toltz, King and Day, Inc., a well-known Saint Paul architectural and engineering firm (now doing business as TKDA). On August 2, 1935 Chatfield voters approved a $44,000 bond issue (274 to 240) to match the $36,000 grant from the PWA. Construction work commenced in November, 1935 and the auditorium was opened for public inspection on Sunday, July 26, 1936. The graduating high school seniors received their diplomas on the auditorium stage the following spring, in one of the largest crowd gatherings held indoors in Chatfield up to that time., In 1972 the building was renamed the Potter Auditorium in honor of George H. Potter (1895–1949), who was Chatfield's superintendent of education from 1929 until 1942., , The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a federal government relief agency that was created by Congress in 1933 as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "New Deal" reform program for economic recovery during the Great Depression (1929-1941). The mission of the PWA was to provide economic stimulus for the construction industry through federal investment in large-scale infrastructure improvement efforts. The PWA funded over 34,000 public works projects, including hydroelectric dams, courthouses, bridges, airports, hospitals, and school buildings. The PWA program ended when the United States entered World War II., , The building before you is an outstanding example of the architectural style known as "PWA Moderne," a blending of classical and modernist forms that was widely used for public buildings erected under the New Deal. Spacious and well-equipped, the facility was used for a wide array of school and community events, and Grand March and prom concerts remain nostalgic highlights. With over 900 seats, the auditorium was perfectly suited for hosting large audiences. The auditorium and classroom building were acquired by the Chatfield Economic Development Authority in 2014. The agency partnered with arts organizations and performing artists in the rehabilitation and renovation of the auditorium and annex between 2015-2016., The Chatfield Center for the Arts is housed in two connected historic buildings: the former high school annex and the auditorium-gymnasium addition. Both buildings have been designated as Chatfield Heritage Landmarks.

The auditorium-gymnasium addition to Chatfield High School was built in 1935-1936. It was one of many PWA public school building projects in Minnesota. The building was designed by Toltz, King & Day, Inc., a well-known Saint Paul architectural and engineering firm (now doing business as TKDA). On August 2, 1935 Chatfield voters approved a $44,000 bond issue (274 to 240) to match the $36,000 grant from the PWA. Construction work commenced in November, 1935 and the auditorium was opened for public inspection on Sunday, July 26, 1936. The graduating high school seniors received their diplomas on the auditorium stage the following spring, in one of the largest crowd gatherings held indoors in Chatfield up to that time.

In 1972 the building was renamed the Potter Auditorium in honor of George H. Potter (1895–1949), who was Chatfield's superintendent of education from 1929 until 1942.

The Public Works Administration (PWA) was a federal government relief agency that was created by Congress in 1933 as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's "New Deal" reform program for economic recovery during the Great Depression (1929-1941). The mission of the PWA was to provide economic stimulus for the construction industry through federal investment in large-scale infrastructure improvement efforts. The PWA funded

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over 34,000 public works projects, including hydroelectric dams, courthouses, bridges, airports, hospitals, and school buildings. The PWA program ended when the United States entered World War II.

The building before you is an outstanding example of the architectural style known as "PWA Moderne," a blending of classical and modernist forms that was widely used for public buildings erected under the New Deal. Spacious and well-equipped, the facility was used for a wide array of school and community events, and Grand March and prom concerts remain nostalgic highlights. With over 900 seats, the auditorium was perfectly suited for hosting large audiences. The auditorium and classroom building were acquired by the Chatfield Economic Development Authority in 2014. The agency partnered with arts organizations and performing artists in the rehabilitation and renovation of the auditorium and annex between 2015-2016.

The Chatfield Center for the Arts is housed in two connected historic buildings: the former high school annex and the auditorium-gymnasium addition. Both buildings have been designated as Chatfield Heritage Landmarks.

Erected by the Chatfield Heritage Preservation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture •

The New Deal Comes to Chatfield Marker in front of the former Chatfield High School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by McGhiever, October 4, 2025

2. The New Deal Comes to Chatfield Marker in front of the former Chatfield High School

Arts, Letters, Music • Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1935.

Location. 43° 50.606′ N, 92° 11.192′ W. Marker is in Chatfield, Minnesota, in Fillmore County. It is at the intersection of Main Street S. (U.S. 52) and 5th Street SW, on the right when traveling south on Main Street S.. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Main Street S, Chatfield MN 55923, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Minnesota

and in Greater Rochester.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Driftless Area — Bluff Country.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Chatfield High School (1916-1959) (within shouting distance of this marker); Chatfield's Public Education Legacy (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Chatfield's Historic Carnegie Library (about 500 feet away); Chatfield (about 500 feet away); Main Street—From Wilderness Trail to Modern Highway (about 500 feet away); Chatfield Loses County Courthouse, Gains Its First Municipal Park (about 500 feet away); Chatfield's Civic Geometry (about 600 feet away); Chatfield's Legacy of Community Music (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chatfield.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 32 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 25, 2026, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota.