As the Great Depression dragged on, the federal government initiated a "second New Deal." Included was the Works Progress Administration (WPA).  This was intended to provide a living wage for as many unemployed as possible, assisting a growing number of white-collar unemployed.  The Historical Inventory Project (Virginia History Inventory) was charged with recording the homes and workplaces of ordinary folks. The Central Rappahannock Heritage Center holds many of these records dating from the 1930's. The following is an example of a W.P.A. article:

W.P.A. State-wide Project, Historical Inventory, July 23, 1936

Recorded by Mildred Barnum

Idlewild, R. 1, Fredericksburg, VA

This house was built by Wm. Y. Downman in 1859.  Before Mr. Downman purchased it it was a part of the Gayle (Altoona) property.  At that time there was only a small frame house on it, probably a tenant house.

The present house is a large brick dwelling, rather elaborate and not as attractive as the colonial houses.  There is a large basement, making the first floor high from the ground.  There is a large veranda extending across the front and part way around two sides.  It is still furnished in the style of the period in which it was built.

Back of the house is the brick kitchen and two brick cabins, quarters for the domestic servants.  The kitchen has a fireplace but not so large as the colonial fireplaces.  Later a stove was used for cooking.

There is a fine spring of water on the place which the Indians must have fought over because many arrow heads have been found near there.

During the period of the War Between the States there was a military road running thru the place.  It branched off from the Plank Road at Downmans gate and went thru the place out back of Salem Church and out onto the Courthouse road at Leavells.  This was a corduroy road and was used frequently by the troops.  One time Gen. Lee passed thru there and stopping at the house asked for a basin of water to wash his hands.  One of the servants brought the basin and set it in a chair.  The chair is still preserved.  It must have been a garden chair for it is made of wrought iron like some of the old trellis' and has a swivel seat.  It is quite unusual.

During the fighting around Salem Church and passing thru the farm Mrs. Downman and her children took refuge at Altoona, the neighboring place.