Deptford Place, one of three housing developments constructed during World War II for workers at Southeastern Shipyard, was home to 850 families beginning in 1943. The cinderblock row houses were utilitarian with concrete floors and one coal heater per unit, but a community spirit grew among residents, especially during the war years. Although sing-alongs and Tuesday night movies were family favorites, residents took the initiative in providing wholesome activities for children by hiring a playground director, funding a recreation program, and lobbying for bookmobile services. This focus on children’s needs continued throughout the 1950s.
Although Deptford Place was the largest of the three developments built for Southeastern employees, its years in service were the shortest. By 1952, over 300 units were demolished when part of Deptford was purchased by private interests. The remaining units were sold to the Savannah District Authority, the entity that managed the port. Deptford Place continued to operate, even though the port invested in it with the intent of developing the site into an industrial park. Fewer and fewer tenants signed leases by the 1960s as the apartments deteriorated and blight set in. Deptford Place had become an economic liability to the port rather than a stable revenue stream and consequently all housing units were razed in 1968.
Aerial Photo of Deptford Place, 1958
Savannah Morning News, 26 June 1958, B16
Courtesy of the Savannah Morning News
In this aerial view of eastern Savannah in 1958, Deptford Place is clearly visible in the foreground. At that time, Deptford Place consisted of 542 apartments, with six units per row house. Demolition scars of 308 other Deptford apartments are still visible on the leveled ground at the bottom left of the photograph.
Administration Building, Deptford Place, 1946
Courtesy of Charles Varner
The heart of the Deptford community was the Administration Building where small and large gatherings took place. Girl Scout troops met there, women learned new skills in arts and crafts, and teenagers enjoyed activities designed exclusively for them. The Saturday night dances were probably the most memorable event. During the war, servicemen with a weekend pass jitterbugged with local girls and, by the 1950s and 1960s, high school students cruised the dances held at Savannah Gardens, Deptford, and Garden Homes.
Sunday School at Deptford Administration Building, 1952
Courtesy of Larry Usry
On Sunday mornings in 1952, parents with young children attended Sunday School at Deptford Administration Building.
Spray Pool, Deptford Place, ca. 1950s
Courtesy of Larry Usry
Hot summer days in the 1950s brought out the children at Deptford Place to the spray pool ready for fun and relief from the heat.
