New Jerusalem During World War One and the Early 20th Century

In the Great War, New Jerusalem gave its share; a bronze plaque at City Hall and a Commons bronze doughboy commemorates those who fell.
The economic boom of the 1920s passed by most of New England, whose industrial base was by now in rapid decline, but reached New Jerusalem by way of the University. Town and school became inextricably linked. Many New Jerusalem shops began to cater greatly or exclusively to the needs of the University community. By 1928, the school was the heart of the town's economy. Its administrators and faculty forming part of the newest of New Jerusalem's aristocracies.
Though New England's fortunes declined after the Great War, nearly 50% of New Jerusalem families owned at least one automobile, and merchants complained about those who parked their machines in front of shops all day.
The interurban trollies that once linked New Jerusalem, Ipswich, Blaine’s Port, Bolton, and Salem were abandoned with the coming of the automobile. During this period a bus line was re-established for some of these routes.
Though there was no boom, the new construction of apartment buildings, University buildings, and filling stations attested to general prosperity. However, much of this construction slowed or died after the stock market crash in 1929. New Jerusalem felt the effects much less than other towns in the area, but it was hurt. Most of New Jerusalem's industries, employers of the poorer classes, laid off workers, and more than a few closed their doors forever.
The Great Depression of the 1930s crushed upon New England much like it did to the rest of the country. Hundreds of textile and manufacturing jobs vanished and factories were closed overnight in some cases. Daily wages plummeted for those who could maintain some form of employment; many New Jerusalemites lost their homes and businesses. President Roosevelt's WPA programs did boost the economy; several public schools were built and retaining walls were constructed along portions of the Missituk River.