An often told story is that Fredericksburg never really suffered during The Depression (1929 - 1939) because of the "Sylvania Plant," (Sylvania Industrial Corporation).  True?  For the most part, yes, but it was not the only reason this area didn't suffer.  The plant started hiring in 1930; initially 350 employees followed by 150 more a year later.  What did they do?  They manufactured cellophane, a thin, transparent material used to wrap food, cigarettes and a variety of other items.  Cellophane was made from wood, which was plentiful, and used water in the process.  There were nearby forests and the Rappahannock River.

At the foot of Frederick and Sophia Streets is the old "Pump House," now privately owned.  It provided the water for the plant.  Just the building of the plant and its ancillary structures provided employment.  The plant employed unskilled laborers, vehicle operators, machine operators, clerical staff and administrators.  There were also professionals like chemists, recruited from outside the area.  African Americans were hired leading to the development of the Mayfield neighborhood.

The Sylvania Plant went through several iterations.  It was called American Viscose and FMC before closing in March 1978.  Technology overtook the product.  Petroleum-based materials like polyvinyl chloride were cheaper.  By then, other employment at Dahlgren, Quantico and A.P. Hill was available.  A new General Motors facility created jobs.  Even now, every week obituaries mention people who worked at FMC or the Sylvania plant. It is hard to find a long-time resident who has not either worked at the plant or had had relatives who did.

Like today, people carpooled and commuted by rail. The Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad provided passenger service.  This was particularly helpful for people living in Fredericksburg and working at the Marine Base Quantico.

Other places that "Depression-proofed" the area, in addition to the aforementioned military bases, were the National Park Service with the Civilian Conservation Camps, G&H Manufacturing (clothing) and the Virginia Shoe Company.