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The Greenbelt Chronicles
Some Important First Dates in Greenbelt, MD History

April 30, 1935 Executive Order establishes the planning for three Green Towns.
October 12, 1935 First spadeful of ground turned for the construction of Greenbelt.
June 6, 1937 Town charter enacted by the Maryland Legislature.  This is the first manager-council government in MD.
September 30, 1937 The first five "pioneer" families move into Greenbelt.
October 2, 1937 The federal government signs an agreement with the Consumer Distribution Corporation for all commercial businesses to be operated as consumer cooperatives, with the residents assuming ownership.
November 8, 1937 Greenbelt Citizens' Association is formed.
November 23, 1937 The first election is held in Greenbelt.  The town council is elected by 96% of the registered voters.
November 24, 1937 The first issue of the Greenbelt Cooperator is published.
November 29, 1937 The first town meeting is held.
December 15, 1937 The cooperative grocery store opens.
February 1, 1938 First town directory issued.
February 4, 1938 The Greenbelt Athletic Club is formed.
April 1, 1938 The Greenbelt Heath Association opens its clinic.
September 21, 1938 The Greenbelt movie theater shows its first movie, "Little Miss Broadway," featuring Shirley Temple.
July 4, 1938 Greenbelt flag, designed by Mary Clare Bonham, is first unfurled.
May 1, 1939 The Municipal Hospital opens at 30 Ridge Rd.
May 1939 Swimming pool opens. (Exact date unknown)
January 9, 1940 Greenbelt residents assume ownership of the consumer cooperative, previously operated by the Consumer Distribution Corporation.
July 1941 Construction begins on the 'Defense Homes'. (Exact date unknown)
December 1941 First residents move into the 'Defense Homes'. (Exact date unknown)
February 31, 1942 The Municipal Hospital closes.
January 1943 Greenbelt Consumer Services opens a grocery in the North End.
November 9, 1948 New grocery store opens in the Center.  The new store is 2.5 times as large as the former store.
June 1, 1949 Greenbelt is designated a city.
December 30, 1952 Federal government transfers the title on most of its Greenbelt holdings to the Greenbelt Veterans Housing Corporation (now Greenbelt Homes, Inc.)
June 1, 1962 Twenty fifth anniversary.  Seventy four of the "pioneer" families still live in Greenbelt.
October 27, 1962 Silver Anniversary Ball is held.
July 21, 1983 Fiftieth Anniversary committee is established.

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