1944

In 1944, the fenced-in Clinton Engineer Works was undergoing vast expansion, with more Cemestos “alphabet” homes rising on Black Oak Ridge, more “flattops” in the west part of town, more trailers, hutments, and barracks along the Turnpike, more elementary schools, and more neighborhood shopping centers. Spring brought the peak of construction, as 47,000 workers expanded Y-12, built K-25, and grew the town into a city. Newcomers also pursued the outside interests they had left behind, and volunteers founded a symphony, playhouse, community chorus, various clubs, churches, and sports leagues. At the same time, the war remained ever-present: the long-awaited invasion of Europe came on June 6th, D-Day, with terrible casualties, and on the home front rationing affected butter, meats, canned goods, sugar, gasoline, and tires, while scarce items such as nylons or cigarettes drew long lines at stores.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee · United States