1944

1944. . New arrivals to this fenced in area called the Clinton Engineer Works were amazed at the extensive construction at every turn – more Cemestos “alphabet” homes were going up on Black Oak Ridge, as were more “flattops” in the west part of town, more trailers, more hutments and barracks along the Turnpike, more elementary schools, and more neighborhood shopping centers. Spring saw the peak of construction activity with 47,000 workers expanding Y-12, building K-25, and growing the town into a city. Many newcomers wanted to pursue outside interests they had left behind, so volunteers went to work founding a symphony, playhouse, community chorus, various clubs, churches, and leagues for all kinds of sports. The war, though, was never far from anyone’s mind. The long awaited invasion of Europe took place on June 6th, D-Day, with awful casualties. Back here at home just about everything was rationed – butter, meats, canned goods, sugar, gasoline, and tires. If you saw a long line at a store, you felt the urge to get in it. It was bound to be for something scarce, maybe nylons or cigarettes.

Erected in Honor of the Tennessee Eastman Company, Operator of the Y-12 Plant from 1943 to 1947 By the Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tennessee, June 2005.