The reader is introduced to each young lady prior to their
leaving for the city being created outside Knoxville, Tennessee. Their reasons for going were many. They were
from small towns, big cities and the poor South. Some left families behind with relatives
while others had to convince families they could go. Some arrived with skills, others learned them
on site.
The book is full of poignant stories of women forced to
leave their own children in able to provide for them. Ingenuity took over when one used her
abilities as a cook to earn extra money to help her family. I was particularly taken by the young woman
whose priest brother convinced her parents this was a good idea for her to go.
I laughed when one arrived in her best clothes only to find there were no paved
streets and her dress shoes sunk into ankle deep mud!
It is difficult to imagine leaving home and going to a place
that didn’t really exist! When I went
into Peace Corps, I could at least find Zaire on a map! Today it is the Democratic Republic of the
Congo and probably less real than the Atomic City! Keeping the secrets would have been
difficult. These ladies never knew to
whom they could speak and share with.
That would have been very difficult for them as folks like to make
friends and share one’s day with them.
Some also had to overcome prejudice both racial and
sexual. One young woman wanted to be
recognized for her scientific skills and education but had to struggle to
achieve acceptance. Still each grew and
moved forward with life.
Today everyone knows where to find Oak Ridge TN and not just
through the Oak Ridge Boys of country music!
These women are truly part of our unique history and I am thrilled to
have read this. Thanks to Ken for picking it up and sharing with the rest of
us!
