Page 20 of The Women of Oak Ridge
“Miss Willett, come in.”
I stepped inside, slightly unnerved. While I held no personal grievances with police officers, the unrest in the United States during the Vietnam War caused many people to mistrust government officials, including the police. When I was a student, we heard reports of false arrests, brutality, and other unpleasantness that took place at protest rallies on college campuses throughout the country. Although I knew there were two sides to every story, it all served to make me wary of cops.
“Dad’s in the den.” He led the way down a hallway.
I followed, noting the house was neat and tidy. Framed photographs lined the walls, and I recognized Jonas in many of them.
Elliot Tyson sat in a recliner with his bandaged leg propped up on the footrest, a middle-aged version of his son.
“So, you’re Mae Willett’s niece. I’ve heard a lot about you.” He reached to shake my hand. “She’s mighty proud of you and your sisters. Talks about y’all every time I see her at church.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Tyson. I appreciate your willingness to see me on such short notice.”
He motioned for me to take a seat on the sofa. I did, but Jonas remained standing sentry near his dad, his steady gaze on me, which caused my nervousness to return. I’d never even received a parking citation, so I didn’t know what type of behavior to expect from a cop.
“Georgeanne says you’re working on your doctorate,” Elliot said. “You’re too young to be a professor.”
I hid a smile. “I hope to become a psychologist rather than teach. I’d like to use what I learn to help people achieve a deeper level of contentment in their lives. Sometimes speaking with a psychologist can help unlock issues that keep us from achieving happiness on our own.”
He pondered that for a moment. “A psychologist. Well, Isuppose we need some of those too. I’m curious about your research. What does the history of Oak Ridge have to do with becoming a psychologist?”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Jonas shift his stance and cross his arms, as though waiting for my reply.
“I’m studying the long-term effects on residents of the Secret City and how they felt after the atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. Those of you who worked on the project experienced something completely unique that can’t be duplicated. I’ve spoken with people who worked in Los Alamos, and I hope to travel to Washington at some point as well. I came to visit Aunt Mae and learn more about her life as a young woman in Oak Ridge, but I also wanted to talk to others who were here during the war. I’d love to hear your story.”
Elliot’s eyes narrowed as he gave a slow nod. “Life in the Secret City was different. Different from anywhere else in the world, except maybe Los Alamos and Hanford. The town sprang up overnight and was run by the Army. The average age of Oak Ridgers was twenty-five, which was fun and strange all at the same time.”
“Why was it strange?”
“The town didn’t have any elders. No grandparents or mature folks to offer wisdom. No one had grown up here or had kin who’d always lived here. Everything was brand new. There were older men in charge of the military personnel, but most of the engineers, scientists, and administrators weren’t much older than me.”
His answer triggered a memory. “I read a quote from someone who worked in New Mexico who said something similar. Although the work they were doing was intense, the off-duty atmosphere was very party-like at times.”
Elliot glanced at his son. “Do you remember when we took a trip out west and stopped in Los Alamos? I guess you were about eleven years old and your sister was six.”
Jonas nodded. “I do, although I mostly remember the Rocky Mountains, not the history.” His attention returned to me. “May I ask what kind of information you hope to get from my dad, Miss Willett? Even though some data on the Manhattan Project has been declassified and made available to the public, there are still many topics that aren’t up for general discussion.”
His stern tone surprised me, considering we’d just met.
“Officer Tyson,” I began, only to have him interrupt.
“Detective Tyson.”
“Pardon me. Detective Tyson.” I didn’t know why Jonas took the defensive so quickly, but I hoped he would see I wasn’t there to take advantage of his father in any way.
“I’m well aware certain information remains classified.” My gaze took in both men. “I have no interest in the confidential details of what went on here during the war. My interest is in the people. How they coped with the secrecy and the hardships everyone experienced. About day-to-day life in Oak Ridge. However, the main focus of my dissertation will be on how employees of the Manhattan Project felt when they learned about their role in the making of an atomic bomb. How did it affect them then and does it affect them now.”
Jonas seemed to evaluate my words.
“You’ll have to excuse my son, Miss Willett.” Elliot wore a mischievous grin. “Those of us in law enforcement tend to have suspicious minds. Jonas comes by it naturally, I’m sorry to say.”
His comment confused me. “I didn’t realize you were in law enforcement.”
“I enlisted in the Army after Pearl Harbor.” He settled back in his chair as though preparing for a lengthy chat. “Thought they’d send me overseas, but instead I got shipped to Tennessee. I wasn’t allowed to tell anyone where I was or what I was doing. Fact is, I didn’t know anythingtotell. I just knew I was an MP assignedto guard duty at Elza Gate, one of the seven entrances into Oak Ridge, a place that wasn’t on any maps.”
“How old were you, if you don’t mind my asking?” I opened the notebook I’d brought with me and began to jot down notes.
“I was still in school when Pearl was bombed. The day I turned eighteen, I quit and enlisted.”
