Today’s Mystery Photo may puzzle you. We’ll tell you in advance that it is not Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, Mount Shasta or Brasstown Bald. You may have to search a lot for this one. Send your ideas to elliott@brack.net, and include your hometown.
George Graf of Palmyra, Va. told us of the recent mystery: “It’s the Oak Ridge Playhouse, Jackson Square, Manhattan Project National Historical Park, Oak Ridge, Tenn. The Oak Ridge Playhouse is one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the Southeastern United States. The playhouse originally opened in 1943 as the Little Theatre of Oak Ridge to entertain Manhattan Project workers in the secret city. In 1957, the playhouse was moved to its current location in Jackson Square.
“The playhouse includes a 315-seat auditorium, dressing rooms, rehearsal space, costume workshop, and office space. The Oak Ridge Playhouse was designated the official Tennessee state community theater in 2017. At the onset of the Manhattan Project, architects and administrators knew that if they wanted workers to stay in these newly-built secret communities they would have to include shopping and entertainment districts with the same amenities found in other communities throughout the United States. Oak Ridge, the largest and most populous planned community of the Manhattan Project, provided housing, transportation, shopping, and entertainment for its workers and their families. Jackson Square was the first of several Oak Ridge developments where Manhattan Project workers and their families found respite from their top-secret way of life.”
The photograph came from Susan McBrayer of Sugar Hill. The only other reader to pinpoint the photo was Allan Peel of San Antonio, Tex., who pointed out: “The original Center Theater showed films and hosted live shows and was first opened on August 31, 1943, featuring the movie “In Which We Serve”, a 1942 British patriotic war film directed by Noël Coward and David Lean.”
- SHARE A MYSTERY PHOTO: If you have a photo that you believe will stump readers, send it along (but make sure to tell us what it is because it may stump us too!) Send to: elliott@brack.net and mark it as a photo submission. Thanks.
Johnson marks 25 years with B&G Club
Marking 25 years serving you with the Lawrenceville Boys and Girls Club is Executive Director Rory Johnson, second from left. From left is Metro Atlanta B&G Club President David Jernigan, Lawrenceville Mayor David Still; and Lawrenceville B&G Alumni Karissa Jackson. Jernigan says: “For 25 years, Rory has been a steadfast advocate for our mission, fostering a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. This anniversary celebration is a testament to his remarkable leadership and unwavering dedication.”
Follow Us