Tennessee Eastman Corporation Field Representative
Knowing I would not be able to review all the remaining visitor permit folders, I focused on the boxes containing the Tennessee Eastman Corporation monthly history summaries for 1944 and 1945. Knowing that my grandfather started working for Tennessee Eastman Corporation in late August 1944 and died in early July 1945, I decided to review the July and August 1945 records first, anticipating that I would find a reference to his death. Finding no mention of his death in either of these reports, I selected the August 1944 summary. I found Mac listed as the new Tennessee Eastman field office procurement representative for District No. 1, Boston, Massachusetts.
The archives allow researchers to take photos of files and records using their cell phones. I had taken photos of all the documents I had outlined, plus other documents that filled in gaps in my knowledge or made points about the project that I feel are important in understanding the roles of individuals and/or processes in the project. These photos would allow me to continue reviewing information after I leave the Archives. With no time left, I returned the boxes to the archivist for re-filing, said goodbye, grabbed my belongings, and headed to the airport. I had successfully found my grandfather listed in the Manhattan Project records.
A. E. Macdonald's Writing Life 
4 responses to “Researching Family Secrets: The Manhattan Project Connection”
This has been amazing to read. My grandfather was an engineer at Chapman Valve and one of the employees tasked with top secret MP work. My understanding is he worked on valve designs and production. But he was also gone for a very long trip. My mom recalls her dad arriving at their home in a vehicle stripped of the exterior front body (open air driving) and a large lead box welded to the back trunk area. With the uranium work that Chapman Valve also completed along with valve work (rod production is my understanding from the USGov health settlements) a large lead box makes sense. He was home just to say good-bye with an awareness of the possibility he may not return. He was gone for quite a long time as my mom would recall. As I dig through family files, I hope to find out more information. I do have my grandfather’s Manhattan Project certificate, but I do not think we still have his atomic pin. I recall him using it as a fishing weight which is a story for another day.
Thank you for reading and for your comments. That is an amazing story to tell about the lead box and not seeing your grandfather being away with the possibility of never returning. I like how he used the A-Pin as a fishing weight too. These men did a lot and, in the end, the pin wasn’t something you could wear around the house but had many other uses.
William Bill Shackleford, received a certificate from the United States of America. Of when he helped design the Trigger mechanism of the atomic bomb. I was told that me and my siblings could received Royalties from our grandfather how do i get a copy of that certificate
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for reaching out. My research was conducted by searching through records at the National Archives. I’m not sure how you would access that certificate today. Have you reached out to the Department of Energy?
Best,
Anne