"Los Alamos Scientific Laboratories was founded January 1, 1943 for the purpose of developing an instrument of war, the nuclear clear fission bomb. Successful in that task, LASL undertook a second assignment--creation of a "super" weapon deriving energy from the thermonuclear fusion of hydrogen. This mission, too, was successful. Since that time, the laboratory has continued to be one of the nation's foremost development centers for nuclear weapons."For Rachel, it was just home.
Her parents lived in Los Alamos (Spanish for the cottonwoods) for over 50 years and supported the family by working at LASL.
J. Robert Oppenheimmer, head scientist, standing above what was left of the tower
from the first nuclear test on July 16, 1945.
The town post office. During WWII, mail to Los Alamos residents was simply addressed to "PO Box 1663, Santa Fe, NM". When the Manhattan Project's existence was made known to the outside world in 1945, the "Secret City" could again use its Los Alamos post mark. The post office opened her in November, 1948 on the site of the Ranch School Trading Post. Rachel has always loved the windows.
Fuller's Lodge.
"Los Alamos Ranch School was a private boarding school for boys near Otowi, New Mexico, in what would eventually become Los Alamos, New Mexico. It was founded by Detroit businessman, Ashley Pond II, father of Peggy Pond Church, renowned New Mexican poet and author.
The school, which was established in 1917, offered a program modeled after the Boy Scouts of America, combining a college preparatory curriculum with a rigorous outdoor life. Famous alumni included William Burroughs and Gore Vidal.
In November 1942, the school and the surrounding land were purchased by the United States Army's Manhattan Engineering District for use in the top-secret effort to develop the first atomic bomb. The school awarded its final diplomas in January 1943 and the Army took control of the property the following month.
The site was chosen for its isolation, access to water, the fact that it had pre-existing buildings which could be used for housing, the fact that much of the surrounding land was already owned by the federal government, had ample space, and was located on a mesa in which all entrances could be secured. The facility originally was referred to as "Site Y", but would later become known as Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, then Los Alamos National Laboratory."
In about 1225, this site was home to the Tewa speaking people who were the ancestors of today's current Pueblo groups now living along the Rio Grande. Why, if my memory serves me, in Alessandria, they'd just finished building their first cathedral...
An artist's rendering's based upon the floor plans plus what activities may have taken place.
In the late 1800's homesteading began. This is a cabin from those times.
It's been repaired a great deal over the years but still, its history touched me.
Sidewalk, cement art. Rachel thinks she might try this in her yard...seems simple enough.
Ashley's Pond, located in the center of town.
A plaque honoring those who worked on the Manhattan Project.
A view towards the mountains near downtown.
Her sister Gloria's back yard views:
Millions of years ago, this was the bottom of a great sea....
As a child, Rachel would focus on these rocks as her father would drive the road up to Los Alamos. Can you see the skeleton's face?
There's so much beauty in the world...and so many fascinating types of beauty.
The road up to Los Alamos has always been full of danger...
The lazy Rio Grande...
Since Rachel has been taking most of the pictures, it was time for me to capture her!
Up, along those walls are ancient caves. So much of the world of the Native Indians remain undiscovered and unknown. Mysteries abound and I think that's a good thing--keeps us pondering, wondering and exploring the mysteries of not just this Earth, but our Universe! Oh, my heart is beating faster! How lucky to be alive!!
Camel's Rock. Do you see the resemblance? Rachel remembers
m a n y years ago when the famous Mr. Glen Ford was filming a cowboy movie right at this very spot. Her mother (and other town women) went to watch the excitement and, of course, took along their children.
Now, with all comings, there must be goings. My dear little friend, Mr. Eeyore just was inconsolable that it was time for Rachel and me to pack up our bags to go back home to Seattle. I talked to him of hopeful future visits and reminded him of an old saying by our famous distant cousin, Dr. Seuss: "Don't cry because it's over but smile because it happened."
So with that, we headed out of town, passed the old Los Alamos guard tower (in those days, one had to have badges to get in and out...visitors had to be cleared)....
and down the road to Albuquerque, saddle bags filled.....
Amen! sw
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