Ed Westcott is pictured above. (Submitted photo)
The family of Ed Westcott, the official government photographer in Oak Ridge during World War II, is inviting the community to celebrate his 95th birthday on Saturday, January 21.
The birthday celebration is at 2 p.m. January 21 in the Wildcat Den at Midtown Community Center at 102 Robertsville Avenue in Oak Ridge.
Westcott was the only authorized photographer in Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project, a top-secret federal project to build the world’s first atomic bombs—before Germany could. Oak Ridge was a production site for the Manhattan Project, and the city, which was then known as Clinton Engineer Works, enriched uranium for the first atomic bomb used in wartime.
Even if you don’t know Westcott, you’ve probably seen his historic photos, including “The Calutron Girls” and “War Ends” pictures, hanging in businesses, government offices, and restaurants in Oak Ridge.
Westcott is a beloved member of the community and regular participant at community events, including those that are related to the city’s history. He’s also been supportive of small businesses in Oak Ridge. He was given the Muddy Boot Award by the East Tennessee Economic Council in December 2013. The award pays tribute to people who have made East Tennessee a stronger region through their work and community activities.
The new Kroger shopping center at Oak Ridge Turnpike and North Illinois Avenue was named The Westcott Center in honor of Westcott.
You can learn more about Westcott in this earlier story.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
Ed Westcott is pictured above as a young man with a huge responsibility: capture in photographs the history being created at the Clinton Engineer Works/Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project—a task that he did amazingly well! (Submitted photo)
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