6-7-18

Above is one example of art found in the many roundabouts in Kennewick, WA.  This one appealed to me because of the musical notes around the top.  Public art and beautiful, modern public schools are found everywhere in the Tri-Cities.   It is unusual to find any area that is run-down or unkempt.

Today we visited The Reach Museum.  It relays the story of the Hanford Nuclear Site, its geological history and its modern significance. 

Located in Richland, WA, this was where plutonium was processed for nuclear warheads in World War II.  When the site was chosen, the population exploded with government workers and their families.  The need for housing was immediate, so ABC houses were quickly erected.  They were called this because the plans for the homes each had a designated letter.  You can still see them everywhere.  Also, the high school teams are known as the Bombs and their insignia is a mushroom cloud.  Many homes and businesses are on Bombing Range Road.

Some people were housed in campers like the old Airstream above.  These were set up in trailer camps with wash facilities built for every 30 trailers, as the trailers did not include bathrooms.  Three or four people lived in each camper, pretty tight quarters.

There were lots of warning signs to protect the workers and also signs warning against talking about the projects.  We saw a suit that was supposed to defend against radiation but it was entirely made of cotton, so I doubt it would have helped.

I hope the workers didn't look like this last sculpture after they were exposed.  (Just pants, no top.  Actually looks like a piece I have by my front door at home.)