Who is Jake Sawilowsky of Augusta, GA, in 1910?

   Last spring while researching at the GA Archives, the name Jake Sawilowsky or Sawilowski appeared in records for Augusta, Richmond Co, GA in 1910. A researchers dilemma, is this the same person? With an unusual name in the south during this time, this should be an easy question with an even easier answer.
   Nothing is as it appears. Comparing census records with city directories, 1909 there are three Jacob, and 1910 there are still two Jacob.
   This family offers a very interesting study. According to the 1910 U.S. federal census, the Sawilowsky family was born in Russia. According to the Augusta city directories, Rosa, a widow, owns a dry goods store employing many family members. Some of the family members are in the shoemaker business.  The 1910 city directory listings for Sawilowsky include:
Charles
Estelle
Fannie
Gertrude
Jacob (2)
James (2)
Max
Mollie
Rachel
Rosa (2)
Samuel
Sarah

Always more questions than answers!!!

Oak Ridge TN, the Secret City

   "Secret City in the Tennessee Hills: From Dogpatch to Nuclear Power" was a symposium held 15 Sept 2012 at the National Archives at Atlanta. One of my personal highlights was to meet Tommy Dorminy. Tommy is an eighth grade home-school student from McDonough, Georgia. He represented Georgia at the National History Day exhibition with his exhibit on the Secret City. 

   While talking about his research, Tommy said, "I took on the project as something different. I did not realize how interesting the records would be." The research for his project lasted over eight months with travel to Oak Ridge for a tour and interview with Mr. Ray Smith, the historian at Y-12 National Security Complex. His 19 page bibliography demonstrates many hours in his area library and at the National Archives at Atlanta. The exhibit is well documented with a timeline and photographs from his research of daily life to the scientific program.

   Congratulations, Tommy. Thank you for your interest in history and the documents of the National Archives at Atlanta.