Christmas in Oak Ridge, Tennessee - 1944

Santa detained at the Elza Gate guardhouse,
December, 1944.
Photo by Ed Westcott.
See the original photo plus many more here.

The first hurdle to be overcome by anyone out to spread a little holiday cheer in Oak Ridge, Tennessee back in 1944 was ...simply getting into the place!

I imagine that the communications between the Elza Gate Guardhouse (ELZA) and Head Quarters (HQ) went something like this:

ELZA: HQ, this is Elza.
HQ: Elza this is HQ, go ahead.
ELZA: Sir, we've got a guy down here trying to enter the area with no papers.
HQ: Who is he?
ELZA: We're not sure. He doesn't have any ID. Just claims he's from up north somewhere.
HQ: Not another one from Ohio I hope!
ELZA: No sir, farther north than that.
HQ: How much farther?
ELZA: The North Pole.
HQ: Say again Elza?
ELZA: The North Pole...somewhere near Siberia he says.
HQ: What does he look like?
ELZA: He's an old fart with a long white beard. He's wearing a red outfit with white fir trim, He has a matching hat too. Also gloves and big knee-high boots. Oh yeah, he's dragging a big poke.
HQ: He's dragging a big what Elza?
ELZA: A big poke sir, you know, ...a big sack.
HQ: A big sack? What's he got in it?
ELZA: Don't know yet sir, we're still searching it. Everything in there is all wrapped up like presents.
HQ: Keep him there Elza and don't let him out of your sight. Sound's like a Ruskie spy to to us. We're reporting this situation straight to the top.
ELZA: Who would that be sir?
HQ: You don't need to know that information Elza. Don't ever ask that question again!
ELZA: Yes sir! Sorry sir.
HQ: That's better.
ELZA: Yes sir.
HQ: Just one more thing Elza.
ELZA: Sir?
HQ: Good job.
ELZA: Thank you sir!
HQ: You're welcome Elza.   Oh, and have a Merry Christmas!   HQ out.

A little Spike Jones anyone? Go ahead, push the play button. I dare you.