Discover Aiken Commemorates Savannah River Site’s 75th Anniversary

The upcoming December issue of “Discover Aiken” will celebrate the **75th anniversary** of the **Savannah River Site (SRS)**, focusing on significant improvements made to the Curation Facility on site. To contribute to this special edition, I connected with **George “Buddy” Wingard**, the program coordinator of the **Savannah River Archaeological Research Program**. His work is instrumental in displaying intriguing artifacts that reflect the site’s rich history.

The Department of Energy has contracted the **USC Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology** to ensure compliance with national regulations regarding archaeological and cultural resources. During my recent visit with Wingard, I learned about his ongoing efforts to enhance public appreciation of these resources.

While examining the displays curated by the Savannah River Archaeological Research Program, I was guided by **Susie Ferrara**, manager of the **SRS Cold War Historic Preservation Program**. She shared insights as we explored the Cold War artifact collection, which features remarkable examples of mid-century technology, including reactor control panels and robots.

For a more in-depth experience, Wingard guided my companion, **Michael Budd**, and me through the remnants of the “lost towns” of **Dunbarton** and **Ellenton**. Public tours of SRS occur twice a year, with stops at Ellenton in **October** and Dunbarton in **March**. Our private tour provided a valuable opportunity to delve into the history of these communities that were displaced during the establishment of the nuclear reservation in **1952**.

Dunbarton, once a vibrant market town for local farmers, was named after the Dunbar family in the early 19th century. The town served as a community hub, with its train depot at the center of activity. The construction of the Savannah River Site led to the displacement of approximately **6,000 property owners** and the demolition, relocation, or partial salvaging of around **15,000 structures**.

The train station in Ellenton was equally significant, providing residents with the daily newspaper from Augusta and essential mail deliveries. The **Port Royal Railroad**, chartered in **1870**, still runs through the area. During a previous visit several years ago, I explored Ellenton’s remnants with Wingard, but this latest tour showcased considerable enhancements aimed at educating visitors about the former community.

In the past, a visit to Ellenton highlighted only a few remnants, such as street curbing and the steps of the old high school. Now, new corner street signs mark overgrown thoroughfares, and large informational placards provide rich narratives about the lives of its former residents. One placard recounts the story of **Jean Shaw**, a pioneering businesswoman who ran a grocery store and pool hall, famous for her thick hamburgers that delighted customers.

Another notable mention is **Max Walton’s** drugstore, where a jukebox played music from the **1930s** and **1940s**, enticing local youths to dance on the sidewalk until they were shooed away. The collective efforts of the Savannah River Archaeological Research Program and the SRS Cold War Historic Preservation Program deserve recognition for their dedication to preserving the history of those who once inhabited this **310-square-mile** site.

For those interested in exploring this fascinating history, information about upcoming public tours can be found at **srs.gov**. The revitalization of these historic sites not only honors the past but also enriches the community’s understanding of its heritage.