Left to Right – Jimmy Weldon, Mildred Adams, Dwight Morrow
Around 500 students attended classes at a community school (which was also the social, religious, and educational center) while their fathers worked to build Fontana Dam. The construction began in January of 1942 and water impoundment began on November 7, 1944. Many of these “kids” have special memories growing up together in this community. So, they began an annual “Dam Kids” reunion. Their first reunion was October 4, 1986. About 100 “kids” attended the first reunion, coming from all parts of the world. That was their first visit in 40 plus years. Can you imagine the excitement of seeing the “kids” you grew up with from over 40 years ago?
This year’s reunion was held on the weekend of October 18, 2025. Among those attending this year was Mildred Adams Williams from Gulf Breeze, Florida. Mildred is 97 years old. She spent her sophomore and junior years at Fontana while her father, Alexander G. Adams, worked as a cement supervisor. His career involved working at several dams, i.e., Hiwassee, Fort Loudon, Wheeler, Pickwick, etc. Mildred has many fond memories of her time at Fontana.
Dwight Morrow, age 80, was born in the hospital at Fontana which was called TVA General Hospital at the time. It later served as a community center. His father came to Fontana in 1942 and did not leave till 1951. His father was a barber who worked at the Appalachia Dam then later worked at Fort Loudon. Dwight said his father “followed the work”. His mother worked in the TVA cafeteria at Fontana and ran a laundry business. Dwight cherishes his time spent at Fontana.
Jimmy Weldon, age 86, is also a “Dam Kid”. His father worked as a machinist. Jimmy was at Fontana from age 3 to age 6 and now lives in Alabama. He has been coming to the “Dam Kids” reunion for 27 years.
Left to Right – Front row: Dan Smith (Marka’s spouse), Mildred Adams (Fontana Dam Kid) Second row: Evelyn Hudson & Jerry Hudson (BVI Volunteers), Marka Smith (BVI Program Manager), Cathryn Bickley & Lile Bickley (BVI Volunteers)
Many of the “Dam Kids” refer to Fontana as the “most beautiful place on earth”. It definitely holds a special place in their hearts.