I recently returned to the National Archives in College Park, MD for three days of image research and scanning. I dedicated the past two months (August and September) to continuing my online archival research—and looking into the network and preservation of Nevada Test Site-related photographs, maps, publications, and records. I prepared a list of requests and worked with archivists to have materials from cold storage (negatives and transparencies) pulled first, and then boxes of printed photographs. My list included records (images) which I have seen, but have not scanned in full, and some photographic materials which I have not yet seen. Among the new requests: I was excited to look through a box of lantern glass slides with images from the 1953 Annie and 1955 Apple-2 tests (NARA, College Park, RG-396-OP).

I found the “before” state of a basement shelter—where the Annie test mannequin wearing pajamas was placed. It does not show the mannequin, but rather is focussed on the lean-to shelter construction.

Here is the lantern glass slide of the Annie mannequin “after” the detonation, which is of particular interest to me. I am searching for the original negative and the painted retouched print. The photograph is credited to Lookout Mountain Laboratory, and was distributed via FCDA, International News Photo/Soundphoto and AP Wirephoto.

There is a lantern slide in which the “before and after” photographs are cropped and composited.

I was able to photograph the glass slides on a light table at a copy stand.

Below are two other “before and after” composites. I was struck by the first one and the “before” image which is from 1953 Annie test. The “before” staging and photograph is unique, it appears to me to be two (real) women sitting and reading inside the corner shelter, not mannequins. In both composite slides, the “after” photograph is focussed on the damage to the shelter.

Women, not mannequins:

Mannequins: