Vallecitos Atomic Electric Power Plant was the first privately funded atomic power plant in the world. It became operational in 1957. Here are (39) fascinating press release and wire photos from that moment in the dawn of our nuclear era. One shows a press rep having her cigarette lit by a pair of robotic arms during a tour inside the hot cell operating area at Vallecitos. Another captures engineers loading fuel elements into the core reactor. A number of interesting photographs of the GE Vallecitos Atomic Research Facility are included as well. Sized from 8 x 10" to 8.5 x 13" the photos range in condition from EX to MT condition.