Below are several interesting articles from The Oak Ridger [newspaper] in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  Ellen from Oak Ridge was kind enough to send us these links.  Among other things, the articles describe how extras were selected to work in the movie and what the extras had to do during filming.

In order to read the articles, you have to complete a short registration form.  The good news, however, is that it's free.

"Movie audition is packed"
January 19, 1998
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/011998/new_movie.html

"How then a movie location? Fill every impossible request"
March 17, 1998
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/031798/opn_smyser.html

"Students are extras in 'Rocket Boys'"
April 3, 1998
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/040398/new_amy.html

"Boy recalls many movie moments"
May 18, 1998
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/051898/new_movie.html

"Oliver Springs rocket man has two parts in movie"
February 19, 1999
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/021999/new_0219990038.html

"Movie extra writes book about 'October Sky' experience"
April 14, 2000
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/041400/int_0413000093.html

Note: many of the telephone numbers in the article are no longer valid numbers.  The best way to order Barbara's book is by mail.  Please click here for more details about the book and an order form.

"Store looks much as it did in Oliver Springs heydey"
June 8, 2001
http://www.oakridger.com/stories/060801/com_0607010129.html