Extra! Extra! Eyes of the World on Texas: New
London School Explosion
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New London School Explosion
One of the most heartbreaking episodes in the history of Texas was the loss of life that resulted from a natural gas explosion at a school in 1937. The majority of the 300 victims were the children of the New London community. The school had a student population of about 500 in grades 5 through 11. A leak in the heating system that used gas siphoned from a nearby oil field caused the fuel to build up under the school and ignited from a spark from a sander in a shop class. Afterwards, state then federal legislation was enacted to mandate that gas additives create an odor, making gas detectable when present. Legislation requiring engineers to be licensed was also passed.
Floorplan and introduction, Report of the High School Explosion and Disaster of London, Texas. Texas Inspection Bureau, 1937. TSLAC-MAIN Collection, 614.83 H537s. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
"The Day a Generation Died” March 27, 1977, Scene, Dallas Morning News. TSLAC Vertical File, New London, TX. "The Day a Generation Died” Page 1 and "The Day a Generation Died” Page 2.
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Early rangers were involved in addressing numerous types of disputes from theft to murder. These letters document a “truce” they mediated between the Horrell and Higgins families. Rangers compelled them to sign the truce after forcibly entering the respective families’ homes.
Reflections on the New London School tragedy thirty years later. March 19, 1967, The Houston Post. TSLAC Vertical File, New London, TX. "They Remember in Silence" headline and "Like Scene From Dante" headline. Click or tap on links and images to view larger versions.
A view of the damage and volunteer efforts after the explosion, March 18, 1937. J.J. Brown collection, 1976/011-7. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
After the explosion at the New London High School, volunteers worked long into the night in hopes of rescuing all who were trapped inside.
Aftermath of the explosion, 1937. Collier Read Granberry photograph collection, 1983/190-8. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
Once the rubble was cleared, classes resumed in the structures that remained standing and in portable buildings. A new school would be built on the site in 1939.
Rescue efforts, March 18, 1937. J.J. Brown collection, 1976/011-2. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
Workers clearing debris, March 18, 1937. J.J. Brown collection, 1976/011-2. Click or tap on image to view larger version.
Oil field workers were some of the first on the scene to begin moving rubble and pulling children and teachers from the debris. As word spread, at least 2,000 workers were on site sifting through the wreckage.
Correspondence addressed to Governor James Allred donating $0.25 for a memorial in New London, March 22, 1937. Texas Governor James V. Allred records, 1985/024-22. Correspondence addressed to Governor James Allred donating $0.25 for a memorial in New London, March 22, 1937 Front and Correspondence addressed to Governor James Allred donating $0.25 for a memorial in New London, March 22, 1937 Back.
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Correspondence addressed to Governor James Allred donating $0.25 for a memorial in New London, March 30, 1937. Texas Governor James V. Allred records, 1985/024-22. Correspondence addressed to Governor James Allred donating $0.25 for a memorial in New London, March 30, 1937 Image 1 and Correspondence addressed to Governor James Allred donating $0.25 for a memorial in New London, March 30, 1937 Image 2. Click or tap on links and images to view larger versions.
Governor Allred asked the school children of Texas to donate a penny each on April 7, 1937, to help fund a memorial to the victims, declaring the day New London School Memorial Day. Additionally, many wrote to Governor Allred, sending small amounts of money to aid the families impacted by the explosion in New London.
Letter of sympathy from French school pupils, May 6, 1937. Texas Governor James V. Allred records, 1985/024-22. Image 1 Orignal Letter in French and Image 2 Translated from the French for the Governor's Office. Click or tap on links and images to view larger versions.
This letter reads: Dear distressed Fathers and Mothers, On learning of the cruel affliction which has stricken you, our hearts ache for you. We have suffered because of your anguish, your profound sorrow, your inconsolable affliction. Evidently, these words cannot bear to you any consolation, but receive, dear sad fathers and mothers, this evidence of our affectionate sympathy. From the depths of our hearts we say to all: “Have courage in this painful happening.” We little sympathetic French children unite with you in your great sorrow. A group of pupils of the middle course, 2nd year, School of Landrecies.
Letter of sympathy from Secretary of Interior and Secretary General of Mexico, April 9, 1937. Texas Governor James V. Allred records, 1985/024-22. Image 1 Original Letter in Spanish, Image 2 Translated from the Spanish for the Governor's Office, and Image 3 Letter of Reply from the Governor's Office.
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This letter reads: Governor of the State of Texas, U.S.A. The organized teachers of the Eighth School Zone in the State of San Luis Potosi, Mexico send to you by us and at the same time to extend to the comrades and families of New London, Texas our message as an organization of profound and sincere condolence in the difficult period through which they are passing; we make known to you that the teachers of Potosi of this zone unite at this time with the students and teachers of North America, offering, at the same time, the fraternal fellowship of the organized teachers of Mexico. Fraternally, “Through education for the service of the people.” Prof. Enrique Almazán, Prof. Antonio G. Alvarado Secretary General Secretary of the Interior.
Letters of sympathy came from across the United States as well as abroad.
Engineering Registration Act, May 28, 1937. Texas State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, 2006/177. Engineering Registration Act, May 28, 1937 Front page, Engineering Registration Act, May 28, 1937 Pages 2 and 3, Engineering Registration Act, May 28, 1937 Pages 4 and 5, and Engineering Registration Act, May 28, 1937 Pages 6 and 7. Click or tap on links and images to view larger versions.
Public pressure called for legislation to register engineers, since it was believed that poor engineering had been at least partly to blame for the accident. The Texas State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers was created as emergency legislation by Senate Bill 74, 45th Legislature, Regular Session, signed by Governor Allred May 28, 1937.