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An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring
On March 18, 1937 one of the most modern public school buildings in America exploded in a rural Texas community decimating the student population and destroying innocent lives. Considered the worst public school disaster in U.S. history, controversial theories surrounding this tragedy are still debated to this day. The event sparked changes that soon reverberated around the world and continue to affect each of us in our homes, schools, businesses and places of worship.
"An American Holocaust" is a story that begins with the giving of a child's Christmas gift in 1936. The explosion took place at the London School in New London, Texas. This story relays more than simple facts. It is a personal account of unprepared loss and shattered dreams, followed by unfathomable grief. It describes the feelings of those who died in their innocence and of those who witnessed horror and lived through the aftermath. An unresolved silence persisted for forty years among the entire community of scarred survivors. For those who spoke out, their stories have been told and re-told for over three quarters of a century, but most people have never heard them.
Although the innocent still suffer from the ignorance and indifference of a few, especially those we should be able to trust with the lives and safety of our children, this is also a story of hope. Countless lives have been saved by bold actions that were taken in the wake of this unanticipated sacrifice of so many children who were literally consumed by fire on the day a generation died in Texas.
"An American Holocaust" is a story that begins with the giving of a child's Christmas gift in 1936. The explosion took place at the London School in New London, Texas. This story relays more than simple facts. It is a personal account of unprepared loss and shattered dreams, followed by unfathomable grief. It describes the feelings of those who died in their innocence and of those who witnessed horror and lived through the aftermath. An unresolved silence persisted for forty years among the entire community of scarred survivors. For those who spoke out, their stories have been told and re-told for over three quarters of a century, but most people have never heard them.
Although the innocent still suffer from the ignorance and indifference of a few, especially those we should be able to trust with the lives and safety of our children, this is also a story of hope. Countless lives have been saved by bold actions that were taken in the wake of this unanticipated sacrifice of so many children who were literally consumed by fire on the day a generation died in Texas.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published August 1, 2011
76 people are currently reading
554 people want to read
About the author
Kerry L. Barger
15 books13 followersFor FREE book offers, visit the author's website at https://sites.google.com/site/kerrylb...
From the Author: "I am a native Texan and proud of it. My family's heritage in the state predates the American Civil War when they came to Texas on horses and in covered wagons to homestead the land. One of my great grandparents was a Native American Blackfoot, a genetic fact that some believe explains my intolerance for injustice and hard liquor. My daughter was awarded a college scholarship a few years ago by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the oldest patriotic women’s organization in Texas. The Wright brothers of Kitty Hawk, President Grover Cleveland, and General Robert E. Lee are all listed in our family tree.
After working for 30 years in the state's mental health care system, I have since retired and visited ancient cultural sites in the US, Mexico, and Europe, while researching ancient biblical mysteries and writing a few very controversial books. Most readers appreciate them, but some despise what I have revealed with a passionate fervor. I am just grateful that we all have the freedom to openly express our opinions and ideas fearlessly.
The chapters within each of my books can potentially provide at least one or more answers to some of your own personal, fundamental questions. I hope you find them entertaining, as well." --Kerry L. Barger
"Elohim: Ancient Science Fiction or Biblical God?" offers an unconventional explanation of mankind's origins and biblical literature. (It is definitely not for the 'religious-minded'.)
"Elohim II: Ascension of the King" is the science fiction sequel. It was released in February of 2014.
"An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring" details events of the worst school tragedy in U.S. history. My mother's cousin and childhood playmate was killed in the catastrophe.
Not long ago, I received a personal message from a Facebook friend who recently subscribed to my Author's Fan Page. She wrote: "I have just finished reading An American Holocaust and it brought me to tears. I honestly did not know of this tragedy until recently. I grew up in the Midwest a few decades after the event. I suppose you grew up knowing about it. I knew the smell was added to natural gas, but didn't know this event triggered it's important addition. Very touching story and full of personal accounts. I am more appreciative of life having read it. Thank you."
In "High Times and Rough Rides of a Bipolar Addict" - The front page Dallas Morning News article dated March 22, 1969 (entitled "Youth Who Defended 'Pot' Is Committed") is reprinted in its entirety. This book is intended for those who have bipolar family members struggling with sex, drug, alcohol, relationship or any number of other devastating addictions.
Paperbacks under $10 & KINDLE versions of his books are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
You don't need a Kindle to read Kindle e-books.
Hardcover versions are under $20 at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/KerryBa...
You can visit the author's website at https://sites.google.com/site/kerrylb...
*(Notice to literary agents, publishers and producers: all applicable rights are open for bid. Contact information is available at the end of the books or via the author's website.)
From the Author: "I am a native Texan and proud of it. My family's heritage in the state predates the American Civil War when they came to Texas on horses and in covered wagons to homestead the land. One of my great grandparents was a Native American Blackfoot, a genetic fact that some believe explains my intolerance for injustice and hard liquor. My daughter was awarded a college scholarship a few years ago by the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, the oldest patriotic women’s organization in Texas. The Wright brothers of Kitty Hawk, President Grover Cleveland, and General Robert E. Lee are all listed in our family tree.
After working for 30 years in the state's mental health care system, I have since retired and visited ancient cultural sites in the US, Mexico, and Europe, while researching ancient biblical mysteries and writing a few very controversial books. Most readers appreciate them, but some despise what I have revealed with a passionate fervor. I am just grateful that we all have the freedom to openly express our opinions and ideas fearlessly.
The chapters within each of my books can potentially provide at least one or more answers to some of your own personal, fundamental questions. I hope you find them entertaining, as well." --Kerry L. Barger
"Elohim: Ancient Science Fiction or Biblical God?" offers an unconventional explanation of mankind's origins and biblical literature. (It is definitely not for the 'religious-minded'.)
"Elohim II: Ascension of the King" is the science fiction sequel. It was released in February of 2014.
"An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring" details events of the worst school tragedy in U.S. history. My mother's cousin and childhood playmate was killed in the catastrophe.
Not long ago, I received a personal message from a Facebook friend who recently subscribed to my Author's Fan Page. She wrote: "I have just finished reading An American Holocaust and it brought me to tears. I honestly did not know of this tragedy until recently. I grew up in the Midwest a few decades after the event. I suppose you grew up knowing about it. I knew the smell was added to natural gas, but didn't know this event triggered it's important addition. Very touching story and full of personal accounts. I am more appreciative of life having read it. Thank you."
In "High Times and Rough Rides of a Bipolar Addict" - The front page Dallas Morning News article dated March 22, 1969 (entitled "Youth Who Defended 'Pot' Is Committed") is reprinted in its entirety. This book is intended for those who have bipolar family members struggling with sex, drug, alcohol, relationship or any number of other devastating addictions.
Paperbacks under $10 & KINDLE versions of his books are available at http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_nos...
You don't need a Kindle to read Kindle e-books.
Hardcover versions are under $20 at http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/KerryBa...
You can visit the author's website at https://sites.google.com/site/kerrylb...
*(Notice to literary agents, publishers and producers: all applicable rights are open for bid. Contact information is available at the end of the books or via the author's website.)
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May 17, 2012"I remember being thrown up in the air like a toy... I keep turning and spinning. Then darkness."
The attack on the World Trade Center in New York claimed almost 3,000 lives and changed America forever. A little-remembered explosion of a school in the 1930s resulted in just over 300 deaths, yet it, too, had a tremendous impact on society. Barger revives the story of one of the nation's most poignant tragedies in his highly-moving tale.
The school in New London was considered one of the most modern facilities in the state for the time period, and the residents of the small East Texas town were extremely proud of it. Like in many of the small towns near the oil fields, school officials had decided to tap into the natural gas lines to cut heating costs at the facility. What they never realized was just how dangerous that practice could be. On March 18, 1937, a spark in the wood shop ignited the cloud of invisible and odorless gas that had slowly permeated the school. The resulting explosion killed children and teachers alike, littering the area with body parts and completely devastating a community. The catastrophe led Texas to mandate the inclusion of an additive to natural gas that would enable people to smell it. The nation and then much of the world soon followed suit.
Barger's book follows the lives of several families affected by the tragedy, including his own. By giving the reader glimpses into the hopes and dreams of individuals like his cousin, Lataine, he builds a literary memorial to those who lost so much to make others safe in the future... an event that should never be forgotten. --John E. Roper, THE US REVIEW
John Roper is a freelance writer who has written articles for "The Arizona Republic", "The Daily Oklahoman" and several other newspapers and digital platforms over the past two decades. His play, "When I Was Five", has been produced in three countries. He received his degree in English literature from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1985.
You can see John's editorial review of "An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring" in 'The U.S. Review of Books' at http://www.theusreview.com/reviews/Am... .
The attack on the World Trade Center in New York claimed almost 3,000 lives and changed America forever. A little-remembered explosion of a school in the 1930s resulted in just over 300 deaths, yet it, too, had a tremendous impact on society. Barger revives the story of one of the nation's most poignant tragedies in his highly-moving tale.
The school in New London was considered one of the most modern facilities in the state for the time period, and the residents of the small East Texas town were extremely proud of it. Like in many of the small towns near the oil fields, school officials had decided to tap into the natural gas lines to cut heating costs at the facility. What they never realized was just how dangerous that practice could be. On March 18, 1937, a spark in the wood shop ignited the cloud of invisible and odorless gas that had slowly permeated the school. The resulting explosion killed children and teachers alike, littering the area with body parts and completely devastating a community. The catastrophe led Texas to mandate the inclusion of an additive to natural gas that would enable people to smell it. The nation and then much of the world soon followed suit.
Barger's book follows the lives of several families affected by the tragedy, including his own. By giving the reader glimpses into the hopes and dreams of individuals like his cousin, Lataine, he builds a literary memorial to those who lost so much to make others safe in the future... an event that should never be forgotten. --John E. Roper, THE US REVIEW
John Roper is a freelance writer who has written articles for "The Arizona Republic", "The Daily Oklahoman" and several other newspapers and digital platforms over the past two decades. His play, "When I Was Five", has been produced in three countries. He received his degree in English literature from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1985.
You can see John's editorial review of "An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring" in 'The U.S. Review of Books' at http://www.theusreview.com/reviews/Am... .
February 11, 2012
I got this title free for Kindle.
Do you think the awful smell of natural gas is normal? Well, it isn't. It's because of the addition of a chemical called mercaptan that is put into natural gas specifically to make the smell recognizable. Natural gas has no odor without it.
Where you ever curious why natural gas was made to smell like this? I confess I never thought about it but this story tells the reason.
March 18, 1937 was the height of the oil/gas boom in Texas. New London, Texas was the site of many companies, both corporate and independent, all drilling like mad. The town was built for and by oilfield workers. One of the highlights of the town was the London School that was, by far, probably the best in the state.
Jake McQuaid was the boss of one of the Humble Oil (later Exxon) rigs that was just at the edge of town. On March 17th, as the drilling progressed, the rig hit a small pocket of natural gas. Jake immediately shut down the drilling and started to monitor pressure gauges. He sent for the engineer. Once on scene the engineer took over and Jake and the crew were sent home for the evening.
Jake always liked going home to his loving wife, Winona, and the family: beautiful Lataine, a 5th grader at London School, and toddler twin boys. Lataine was her Daddy's pride and joy. She was a lovely blonde girl who already had her future husband picked out - Glenn - a neighbor and fellow classmate. His little girl was so proud of a small gold ring with a rose on it given her by a cousin for Christmas. She never took it off.
When Jake returned to work on the morning of the 18th he found the engineers ready to resume drilling. What happened to the gas pressure? According to the engineers it had disappeared, most likely just a very small pocket. Jack was puzzled but set up to restart the drill.
Something was going on at London School that should be mentioned. In an effort to save $300 the school officials decided to heat the building by using "residual" gas. This type of natural gas is a by-product of the wells. (It is what you see burning off if you've ever seen an oilwell.) It wasn't the best choice (I'm not sure but it may have been illegal then. It is now.) but nobody seemed to think it was a bad idea. The lines to heat the building ran under the whole complex and were accessible through trapdoors and crawlspaces. These crawlspaces were also used for storage.
Most of the school had been dismissed for the day. The younger kids had started home on the buses. Some of the older kids were allowed out of class to perform dances for the parents at a PTA meeting being held in the auditorium. The remaining kids were still in their classrooms just finishing up for the day.
Several students in a shop class had been down in the crawlspace getting sets prior to the dances. They all complained about headaches and one boy's face was very red. In fact, for days, if not weeks, teachers had been opening classroom windows because of tearing eyes and headaches.
One of the shop students plugged in a sander and there was a massive explosion. Jake McQuaid looked up and saw the school flying apart. Within a few minutes the oilfield workers and others in town converged on the school to see a horrific sight. The main building was almost completely obliterated. Five miles away the blast knocked a young girl out of a tree.
Over the next few days even surviving students were called upon to help identify the dead. Some were only known by their clothes. In all, 311 people lost their lives (16 teachers and the rest students). Some of the missing were never found. All Jake ever found of beautiful Lataine was the ring - still on one finger, but her beloved Glenn survived.
Years later one of the survivors was arrested. He mumblingly told deputies that he had helped his uncle install the heating pipes beneath the school. In a effort to sell more gas they had used shoddy connections hoping a little gas might leak out. It was never confirmed if this was true.
A young Walter Cronkite reported on this story from New London. It was his first big story. Many years later, after all he had seen in his reporting career, he still called this tragedy one of the most horrific things he had ever seen.
When the story was first reported it captured the attention of the whole country and the world. Good wishes and condolences poured in from all over including from Adolf Hitler and other world leaders.
Also included are several eyewitness accounts told to the author (whose ancestors were among the survivors). Included is the transcript of a poem from which Lataine's tombstone inscription was taken. It is The Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall by A. L. Frink. It was a beautiful inclusion in the book.
Do you think the awful smell of natural gas is normal? Well, it isn't. It's because of the addition of a chemical called mercaptan that is put into natural gas specifically to make the smell recognizable. Natural gas has no odor without it.
Where you ever curious why natural gas was made to smell like this? I confess I never thought about it but this story tells the reason.
March 18, 1937 was the height of the oil/gas boom in Texas. New London, Texas was the site of many companies, both corporate and independent, all drilling like mad. The town was built for and by oilfield workers. One of the highlights of the town was the London School that was, by far, probably the best in the state.
Jake McQuaid was the boss of one of the Humble Oil (later Exxon) rigs that was just at the edge of town. On March 17th, as the drilling progressed, the rig hit a small pocket of natural gas. Jake immediately shut down the drilling and started to monitor pressure gauges. He sent for the engineer. Once on scene the engineer took over and Jake and the crew were sent home for the evening.
Jake always liked going home to his loving wife, Winona, and the family: beautiful Lataine, a 5th grader at London School, and toddler twin boys. Lataine was her Daddy's pride and joy. She was a lovely blonde girl who already had her future husband picked out - Glenn - a neighbor and fellow classmate. His little girl was so proud of a small gold ring with a rose on it given her by a cousin for Christmas. She never took it off.
When Jake returned to work on the morning of the 18th he found the engineers ready to resume drilling. What happened to the gas pressure? According to the engineers it had disappeared, most likely just a very small pocket. Jack was puzzled but set up to restart the drill.
Something was going on at London School that should be mentioned. In an effort to save $300 the school officials decided to heat the building by using "residual" gas. This type of natural gas is a by-product of the wells. (It is what you see burning off if you've ever seen an oilwell.) It wasn't the best choice (I'm not sure but it may have been illegal then. It is now.) but nobody seemed to think it was a bad idea. The lines to heat the building ran under the whole complex and were accessible through trapdoors and crawlspaces. These crawlspaces were also used for storage.
Most of the school had been dismissed for the day. The younger kids had started home on the buses. Some of the older kids were allowed out of class to perform dances for the parents at a PTA meeting being held in the auditorium. The remaining kids were still in their classrooms just finishing up for the day.
Several students in a shop class had been down in the crawlspace getting sets prior to the dances. They all complained about headaches and one boy's face was very red. In fact, for days, if not weeks, teachers had been opening classroom windows because of tearing eyes and headaches.
One of the shop students plugged in a sander and there was a massive explosion. Jake McQuaid looked up and saw the school flying apart. Within a few minutes the oilfield workers and others in town converged on the school to see a horrific sight. The main building was almost completely obliterated. Five miles away the blast knocked a young girl out of a tree.
Over the next few days even surviving students were called upon to help identify the dead. Some were only known by their clothes. In all, 311 people lost their lives (16 teachers and the rest students). Some of the missing were never found. All Jake ever found of beautiful Lataine was the ring - still on one finger, but her beloved Glenn survived.
Years later one of the survivors was arrested. He mumblingly told deputies that he had helped his uncle install the heating pipes beneath the school. In a effort to sell more gas they had used shoddy connections hoping a little gas might leak out. It was never confirmed if this was true.
A young Walter Cronkite reported on this story from New London. It was his first big story. Many years later, after all he had seen in his reporting career, he still called this tragedy one of the most horrific things he had ever seen.
When the story was first reported it captured the attention of the whole country and the world. Good wishes and condolences poured in from all over including from Adolf Hitler and other world leaders.
Also included are several eyewitness accounts told to the author (whose ancestors were among the survivors). Included is the transcript of a poem from which Lataine's tombstone inscription was taken. It is The Rose Still Grows Beyond the Wall by A. L. Frink. It was a beautiful inclusion in the book.
March 1, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. Kerry Barger did a great job of telling this horrendous story. I liked the way way he followed a number of families telling how they survived (or didn't survive)
the tragedy. I find it hard to believe that in my 71 yrs I never heard about this fire. If that were to happen now it would immediately be on the new across the country. I will be waiting for March18th to see if there is any mention of it on the news. Kerry you did a great job of bringing this to the public . Makes me think about the fact that what "is new way of doing something is not always the best." looking forward to reading your other books.
the tragedy. I find it hard to believe that in my 71 yrs I never heard about this fire. If that were to happen now it would immediately be on the new across the country. I will be waiting for March18th to see if there is any mention of it on the news. Kerry you did a great job of bringing this to the public . Makes me think about the fact that what "is new way of doing something is not always the best." looking forward to reading your other books.
April 4, 2012
I read the blurb on this book and thought the story sounded interesting. While I still think the story is interesting, I was not at all impressed with the writing. The author spent too much space on other national and world events that were happening at the time of the story without tying them to the events of this story. I can understand setting the stage, but there was not an effort to tie them together.
The story was told in a documentary style. I don't have a problem with this style, but it kept me from connecting with any of the characters very well.
I made it halfway through the book but probably won't finish it.
The story was told in a documentary style. I don't have a problem with this style, but it kept me from connecting with any of the characters very well.
I made it halfway through the book but probably won't finish it.
April 5, 2012
I won this book from here on Goodreads and was excited when I recieved it. I glanced through it prior to reading it and thought it was going to be a rather bland tale about the explosion at the school. Instead it surprised me by being a very touching story.
In it the author writes about this tragedy as told by her grandmother who was there when it happened. She gives us a look into the past as only a survivor can.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about true history. I have 4 friends in line to read it already!
Thanks for a great book!
In it the author writes about this tragedy as told by her grandmother who was there when it happened. She gives us a look into the past as only a survivor can.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about true history. I have 4 friends in line to read it already!
Thanks for a great book!
September 12, 2018
Heartbreaking
Just finished this thoughtfully written story. I live near the area and I wanted to learn more about what actually happened on that fateful day. This author did a good job of explaining the event, while humanizing it, so we could truly have a better perspective of what took place. I'd definitely recommend reading it for yourself and pay no attention to the couple of negative reviews that appear to be written because of a disagreement with the author over the title and the use of the word 'holocaust'. In my humble opinion, that shouldn't detract from reviewing the actual book, simply out of respect for the victims of this tragedy.
Just finished this thoughtfully written story. I live near the area and I wanted to learn more about what actually happened on that fateful day. This author did a good job of explaining the event, while humanizing it, so we could truly have a better perspective of what took place. I'd definitely recommend reading it for yourself and pay no attention to the couple of negative reviews that appear to be written because of a disagreement with the author over the title and the use of the word 'holocaust'. In my humble opinion, that shouldn't detract from reviewing the actual book, simply out of respect for the victims of this tragedy.
July 6, 2022
This was a terrific book. I had never heard about this explosion before. It was such a horrible event that made such an important change in the gas that we use to heat our homes/businesses. I can't begin to imagine the devastation that those people felt. So many died in such a small community. I wish more people would learn about this piece of history so they would know and understand why they are protected today.
December 21, 2017
A heartbreaking mostly unknown historical story. By the end you will know why natural gas has a smell. You will also feel for the families who lost their loved ones in this tragedy. I enjoyed the way the book was written. Who knows how many lives have since been saved by what was learned from this tragedy!
March 27, 2018
Good book about a horrible tragedy
This was a well written book about a subject that I knew nothing about. It was difficult to read of the loss and devastation that New London experienced. Having been born ten years later, I feel blessed to have benefited from the lessons learned on that tragic day. It was good to hear of survivors who were mentioned.
This was a well written book about a subject that I knew nothing about. It was difficult to read of the loss and devastation that New London experienced. Having been born ten years later, I feel blessed to have benefited from the lessons learned on that tragic day. It was good to hear of survivors who were mentioned.
December 6, 2025
First, let me say, I’m what I would call a “disaster junkie”
Disasters and murders fascinate me, I have a list of things that I try to find information or books on. I have a need to find out what happened, why it happened and how could it have been prevented.
This book has been in my TBR list for quite awhile, but because I was on a mystery, romance, paranormal kick for quite awhile I put off reading it. I have to be in a mood to read about real world happenings.
What happened was horrendous and heart breaking and the book introduced you to the real people affected by this tragedy. It explained what happened, why it happened and the changes that were made to prevent it happening the same way again.
It is a look into the past, how people lived, the way they interacted with each other, how the simple way of doing something suddenly became the catalyst for the death & destruction that was felt not just in our country, but around the world. Sympathies came from presidents, kings, queens, even from Hitler.
A simple school day, with children preparing for a program to celebrate a holiday, mothers attending a PTA meeting, another hour or more and school might have been over and many lives might have been saved.
The state did not let this become a forgotten incident, they did something about it to prevent it from never happening again. They passed laws and made it become a day of remembrance with a memorial that still exists. The children told the leaders what happened to them, what they saw, the friends that were lost. People were identified by body parts in some cases, people that were outside the building were killed along with all those inside. People came from all the surrounding areas to look for their love ones, dug thru the collapsed building hoping to find a sign of life, hoping to find their children. Nearby towns sent help, a new hospital in a nearby town not yet open, opened its doors.
People came together with survivors and family members they went before politicians and got them to listen and to insure changes were made that made schools safer for future students.
Why does it always take a tragedy to get politicians to really listen and do something to prevent it from happening again?
Disasters and murders fascinate me, I have a list of things that I try to find information or books on. I have a need to find out what happened, why it happened and how could it have been prevented.
This book has been in my TBR list for quite awhile, but because I was on a mystery, romance, paranormal kick for quite awhile I put off reading it. I have to be in a mood to read about real world happenings.
What happened was horrendous and heart breaking and the book introduced you to the real people affected by this tragedy. It explained what happened, why it happened and the changes that were made to prevent it happening the same way again.
It is a look into the past, how people lived, the way they interacted with each other, how the simple way of doing something suddenly became the catalyst for the death & destruction that was felt not just in our country, but around the world. Sympathies came from presidents, kings, queens, even from Hitler.
A simple school day, with children preparing for a program to celebrate a holiday, mothers attending a PTA meeting, another hour or more and school might have been over and many lives might have been saved.
The state did not let this become a forgotten incident, they did something about it to prevent it from never happening again. They passed laws and made it become a day of remembrance with a memorial that still exists. The children told the leaders what happened to them, what they saw, the friends that were lost. People were identified by body parts in some cases, people that were outside the building were killed along with all those inside. People came from all the surrounding areas to look for their love ones, dug thru the collapsed building hoping to find a sign of life, hoping to find their children. Nearby towns sent help, a new hospital in a nearby town not yet open, opened its doors.
People came together with survivors and family members they went before politicians and got them to listen and to insure changes were made that made schools safer for future students.
Why does it always take a tragedy to get politicians to really listen and do something to prevent it from happening again?
November 3, 2018
. As a teacher, I am drawn to tragedies in schools. This one was especially personal as my dad grew up near where this happened and remembered it. There is a better book, but this one is worth your time.
February 7, 2017
I grew up in East Texas and knew about the New London school explosion, but I had never read anything until now. I could not put it down. Such a tragedy. Quick read.
April 8, 2021
Excellent book
Well written and a must-read for anyone interested in local history of the East Texas Piney Woods. I look forward to exploring the resource materials provided.
Well written and a must-read for anyone interested in local history of the East Texas Piney Woods. I look forward to exploring the resource materials provided.
December 9, 2013
This was a very powerful book about an extremely emotional tragedy. I definitely had tears in my eyes after reading this and just experiencing the book.
I felt connected to these children and their families by the author's format in telling the story. We got into all the individual's heads and see the events through their eyes and thoughts. That takes a special talent of writing, let me tell you. Someone who can pull off a 10 year old girl and then do a 180 and get into the head of her father has some serious writing chops.
The first third of the book was dedicated to building the setting and the individual lives this tragedy affected. This was the one area in which the book suffered a bit. I did get a feel for all the players in the story, don't get me wrong. But the author tended to meander off the topic of New London completely into totally different stories like details about the Hindenburg and other events going on during this time frame. Now I can see where mentioning these events and going into them a bit does set the time for our story. But really?! Whole paragraphs and pages full?! It felt like overkill and really bogged down the first part of this book.
Once we got to the day of the tragedy, however, this book just slams the reader in the gut. We see the fates of all the people we got to know in the first part of the book. We get to see how the explosion effects our world and still stays with the survivors today. Just the sheer scope of the tragedy and the fate of all these children astounds my heart and brain even now. The book tells the story through the personal stories of the victims and survivors; yet, it also draws on some firsthand accounts of rescuers, journalists, and speeches given after these terrible events. The book is richer for these words directly from the mouths of people who saw the horror for themselves.
This book is one that I think everyone needs to read. It's powerful content and personalization of the victims, survivors, and their families makes the reader think, feel, and just mourn. Despite some meandering off topic in the first part, this book is very solid. I felt honored to have read it and to remember the unfortunate events in Texas in 1937.
I felt connected to these children and their families by the author's format in telling the story. We got into all the individual's heads and see the events through their eyes and thoughts. That takes a special talent of writing, let me tell you. Someone who can pull off a 10 year old girl and then do a 180 and get into the head of her father has some serious writing chops.
The first third of the book was dedicated to building the setting and the individual lives this tragedy affected. This was the one area in which the book suffered a bit. I did get a feel for all the players in the story, don't get me wrong. But the author tended to meander off the topic of New London completely into totally different stories like details about the Hindenburg and other events going on during this time frame. Now I can see where mentioning these events and going into them a bit does set the time for our story. But really?! Whole paragraphs and pages full?! It felt like overkill and really bogged down the first part of this book.
Once we got to the day of the tragedy, however, this book just slams the reader in the gut. We see the fates of all the people we got to know in the first part of the book. We get to see how the explosion effects our world and still stays with the survivors today. Just the sheer scope of the tragedy and the fate of all these children astounds my heart and brain even now. The book tells the story through the personal stories of the victims and survivors; yet, it also draws on some firsthand accounts of rescuers, journalists, and speeches given after these terrible events. The book is richer for these words directly from the mouths of people who saw the horror for themselves.
This book is one that I think everyone needs to read. It's powerful content and personalization of the victims, survivors, and their families makes the reader think, feel, and just mourn. Despite some meandering off topic in the first part, this book is very solid. I felt honored to have read it and to remember the unfortunate events in Texas in 1937.
April 10, 2013
A very well-written story about a national tragedy that, like so many national tragedies in the US, seems to have been completely forgotten despite its scale, long-term effects and sheer horror. It's also a look into the lives of the families so grievously effected by the consolidated school explosion in New London, Texas in 1937. The school exploded due to a massive natural gas leak that went completely undetected due to the fact that natural gas has no odor, taste or color. This disaster is the reason why a special chemical, mercaptan, is added to all natural gas so it can be smelled and leaks easily detected. Also, the gas was being siphoned off "raw"--tapped into natural gas lines from the oil fields, unregulated and impossible to meter--which was a common practice in the houses and stores in the entire area. The night before the explosion, it is thought a huge amount of natural gas was injected into the main lines from a oil well activity.
As an aside, this was also one of the first stories Walter Cronkite, then a young reporter for a Dallas newspaper, ever covered. He later said it that nothing in his life or studies prepared him for the horror of that day and that none of the stories he covered after it were as horrible to him. Also, strangely enough, German Chancellor Adolph Hitler sent a sympathy telegram as this was shortly before the war started. It still exists in the New London historical memorial.
This is a very sad but affecting book about a part of American history that should be remembered. It also started me off on a disaster book tangent I am still on. Hence the neglect of the military junkie books...
As an aside, this was also one of the first stories Walter Cronkite, then a young reporter for a Dallas newspaper, ever covered. He later said it that nothing in his life or studies prepared him for the horror of that day and that none of the stories he covered after it were as horrible to him. Also, strangely enough, German Chancellor Adolph Hitler sent a sympathy telegram as this was shortly before the war started. It still exists in the New London historical memorial.
This is a very sad but affecting book about a part of American history that should be remembered. It also started me off on a disaster book tangent I am still on. Hence the neglect of the military junkie books...
July 13, 2016
I skipped ahead to the actual tragedy and then skimmed the ending. This book is not one that held my attention, unfortunately. The topic was boring to me, oil and natural gases and the like went RIGHT over my head. Still, I wanted to know what happened so I skipped ahead. It is a shame that it takes these occurences to change the ways things are done, and it's sad that some important stories are virtually unknown. I never thought twice about why gases smelled the way they do...it's sad that it took the horrific deaths of children to make us aware of how dangerous gases can be. I believe this is an important story that people should be aware of, and I believe it is an important part of american history. Millions of lives may have been saved by just changing how certain aspects of every day life are done. That, I think, is the most important part of knowing this historical event.
March 24, 2012
Although the devastation of this event in history was terrible and changed the way gas is used in homes and schools, the author compares it to 9/11, which I find strange. What happened at the school was not terrorism nor did it have the impact or destruction of 9/11. Not that the lives lost were not as precious or the loss felt by the community any less painful, it was an unfortunate accident, not a deliberate, calculating murder of thousands of innocent people, perpetrated by religious fanaticism and pure evil.
Also, the style of writing was dry, a recount of people's memories that did not evoke much emotion or depth in the people who experienced the tragedy. It was little more informative than a newspaper article as far as the details and the effect of the catastrophe on the survivors. It is a story worth telling, just not in this format.
Also, the style of writing was dry, a recount of people's memories that did not evoke much emotion or depth in the people who experienced the tragedy. It was little more informative than a newspaper article as far as the details and the effect of the catastrophe on the survivors. It is a story worth telling, just not in this format.
May 29, 2012
I knew very little about this event before I read the book and only downloaded it because it sounded interesting and was free. But I was very surprised with what I found. It was very detailed and heartfelt and I loved how it moved between the different stories so that you really got a feel of how many people it affected and just how normal everything had been going before it happened. Not only the story itself but the use of the appendix at the back to add extra information, for example a speech made by one of the survivors was an excellent to add depth to the information and to show how this wasn't an event that affected people at the time but also still today even though fewer and fewer survivors still remain. An excellent read.
July 7, 2013
Before reading this true story I had never heard of the tragedy that happened in New London, Texas on March 18th 1937. This book truly touched me and the vivid descriptions of the people and events leading up to, including and after that day were astounding. I could feel myself there and the pain, horror and devastation that took place. As a parent of an 8 year old I couldn't help thinking, "What if this had happened to me and my son?" This is a great book and I wish that more people knew about this tragedy and the life saving mandate it created that is now used all around the world. This should be in the history books. I received this book for free through a Goodreads First Reads give away.
May 19, 2019
My husband's mother's brother died in this school accident. We have heard it mentioned so many times through the years. It was such a surprise to see that someone had actually written about it. It was very interesting to find out more. For those reasons I was very glad to have read it. The author did a good job when reporting facts and things. Other parts of the writing felt a bit awkward. But I am glad that someone chronicled it. And it was very interesting to know that it was because of this tragedy that they forever afterward have put an additive of chemical that allows a smell to be attached to what otherwise had been an odorless menace.
February 5, 2012
this book hit me in the heart and had me in tears. told by a member of one of families affected, with stories from survivors passed down a couple generations and verified this book tells the story of a school explosion in 1937 that didn't make it into history book I read. it happened in New London, Texas, a gas leak in one of the first schools to be heated by natural gas lead the world wide regulations that put mercaptan in all natural gas lines. a must read for those who are interested in our countries industrial development.
June 9, 2013
A beautiful written but tragic story about a small school in New London Texas back in 1937. The school happened to be build over a natural gas field and unfortunately blew up destroying the entire school killing over 200 students. This incident helps bring about additives being placed in the pipes containing natural gas to help release leakage.
Told in story form this book will be enjoyed by all. It helps us remember technologically where were are now in safety requirements in schools and many other public books.
Told in story form this book will be enjoyed by all. It helps us remember technologically where were are now in safety requirements in schools and many other public books.
June 27, 2016
Wow!
It's amazing how such a horrible tragedy could have occurred and that nowadays it is virtually unknown. I remembered being told about natural gas additives, but no one ever told me why.
You learn about all these people and their lives and wants and dreams and then, it's as if someone just hit the stop button in mid breadth. I'm still in shock at the horror, and I'm glad steps were taken to insure it never happens again. It's also important to remember, so we won't forget why these safeties must remain in place.
It's amazing how such a horrible tragedy could have occurred and that nowadays it is virtually unknown. I remembered being told about natural gas additives, but no one ever told me why.
You learn about all these people and their lives and wants and dreams and then, it's as if someone just hit the stop button in mid breadth. I'm still in shock at the horror, and I'm glad steps were taken to insure it never happens again. It's also important to remember, so we won't forget why these safeties must remain in place.
August 19, 2012
Wow! I just finished this free book from Goodreads and I am so glad that I got to read it. Mr. Barger brought to light about this tradegey that should have never happened to a small town and those families who lived there. I never ever heard about this until this book and at one point I had to stop and go do something else because as a parent this would have been very devasting to learn your child or spouse was gone in an instant. Please read this book it is so worth it.
July 28, 2015
Somber Book
I've always heard of the New London school that blew up in 1937 but really didn't know anything else about I
This is in my neck of the woods where I grew up...granted not at that time but I can't believe it's not spoken about even now...or even more so when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s.
One thing I can say....going to see the museum is now something I have to do
Such a sad tragedy that occurred and devastated a small town
I've always heard of the New London school that blew up in 1937 but really didn't know anything else about I
This is in my neck of the woods where I grew up...granted not at that time but I can't believe it's not spoken about even now...or even more so when I was growing up in the 80s and 90s.
One thing I can say....going to see the museum is now something I have to do
Such a sad tragedy that occurred and devastated a small town
October 17, 2015
Lataine's Ring
I came upon this book for my kindle last night, looking for my nightly read. I saw that the story was about an East Texas town, New London. Although I have lived in Texas most of my life I never heard of New London or the tragedy that occurred there. The book was so readable and interesting that after finishing I had to find out more. Texas needs to remember these great people.
I came upon this book for my kindle last night, looking for my nightly read. I saw that the story was about an East Texas town, New London. Although I have lived in Texas most of my life I never heard of New London or the tragedy that occurred there. The book was so readable and interesting that after finishing I had to find out more. Texas needs to remember these great people.
September 15, 2011
This book is really one of the best reads I have ever had... I just want to encourage you to read it and tell you friends about it if you feel the same way. I don't think you'll regret it.
Merged review:
This book is really one of the best reads I have ever had... I just want to encourage you to read it and tell you friends about it if you feel the same way. I don't think you'll regret it.
Merged review:
This book is really one of the best reads I have ever had... I just want to encourage you to read it and tell you friends about it if you feel the same way. I don't think you'll regret it.
May 7, 2016
This was a very touching book about a terrible event that I don't think many people know about. The gas explosion in New London, Texas was a tragedy that lead to the additive in natural gas to make it smell so you know if there is a gas leak. I appreciate the author's compassion for all of the victims and survivors, not just for his relative who perished in the explosion.
January 8, 2014
This book is categorized in history but it is inaccurate and while the characters were real, the author made up every line that was said. They were all buried in Pleasant Hill cemetery between March 20 and March 25th, 1937.
The explosion was very real but the broken gas line was in the school, not outside like this author puts it.
The explosion was very real but the broken gas line was in the school, not outside like this author puts it.
July 12, 2016
I won this book on goodreads. I enjoyed the book, even though I felt myself constantly cringing knowing it was leading up to a school explosion. The book not only teaches us a part of history, it also gives us some of the personal stories involved.
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