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History in a Pecan Shell
New London, Texas
The area's first post office (1855) was named London, Texas. In 1877 a school was opened. From
its beginning until 1930, cotton and vegetable farming was the primary economic engine.
When the East Texas oilfield
came in a few miles west of town, everything changed - seemingly for the better. A modern school was built as well as scores
of new homes. The new post office (established in 1931) had their application rejected by postal authorities since the name
was already in use (Kimble County).
In 1931 Humble Oil and Refining made New London their district headquarters and
relocated 100 families from other assignments. This guaranteed that the community's success would outlive the boom times.
On March 18, 1937, everything changed when a gas explosion lifted the school off
the ground, killing scores of people - most all of them children.
What had happened? To save a monthly $300 bill for natural gas usage at the
school, the school district had tapped into a gas line coming from the field. Natural gas is odorless, so teachers and students
in the building were unaware that leaks had allowed it to become trapped in the building. The spark from the sander ignited
the gas and the explosion destroyed the school.
However unwise, the practice of using such gas was a common one in
the area. The major positive that came from the New London School Explosion was legislation requiring gas companies to add
an odor to their product so anyone can determine when natural gas is leaking or not properly utilized.
Remembering the New London School Explosion
Call London Museum for more information. (903-895-4602)
On State Highway 42, in front
of the London Campus school buildings, there is a silent tribute to the 293 students, teachers and visitors who lost their
lives on the afternoon of March 18, 1937. The names of the victims are carved on the monument.
On March 26, 1937 a group of people who were residents of the London
School District met at the elementary school, which had escaped the explosion, and formed the London School Memorial Association.
Contributions to a fund for the memorial, which cost around $20,000 to build, were received globally. Recently, the
Historical Commission of the State of Texas approved the purchase of a historical marker to be placed at the
monument by the City of New London.
Every two years ex-students of London High School gather in memory of their
friends who were killed in the explosion and to celebrate the continued life of friends they made during their years at London
High School. The Reunion is held the weekend nearest to the March 18 anniversary on odd numbered years.
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