Community gathers to honor those who died in school explosion and those who lived
By RANDY ROSS
Monday, March 19, 2007
On the day of the 70th anniversary of the New London school explosion, survivors of the blast ended a three-day reunion Sunday with a memorial service designed to honor the people who died on that tragic day and the people who continue to carry on the "London legacy."
Mollie Ward was in the fourth grade when the blast tore apart her school. Ward, now the mayor of New London, said it took years for the town to be willing to talk about what had happened. The town had experienced "too much grieving" to remind itself of that painful day. Despite that grief, the New London community bonded after the explosion.
Click the image above for an audio slideshow in the survivors own words.
Click the image above to see a video on London history.
Ward said she felt a need to be involved with the reunion. She served as the secretary-treasurer of the London Ex-Students Reunion & Memorial Association for several years, and she also became the first director of the London Museum.
The memorial service was a way for the survivors and other people who remember that day to show respect for those who lost their lives, Ward said. The service was "something that needs to go with the reunion," and called the reunion and the memorial service a "healing process" for survivors and the town.
Joe Gibson, a 1956 graduate of the school, was the keynote speaker Sunday at the memorial service. The service opened with the singing of the hymn "Abide with Me," which was sung at the first memorial service.
Gibson then spoke of his memories of youth and his experience at the school, often receiving nostalgic laughs from those in attendance.
Gibson's speech also had a somber tone of reminiscence. Paraphrasing a Christian hymn, Gibson said he "walked today where schoolmates walked and felt their presence there. He said a divine hand had assisted volunteers in the creation and upkeep of the London Museum and the reunions.
Gibson stressed the importance of honoring the people who died and the people who lived that day, and, paraphrasing from the Gettysburg Address, said those who lost their lives consecrated the school grounds.
"Since our tragedy — and also our triumph — there have been other tragedies and triumphs," Gibson said.
Marjorie Clinksales, a former New London postmaster, graduated from the school in 1958. Clinksales said she thought attendance at the reunion and memorial service increases each time even, though several blast survivors have died in the past few years.
She said the memorial service was especially important because "it brings everyone together and keeps the memory" of the tragedy.
Thank you first for the articles about the anniversy of New London. When I lived in Longview in 65 I met a gentlman who was the manager of an apartment I lived in. He was a student at New London. He told me the day of the explosion was his birthday and he did not want to go to school. So he hid under the porch all day. He then told me when the school blew up he saw his mother running out of the house very upset. His name is Roy Tilly. I still think about Roy when I hear about New London.Thanks
This year’s reunion was extremely great, and very well
organized! I would like to thank “EVERYONE” who had a part in the
organizing, presenting the programs, and to all the exes and
others that came to share in the memories of our loved ones
who gave their lives that we in the future could live in a
safer enviroment by having ‘gas’ that smells.
I’m sorry for the saddness for the surviors.I know everything God has a purpose for.That because of it may have saved many other lives.I have three beautiful children and can’t even imagine that happening.I have shared this story with them and their hearts go out to the surviors.I’ve told them you never know what may happen enjoy everyday with anyone that you love like it’s your last.My prayers are with all of the ones on that horrible day!
I had the wonderful pleasure of attending the four different activities for the 70th Anniversary of the London School Explosion last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I am amazed at the warmth and sincere appreciation of the survivors. It was an honor to be with them and to just listen to their stories and rememberences of that fateful day that changed so many lives. Thanks to everyone that attended and especially to everyone who organized and planned the four activities. See all of you in 2009.
What interesting recollections of that very horrific explosion that happened years ago. I am very glad that all have found closure. I am very glad Bill Thompson has accepted the fact that it wasn’t his fault at all, but can relate to how it could have had that effect on him. Blessings to all and I know that thru it all, In God we still trust.
I was 2 years old at the time of the explosion living in New Summerfield,Texas. Your stories cover a very tragic time in the lives of many people, not only in London, but in the many surrounding communities that were, and are, their neighbors. The stories are a good history lesson and reflect a great way of life in the East Texas community. People caring for their neighbors in 1937 and today. That’s just the way they are.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Janet Lurker
March 18, 2007 9:04 AM | Link to this
Thank you first for the articles about the anniversy of New London. When I lived in Longview in 65 I met a gentlman who was the manager of an apartment I lived in. He was a student at New London. He told me the day of the explosion was his birthday and he did not want to go to school. So he hid under the porch all day. He then told me when the school blew up he saw his mother running out of the house very upset. His name is Roy Tilly. I still think about Roy when I hear about New London.Thanks
By Betty Stone Lyon (1960)
March 19, 2007 8:33 AM | Link to this
This year’s reunion was extremely great, and very well organized! I would like to thank “EVERYONE” who had a part in the organizing, presenting the programs, and to all the exes and others that came to share in the memories of our loved ones who gave their lives that we in the future could live in a safer enviroment by having ‘gas’ that smells.
By Cindy Hutchison
March 19, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
I’m sorry for the saddness for the surviors.I know everything God has a purpose for.That because of it may have saved many other lives.I have three beautiful children and can’t even imagine that happening.I have shared this story with them and their hearts go out to the surviors.I’ve told them you never know what may happen enjoy everyday with anyone that you love like it’s your last.My prayers are with all of the ones on that horrible day!
By Jim Ross
March 19, 2007 10:19 PM | Link to this
I had the wonderful pleasure of attending the four different activities for the 70th Anniversary of the London School Explosion last Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I am amazed at the warmth and sincere appreciation of the survivors. It was an honor to be with them and to just listen to their stories and rememberences of that fateful day that changed so many lives. Thanks to everyone that attended and especially to everyone who organized and planned the four activities. See all of you in 2009.
By Kaye
March 21, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
I had a science teacher/coach in middle school named James Motley. He was a survivor of the New London explosion. Wondered if he was still alive.
By Feby
March 21, 2007 12:26 PM | Link to this
What interesting recollections of that very horrific explosion that happened years ago. I am very glad that all have found closure. I am very glad Bill Thompson has accepted the fact that it wasn’t his fault at all, but can relate to how it could have had that effect on him. Blessings to all and I know that thru it all, In God we still trust.
By Ken Dickson
March 25, 2007 9:34 PM | Link to this
I was 2 years old at the time of the explosion living in New Summerfield,Texas. Your stories cover a very tragic time in the lives of many people, not only in London, but in the many surrounding communities that were, and are, their neighbors. The stories are a good history lesson and reflect a great way of life in the East Texas community. People caring for their neighbors in 1937 and today. That’s just the way they are.