New London, Texas – Nearly nine decades ago, a devastating explosion at a school in New London took the lives of almost 300 students and faculty members, including Ardyth Davidson, the sister of John Davidson, who never had the chance to meet her. The tragedy, one of the worst in the nation’s history, was largely forgotten in the small East Texas community by the time John was born three years later.
Despite growing up with little knowledge of the event, Jean Davidson, John’s wife, discovered the importance of preserving the memory of the explosion, which led her to volunteer with the West Rusk Alumni Association and the London Museum and Cafe for 25 years. She recalled how the community intentionally avoided discussing the tragedy for many years, with little information passed down to younger generations.
The memorial cenotaph, a 32-feet tall granite monument in the middle of a road, serves as a somber reminder of the lives lost in the tragic blast. During the annual “Day of Remembrance,” a memorial program held in New London, guest speaker John Moore highlighted the significance of acknowledging and remembering the events of March 18, 1937, when a spark ignited leaking natural gas under the school building, causing the explosion.
Over time, as people began to open up about the tragedy, an alumni association was formed in 1977, marking a turning point in how the community addressed and honored the victims. The annual memorial program not only pays tribute to those lost but also provides an opportunity for the community to come together and reflect on the shared history of the area.
Reflective of the evolution of remembrance, Danny Dorsey, a board member of the alumni association, emphasized the importance of preserving the memory of the tragedy to unite the community and honor those who perished. The event, once exclusive to ex-students, now aims to involve the wider East Texas community to recognize the collective history that binds them together.
As the memorial program continues to grow and engage more participants, it serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of the community in the face of tragedy. Through storytelling and shared experiences, the annual event ensures that the legacy of those affected by the New London school explosion will never be forgotten.