New London, Texas – Jean Davidson reveals that her husband, John, never had the opportunity to meet his sister, Ardyth Davidson. Tragically, Ardyth and nearly 300 other students and staff lost their lives in an explosion that decimated their school 87 years ago. Despite being born three years after the tragedy, the memory of New London’s devastating event had faded within the small East Texas community.
John Moore, a guest speaker at the recent “Day of Remembrance” memorial ceremony held at West Rusk School Auditorium, highlighted the community’s deliberate silence about the explosion for many years. The catastrophic incident occurred when a spark from a shop sander ignited leaking natural gas beneath the school, leading to the tragic loss of lives.
A pivotal moment in shedding light on the tragedy came in 1973, with the airing of a television documentary about the explosion. Following this broadcast, people began to open up about the event, leading to the formation of an alumni association in 1977, 40 years after the explosion.
John Moore emphasized the significance of preserving the memory of the New London tragedy amid current trends where historical events are being erased. He commended the community for coming together to honor and remember the victims of the explosion.
Danny Dorsey, a board member of the alumni association, stressed the importance of remembering the lost generation on that fateful day in 1937 and how it serves as a unifying force within the community.
Jean Davidson expressed her desire for the annual memorial program to evolve from being an alumni-centered event to one that involves the entire East Texas community. She emphasized the importance of encompassing the broader history of the region in remembering the tragic events of the past.
The “Day of Remembrance” serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the resilience of the community in the face of adversity. Through storytelling and shared memories, the legacy of those who perished in the New London tragedy continues to live on, ensuring that the past is not forgotten.