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Search - An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring

An American Holocaust The Story of Lataine's Ring
Author: Kerry L. Barger

This book details the events surrounding the worst school disaster in U.S. history. The tragic event took place at the London School in New London, Texas on March 18, 1937. Many historical facts about this case remain open to debate. However, this story relates more than simply facts. It is a personal story of unprepared loss and shattered dream... more »s, 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 continued to dwell for forty years among the entire community of scarred survivors. For those who spoke out, their stories have been told and re-told for nearly 75 years, but most 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, inasmuch as each new generation can still learn from the mistakes of the past. 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. It was truly an American holocaust, one that took place in our own backyard. An editorial review by John E. Roper, The US Review of Books: "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... it stands as a much-needed reminder of an event that should never be forgotten. www.theUSreview.com

ISBN-13: 9781466201965
ISBN-10: 1466201967
Publication Date: 8/5/2011
Pages: 196
Rating:

Currently 3.6/5 Stars.

3.6 stars, based on 4 ratings

Publisher: CreateSpace
Book Type: Paperback
Members Wishing: 0
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

Top Member Book Reviews

David S. (F250) - reviewed An American Holocaust: The Story of Lataine's Ring on 6/8/2012 + 44 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

One of the most heart wrenching books that I've ever read. It's the tale of one of those obscure moments in American history that I'd never heard or read anything about before and I'm sure, unless their families were involved, the vast majority of people hadn't heard of it either. It was very hard to read without shedding an occasional tear and I had to give my own girls a hug after finishing it. Very good read and I would recommend it to anybody.

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Genres:

History >> Americas >> United States >> 20th Century

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