Owego, New York – In the summer of 1932, during the height of the Great Depression, political tensions ran high within the American public. President Herbert Hoover faced strong opposition due to the worsening economic conditions that left many homeless and destitute in makeshift “Hoovervilles.” As the Democratic Party’s convention took place, the nomination of New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt brought hope for change.
In the small town of Owego, situated in the Southern Tier region of New York, a group of men decided to celebrate Roosevelt’s nomination in a unique and explosive way. John J. Ward and his two assistants had a tradition of using an old Civil War-era cannon for celebrations, a cannon that had been brought to Owego during the Civil War by Col. Nathaniel David. The cannon, which had been used for various events and celebrations, was set up in Evergreen Cemetery where it had become a local landmark.
However, on this particular occasion, the celebratory cannon explosion did not go as planned. In an attempt to set off the cannon without the traditional cannonball and gunpowder, the men resorted to using a half-pound stick of dynamite. However, the resulting explosion was far more destructive than anticipated, launching metal shrapnel across the vicinity of Erie Street in Owego.
The aftermath of the explosion left a trail of destruction, with pieces of metal flying through roofs, cars, and buildings. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident, but the damage caused by the cannon explosion was extensive. Monuments were damaged, homes were impacted, and the explosive force of the cannon shattered pieces of metal in all directions, highlighting the dangers of using such a relic without proper precautions.
The ill-fated celebration in Owego serves as a cautionary tale of the risks associated with historical artifacts and the importance of handling them with care and respect. The events of that day in the summer of 1932 will forever be ingrained in the history of Owego, a reminder of the power and unpredictability of explosives when mishandled. In the end, perhaps a simple sign reading “Oops” would have sufficed to acknowledge the gravity of the situation.