Owego, New York – In the midst of the Great Depression in 1932, political tensions ran high in the United States. With President Herbert Hoover facing strong opposition due to the country’s worsening economic conditions, emotions were heightened on both sides of the political aisle. In a small town like Owego, where both Republicans and Democrats were deeply rooted, the stakes were even higher.
During the Democratic Party’s convention that year, New York Governor Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated as the presidential candidate. To celebrate this occasion, John J. Ward and his companions decided to use an old Civil War-era cannon, a tradition they had upheld for many years. Little did they know that this would be the last time they would attempt such a celebration.
The cannon, brought to Owego during the Civil War era by Col. Nathaniel David, had been used for various events over the years. However, on this particular day, instead of using a cannonball and gunpowder, Ward opted for a half-pound stick of dynamite to set off the explosion. Unfortunately, the plan backfired, leading to a catastrophic explosion that sent metal shrapnel flying in all directions.
The aftermath of the explosion was nothing short of chaos. Pieces of metal flew through the air, damaging nearby properties and terrifying the residents of Erie Street. From ripping through roofs to embedding in yards, the destructive force of the blast was felt far and wide. Monuments were destroyed, buildings were damaged, and chaos ensued in the aftermath of the ill-fated celebration.
Despite the mayhem caused by the explosion, none of the men involved were charged, as it was deemed an accident waiting to happen due to the deteriorating condition of the cannon. For John J. Ward, the man behind the ill-fated celebration, it was a lesson learned the hard way. In a scenario reminiscent of a cartoon mishap, the events of that day left a lasting impact on the quiet town of Owego.
In the end, it serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of unchecked enthusiasm and the importance of ensuring the safety of all involved in celebratory activities. And perhaps, if John J. Ward could have had a do-over, he might have opted for a different means of celebration, sparing the town from the chaos that ensued on that fateful day.