West Plains Explosion, The

DESCRIPTION: "In the little town of West Plains, In old Missouri state," the spring flowers are blooming and young people gather for a dance when the building explodes. Forty people are killed in the blast. We can't explain why, but "we'll meet them over there"
AUTHOR: Carson J. Robison (source: Henigan)
EARLIEST DATE: before 1935 (recording, Vernon Dalhart)
KEYWORDS: death disaster dancing
HISTORICAL REFERENCES:
1928 - the West Plains Dance Hall explosion
FOUND IN: US(So)
REFERENCES (1 citation):
ADDITIONAL: Julie Henigan, "Ozark Ballads as Song and Story," article in _Missouri Folklore Society Journal_, Volume 27-28 (cover date 2005-2006, but published 2015), pp. 159-185; pp. 168-169, "The West Plains Explosion" (1 text, as sung by Iva Haslett)
Roud #15818
RECORDINGS:
Vernon Dalhart, "The West Plains Explosion" (Edison 11002)
File: Heni168

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