The Bath School Disaster of 1927

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Program Type:

Genealogy/History

Age Group:

Adults, Seniors

Program Description

Event Details

George Robson's parents were both present on the last day of school on May 18, 1927. His father was the senior class president at school preparing for commencement and his mother, a sophomore was writing a paper when the explosion occurred. The final death toll was 38 students and 7 adults. The school board treasurer had planted dynamite in the school and it had detonated that morning. He also became the world's first known suicide car bomber. George tells the story in detail including his parents' experience. The program includes photographs taken at the time. 

Front page of The State Journal newspaper from Wednesday, May 18, 1927 with a headline "40 Known Dead in School Blast: 40 Injured in Lansing Hospital"