October 28, 1884

Near Independence, Mrs. John Oliver walked into a closet where her husband stored blasting powder.  A spark from her pipe … you can guess the rest.

This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.

AdobeStock photo