A photo of the Trenton Munitions Plant as it stood before a fiery explosion sent it into ruins on Thanksgiving Weekend, 1918. (Photo: Quinte West Public Library)
The Quinte West Public Library, along with other organizations in Trenton, is offering locals of all ages a chance to understand a little bit of local history this coming weekend.
From October 12 to 14, various events will be held to mark the 100th anniversary of the Trenton Munitions Plant Explosion, which occurred on Thanksgiving Weekend, 1918.
A chemical reaction resulted in a series of fiery explosions that continued through the night.
The explosion really affected downtown Trenton, with broken windows, chimneys and debris scattered around and extensive damage being done.
Fortunately, there were no reported deaths from the incident.
During World War I, Trenton was home to the largest munitions plant in the Commonwealth, which was owned and built by the British Chemical Company. It was established in 1915 to manufacture artillery, rifle and small arms ammunition and was built by Lock 1, near the Trent River.
On Saturday, October 13, the library will host the cast of Live History who will guide participants to solve a mystery around a character from the time through pictures, stories, and objects. Three showings are planned for 10 a.m., 12 and 2 p.m.
Krista Richardson, Information Services Assistant at the library, tells us about some of the other events they are planning for the anniversary.
Richardson says this event will get people in the community talking, no matter what age they are.
“People either tell a story about their great-grandfather or their grandfather who remembers it happening at the time, or they say ‘I’ve never heard of that, how can that be that this happened here and I never heard about it,” Richardson said.
She adds that it will be a learning experience as well for interested locals.
Other events will be happening around the library as well, such as Trent Port Historical Society’s Kaboom Anthology, featuring Sean Scally’s documentary film, ‘Playing with Fire’ and monologues based on characters from the time period on Friday.
A plaque unveiling commemorating the anniversary will also be held at Lock 1 on Sunday.
The library’s events run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
You can visit or contact the library to obtain free tickets for the Saturday, October 13 Live History performances.
