Blown Away / Volatilizzata

The Millbrook Gas and Electric Company, founded by Charles Dieterich, operated from 1894 to 1920, pioneered the use of acetylene in America, and provided street lights at 300 village locations. The gas proved highly volatile, and the plant closed after two major explosions, both of which plant superintendent James Murphy miraculously survived, including one that blew his clothes off. After the plant was torn down, the site was replaced in 1926 by Lyall Memorial Federated Church, which combined three smaller local denominations: Orthodox Quaker, Reformed Church in America, and Methodist. The church was named for Rev. J. Edward Lyall, a highly respected retired local pastor whose Lyall Report of 1913 addressed Millbrook's attitudes toward new immigrants and urged tolerance, compassion, and communication.

Millbrook, New York · United States