Electric stoves were still somewhat of a ‘new’ thing in 1951; and they were fairly expensive, so a lot of people were hanging on to their good old wood stove.
The wood stove was more than just something to cook on, it dried children’s snowy mittens, warmed cold hands on cold winter days and generally made the kitchen a warm cozy place to be in on those cold days.
Most of us have fond memories of the wood stove, mine is of the aroma of a bean and bacon dish my mother-in-law would have simmering on the back of the stove all day, it just isn’t the same on an electric stove.
A simple picture of a kitchen with a wood stove is often enough to bring back warm cozy memories for most people.
In 1951 one family found out that the wood stove could have a nasty side to it and their memories will not be so warm and cozy.

February 1, 1951
“Coal Range Explodes In E. Lamrock Home
“An explosion of unknown origin played havoc in the kitchen of the Earl Lamrock home Saturday morning.
The coal range blew up with such force that the flying pieces of the stove shattered furnishings and woodwork and the force of the blast blew out two windows and wrecked the door leading to the living room.
“Mrs. Lamrock and the children, Joyce and Kenneth, in the kitchen at the time miraculously escaped injury except for a slight leg bruise.
“Mrs. Lamrock had only a moment before been sitting in front of the stove drinking a cup of coffee.
“On leaving she placed her cup and spoon on the stove. After the explosion the spoon was found imbedded in the ceiling.
“The steel chair on which she had been sitting had the seat and part of the back upholstering ripped off.
“The refrigerator door across from the stove had the door badly dented. Some fragments cut deeply into woodwork on walls and ceiling.
“The fire had just previously been shaken and wood and coal added to the hot coals.
“Asked by the Review what he thought had caused the explosion, Mr. Lamrock said he wouldn’t try to guess.
“He has now installed an electric range.”
I bet Mrs. Lamrock didn’t miss cleaning the stove pipes either!