WQLN NPR first signed on the air in 1973. On September 30th of that year, a faulty electric heater caused an explosion at the Smith and Wesson Armnents Factory in Ashtabula. No one was hurt, but the building was severely damaged.
This Day in History is presented by the Emmy-nominated history series Chronicles. The new season begins next month and is available online at WQLN.org and on the PBS app - Passport.