McKean County PA Archives Obituaries.....OSTRANDER, Helen July 20, 1933
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  Phyllis R. Thomas http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00016.html#0003785 August 29, 2009, 11:50 pm
  
  McKean County Democrat, Smethport, Pa., Thursday, July 27, 1933, Page 5
  Miss Ostrander 4th Blast Victim Called by Death
  Injured in Pre-4th Tragedy at Freer Home
  
     Miss Helen Ostrander, aged 25, died in the Port Allegany Hospital last 
  Thursday evening at 8:15 o'clock as the result of burns received the night of 
  July 3 when a 15-pound can of blasting powder exploded on a porch at the home 
  of Fred Freer on Link Hill, half-way between Smethport and Port Allegany on 
  the Bush Hill road.
     The death of Miss Ostrander increased the toll of dead from the blast to 
  four. Others who died within a few hours after the powder ignited were: Fred 
  Freer; Mrs. John Ostrander, mother of the latest victim, and Donna Jean 
  Ostrander, small daughter of Mrs. Mabel Ostrander, who was burned in the blast.
     Those burned, in addition to Mrs. Mabel Ostrander, were: Vincent Dorian of 
  Eldred, Charles Nunn, Orin Freer and Winifred Freer.
     It will be recalled that the tragic accident occurred the night of July 3 
  when a large party gathered at the home of Fred Freer to prepare for a Fourth 
  of July celebration. Part of the plans for the holiday observance called for 
  the shooting of a small cannon on the morning of the Fourth and a can of 
  blasting powder to be used in the cannon was sitting in the enclosed porch of 
  the Freer home.
     Little Donna Jean Ostrander approached so close to the can of powder with a 
  lighted sparkler that Fred Freer, becoming alarmed, seized the child. She 
  dropped the sparkler and the glowing end hit a small hole in the top of the 
  can of powder, setting it off with a burst of searing flame.
     All of the nine victims of the blast were rushed to the Port Allegany 
  Hospital, where three died in a few hours. Miss Ostrander's condition had been 
  regarded as hopeless since she was admitted to the hospital.
     Surviving Miss Ostrander are her father, John Ostrander, and three 
  brothers, Arthur, Roy and Clayton Ostrander. Deceased is a cousin of Dr. W. A. 
  Ostrander of Smethport.
     Funeral services were held Sunday at the Grimes District Church, near Port 
  Allegany, and burial was made in the cemetery at that place.
  
  
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