On the morning of August 27, 1955, a massive explosion rocked the Standard Oil Refinery in Whiting, then one of the largest refineries in the world. The blast, which occurred just one minute after sunrise, triggered a catastrophic fire that raged for eight days, caused widespread devastation and left an indelible mark on the community.
On August 26, 2025, the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society will host a special event to mark the 70th anniversary of the tragedy. The event will take place at Calumet College of St. Joseph, Room 200, 2400 New York Avenue, and will feature local historian and author John Hmurovic, who will present stories and insights from his book and documentary film, One Minute After Sunrise: The Story of the Standard Oil Refinery Fire of 1955.
Admission is $10 per person, with free entry for children 12 and under. Seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased online or at the Whiting Chamber of Commerce and select businesses beginning August 1.
Schedule of Events:
5:00 PM: Doors Open; Author Meet & Greet Book Signing; Historical Exhibit
6:00 PM: Presentation and Panel Discussion followed by an optional visit to 7th-floor lookout to view refinery explosion site and concluding with a screening of One Minute After Sunrise video
Books will be available for purchase. Refreshments will be served. For media inquiries or additional information, visit WRhistoricalsociety.com or contact the Whiting-Robertsdale Historical Society.