January 15th is the 94th anniversary of the Great Molasses Flood. Twenty one people were killed and another 150 injured on Commercial Street in Boston’s North End when a tank of molasses ruptured and exploded on January 15, 1919. Click images for slideshow.
The Boston Post front page news coverage (11 dead, 50 hurt) of the Molasses Disaster, January 16, 1919 (Courtesy Boston Public Library)
Twisted elevated structure on Atlantic Avenue damaged in Molasses Disaster – Leslie Jones copyright – Courtesy of Boston Public Library
Wreckage under the elevated where many express trucks parked, Molasses Disaster – Leslie Jones copyright – Courtesy of Boston Public Library
Panorama of the Molasses Disaster site – Globe Newspaper – Courtesy of Boston Public Library
Eleven dead, more than sixty injured, buildings and L tracks wrecked by explosion of big molasses tank [Boston Herald, January 16, 1919] – Courtesy of Boston Public LIbrary
Section of tank after Molasses Disaster explosion. 1:00pm – Leslie Jones copyright – Courtesy of Boston Public Library
Molasses tank explosion injures 50 and kills 11 [Boston Daily Globe, January 16, 1919] Courtesy of Boston Public Library
Tank cut into sections with acetylene torch in search of bodies underneath Molasses Disaster – Leslie Jones copyright – Courtesy of Boston Public Library
Firemen standing in thick molasses after the disaster; Leslie Jones Copyright (1886-1967 photographer) Courtesy of the Boston Public Library
A huge wave of the syrupy brown liquid moved down Commercial Street at a speed of 35 mph over two blocks destroying all in its path. In today’s dollars, the property damage is estimated at over $100 million. Purity Distilling Company built the tank, 50 feet high and 90 feet wide, in the densely populated neighborhood of mostly Italian immigrants at the time.
The disaster brought nationwide attention to the lack of industrial safety standards. Complaints of cracks and leaks in the tank were literally covered with brown paint by the company that initially said anarchists blew up the tank. Later, a lengthy class action lawsuit brought forward damaging evidence resulting in a settlement of $600,000 (~$11 million in today’s dollars). Although Purity used the molasses for industrial alcohol, some hypothesize that the tank was overfilled because of the the prohibition threat for possible use later to distill rum. Neighborhood folklore has it that you can smell the ill-sweet remains in the summer’s hottest weather. (Sources: Wikipedia, Mass Moments, Wired)
Great Molasses Flood – Videos and Media Collection
[responsive_youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KnioJCyOMo] After an hour long Monday night heated debate between the applicants and abutters, the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) voted 5-4 (4-4 with the NEWNC President voting to break the tie) to oppose a zoning variance request at 420 Commercial Street to allow a proposed Italian restaurant named Vesuvio. The location is Read More…
It’s easy to think that the density of the city is a reflection of modern times. That was not the case in Boston and especially the North End where the population was more than triple what it is today. This 1899 aerial image by A.E. Downs from the Boston Public Library Collection gives a sense Read More…
Post 8 Italian American War Veterans recently held a Blue Front Restaurant appreciation night at the Sons of Italy facility in Winchester. The event grew out of the reminiscing that takes place each Wednesday evening when many North Enders congregate to dine, keep their friendships vibrant and recall fond memories of a cherished Italian enclave. Read More…
2 Replies to “94th Anniversary of Great Molasses Flood in North End – January 15th”
I highly recommend Stephen Puleo’s “Dark Tide.” The depth of this tragedy and its aftermath are pretty stunning.
I have the book and I am looking forward to reading it!
I highly recommend Stephen Puleo’s “Dark Tide.” The depth of this tragedy and its aftermath are pretty stunning.
I have the book and I am looking forward to reading it!