Podcast Summary: Morbid – Episode 657: Boston’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919

Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host/Author: Morbid Network | Wondery

Introduction

In Episode 657 of Morbid, hosts Ash and Alayna delve into one of Boston's most bizarre and tragic historical events—the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. Combining thorough research with their characteristic lighthearted banter, they unpack the circumstances leading up to the disaster, the catastrophic event itself, and its lasting impacts on Boston and public safety regulations.

Setting the Stage: Boston in 1919

Timestamp [12:10]

Ash and Alayna set the historical context by describing Boston in the final months of 1918 and the early months of 1919. The city was grappling with the aftermath of World War I and a severe influenza pandemic that had resulted in over 200 deaths by the end of 1918. The pandemic had forced the closure of theaters, nightclubs, and restaurants, leading to economic strain and influencing public sentiment.

Key Points:

• The influenza pandemic severely impacted Boston, creating a grim atmosphere.
• Post-war economic adjustments forced businesses to pivot, notably the United States Industrial Alcohol Company (USIA).

USIA’s Strategic Pivot and the Molasses Tank

Timestamp [14:19]

With the onset of Prohibition set to begin in January 1920, USIA needed to maximize its production of industrial alcohol to liquidate existing stocks. Arthur Gel, USIA's company secretary, orchestrated a rapid expansion by retrofitting the Cambridge plant to produce more grain alcohol. This involved constructing a massive molasses storage tank on Commercial Street in Boston's North End.

Notable Quote:

“We just have to work with it,” – Arthur Gel [14:20]

Key Points:

• USIA planned to siphon off as much molasses as possible before Prohibition took effect.
• The new steel tank was hastily constructed, leading to structural weaknesses.

Construction Flaws and Early Warnings

Timestamp [20:16]

Despite intensive efforts, the newly built molasses tank exhibited significant flaws. According to author Stephen Palayo, molasses began leaking from multiple seams, making maintenance a strenuous task. The workers noticed persistent leaks every time they attempted to clean the tank, signaling deeper structural issues.

Notable Quote:

“Molasses leaked from several different seams, squeezing through the rivets and sliding down the steel walls like lazy brown rivers,” – Stephen Palayo [20:32]

Key Points:

• The tank was inadequately sealed, leading to repeated leaks.
• Structural integrity was compromised from the outset.

The Fateful Day: January 15, 1919

Timestamp [24:00]

An unseasonably warm day in January led to a surge in temperatures, which in turn accelerated the fermentation process within the tank. This caused a dangerous buildup of carbon dioxide gases. With the tank nearly at full capacity, the pressure became too much for its flawed construction to handle.

Key Event:

• On January 15, 1919, at approximately 12:30 PM, the molasses tank burst, unleashing a massive wave of molasses into Boston's North End.

Personal Accounts:

• Officer Frank McManus [27:02]: Described the sounds as “a machine gun, like rat tat tat sound and an unearthly grinding and scraping. A bleeding... that sounded like the wail of a wounded beast.”

Key Points:

• The sudden burst created a molasses wave moving at speeds up to 35 mph.
• Buildings were demolished, and people were asphyxiated or crushed under the weight of the molasses.

Immediate Aftermath and Personal Tragedies

Timestamp [30:05]

The flood devastated the neighborhood, destroying six buildings instantly and causing immediate fatalities, including children. Personal stories highlight the human cost:

• Martin Clowerty's Account [30:07]: Was engulfed in molasses, witnessing his house split in two.
• Maria Distasio [43:22]: A 10-year-old girl who was immediately asphyxiated by the molasses wave.

Notable Quote:

“The entire building... fly into the air,” – Mary Musco [31:13]

Key Points:

• Over 150 people were injured, and 21 lost their lives in the initial wave.
• Rescue efforts were hampered by the viscosity of molasses, making mobility nearly impossible.

Rescue Efforts and Community Response

Timestamp [44:11]

Despite the chaos, Boston's emergency responders, including firefighters and Red Cross volunteers, mobilized swiftly to aid survivors:

• Firefighter Bill Connor: Worked tirelessly to keep his trapped coworkers calm.
• Dr. George McGrath: Described the injured as “covered in heavy oil skins” [48:09].

Key Points:

• Initial rescue operations were challenging due to the thick, sticky nature of molasses.
• Community solidarity emerged as volunteers and emergency workers provided aid amidst the devastation.

Investigations and Legal Ramifications

Timestamp [55:36]

Investigations into the cause of the flood revealed conflicting theories. While USIA proposed that an anarchist sabotage involving a pipe bomb was responsible, district attorney Joseph Pelletiere pursued charges against USIA for manslaughter, believing corporate negligence played a significant role.

Notable Quote:

“We know beyond question that the tank was not weak,” – USIA Attorney Henry Dolan [56:34]

Key Points:

• The grand jury ultimately found insufficient evidence to indict USIA for manslaughter.
• Civil suits resulted in USIA being ordered to pay millions in damages, acknowledging their partial responsibility.

Long-Term Impact and Legacy

Timestamp [65:26]

The Great Molasses Flood had profound implications for public safety and construction standards:

• Regulatory Changes: New laws mandated stricter safety protocols for construction, requiring architects and engineers to have their plans inspected and approved.
• Historical Recognition: While not widely taught, the event remains a grim reminder of industrial negligence and the importance of regulatory oversight.

Notable Quote:

“The great Boston Molasses flood did for building construction standards what the Coconut Grove fire did for fire standards,” – Stephen Palayo [65:51]

Key Points:

• The disaster spurred significant advancements in building safety regulations.
• The event is now a part of Boston's historical folklore, commemorated by historians and enthusiasts alike.

Conclusion

Ash and Alayna conclude by emphasizing the importance of remembering the Great Molasses Flood, not only to honor the victims but also to serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of cutting corners in industrial practices. They highlight the ongoing work of historians like Stephen Palayo in keeping such stories alive and underscore the lasting lessons in public safety and regulatory vigilance.

Final Thoughts:

“It's a tragic tale... it's a different kind of tragedy. One that is interesting and needs to be talked about more.” – Alayna [67:17]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Stephen Palayo [20:55]: “Molasses leaked from several different seams, squeezing through the rivets and sliding down the steel walls like lazy brown rivers.”
• Officer Frank McManus [27:02]: “A machine gun, like rat tat tat sound and an unearthly grinding and scraping. A bleeding... that sounded like the wail of a wounded beast.”
• Mary Musco [31:13]: “The entire building... fly into the air.”
• Henry Dolan [56:34]: “We know beyond question that the tank was not weak.”
• Stephen Palayo [65:51]: “The great Boston Molasses flood did for building construction standards what the Coconut Grove fire did for fire standards.”
• Alayna [67:17]: “It's a tragic tale... it's a different kind of tragedy. One that is interesting and needs to be talked about more.”

Final Remarks

MRA: Remembering historical tragedies like the Great Molasses Flood not only honors those who suffered but also reinforces the critical importance of safety in industrial operations. Ash and Alayna's detailed exploration ensures that this dark chapter of Boston's history is neither forgotten nor dismissed.

Note: For more detailed accounts and sources, listeners are encouraged to refer to the show notes linked in the episode.