Time Tellers #9 "The Great Molasses Flood of 1919: Boston's Sticky Disaster"

Time Tellers

Welcome back, history enthusiasts, to another thrilling episode of Time Tellers, the podcast where we dive into the captivating stories of the past that have shaped our world today. Join your host Renee and co-host Dan as they explore one of the most bizarre and tragic events in American history: The Great Molasses Flood of 1919.

On January 15, 1919, an unseasonably warm day in Boston turned disastrous when a massive storage tank filled with 2.3 million gallons of molasses burst open. This episode unravels the details of how a tidal wave of molasses, 25 feet high and moving at 35 miles per hour, swept through the streets of Boston's North End, causing unimaginable destruction and claiming the lives of innocent victims.

As Renee dedicates this episode to her sister in Boston and her molasses-obsessed child, listeners are taken back to that fateful day. They hear about the tank's construction flaws, the loud explosion, and the chaotic aftermath. Witnesses recount the ground shaking, buildings flattening, and the molasses engulfing everything in its path.

Discover the stories of the brave first responders, the tragic victims, and the ensuing legal battles that led to significant changes in industrial safety regulations. The Great Molasses Flood serves as a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety standards and corporate accountability.

Join us as we delve into this unique chapter of Boston's history, filled with tragedy, resilience, and change. Don't forget to follow, rate, and review our podcast. Stay tuned for more fascinating tales that shape our world, and keep exploring the stories that time tells.