Lifelong Learning Lecture: The Boston Molasses Flood
Guest speaker: Dr. Jon Huibregtse, Professor Emeritus, History, Framingham State University
In January 1919, a molasses storage tank in Boston’s North End collapsed, flooding the neighborhood with approximately 2 million gallons of molasses. The 25-foot high tidal wave of molasses destroyed buildings, almost knocked over the elevated railroad track, and killed 21 people.
This talk explores the reasons for the tank’s collapse and its aftermath, which led to greater regulation of construction and a huge (for the period) civil judgment against the tank’s owner.
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