The infamous molasses flood in Boston was a tragedy like no other. On January 15, 1919, a giant tank in the North End collapsed, sending a wave of an estimated 2.3 million gallons of molasses through the streets of Boston. The devastation the sticky liquid left was shocking. Twenty-one people were killed and 150 injured in its path of destruction. - Leanne Burden Seidel and Lisa Tuite
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Amazing!
My ancestors lived and worked in the North End at this time. Fortunately, their home and business was beyond the reach of that dark sticky tidal wave of molasses. However, the devastation in the area was enormous. Understandably, so, because it was an unexpected and sudden tsunami that engulfed all that it touched. Stories persist to this day. One oft repeated is that the smell of molasses -- to this day -- permeates the air in certain parts of the North End on a hot summer's day.
My grandfather's business on Commercial St was called Caldarone & Grillo, importers very close by to the tragedy. My dad was 17 yrs old when it happened and told me the story while I was a a boy of about ten. I've never forgotten it, now at 83.
I read a book called "Dark Tide" about this tragedy and the ensuing lawsuit against the company. Extremely interesting story.