I Survived The Great Molasses Flood Of 1919

Audiobook I Survived The Great Molasses Flood, 1919 by Lauren Tarshis from portal.learningally.org

The Day the City Shook

On January 15, 1919, Boston experienced one of its most tragic events in history. What is now known as the Great Molasses Flood was an industrial disaster that changed the city forever. The Molasses Flood was a 50-foot tidal wave of molasses that swept through the city’s North End. The wave was so powerful that it destroyed buildings and killed 21 people.

The Aftermath

For weeks after the flood, the city was covered in a thick, sticky layer of molasses. The smell of molasses lingered in the streets and was an ever-present reminder of the tragedy. The Molasses Flood caused millions of dollars in damage and left a lasting impact on the city.

My Story

I was born in the North End of Boston in the year 1914. I was just a small child when the Molasses Flood occurred, but I will never forget the day that changed my life forever. I was at home with my family when I heard a loud rumble. I thought it was thunder, but it wasn’t. The next thing I knew, the house was shaking and I was being swept off my feet into the street. I was terrified and did not know what was happening. I was eventually able to grab onto a fence and hold on until the wave of molasses passed. I was one of the lucky ones. My family and I survived the Great Molasses Flood of 1919.

The Investigation

The city launched an investigation into the flood. They determined that the cause of the flood was a faulty tank that was owned by the Purity Distilling Company. The tank had been filled with 2.3 million gallons of molasses and it was not strong enough to hold the pressure of the liquid. The tank eventually burst and the wave of molasses was unleashed.

The Victims

The Molasses Flood took the lives of 21 people and injured 150 more. Among the dead were five children and two firefighters. The victims were buried in the North End and a memorial was built in their honor.

The Lawsuit

The victims and their families filed a lawsuit against the Purity Distilling Company. The lawsuit dragged on for six years before it was finally settled. The company was ordered to pay $628,000 in damages.

The Legacy

The Molasses Flood of 1919 was one of the most devastating disasters in Boston’s history. The tragedy had a lasting impact on the city and it is remembered every year on the anniversary of the flood. The Great Molasses Flood is a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety.

My Perspective

I have been a resident of the North End for most of my life. I have seen the city change and evolve over the years, but I will never forget the day the city shook. The Great Molasses Flood of 1919 was a tragedy that will be remembered for generations to come.