SNAFU with Ed Helms S4E10: Dan Taberski and the Great Molasses Flood
Dec 10, 2025
Dan Taberski, an acclaimed documentarian and podcaster, joins to recount the bizarre and tragic Great Molasses Flood of 1919 in Boston. Ed and Dan explore why molasses was crucial during WWI and the rushed, faulty construction of a massive tank. They vividly describe the catastrophic wave that devastated the neighborhood, the chilling rescue attempts, and the community's resilience. The shocking aftermath includes lawsuits against corporate negligence and the flood's lasting place in folklore, painting a fascinating portrait of this sticky disaster.
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Molasses As Strategic Industrial Commodity
- Molasses was a major industrial commodity in 1919 Boston used for rum, industrial alcohol, and explosives feedstock.
- Demand from World War I drove huge storage tanks and rushed construction that compromised safety.
Rushed Tank Built By Non‑Engineer
- USIA rushed construction of a 3 million gallon tank overseen by Arthur P. Gell despite his lack of engineering background.
- The tank leaked from the start and neighborhood kids collected drips for snacks, revealing poor build quality.
Thermal Shock Triggered Structural Failure
- Thermal shock occurred when warm molasses was pumped into a tank already containing cold molasses, weakening the structure.
- Rapid temperature change and thin, brittle steel combined to trigger catastrophic failure.
