A Sticky Situation The Day Boston Drowned in Molasses
A truck carrying Tulane University research monkeys overturned near the Louisiana-Mississippi border, sparking fear, outrage, and viral headlines. David and Brad unpack the chaos, ethical questions around primate research, and the debate over transparency in taxpayer-funded labs. We also hear inspiring stories from legal and creative professionals. Tony Albrecht shares his shift from law to founding a successful LinkedIn ghostwriting agency, while attorney and professor Evan Bergeron discusses building a legal career and mentoring the next generation of advocates. Finally, content creator Alex Robinson explains her journey from design professional to thriving digital creator, sharing insights on creativity, confidence, and growing in the public eye. Tune in for legal insight, entrepreneurial journeys, and one truly wild primate story.
If you’ve ever lived through or seen the aftermath of a flood, you know how destructive they can be. Within moments, the rush of water can uproot and displace buildings, trees, and vehicles, making the situation incredibly dangerous for everyone in the area. Now, imagine if the flood consisted of a thicker, stickier substance than water. If you don’t have a strong imagination, don’t worry. This situation actually happened on Jan. 15, 1919. On that fateful morning, a massive steel holding tank filled with molasses stood on Commercial Street in Boston. The U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company built the tank during World War I, and many believed the construction was haphazardly rushed. It was common for those living and commuting on Commercial Street to hear the tank groan and creek.
Around 12:40 p.m., the tank ruptured, releasing over 2 million gallons of molasses into the surrounding area. The molasses instantly swallowed up three young children who were by the fractured tank. One suffocated, another died after being struck by a railroad car, and the third suffered severe injuries from hitting a light post. Another local awoke to his house crumbling around him, causing him to scramble to his bed frame to stay afloat. Police officers, firefighters, and even sailors from the USS Nantucket responded to the event almost immediately. They freed some survivors, but it took days to uncover the extent of the damage. Twenty-one people lost their lives, while another 150 suffered injuries. The victims and their families sued United States Industrial Alcohol, which had to pay $628,000 in damages, only $8 million in today’s money.
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