News Summary
A new card game titled ‘Molassacre: Escape the Flood’ has been created by New Jersey resident Paulie Wenger, drawing inspiration from the 1919 Great Molasses Flood in Boston. The game aims to engage children with history but has faced criticism for trivializing a serious disaster that resulted in significant property damage and loss of life. The game emphasizes players’ competitive strategies as they navigate whimsical challenges, raising important questions about the portrayal of historical tragedies in entertainment.
Trenton, New Jersey – A controversial card game titled “Molassacre: Escape the Flood” has been developed by New Jersey resident Paulie Wenger, drawing inspiration from Boston’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919. This game challenges players to outrun their opponents and survive an imaginative disaster caused by more than 2 million gallons of molasses flooding the North End of Boston.
The Great Molasses Flood, which took place on January 15, 1919, resulted in substantial destruction, including over $100 million in property damage, adjusted for inflation, along with the tragic loss of 21 lives and around 150 injuries. This catastrophic event fundamentally reshaped building regulations throughout the United States, prompting stricter oversight of industrial constructions.
Wenger, a PhD student in history at the University of Delaware, created the game with the intention of engaging children with history, even when that history includes tragic events. However, the game has sparked a notable backlash from local historians, with critics expressing concerns that it trivializes a serious disaster through its light-hearted gameplay elements. Participants in the game can hinder each other’s progress using whimsical tactics such as syrup slicks and molasses traps, which some argue fosters a humorous perspective on the unfortunate event.
“Molassacre” is reminiscent of the popular card game Mille Bornes, where players navigate a competitive landscape. However, the title itself, incorporating the term “Molassacre,” has raised eyebrows, as it seems to suggest a flippant approach to the topic of disaster that caused significant human suffering. Critics assert that this title could be seen as disrespectful to the victims and their families.
To maintain a degree of respect for the historical tragedy, the game deliberately excludes characters representing the victims of the flood. Instead, it focuses on the heroes who emerged during the disaster, celebrating their efforts. This decision reflects an intention to honor those who acted valiantly while addressing the misfortune that the event inflicted upon the community.
The Great Molasses Flood was caused by the rupture of a 50-foot-tall tank owned by the U.S. Industrial Alcohol Company. The tank exploded due to thermal pressure resulting from a mixture of hot and cold molasses, creating a tidal wave that soared up to 15 feet high. This wave wreaked havoc on buildings, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment, notably damaging essential services such as a fire station and an elevated train structure.
In the wake of the flood, over 3,000 witnesses contributed to legal investigations that ultimately pointed to the company’s negligence and failure to secure proper permits for the tank’s construction. The legal ramifications and media coverage following the disaster underscored the need for more stringent building regulations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
As the game “Molassacre: Escape the Flood” gains attention, it raises important questions about how society engages with historical tragedies. While Wenger’s goal is to spark interest in such events among younger audiences, the contention from historians regarding the handling of sensitive topics serves as a reminder of the importance of respectful and informed storytelling in relation to historical incidents.
The creation of this card game offers an opportunity for dialogue on the line between educational entertainment and sensitivity to historical tragedies. As public responses continue to unfold, the balance between fun and historical respect remains at the forefront of the discourse surrounding this unique interactive experience.
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Card Game About Boston’s Molasses Flood
- History: Molasses Floods Boston Streets
- WCVB: Boston’s Great Molasses Flood of 1919
- WOKQ: Boston Molasses Flood of 1919
- CaughtinDot: Boston History Lesson – Great Molasses Flood
- Wikipedia: Great Molasses Flood
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Great Molasses Flood
- Google Search: Great Molasses Flood
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
