Paulie Wenger, a game creator and vintage playing cards expert, has introduced a controversial new board game titled ‘Molassacre,’ which aims to engage children with tragic historical events, specifically the Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919.
Wenger, a history PhD student at the University of Delaware, believes that while criticisms of the game are valid, it provides a more engaging alternative to the simplified versions of history often taught in textbooks.
He emphasized that difficult historical topics often get overlooked because they are tough to discuss with younger audiences.
The Boston Molasses Flood holds a place in local lore, with residents making jokes about the slow-moving tidal wave of molasses that inundated the city, leading to comedic terms like ‘Molassacre.’
However, this lighthearted approach has raised eyebrows among historians.
Stephen Puleo, author of ‘Dark Tide: The Great Boston Molasses Flood of 1919,’ expressed concern that framing the tragedy in a whimsical light undermines the seriousness of the event.
He remarked, ‘When you make this kind of joke about it, it detracts from the solemnity of the event.’
Tom Damigella, president of the North End Historical Society, echoed similar sentiments, stating that families affected by the flood wouldn’t find humor in the game.
‘Making a funny game about it is baffling,’ he remarked, pointing out that it isn’t an event families regard with laughter.
In ‘Molassacre,’ players strive to avoid the engulfing tide of molasses while sabotaging others to reach a goal of 1,000 feet—approximately the distance of the actual flood.
The game draws inspiration from the classic card game Mille Bornes, where players race to complete distances while dealing with obstacles.
According to an online overview, players must navigate challenges such as ‘syrup slicks,’ ‘panicked horses,’ and ‘molasses traps.’
Wenger, who studied Puleo’s book for research, made sure to approach the topic with respect, mentioning that the game does not include representations of the 21 individuals who perished
in the flood.
Instead, the game highlights heroes, such as emergency responders who helped that day.
‘I wanted to showcase those who rushed to aid others,’ said Wenger, emphasizing their role in the tragedy.
Damigella acknowledged the game’s effort to honor those individuals, expressing his appreciation for the stories that might otherwise go untold.
At 1 p.m. on January 15, 1919, a catastrophic incident occurred in Boston when more than 2 million gallons of warm molasses surged through the city after a massive storage tank exploded.
The tank, which had worn complaints for recurring leaks, was painted brown to hide the molasses dripping down its sides, as residents maintained a growing concern about its integrity.
Lack of regulation at the time resulted in the tank being erected without a proper construction permit, a fact highlighted by Damigella.
The molasses was intended for making ethanol, a key ingredient for military explosives used during World War I. On that fateful January day, a new shipment of hot molasses was poured into the tank, leading to an explosive reaction when it combined with the colder contents.
The aftermath resulted in a tidal wave that reached heights of 15 feet and unleashed horrifying damage at a speed of 35 miles per hour.
Many victims suffered traumatic injuries, often caused by heavy debris that the molasses carried with it.
The company owning the tank, US Industrial Alcohol Co., controversially attempted to deflect blame onto others, alleging that an anarchist plot had caused the explosion.
Puleo noted that there were other industrial molasses tanks operated by the company across the country, raising questions about their construction practices.
The particular tank in Boston was strategically placed in a neighborhood with many poor Italian immigrants, who were perceived as having little political clout to prevent its establishment.
Ultimately, a multi-year class action lawsuit led to reparations for the victims and instigated crucial changes in United States building regulations, ensuring safety for future constructions.
Wenger acknowledged the stark nature of the game’s title, stating, ‘It really is a shocking name, but then again it was a shocking event.’
He pointed out that the victims’ horror and the company’s attempts to shift responsibility away from itself added to the tragedy of the incident.
While ‘Molassacre’ seeks to engage younger audiences with a dark chapter of history, its reception remains divided, prompting ongoing discussions about the best ways to teach tough historical lessons.
image source from：bostonglobe
