The Nation - News from March 7, 1988

The detonation of 300 pounds of dynamite slowly collapsed a 16-story tower in the largest controlled implosion in Boston history, rattling modern towers in the downtown financial district. It took two years to build the Travelers Insurance Co. building and about 10 seconds to demolish the structure, which overlooked the city’s Central Artery and was known for its blue and white panels. The building was completed in 1959, becoming the city’s first post-Depression skyscraper. A $450-million retail and office complex is planned for the site. Police said about 50,000 people watched the demolition.