The Eastland Chronicles
Stories of Eastland Disaster survivors, rescuers, victims and their families.
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Stories of Eastland Disaster survivors, rescuers, victims and their families.
I explore pivotal events in American labor history, focusing on the personal stories of three women who tragically lost their lives in the Eastland disaster, and how their stories intertwine with broader labor rights movements. Starting with the harrowing Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, we explore the conditions that led to significant labor reforms and the push for safer workplaces.
TIme to explore the democratization of historical documentation through platforms like Reclaim the Records, WikiTree, GEDmatch, and Find a Grave!
Use Case: Updating Mary Helen Egan’s Profile on Find a Grave.
What could possibly link the daring hair bobbers of the roaring ‘20s, a sketchy park police officer, and the iconic John Belushi to the Eastland Disaster? It’s a historical hopscotch that’ll have you jumping from one fascinating fact to another. So, are you ready to twist through the tales of time? Read on…
Today’s episode is a special one, dedicated in memory of my cousin "George," (not his real name) and intertwined with an exploration of genetic genealogy.
Freemasons, Oddfellows, Elks? Oh my! I've seen mentions of these organizations in many Eastland Disaster victims’ obituaries, but I skimmed over them. I mean, I didn't think I knew any Freemasons or Oddfellows personally. Plus, with all the controversies around secret societies these days, I wasn't exactly jumping at the chance to plunge into the topic. But I just couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to take a closer look at this, especially in the context of Chicago in 1915.
In Episode 55 of Flower in the River Podcast, I share the remarkable discovery of a story about the Eastland Disaster found in an old periodical. Highlight from the Archives: The insightful article from the Concordia Historical Institute sheds light on the impact of the Eastland Disaster on Grace Lutheran Church (Chicago) and its members. The piece, written by Reverend Gotthold G. Elbert, details the community's grief and resilience in the face of unspeakable loss.
In Episode 54, I discuss the lives of two Jewish families: Brooks-Colombik family and the Widran/Widranovch family. Celia Brooks Colombik (1890-1915) and Sam Widran (1902-1983) perished on the Eastland. They rest now in Waldheim Cemetery, Forest Park, IL.
In Episode 53 of "Flower in the River Podcast," I explore:
The impact of the 1915 Eastland disaster on Chicago's Jewish community .Theories on why relatively few Jewish passengers died in the disaster (due to it occurring on the Sabbath). The miraculous survival story of 14-year-old Jacob Aaron Elin (later Jack Elin), who went on to co-found Topps Manufacturing Company, Rochester, Indiana. And more!
Jumping onto another podcast can be quite the adventure, and it's a total blast when I get to be a guest on “Fill to Capacity” with the incredible artist/podcaster, Pat Benincasa. Hopping onto her show for the third time was a charm, each visit more delightful than the last.
This round, though, had a special depth to it. Pat’s knack for preparation and her incisive questions gifted me not just airtime and a snazzy graphic to show off but something more valuable—a fresh perspective on my labor of love, the Flower in the River Podcast, and the tales I weave in The Eastland Chronicles series.
Welcome to a special episode of "Flower in the River" podcast, where we're diving into our first anniversary with a story close to our hearts. Today, we're taking a journey back in time to honor the Iverson family, Norwegian immigrants who made Chicago their home. Their lives took an unimaginable turn during the Eastland Disaster of 1915.
Frieda Kannberg died at age 39 while aboard the Eastland. Yet, her life becomes a beacon--guiding us through the social fabric of her time. Crucial to our understanding are the Western Electric Company News articles and other historical documents that bring to life the Hawthorne Club's activities and the impact of the disaster on its members. Remembering Frieda and her fellow committee members underscores the importance of preserving individual narratives within the broader context of historical events. These accounts form a bridge between the past and the emotional resonance felt in our communities today.
In the 50th episode of my podcast, "Flower in the River," I examine the poignant histories within Chicago's German Lutheran communities, profoundly impacted by the tragic Eastland Disaster in 1915. Together, we’ll explore their stories of sorrow, resilience, and the lasting impact on history.
This podcast episode discusses a contact from one of Coroner Pete Hoffman’s relatives, the wonderful historical organizations of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, IL—and their connection to the Eastland Disaster and finally a chance meeting of two Eastland rescue workers —28 year later.
Doris Theresa Crowley Robinson was an infant survivor of the Eastland Disaster. She died in 2000 at age 85
The episode takes an unexpected turn with the story of Leslie Elliott Simmons, another victim whose family history challenges the narrative I expected. Examine the complexities of genealogy and the surprises it can hold (kind of like an exploding cigar!).
In memory of Louise “Lizzie” Radoll, a Western Electric employee who was elected Queen of the Carnival for the Western Electric Company picnic on July 24, 1915.
This post is all about the coroner during the Eastland Disaster. The complex, colorful and controversial Peter M. Hoffman.
Look for the Helpers. Imagine the bravery of ordinary individuals like Western Electric employees, Margaret Condon (Switchboard Operator) and Helen Repa (Nurse) who demonstrated exceptional courage amid chaos when the Eastland capsized.
The Angel of the Eastland and the list of the dead.
The August 1915 issue of the Western Electric News lists the names of the employees and their relatives who died on The Eastland.
In Episode 44 of Flower in the River Podcast, there’s no shortage of headscratchers. It starts with the story of woman who survived the Eastland Disaster, only to find herself AGAIN in another capsized ship— this time in Lake Michigan. And Tarzan himself, Johnny Weissmuller, was on the scene in 1927 to help with the rescue efforts.
In Episode 44 of Flower in the River Podcast, I continue exploring unexplained phenomena like premonitions, synchronicities, and precognition, especially in relation to the Eastland Disaster.
Carrie Erlandson, aged 23, died on the Eastland. This is her memorial.
This is a FRANKEN-episode of various components that somehow came together. That's what happens when you talk about the paranormal, I guess 🙂
Josefa Stejskalova, aged 16, died on the Eastland. This is her memorial.
Note: this is a follow up to an earlier post, Eastland Chronicles - Mary Brandt Braitsch and Ep. 38, “Legacy of the Lost: Uncovering the Eastland's Hidden Stories.”
A funny thing happened to me on the way to posting my latest podcast, From Coal Dust to River Depths: Spring Valley's Eastland Story…
Year-End Recap for Flower in the River Podcast
This episode discusses the contributions of women morticians by first focusing on one woman mortician's involvement in the Eastland Disaster—Catherine Wheeler Wyand.