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FLOWER IN THE RIVER
Undertaking Courage: Catherine Wyand's Eastland Story
This episode discusses the contributions of women morticians by first focusing on one woman mortician's involvement in the Eastland Disaster—Catherine Wheeler Wyand.
Threads of Tragedy: The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Eastland Disaster
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.
Crowdsourcing the Past: The Eastland Tragedy and Collaborative Genealogy
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
Use Case: Updating Mary Helen Egan’s Profile on Find a Grave.
Irish Roots and Greek Tides: More Eastland Stories
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…
Bloodlines and Bylines: The Power of Genetic Genealogy
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.
Bonded in Tragedy: The Role of Fraternal Orders in the Eastland Disaster
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.
Archives Unveiled: The Eastland Disaster's Hidden Stories
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.
Sassiness Saved Her: A Jewish Girl's Narrow Escape from the Eastland
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.
Unearthing the Untold: Jewish Lives and the Eastland Tragedy
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!
Memory Keepers: Honoring The Forgotten - Fill to Capacity Podcast Conversation with Pat Benincasa
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.
Sons of Norway, Daughters of Tragedy: The Iverson Family's Eastland Story
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's Story and the Legacy of the Eastland
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.
The Lutheran Legacy of the Eastland Disaster
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.
Leafing Through History: Oak Park, Forest Park, and the Eastland
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 Crowley Robinson - infant survivor of Eastland Disaster
Doris Theresa Crowley Robinson was an infant survivor of the Eastland Disaster. She died in 2000 at age 85
From the Mayflower to the Sketchpad: Unveiling More Eastland Connections
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!).
Louise (“Lizzie”) Radoll - Queen of the Carnival
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.
Coroner's Conundrum: Pete Hoffman & The Eastland Disaster
This post is all about the coroner during the Eastland Disaster. The complex, colorful and controversial Peter M. Hoffman.
A Switchboard Operator and a Nurse Walk Into a Shipwreck: Unraveling the Eastland Disaster
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.