Eastland Disaster - 2024
Every time I dig into how an individual or community was impacted by the Eastland Disaster, it's like unraveling a historical mystery.
These days, my sleuthing occurs primarily online. Each week kicks off with a rough sketch, followed by more research and revisions. I create a graphic to accompany the story and then share my findings with you throughout the podcast or the website.
But here’s something that bugs me: even though the Eastland Disaster affected over 800 people, we don’t have nearly that many stories. Isn’t that kind of wild? With so many people involved, you’d think we’d have a treasure trove of tales, yet we’re far from it. So, I decided to do something about that.
Let’s face it—we’ll likely never get the full picture of everyone involved. I’m talking about survivors, witnesses, the everyday heroes who stepped up, and even those who didn’t behave so well during the chaos (looking at you, Arthur Loeb!).
That’s why I’m so passionate about uncovering these stories. Each one helps us understand a bit more about what happened that day. So, if you’re curious about the Eastland Disaster too, stick around. We’ve got some fascinating stories to explore together!
So, I used the podcast to tell those stories. Through the Flower in the River Podcast, I’m committed to bringing each of these voices to light. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about honoring the lives and legacies of those who were lost or affected. Every story matters, and through this platform, we can make sure they are heard and remembered.
Take my Great-Aunt, for example. Had I not written Flower in the River, her story might never have been told. Sure, her story was cited in various death rosters, but there’s a big difference between knowing something and doing something about it.
Time isn’t on our side here. Every day that passes, more of this history fades away. My goal is to create these drafts and sketches and get them published.
As of this post, I’ve devoted 37 episodes to telling stories of the people and communities of the Eastland Disaster. Many of these stories hadn’t seen the light of day for decades. I’m also planning to update these profiles while I keep creating new sketches.
Here are the people and communities I’ve covered on Flower in the River Podcast from November 4, 2023-July 14, 2024. And I’ve barely scratched the surface!
From Cemetery to Courtroom: The Eastland Aftermath (Nov 4, 2023). First up, we dive into the aftermath with "From Cemetery to Courtroom." This episode sheds light on William Ristow and his brother Herman Ristow, who pursued justice through a civil court case in 1934. Imagine the courtroom drama as surviving family members fought for their loved ones' memory nearly two decades after the disaster. Their story reminds us that the ripples of the Eastland Disaster reached far beyond the waters of the Chicago River.
After the Eastland: Shadow over Polish Chicago. (Nov 11, 2023). Next, we explore the vibrant yet sorrowful "Shadow over Polish Chicago." The Eastland Disaster deeply affected the Polish community, each family bearing its unique grief. We meet step-sisters Eva Wodtke and Benedykta Switala, alongside their parents, John Switala and Karolina Wodtke Switala. The heartbreak extends to sister Martha Wodtke Prochowska, Emma M. Joscho, and Karl Knoff. Their intertwined lives and losses paint a vivid picture of a community shattered but not broke
Rekindling Roots: Cousin Connection | Survivor Saga Rediscovered | Gripping Eastland Documentary (Nov 18, 2023). In "Rekindling Roots," we profile James Gardner, a survivor and rescuer who penned a memorable letter to the editor of the Galena Daily Gazette (27 July 1915). Gardner's words, written with raw emotion, transport us back to that fateful day, providing a firsthand account of courage and chaos.
Eastland Chronicles: Katherine MacIntyre's Bravery Didn't Stop with Survival. (Nov. 22,2023) Katherine MacIntyre's story is one of extraordinary bravery. Surviving the Eastland was just the beginning for her. Katherine, her mother Mary, and brother Alex faced the aftermath with a resilience that inspires us even today. Their story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure and overcome.
Legacy of the Lost: Uncovering the Eastland's Hidden Stories (Dec. 2, 2023). We then turn to "Legacy of the Lost," where we delve into the lives of Otto Brandt, Mary Braitsch, and Robert Magnuson. Their stories, alongside those of journalist Richard Henry Little and political cartoonist John Tinney McCutcheon, highlight the powerful role of media in shaping public perception and memory of the disaster.
Beyond the Titanic: The Eastland Love Story of George and Theresa (Dec. 9, 2023). Long before Titanic's Jack and Rose, there was George Dobek and Theresa Danda. Their love story, tinged with tragedy, is a poignant reminder of the real-life heartbreaks of the Eastland Disaster. Alongside them, we remember Eddie Danda and Martha Pfeiffer, whose lives were also cut short.
Eastland Waters: Melody, Verse, and Lithuanian Legacy in Chicago (Dec 16, 2023). I Music and memory intertwine in "Eastland Waters." Featuring victims like Juozefa Rucinskaite (Josephine Roshinski); Boleslovas Sivickis; Kotrina Kasparaite and Petronele Laurinaciute, this episode also introduces us to Robertas Semeniukas of the folk rock band Žalvarinis. His music, echoing through the past, brings a unique cultural dimension to our understanding of the disaster's impact.
Curveballs and Calamities: Eastland Disaster Baseball Connection (Dec 23, 2023). There’s nothing more American than baseball and in this episode the following amateur and semi-professional ball players are featured. John Farmer Freilich, along with his wife, Jadwiga and her sister Zimna; Harold Meyer; Albert Kennedy; Maurice or Morris Robel; Frank Rehor; Charles Block or Bluc; George Bennett; Arthur or Adolf Locke; and Henry Schutte.
From Coal Dust to River Depths: Spring Valley's Eastland Story (Dec 29, 2023). The coal mining town of Spring Valley, IL, lost many to the Eastland Disaster. We recount the tales of the Theiss sisters, Clara and Agnes, and survivor Harriet. We also meet Leonard Winski and siblings Walter and Nellie Summit, whose journey from coal dust to river depths is both tragic and compelling.
Synchronicities and Age-Old Premonitions of the Eastland Disaster (Jan 6, 2024). Premonitions and eerie coincidences take center stage in this episode. We explore the lives of victims Hedwig “Hattie” Steffen, Edna Will Pinkall, and Josephine Roshinski, whose fates seem entwined with foreboding signs and chilling premonitions.
Shadows of the Past: Premonitions from the Titanic to the Eastland (Jan 13, 2024). Continuing the theme of premonitions, we delve into the lives of survivor Annie Utz, victim Annie Booth, and the Clark family. Their stories, along with those of Oliver J. Bouffard and Nellie Fitzgerald, reveal the uncanny connections between two of history's most infamous maritime disasters.
Tarzan's Chicago Adventure: Eastland Survivor Faces 2nd Maritime Disaster (Jan 21, 2024). IIn a twist straight out of a Hollywood script, Eastland survivor Gertrude Berndt faces another maritime disaster alongside Johnny Weissmuller, better known as Tarzan. Her harrowing escape from The Favorite in 1927 is a tale of resilience and second chances.
A Switchboard Operator and a Nurse Walk Into a Shipwreck: Unraveling the Eastland Disaster (Jan 27, 2024) Margaret Condon and Helen Repa, a switchboard operator and a nurse, sprang into action on the day of the Eastland Disaster. Their quick thinking and bravery are captured in this episode, highlighting the often-overlooked heroes of the tragedy.
Coroner's Conundrum: Pete Hoffman & The Eastland Disaster (Feb 3, 2024). Coroner Pete Hoffman takes center stage, navigating the complexities of the disaster's aftermath. His story sheds light on the challenges and heartbreak of identifying victims and providing closure to grieving families.
From the Mayflower to the Sketchpad: Unveiling More Eastland Connections (Feb 11, 2024). Not all Eastland passengers were working-class immigrants. Leslie Simmons, a photographer with Mayflower roots, and political cartoonist Bob Satterfield add a surprising twist to our understanding of the disaster's diverse victims.
Leafing Through History: Oak Park, Forest Park, and the Eastland (Feb 17, 2024). This episode features Earl Dawson, Matthew Bonga, and Gertrude Stork from Oak Park and Forest Park. Their tragic tales are intertwined with those of Joseph Darby and Dr. Edward Buchan—two “veterans” of the Eastland Disaster who fate brought together years later:
The Lutheran Legacy of the Eastland Disaster (Feb 25, 2024). We honor Lutheran families like Augusta Schwahn Wiese and her granddaughter Elizabeth Rakow, as well as the Rossow family. Their stories underscore the widespread impact of the disaster on Chicago's religious communities. William, Mamie, William Jr. and Ruth Rossow also perished.
Frieda Kannberg's Story and the Legacy of the Eastland (Mar 2, 2024), Frieda Kannberg's life and death on the Eastland are brought to life through historical documents and Western Electric Company News articles. Her story, along with those of her fellow committee members, bridges the past and the present, emphasizing the emotional resonance of their legacies.
Sons of Norway, Daughters of Tragedy: The Iverson Family's Eastland Story (Mar 9, 2024). We focus on the Iversons, a family of Norwegian heritage, whose lives were irrevocably altered by the Eastland Disaster. The loss of Louise Iverson Theil and Mabel Iverson Gibson is a poignant reminder of the tragedy's far-reaching impact.
Unearthing the Untold: Jewish Lives and the Eastland Tragedy (Mar 16, 2024). In this episode, we uncover the stories of Jewish survivors and victims like Jacob Aaron Elin and Carl Friedman. Their experiences add another layer of depth to our understanding of the Eastland's diverse victimology.
Sassiness Saved Her: A Jewish Girl's Narrow Escape from the Eastland (Mar 23, 2024). Meet Ruth Naiditch, whose high-spirited behavior likely saved her and her sister. Alongside her, we remember Sam Widran and Celia Brooks Columbik, whose stories highlight the narrow escapes and close calls of that fateful day.
Archives Unveiled: The Eastland Disaster's Hidden Stories. I share the wisdom from Mr. Schmidt, a man who lovingly tended the graves at our church’s cemetery along with Chronicler: Rev. Gotthold Elbert, whose church, Grace Lutheran (Chicago) was dramatically impacted by the Eastland Disaster. (Mar 30, 2024)
Bonded in Tragedy: The Role of Fraternal Orders in the Eastland Disaster (Apr 6, 2024). Many Eastland victims and families were members of fraternal orders. We mention Nelson and Roy Peterson, Louise Thompson, Peter Weth, Charles Piece, and John Sweden, whose affiliations provided support and solidarity in the face of tragedy.
Bloodlines and Bylines: The Power of Genetic Genealogy (Apr 13, 2024). This episode focuses on the latest findings in genetic genealogy, offering a deeper dive into ancestry and uncovering connections between Eastland victims and their descendants.
Irish Roots and Greek Tides: More Eastland Stories (Apr 20, 2024). The story of young Mary Helen Egan of Chicago’s Irish Catholic community and Theodore Hallas, a Greek immigrant. Both lost their lives on the Eastland. (Mary will make a return visit in another episode) .
Crowdsourcing the Past: The Eastland Tragedy and Collaborative Genealogy. (Apr 27, 2024) The return of Mary Helen Egan and her connection to the Dolezal, Wood and Sindelar families. These interconnected stories illustrate the power of collaborative genealogy in uncovering the past.
Threads of Tragedy: The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Eastland Disaster. (May 4, 2024) What does an avoidable disaster in NYC have to do with the Eastland? Plenty. We draw parallels between the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire and the Eastland Disaster, highlighting the shared experiences of young immigrant women.
Undertaking Courage: Catherine Wyand's Eastland Story (May 11, 2024). While scouring the Chicago Ancestors wonderful database, I found another gem—the story of perhaps the only woman mortician, Catherine Wyand who assisted with an Eastland victim (Anna Brenner).
Selfless Saviors: Two Extraordinary Rescuers in the Eastland Disaster. (May 17, 2024) We honor Fred Lippert and George Spiegelhauer, whose heroic efforts saved numerous lives during the Eastland disaster. Their selflessness is a shining example of humanity at its best.
The Chronicler and the Rescuer: Unveiling Overlooked Narratives. (May 26, 2024) Featuring Harry Birch, a pioneering newsreel cameraman, and Frederic W. Willard, a hero who saved lives during the disaster, this episode uncovers overlooked narratives that deserve recognition.
From Hoboken to Hawthorne: Martha Willig's Untold Story. (Jun 1, 2024) Many individuals from New Jersey and New York relocated to Chicago to work for Western Electric, including members of the Willig, Larsen, and Kruse families. While researching, I discovered a story I'd never heard of before in the Hudson Observer, dated July 28, 1915. This article reprinted a letter from Martha Willig to her sister, in which Martha detailed how she and several members of her party survived the Eastland Disaster.
Rivers of Grief: Eastland and the General Slocum. (Jun 8, 2024) This episode dives into the eerie connections between the Eastland Disaster and the General Slocum tragedy, two devastating events with striking historical parallels. It features the story of Anna Hillman from Hoboken, NJ, who died on the Eastland. It also tells the story of how a faulty alarm clock saved other NJ transplants from boarding the Eastland.
From Tragedy to Transformation: The George Haas Story (Jun 16, 2024). Commemoration of the Eastland Disaster’s “sister” tragedy, the General Slocum disaster (June 15, 1904). This event focuses on one survivor, George Haas, whose life was irrevocably changed that day.
Survived But Not Saved: The Lingering Legacy of the Eastland Disaster (June 22, 2024). The story of Chrissie McNeal Lauritzen a survivor of the Eastland Disaster who suffered long-term health effects and eventually succumbed to them. Her story highlights the overlooked long-term impacts on survivors and the importance of remembering every life affected by this tragedy.
Arthur Loeb: The Fake Hero of Real Tragedies (June 29, 2024). Follow the unbelievable journey of the charismatic con-man, Arthur Loeb. This slippery trickster managed to stay one step ahead of the law until he finally met his match—the Grim Reaper—in the gift shop of the Stardust Hotel in Vegas. His story adds a layer of intrigue and deception to our Eastland chronicles.
The Actor and the Doctor: Converging Lives Post-Eastland (July 5, 2024). Liverpool-born, Tom Milton, and Willard Haynes, M.D. both witnessed and assisted the day of the Eastland Disaster. Nearly 40 years later, they would meet again through a newspaper article.
From Hawthorne Works to Heartbreak: Legacy of Loss (July 14, 2024). Central to this narrative is Rosemary Pietrzak, granddaughter of Anton and Pearl Schultz. Rosemary's mother, Marie Schultz Pietrzak, lost a brother, two sisters-in-law, and an infant nephew in the Eastland Disaster. Her family’s story of loss and resilience offers an intimate look at how tragedy shapes lives for generations.
