The Actor and the Doctor: Converging Lives Post-Eastland
Collage of images for Flower in the River Podcast Episode 69 titled 'The Actor and the Doctor: Converging Lives Post-Eastland'. The central image is a vintage theater poster from Houston, dated the week of Dec 31 - Jan 7, 1954, featuring a play called 'The Eternal Eve' with actors Mitzi Wayne and Tom Milton. Surrounding this are various images: an elderly man in a suit sitting at a table, a younger man in a soldier's uniform, a group of people in a rowboat, and a man working in a garden. The bottom of the collage includes text stating 'Flower in the River Podcast - EP 69' and ©2024 Natalie Zett
Intro to Intersections
What would you do if you narrowly missed a disaster that claimed hundreds of lives? In this episode of "Flower in the River Podcast—The Actor and the Doctor: Converging Lives Post-Eastland— we uncover the riveting stories of Tom Milton and Dr. Willard Calvin Haynes, two unsung heroes forever linked by the 1915 Eastland disaster. First, we journey with Tom George Milton, a man who narrowly escaped the tragedy but led an adventurous life filled with service across continents and wars. At 70, Tom's zest for life was unquenchable, as highlighted by a Houston Chronicle article that captures his intriguing journey, including his stint with Western Electric, his military life, and his life as an actor.
We then shift focus to Dr. Willard Calvin Haynes, who reached out to Tom after reading his story and shared his own haunting experience from that fateful day. Dr. Haynes' life was a complex web of roles——from farmer and oilman to doctor and fruit seller—each thread revealing his resilience and dedication.
The episode culminates with an intriguing discovery on eBay of items related to Tom Milton and Willard Haynes, now digitized and preserved for future generations. Join us as we honor the quiet courage and historical significance of these two remarkable men.
Links:
Learn more about the Iroquois Theatre Fire
Tom Milton article in The Houston Chronicle, Friday, January 15, 1954
Newspaper article titled 'At 70, Adventure-Loving Actor Keeps Young With Excitement' from The Houston Chronicle, dated Friday, January 15, 1954. The article, written by Gilbert Gorman, chronicles the life and career of Tom Milton, a 70-year-old actor and veteran of four wars. The article features a black-and-white photo of Tom Milton, smiling and holding a campaign medal from the British government for service in the Boer War. The text highlights his adventurous life, including his service in South Africa, his work with the Western Electric Company, and his acting career. Milton discusses his marriage to Eloise Dillaye and his family's involvement in the arts. Despite his age, he expresses enthusiasm for continuing his work and adventures.
Note: this article and photo of Tom Milton was donated by Natalie Zett to The Newberry Library (Chicago), July 17, 2024.
Highlights from the brilliant careers of Tom Milton and Eloise Milton Kaye (daughter of Eloise and Tom Milton)
“The Eternal Eve,” starring Tom Willard and Mitzi Wayne
Vintage program cover for 'You're in Houston' dated December 31 to January 7, 1954. The cover features a smiling Mitzi Wayne, labeled 'the lady of the evening,' standing behind and gently touching the face of an elderly man, Tom Milton. They are promoting the sophisticated comedy 'The Eternal Eve' at Theatre, Inc., located at 707 Chelsea Blvd.
Eloise Milton Kaye
Eloise Milton Kaye circa 1955
Daughter of Tom and Eloise Milton. Ballerina and Stage Actor. The images include a variety of poses: one where she sits elegantly on the floor in a flowing dress with a flower in hand, another in a relaxed pose wearing striped pants and a black top, and several close-up portraits showcasing her glamorous look with earrings and styled hair
Eloise Milton Kaye, circa 1955.
Closing Quote from Willard C. Haynes
“… no doubt you can still see those terrible instruments of drowning men, women & children fighting in the water screaming for help. I am 77 now but I will never forget the horror of that scene in the river and the tiers of dead laid out in rows in the old Iroquois Theater for people to identify their dead. God grant that I never see such a disaster again, and no doubt you join me in that hope.” - W.C. Haynes, M.D. Letter to Tom Milton, January 16, 1954.
Letter from W.C. Haynes. M.D. to Tom Milton, January 16, 1954 - page 1
Note: letter from W.C. Haynes to Tom Milton was donated by Natalie Zett to The Newberry Library (Chicago), July 17, 2024.
Letter from W.C. Haynes. M.D. to Tom Milton, January 16, 1954 - page 2
Note: letter from W.C. Haynes to Tom Milton was donated by Natalie Zett to The Newberry Library (Chicago), July 17, 2024.
Links:
The Actor and the Doctor: Converging Lives Post-Eastland (Podcast link).
The Actor and the Doctor: Converging Lives Post-Eastland (YouTube link).
