Archives Unveiled: The Eastland Disaster's Hidden Stories
Composite image created by Natalie Zett of the lives of William Haffer and sisters, Elizabeth, Minnie (Wilhelmine) and Emily Lemke who all perished on her Eastland. William rests in Concordia Cemetery, Forest Park, IL. The Lemke sisters rest in St. Luke’s Cemetery, Chicago. They are among those mentioned in an article in the July 1965 (No. 2) edition of the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly (The Eastland Disaster) by Rev. Gotthold Elbert (1893-1980), former pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Chicago.
When I penned Flower in the River — a Family Tale Finally Told, my heart was anchored to my own kin, painting a portrait of our shared history, one that remained obscured from me until the stars — or something else — decided it was time for the big reveal.
Our family’s connection to The Eastland Disaster, was revealed to me when I was well into adulthood. And it took years to construct the story because so much time had passed. In my book I wrote, “Why do I feel as if I’m racing against time when time ran out for us long ago?”
Yet, as I finished narrating the audiobook— as I breathed life into my family’s story— a thought gnawed at the edges of my consciousness, relentless and unyielding.
What of the other souls, the other families caught in the same tragedy? Their stories, their laughter, their tears? Were they not as intertwined with this disaster as my family’s?
What began as a pilgrimage to my ancestral roots quickly transformed into a quest far greater than I could have ever imagined. This journey became a bridge connecting the past to the present, a conduit for stories yearning to be told. My podcast, originally created to answer questions about my book, evolved into a platform for sharing the stories of other Eastland families.
Many of these stories were not easily accessible and seemed destined for oblivion. They were buried in old newspapers and magazines from the turn of the 20th century.
If someone didn’t take action, these stories would be lost forever!
Although I was reluctant at first, I now see it as a privilege and an honor to uncover and share these stories.
Perhaps this realization stemmed from the example set by Mr. Schmidt.
On my way home from high school, I would sometimes cut through our church’s cemetery, where I’d encounter Mr. Schmidt. He lived in a small shack on the cemetery grounds and worked as the church’s sexton and janitor. The grounds were meticulously mowed, the graves adorned with fresh flowers or plants, and the headstones cleaned and repaired. By then, in his 70s, Mr. Schmidt was bald, slender, and remarkably agile. He always enjoyed chatting with me, likely because I could converse with him in German, thanks to growing up with German-speaking relatives and several years of high school German classes.
One day, I asked him why he worked so hard.
His response was simple yet profound: “I must keep the grounds nice for them.”
When I pointed out that they were all dead and couldn’t see his efforts, he replied, “Ach. That’s where you’re wrong. They see. They know. It is the greatest job ever to care for them. I got out of Germany with a small suitcase and the clothes on my back. I came with some of my family, but we had to leave the rest behind. Many died during the war. I can’t care for their graves there. But I can care for other families’ graves here.”
Unlike Mr. Schmidt, I’ve been pretty lucky. I’ve been able to tell the story of my own family and now, well, it’s time to care for the rest of the Eastland families. As I embark on this journey of sharing the Eastland Chronicles, I finally understand why Mr. Schmidt was so determined to care for the departed.
The Chronicler: Rev. Gotthold Elbert
In Episode 55 of Flower in the River Podcast, I wanted to shine a spotlight on a remarkable person, Rev. Gotthold Elbert, who shared his memories of the day— and aftermath of the Eastland Disaster— and its impact on Grace Lutheran Church in Chicago. It's a story that was new to me. And I probably would have never found it if it weren't for a lucky find through a search on PERSI and the good folks at the Concordia Historical Institute.
Rev. Elbert's church, Grace Lutheran, lost 25 members in the tragedy. I can only imagine the profound impact this had on their close-knit community. But Rev. Elbert made sure their stories wouldn't be forgotten.
In 1965, he wrote an article for the July 1965 (No. 2) edition of the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly, sharing his personal recollections of that fateful day and the challenging times that followed. His words paint a vivid picture of the devastation and the incredible resilience shown by the church community in the face of unimaginable grief.
Rev. Elbert died in 1980 but were he around today, I’d let him know that his message was received!
Because I hold this story in such esteem, I might be inspired to speak to him in the parlance of the Missouri Synod church I grew up in and add, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
The role of a chronicler, like Rev. Elbert, is often understated and under-appreciated. But without their tireless efforts to record and share these stories, the heart and soul of the lives and times of those who have gone before us would be lost forever. It's through the work of individuals like Rev. Elbert that we are able to maintain a connection to our past, learn from the experiences of others, and draw inspiration from their stories of resilience and hope
Today's Tale: The Power of PERSI
Reveals how attended a webinar led me to discover an eyewitness account of the Eastland Disaster. It was waiting inside the Periodical Source Index (PERSI)! This journey underscores the value of continuous learning and the rich resources available for genealogical research, such as the Allen County Public Library.
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.
Lives Lived—and Lost
We explore the stories of families like the Lemkes, who suffered greatly, and the acts of heroism of young William Haffer that emerged from the tragedy. These narratives remind us of the importance of community support and the strength found during times of crisis.
Looking Ahead
The episode also sets the stage for future explorations into other individuals and families affected by the disaster, promising more intriguing discoveries and stories to share.
Postscript
Listener responses to the recent episodes on the exploration of the Jewish legacy of the Eastland disaster have been overwhelmingly positive. For that, I am immensely grateful. It's vital to honor all communities affected by this tragedy, reflecting on their faith and contributions to the fabric of early 20th-century Chicago.
Acknowledgments
A heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Concordia Historical Institute, the Allen County Public Library, and all the librarians and researchers who assist in uncovering these hidden histories. Their dedication to preserving the past is invaluable.
July 1965 (No. 2) edition of the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly
Article by Rev. Gotthold G. Elbert
Click on article image to view the entire article.
The Lemke sisters - probably a publicity photo for the Western Electric picnic on July 24, 1915. Source: Chicago Tribune.
Elizabeth Lemke Closeup
Elizabeth Lemke Closeup
Minnie Lemke Closeup
Podcast Link: Archives Unveiled: The Eastland Disaster's Hidden Stories
YouTube Link: Archives Unveiled: The Eastland Disaster's Hidden Stories
