The Chicago Shoemaker and the Jersey Transplants: Eastland's Unexpected Ties

Eastland Chronicles
Written By natalie zett

A collage for "Flower in the River Podcast Ep. 75," titled "The Chicago Shoemaker and the Jersey Transplants: Eastland's Unexpected Ties." ©2024 Natalie Zett.

Unearthing MORE Hidden Eastland Stories

As a journalist, I’ve always aimed to let my subjects speak for themselves--and it’s tricky when they’ve been gone for decades. But every so often, I catch a break. In this episode, I spotlight a Chicago Sunday Tribune article from September 19, 1915, where the Tismers, a German immigrant family, share in their own words what it was like to lose four children in the Eastland Disaster.


In this episode, the journey into the history of the Eastland Disaster continues, sharing new findings and uncovering untold stories of those affected by the tragedy. A unique two-part approach to research combines rigorous historical investigation with intuitive connections to the past. This episode features the compelling stories of the Remy and Tismer families, who suffered heartbreaking losses in the disaster. Correcting historical inaccuracies is crucial to honoring the memory of those who perished.

Key Points:

  • Research Approach: A methodical process of historical research is outlined, emphasizing the importance of persistence, cross-referencing sources, and constant questioning to uncover the truth about the Eastland Disaster and its victims.

  • Intuitive Connections: Growing up in a family with deep spiritual beliefs has shaped the way stories are found, often guided by intuition. The role of synchronicity in research is explored, showing how these connections bring the past to life.

  • The Remy Family: A long-standing historical inaccuracy regarding Florence and Ella Remy, who perished in the Eastland Disaster, is corrected. Contrary to earlier reports, Ella was Florence’s mother, not her sister, highlighting the significance of thorough research.

  • The Tismer Family: A deep dive into the Tismer family's story reveals the tragic loss of four children in the Eastland Disaster. An emotional 1915 newspaper article is read, capturing the family's grief and the early relief efforts that followed the disaster.

  • Correcting Historical Records: The importance of correcting historical inaccuracies is discussed, preserving the integrity of the stories of those who died in the disaster, as demonstrated with the Remy family’s story.

  • The Role of Single Researchers: Contributions of individual researchers and platforms like Find A Grave are highlighted, showing the impact of dedicated individuals in preserving history. Listeners are encouraged to explore their own family histories with diligence and respect.

“They Never Come, Never…”

Excerpt from interview with Tismer family who lost 4 children in the Eastland Disaster.

“They Never Come, Never.

She (Gertrude Tismer, mother) leaned dejectedly against the door. Her eyes were sunken and dark.

"If I could only see them," she sald.

"I think of them al the time. If they would only come bome. But they never come-they never come.*

The tears came and she wiped them away with her apron.

"There was Elizabeth, and Ernest, and Minnie, and Robert-Robert, he was the baby. Robert was 14, Minnie, she was 16, Ernest was two years older, and Elizabeth, she was 24. Ach! All gone-they never come home no more."

Otto moved silently about the rooms.

He stopped beside the piano, but did not touch it…”

—The Chicago Sunday Tribune, September 19, 1915

Note: Robert is also known as Herbert

In this video, we commemorate the 109th anniversary of the Eastland disaster by highlighting the individuals whose stories have been covered in our podcast since November 2023. These untold narratives honor the memory and legacy of those affected by the tragedy. Here is the link to the complete video: https://tinyurl.com/2bps9bvt




natalie zett

I've been a writer, actor, photographer, and musician and have worked as a freelance journalist for magazines and papers since I was in my late teens.

My favorite writing job was working for an award-winning community newspaper in Saint Paul, the Park Bugle.

I’ve also taught others how to write for community newspapers at The Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis, MN. And, during the last few years, I became a family historian.

https://www.flowerintheriver.com
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