Pencils, Presses, and Persistence: The Eastland's News Heroes

Sep 1

EXTRA! EXTRA

History buffs and disaster enthusiasts, prepare for an extraordinary journey! Our latest "Flower in the River" podcast episode plunges into the depths of the 1915 Eastland disaster, revealing the fascinating world of early 20th-century journalism. Ever wondered how news spread like wildfire in the days before social media? We're about to illuminate the incredible speed and tenacity of reporters in the face of tragedy.

This episode pulls back the curtain on the unsung heroes of the Eastland disaster coverage - the determined reporters, editors, and photographers who raced against the clock to bring shocking news to the world. We'll take you inside the frenetic Chicago Tribune newsroom, where journalists leapt into action at a moment's notice, their dedication rivaling any modern-day breaking news team.

But there's more! We've unearthed a hidden treasure - a trade journal called "The Scoop" that offers an insider's perspective on how different newspapers competed to deliver the most comprehensive coverage of this tragic event. It's like discovering a time capsule filled with the thoughts and strategies of 1915's most ambitious journalists.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a journalism aficionado, or simply love a gripping tale, this episode is tailor-made for you. Get ready to be transported to an era when news traveled by telegraph, reporters were renowned for their persistence, and the power of the press was at its zenith. Don't miss this exceptional deep dive into "The Scoop" - it's a story that will stay with you long after the episode ends!

Podcast and YouTube links

Pencils, Presses, and Persistence: The Eastland's News Heroes (podcast link)

Pencils, Presses, and Persistence: The Eastland's News Heroes (YouTube link)

Generative Art that imagines Chicago during the early 20th Century.

Show Notes:

Join me on a thrilling journey through time as we uncover the hidden world of early 20th-century journalism during one of Chicago's darkest hours--the Eastland Disaster of 1915.

Highlights:

My personal pilgrimage to a family grave site that started everything.
The forgotten technology that powered breaking news in 1915
"The Scoop," a trade journal that described the inner workings of Chicago's press
An adrenaline-fueled race against time as reporters covered the Eastland disaster
Unsung heroes who risked it all to bring the truth to light

Fascinating Facts:

Origins of the term "Bulldog Edition" in newspaper lingo
Telegraph technology's role in shaping modern journalism
The Chicago Tribune's staggering deployment of reporters and photographers

Questions to Ponder:

How has journalism evolved since 1915, and what remains the same?
What can we learn from the dedication and resourcefulness of early 20th-century reporters?
In our age of instant digital news, what lessons can we draw from the meticulous fact-checking and collaboration of the past?

Come along as we peel back the layers of history, revealing the human stories behind the headlines and reminding ourselves of journalism's vital role in our society

Newsboys, Chicago Tribune Tower, Linotype Machines, Wireless School

compilation of images of early 20th Century Journalism. Images: Library of Congress. Music: Artlist.

"Newsboys. Hartford, Connecticut, March 1909."

Hine, Lewis Wickes, photographer. "Newsboys. Hartford, Connecticut, March 1909." Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, National Child Labor Committee Collection, LC-DIG-nclc-04109. www.loc.gov/item/2018674564/..

"Illinois - Chicago. Tribune Tower." 1925.

Kaufmann & Fabry Co., photographer. "Illinois - Chicago. Tribune Tower." 1925. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Gottscho-Schleisner Collection, LC-G612-T01-14792. www.loc.gov/item/2018747316/..

"Chicago, Illinois. Linotype machines in the composing room of the Chicago Daily Times."

Vachon, John, photographer. "Chicago, Illinois. Linotype machines in the composing room of the Chicago Daily Times." July 1941. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, LC-USF34-063748-D. www.loc.gov/item/2017796832/.

“Marconi wireless school, New York. Students practicing”

Circa 1920-1930. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, LC-USZ62-128958. www.loc.gov/item/2004677706/.

“Telegraph messenger”

Library of Congress]. (n.d.). Telegraph messenger, Berlin [Photograph]. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Links:

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