Divers of the Day
Page 29 of The Day Book from Monday, July 26, 1915. The headline reads 'The Death Procession,' featuring a black and white photograph of policemen carrying a body off the ship 48 hours after the Eastland careened. The caption below the image describes the scene. An article below the image titled 'Divers in Eastland Have Narrow Escapes' recounts the dangerous efforts of divers involved in the rescue and recovery operations, mentioning specific incidents of divers struggling with their equipment and the subsequent efforts to pull them to safety. The article also notes the recovery of 25 bodies by Columbia Yacht Club divers and mentions the organization of city doctors to combat an expected typhoid fever outbreak among survivors.
Bravery in the Depths: The Crucial Role of Rescue Divers in the Eastland Disaster
Rescue and recovery divers played a crucial role in the aftermath of the Eastland Disaster, as they were instrumental in locating and retrieving victims trapped in the capsized vessel. In 1915, diving methods, technologies, suits, and equipment were significantly less advanced than today's standards. Divers used bulky, cumbersome diving suits made of heavy rubberized fabric, often paired with brass helmets connected to surface air pumps via long hoses. Communication between divers and surface teams was rudimentary, typically relying on pull signals on the lifeline, as electronic communication devices were not yet available. The visibility underwater was extremely poor due to the murky waters of the Chicago River, complicating rescue efforts further. Despite these challenges, the bravery and skills of the divers were essential in recovering hundreds of bodies, providing closure for grieving families and aiding in the overall recovery operations.
Charles Guderson’s obituary from the Milwaukee Journal, Nov 7 1955.
“Diver in 1915 Disaster, Charles Gunderson, Dies Chicago, Ill.-UP-Charles Gunderson, veteran deep sea diver who helped recover bodies from the ill fated Eastland excursion steamer disaster in 1915, died Sunday. He was 87. Gunderson worked almost continuously for four days in the gigantic recovery operation. He said he lost count after he had recovered 100 bodies. The Eastland, with 2.500 passengers aboard, sank July 24. 1915, with a loss of 812 lives after capsizing on the Chicago river.” - Charles Guderson’s obituary from the Milwaukee Journal, Nov 7 1955.
People mentioned in this story
Charles Gunderson, diver.
Captain Dan Donovan, diver.
The Day Book
The *Day Book* was a groundbreaking newspaper published in Chicago from 1911 to 1917. It was unique for its time, being one of the few newspapers in the United States to operate on a policy of not accepting any advertisements. This model was designed to provide unbiased news free from the influence of advertisers. The *Day Book* was founded by E.W. Scripps, a newspaper magnate committed to progressive causes and journalism that served the public interest.
The newspaper aimed to provide honest and straightforward reporting on issues affecting ordinary people, particularly focusing on labor rights, social justice, and economic inequality. Its target audience was primarily the working class, and it sought to present news from a perspective that highlighted their struggles and triumphs.
In terms of content, the *Day Book* covered a wide range of topics, including local and national news, social issues, labor disputes, and political affairs. It also featured investigative journalism that exposed corruption and championed reform. Despite its innovative approach and dedication to unbiased reporting, the *Day Book* faced financial difficulties due to its no-advertising policy. These challenges ultimately led to its closure in 1917.
The *Day Book* remains a significant example of early 20th-century journalism that prioritized editorial independence and served as a voice for the underrepresented. Its legacy is remembered for its commitment to progressive values and its role in advocating for social change.
