Arthur Loeb: The Fake Hero of Real Tragedies
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Introduction
Welcome to episode 68 of Flower in the River called Arthur Loeb: The Fake Hero of Real Tragedies!
Without a doubt, this is the most bizarre podcast I've ever produced. It dives into the perplexing, mind-boggling, and utterly disturbing life of Arthur Loeb—a man who somehow managed to turn heroism into a grotesque charade. Loeb wasn't your garden-variety fraudster; he was a master of deception with a stomach-turning flair for exploiting tragedy. Sadly, disasters like the Eastland attract not just heroes, but also opportunists willing to sink to unthinkable depths, even robbing the dead.
Now, I'll be honest with you, folks. As I unraveled the layers of Arthur's outrageous escapades, I lost all sense of decorum. It took me hours to edit this long episode, making sure I got rid of all the WTFs. The fun part, though, was being able to include every kind of sound effect I could think of to match this man's outrageous life. Yes, it's that kind of episode.
So, grab your popcorn and settle in, because we're about to explore how one man turned tragedy into his personal sideshow. By the end, you might just join me in a collective, exasperated chuckle at the sheer audacity of Arthur Loeb.
Meet Arthur Loeb: The Fake Hero of Real Tragedies
Trigger warning: there is a brief mention of suicide in this episode.
Hey there, folks. Pull up a chair and let me tell you about one of the most audacious characters you’ve probably never heard of – Arthur Loeb. This Chicago-born trickster took advantage of a terrible tragedy and turned it into his own personal gain. It’s a wild ride, so hang on tight.
The Tragic Springboard
Back in 1915, the SS Eastland tragically capsized in the Chicago River, and over 800 lives were lost. Most people were heartbroken, but Arthur Loeb saw an opportunity. Just four days after the disaster, he was caught hanging around the wreck, supposedly helping recover bodies. But, get this – he was also accused of robbing corpses. I know, it sounds like something out of a movie, but it really happened.
A Free Man, A Bolder Scam
Amazingly, Loeb wasn’t locked up for long. Instead of keeping a low profile, he cranked up his schemes. He claimed he saved 38 lives and recovered 67 bodies from the Eastland. He even said he got a heroic medal and a cash prize from the Carnegie Hero Fund. All of it was pure fiction, of course.
The Unstoppable Yarn Spinner
But Arthur didn’t stop there. He added more and more wild tales, like diving into the Cleveland Tunnel explosion and plunging deep into a ship’s hull in Honolulu Harbor. He even said he had a broken blood vessel in his brain and a fractured skull from his so-called Eastland heroics. Quite the storyteller, wasn’t he?
From Love to Lies
Loeb wasn’t just faking heroics. He also got into serial marriages and pretended to be all sorts of professionals – from a diver to a film director. At one point, he even exhibited a whale, calling himself a whaling ship captain. You just can’t make this stuff up.
Hollywood Hustler
Even in the 1940s, Arthur was in Hollywood, spinning tales about his involvement in films he had nothing to do with. His boldness knew no bounds. He was actually caught many times throughout his life, but always sprang back.
The Legacy of Lies
Arthur Loeb’s story is a wild reminder of the power of a good (though fake) story and the importance of skepticism. Before the days of instant fact-checking, he played on emotions and exploited tragedies for personal gain. His tale serves as a caution: in the face of disaster, some folks see opportunity, and not always the noble kind.
Arthur Loeb Meets the Grim Reaper
Arthur Loeb finally meets someone he cannot scam!
But there’s one character that all of us will meet—the Grim Reaper. Arthur met him at the Gift Shop of the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas when Arthur was 68 years old.
Conclusion:
Arthur Loeb’s tale is a humorous yet sobering reminder of the lengths to which some will go for attention and recognition. His story serves as a lesson to stay informed, skeptical, and always double-check the facts. Join me next time as we continue to uncover the hidden histories of the Eastland Disaster and its many characters.
As we honor the true heroes of tragedies like the Eastland disaster, let’s remember to keep our guard up against the Loebs of the world. By doing so, we ensure history remembers the genuine stories of loss, resilience, and recovery that define our human experience.
Documentation
Note: This story is based on deep dives into old newspaper archives and public records. While we’ve done our best to get the facts straight, history, especially with characters like Arthur Loeb, can sometimes be a bit fuzzy. I have documented and cited the sources for this story have posted a partial list here:
A partial list of sources cited in episode 68 of Flower in the River Podcast. Click on image to open the spreadsheet.
The Ongoing Need for Fact-Checking
Don’t believe everything you read!
Arthur Loeb's case presents a challenge in historical research. While his con artistry is well-documented, some sources still portray him as a hero. This misleading narrative has spread across various websites.
This situation serves as a perfect example of why critical thinking is crucial when researching history and genealogy. It reminds us that even widely shared information can sometimes be inaccurate.
=> TIP If you spot misinformation, please don’t just scroll past it—take action! Start by citing your sources, then reach out to the website hosting the information. Most sites have a "Report an Error" or "Contact Us" option—use it! Your heads-up could help stop the spread of false info and keep history accurate. We all make mistakes in genealogy and history, but organizations and individuals who care about high standards will gladly make corrections. (I’ve done this a few times, and the responses have been really positive!)
While you're at it, double-check your own sources. Cross-referencing information across multiple reliable sources is a great habit to develop.
Serious fact-checking reporter in a 1940s newsroom
Remember to do exhaustive (exhausting) research and cite your sources! You’ll be glad you did!
Every time you verify a fact or report an inaccuracy, you're helping to preserve true history. It's like solving a puzzle, with each accurate piece bringing the full picture into clearer focus.
Keep up the great work, genalogy/history buffs! Your attention to detail and commitment to truth make a real difference. Happy researching, and may your historical quests always lead you to fascinating discoveries!
Closing Quote
“Genealogists are the new historians. We no longer just do family trees, we uncover the lives of everyday people and highlight their struggles and triumphs. Its more relatable than repeat stories from textbooks, and will be the history people remember of this country.” - Denys Allen, PA Ancestors
Links:
Arthur Loeb: The Fake Hero of Real Tragedies (Podcast link).
Arthur Loeb: The Fake Hero of Real Tragedies (YouTube link).
Search Heroes – Carnegie Hero Fund Commission (here, you WON”T find Arthur Loeb!)
