From Hoboken to Hawthorne: Martha Willig's Untold Story
A collage featuring various historical elements related to Martha Willig, Western Electric, New York, Hoboken, and the Eastland Disaster.
What if moving away from one disaster only set you on a collision course with another?
Featured in “From Hoboken to Hawthorne: Martha Willig's Untold Story”
In the world of historical research, there are moments when you stumble upon a piece of history so profound and forgotten that it feels like unearthing a hidden treasure. This is one of those moments. For decades, the story of Martha Willig, a 19-year-old Western Electric employee who survived the 1915 Eastland disaster, remained mostly unseen in any literature or website. However, there was one exception—an old newspaper that wasn’t even at the top of my research list. I am thrilled to share her tale, which I discovered in an old edition of the Hudson Observer. This very well may be the first time in over a hundred years that Martha's harrowing account is being shared.
From Hoboken to Chicago: The Journey of Western Electric Employees
When people think of the Eastland Disaster—if they think of it at all—they often pin it down as a Chicago tragedy. But, surprise! This event has its tentacles spreading all the way to places like New York and New Jersey.
Between 1900 and 1915, Western Electric was making waves in the Big Apple and beyond, with a major presence in New York City. As the company flourished, it decided to shuffle things around, relocating many employees to the bustling Hawthorne Works in Chicago. People from all over came to work there, bringing diverse backgrounds and stories. This move was a golden ticket to new opportunities, but little did they know, it was also setting the stage for one of history's most heart-wrenching tragedies.
The Willig, Kruse, and Larsen Families
Among the relocated employees were members of the Willig, Kruse, and Larsen families. These individuals, descendants of immigrants from Ireland, England, Germany, and Norway, were about to make history—but not in the way they’d ever dreamed of.
On July 24, 1915, Martha Willig, her brother William, her brother-in-law Louis Kruse, and her fiancé Otto Larsen boarded the Eastland for what was supposed to be a fun company outing. But tragedy struck, and the day took a dark turn. Heartbreakingly, only Martha, William, and Otto survived.
Martha's Letter: A Survivor's Harrowing Account
Martha's letter to her sister Lou, reprinted in the Hudson Observer on July 28, 1915, provides a vivid and heart-wrenching description of the disaster:
"We thought it was only a joke until it was almost on top of us. Then we knew what was coming. All we could do was hold on to the rail of the boat... Otto kept climbing up the deck until we reached the top. When she turned over, we were on her side."
Martha credits Otto Larsen with saving her life, describing how he held her tight and guided her to safety amidst the chaos. Her brother William was also rescued, albeit severely shaken. Louis Kruse, tragically, was not so fortunate.
A Legacy Rediscovered
The significance of this discovery cannot be overstated. Martha's account, previously lost to history, sheds more light on the personal experiences of those who lived through the Eastland disaster. Her vivid narrative provides a firsthand glimpse into the terror and confusion of that fateful day.
Martha and Otto's story did not end with the disaster. They married in 1916, lived in Hoboken, and eventually settled in Downsville, New York, raising a family. Their legacy, like many others affected by the Eastland Disaster, is a heart-wrenching reminder of the perseverance and resolve of the human spirit.
Celebrating Rediscovered Stories
Uncovering stories like Martha's is crucial for keeping history alive. It reminds us of the importance of preserving and sharing these narratives, ensuring they are not forgotten. As we continue to explore the past, we honor those who came before us and learn from their experiences.
This discovery is not just about adding another name to the list of Eastland survivors; it's about giving a voice to someone who, for over a century, had none. It's about ensuring that the memories of all who experienced the Eastland disaster are recognized and remembered.
Never Ending Story
The Eastland Disaster may have faded into the background of national memory, but stories like Martha Willig's bring it roaring back to the forefront. As we uncover more forgotten histories, we continue to weave a richer, more inclusive tapestry of our past.
Martha Willig’s story is just one of the many that I’ve uncovered since I began exploring the lives of other families affected by the Eastland Disaster. The biggest shock, and what continues to astonish me, is how few of these stories have been told.
Over 800 were lost, countless more survived, and many witnessed and participated in the rescues. So rather than saying “the end,” I’ll leave you with this: "To be continued... because history's not done with us yet."
People mentioned in this story
Martha Willig Larsen - Survivor
Otto Larsen - Survivor
William Willig (Martha WIllig’s brother - Survivor)
Rose Willig Kruse (Martha and William WIllig’s sister; Louise Kruse’s widow)
Julia Pfeiffer Rohr and Anna Rohr (relatives of Natalie Zett)
Links:
Hudson Observer, July 28, 1915
Martha Willig’s survivor’s tale.
Louis Kruse obituary from 31 July 1915 Chicago Tribune
Error: Martha Twillage should be Martha Willig.
Error: Louis was initially buried in Mt. Carmel Cemetery (Chicago) and reinterred in Holy Name Cemetery and Mausoleum in Jersey CIty, NJ
Error: Otto Larson should be Otto Larsen.
