Sons of Norway, Daughters of Tragedy: The Iverson Family's Eastland Story
Louise Iverson Gibson and Mabel Iverson Theil who both died in 1915 on the Eastland.
Podcast Highlights
Podcast Link: Sons of Norway, Daughters of Tragedy: The Iverson Family's Eastland Story
YouTube Link: Sons of Norway, Daughters of Tragedy: The Iverson Family's Eastland Story
One year later…
Marking the one-year milestone of my podcast, I continued with my "sketch" style narrative that honors those touched by the Eastland Disaster.
In focus were the Iversons, a family of Norwegian heritage, whose lives were irrevocably altered that fateful day in 1915 when Louise Iverson Theil and Mabel Iverson Gibson succumbed to the tragedy.
By painting a broad-strokes word portrait of the Iversons' experiences, we get a sense of the strength it took for their family to persevere and forge a path ahead in the face of profound loss.
Summary and show notes
Welcome to a special episode of "Flower in the River" podcast, where we're diving into our first anniversary with a story close to our hearts. This time, we're taking a journey back in time to honor the Iverson family—Norwegian immigrants who made Chicago their home. Their lives took an unimaginable turn during the Eastland Disaster of 1915.
Kicking off today's episode, we're diving in with a gem of a quote from Jacqueline Winspear's cherished Maisie Dobbs series.
Next up, we're time-traveling to turn-of-the-20th-century Chicago for a whirlwind tour of the city's vibrant Norwegian community.
I also share my own connections with the Norwegian community that were forged over lutefisk, green Jello and being involuntarily signed up for a Sons of Norway membership.
Hans Nielsen Hauge 3 April 1771 – 29 March 1824
Hauge Lutheran Church, photo from “Twenty-fifth Anniversary - 1900-1925 - Hauge Lutheran Church”
Mabel Iverson GIbson and Louise Iverson Theil death record from the Hauge Lutheran Church records.
Yes! I renewed my membership after posting this episode. Although I am not a “son” nor “Norwegian” they let me in anyway ;)
