Raw Knuckles, Bare Feet: Eastland's Unlikely Heroes
A collage for "Flower in the River Podcast Ep. 76" titled "Raw Knuckles, Bare Feet: Eastland's Unlikely Heroes." ©2024 Natalie Zett.
Rusyn Eastland Connection and More
Welcome to a twist of fate that'll make you believe in historical serendipity! Picture this: I'm knee-deep in Eastland disaster research when BAM! I stumble upon another person of Rusyn ancestry. Now, if you're scratching your head wondering, "Rusyn? What's that?" - don't worry, you're not alone. We're a rare breed, us Rusyns, with roots stretching back to the misty mountains of Eastern Europe.
Usually, if you hear about Rusyn immigrants in America, you’ll hear about tough-as-nails coal miners (like my grandpa) toiling away in the belly of Pennsylvania. So imagine my surprise when I uncovered the tale of a teenage Rusyn boy who found himself smack dab in the middle of Chicago during the Eastland disaster.
But that's just the beginning. This kid's story is about to take us on a wild ride through history that'll make your head spin. Trust me, you won't believe where this Rusyn boy's journey leads him.
And as if one remarkable tale weren't enough, I’ve got another gripping story to share. It's about a different teenager - a young girl who became an unexpected hero on that fateful day of the Eastland disaster. She saved two lives amidst the chaos and then swore off water for good. Talk about a day that changes everything!
So c’mon and dive into two slices of American history that are as surprising as finding... well, a Rusyn at the Eastland disaster! We'll uncover how one Rusyn teenager's Chicago adventure became an incredible lifelong journey, and how a brave young girl's actions in the face of tragedy echoed through time.
Podcast and YouTube links
Raw Knuckles, Bare Feet: Eastland's Unlikely Heroes (podcast link)
Raw Knuckles, Bare Feet: Eastland's Unlikely Heroes (YouTube link)
Rusyn Flag
Michael Strank
November 10, 1919 – March 1, 1945.
Michael Strank was a United States Marine Corps sergeant who is best known for being one of the six flag-raisers immortalized in the iconic photograph of the flag raising on Iwo Jima during World War II.
Born on November 10, 1919, in Jarabina, Czechoslovakia (now Slovakia), Strank was ethnically Rusyn, a distinct Slavic group from the Carpathian Mountain region. He immigrated to the United States with his family as a young child. They settled in Franklin Borough, Pennsylvania, where he grew up in a community that maintained strong ties to their Rusyn heritage.
Strank joined the Marine Corps in 1939 and served in various locations, including Guantanamo Bay and Puerto Rico. During World War II, he participated in several Pacific campaigns, including the Bougainville operation.
On February 23, 1945, Strank was one of the Marines who raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima. This moment was captured in the famous photograph by Joe Rosenthal, which later became the basis for the Marine Corps War Memorial.
Tragically, Strank did not live to see the photograph's impact. He was killed in action on March 1, 1945, just six days after the flag raising, at the age of 25. He was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice.
Michael Strank's legacy as a symbol of American courage and sacrifice continues to inspire many, and his role in one of the most recognizable images of World War II ensures that his memory lives on
Show Notes:
Welcome back to Flower in the River! In this episode, we explore the untold stories of two extraordinary individuals connected to the tragic Eastland Disaster of 1915. These heroes, whose tales have remained largely hidden from history, finally get the recognition they deserve.
First, meet Amelia Schaefer Schmidt, a 15-year-old girl on what was supposed to be a joyous picnic day. Instead, Amelia found herself in a nightmare, surviving the capsizing of the Eastland with sheer determination and courage. Her story, preserved in interviews and newspaper articles, reveals the harrowing details of that day and her incredible bravery in saving a young girl's life.
Next, we uncover the story of Peter Hardy (Hardo), a Rusyn immigrant who, at just 17, found himself rescuing multiple people from the Eastland's wreckage. A man who went on to build a successful life in America, Peter never forgot the screams and chaos of that day. His story is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who rise to the occasion when disaster strikes.
This episode is not just about remembering the tragedy but also about honoring the human spirit's incredible power to persevere and help others, even in the darkest of times. We also take a brief detour into the fascinating world of Rusyn culture, shedding light on the rich history and identity of this often-overlooked ethnic group.
As we wrap up, we reflect on the importance of uncovering and preserving these hidden stories. History is full of forgotten voices, and it's our responsibility to bring them to light.
Links:
Bishop Pavel Gojdic (Rusyn bishop who bravely denounced Nazism)
Father Michal Maslej (Rusyn priest who urged my grandfather’s ancestral village of Oľšavica, Slovakia to protect Jewish neighbors from Nazis)
Andy Zett from Olsavica to Johnstown. My first video was a deeply personal project. I taught myself how to create videos to honor my immigrant grandfather, who tragically lost his life due to his work in the Pennsylvania coal mines. His story had been hidden for many years, and this was my way of bringing it to light.
Sources:
BRIDGEPORT (CT) SUNDAY POST, Sept. 4, 1955
The Daily Herald (Chicago, Illinois) · Thu, Jul 21, 1966
THE HERALD (Chicago, Illinois) - Monday, Sept. 4, 1972
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
