Storytellers of the Eastland: From Tombstones to Trumpets
A collage for "Flower in the River Podcast Ep. 78" titled "Storytellers of the Eastland: From Tombstones to Trumpets" ©2024 Natalie Zett.
Uncovering Hidden Stories: The Eastland Disaster and Chicago's Jazz Age
In the world of historical research and storytelling, sometimes the most profound discoveries come from unexpected places. This week, I'd like to introduce you to two remarkable storytellers who are shedding new light on an often-overlooked tragedy in American history: the 1915 Eastland disaster in Chicago.
Posts in the Graveyard: Preserving Memories
The first storyteller is Jennifer, the creator of the Instagram page "Posts in the Graveyard." Jennifer's work is a testament to the power of dedication and attention to detail in preserving history. Based in Chicago, she has visited the graves of numerous individuals connected to the Eastland disaster, documenting their stories with stunning photographs and thorough research.
What sets Jennifer's work apart is her commitment to telling the complete story of each person. She doesn't just capture images of gravestones; she delves into who these people were, their family histories, and the impact of the disaster on their lives. Her approach complements and enhances other research efforts, offering a unique perspective on this tragic event.
Jennifer has shared around 51 separate posts about individuals and families tied to the disaster. Her stories are well-researched, heartfelt, and provide valuable insights into the lives affected by this historical event. Her work serves as a powerful reminder that behind every name etched in stone, there's a story waiting to be told.
The Jazz Palace: A Novel Approach to History
The second storyteller is acclaimed author Mary Morris. While known primarily for her travel writing and personal narratives, Morris took a bold step into historical fiction with her novel "The Jazz Palace." This book, which took an astounding 17 years to complete, offers a unique perspective on the Eastland disaster and its lasting impact on Chicago's cultural landscape.
"The Jazz Palace" begins with the Eastland disaster, using it as a pivotal moment that brings together the main characters, Benny Lehrman and Pearl Chimbrova. From this tragic beginning, Morris weaves a tale that spans from 1915 to the late 1920s, exploring the rise of jazz in Chicago and the social changes that accompanied it.
What makes Morris's approach particularly interesting is how she integrates personal history into her narrative. Her father, who was 100 years old at the time of her interview in 2003, had witnessed the Eastland disaster as a boy. This personal connection adds depth and authenticity to her storytelling.
The novel doesn't just focus on the disaster itself, but on its ripple effects through time. It explores how a single event can shape lives, communities, and even entire cultural movements. Through characters like Benny, Pearl, and the fictional jazz prodigy Napoleon Hill, Morris examines themes of survival, identity, and defiance in a rapidly changing society.
The Power of Storytelling in Preserving History
Both Jennifer's meticulous documentation and Mary Morris's sweeping narrative serve a crucial purpose: they keep the memory of the Eastland disaster alive, ensuring that those affected are not forgotten. Their work reminds us that history is not just about dates and facts, but about people and their stories.
These storytellers demonstrate that there are many ways to approach historical events. Whether through careful research and documentation or through the lens of fiction, each method offers unique insights and helps us connect with the past in meaningful ways.
As we reflect on these approaches to storytelling, we're reminded of the words of Annette Simmons: "We don't need more information. We need to know what it means. We need a story that explains what it means and makes us feel like we fit in there somewhere."
In uncovering and sharing these stories, Jennifer and Mary Morris do more than just recount history – they help us understand it, feel it, and see how it connects to our present. Their work serves as an inspiration for all of us to look deeper into the past, to seek out the untold stories, and to find new ways to keep history alive and relevant.
Show Notes: The story of Two Storytellers
In episode 78 of Flower in the River podcast, I explore the power of storytelling through two distinct voices connected to the Eastland disaster.
First, I introduce you to Jennifer from the Instagram page Posts in the Graveyard, a passionate storyteller who preserves the memory of Eastland victims through photographs and stories. I talk about how Jennifer's work adds depth and complements my own research, creating a fuller picture of the lives affected by the disaster.
Next, I dive into The Jazz Palace by Mary Morris, a novel that uses the Eastland disaster as the spark that sets the story in motion. While the book isn't entirely focused on the Eastland, the tragedy ignites the narrative and shapes the direction of the characters' lives. The novel beautifully captures the essence of Chicago during the Jazz Age, weaving a tale of survival, identity, and resilience. I highlight how Morris's storytelling sheds light on both the personal and cultural impacts of the disaster, and I share insights into the novel's themes of loss, music, and change.
I share my reflections on the Eastland and storytelling intertwine with my ongoing mission to honor the forgotten victims of the tragedy, reminding us that stories, more than objects or events, connect us to our shared past.
Links
Storytellers of the Eastland: From Tombstones to Trumpets (podcast link)
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
