Badge-Worthy Bravery and the Journalist Who Missed the Boat
A tale of heroism and happenstance: Floyd Cameron Smith earned his badge for bravery during the Eastland disaster, while journalist Harlan E. Babcock missed the ill-fated boat but still captured the tragedy through his reporting. Both men’s stories are explored in Episode 79 of the Flower in the River podcast
When Courage Met Circumstance: Heroes and Witnesses of the Eastland Disaster
What if a single event could forever change the fate of countless families and an entire city? In this episode of Flower in the River, we explore more untold stories surrounding the 1915 Eastland disaster, a tragedy that left deep scars on Chicago and beyond.
We begin with Ann Smith’s riveting family history, offering a window into the heroic efforts of her grandfather, Floyd Cameron Smith. When the Eastland capsized in the Chicago River, Floyd leaped into action, pulling people from the water and saving lives. His bravery did not go unnoticed; he was recognized by the Cook County Coroner’s Office for his valiant efforts, a badge of honor that remains a treasured piece of family history. Ann also shares the story of her maternal grandfather, Jay Bates, whose near-miss with the Eastland spared him from the disaster but left his family with a profound sense of “what could have been.” Through Ann’s personal accounts, we gain a rare glimpse into the lives forever shaped by that fateful day.
Shifting gears, we turn to the fascinating story of Harlan E. Babcock, a Chicago Herald journalist who narrowly missed boarding the Eastland himself. Babcock’s sharp reporting captured the heartbreak, horror, and heroism of the day with a blend of journalistic precision and personal depth. His unique perspective and the collaborative efforts of the Herald team brought the tragedy to life for readers across the city, setting the stage for how disasters would be covered for years to come. Babcock’s account serves as a reminder of the critical role journalism played in informing the public, while also shaping the narrative of one of Chicago’s most devastating days.
Finally, we revisit the chaotic morning of July 24, 1915, when the Eastland disaster unfolded in the blink of an eye. Imagine the sheer terror as the ship tipped over in the river, leaving hundreds trapped or thrown into the water. The Western Electric Company employees and their families, out for a day of celebration, suddenly found themselves in a nightmare. Crew members, dock workers, and bystanders—like Floyd Cameron Smith—became heroes as they risked their lives to save others, while others fought desperately for their own survival. In recounting these stories, we honor the bravery and resilience of a community facing unimaginable loss.
As we wrap up this episode, we tease the fascinating stories yet to come. The legacy of the Eastland disaster continues to unfold, and through the voices of those who lived it—or narrowly escaped it—we ensure that their memory lives on.
Links
Badge-Worthy Bravery and the Journalist Who Missed the Boat (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
