Trading Places, Trading Fates
Ever wondered how the tragedies of the past can shape the inspiration of the present?
Note: These are the podcast show notes
Please join me on an emotional journey through my family history in Trading Places, Trading Fates (Episode 20 of Flower in the River Podcast), where I delve into the haunting tale of the Eastland Disaster that forever marked my lineage. As an author and family historian, I continue to share my personal rumination on how this historical event led me to uncover my roots and find creative inspiration.
In this narrative, I take a deep dive into the tragic yet inspiring story of my great aunt Martha Pfeiffer, one of the victims of the Eastland Disaster. A simple exchange of tickets between my grandmother and Martha sealed her fate, serving as a poignant reminder of how a small piece of paper can profoundly alter lives.
Join me as I shed light on the importance of family stories and the responsibility we have to honor the legacy of our ancestors. Through the compassionate lens of Jun Fujita, we discover the heart-wrenching beauty captured in the aftermath of this tragedy.
Let this episode inspire you to start your own journey into the past, fostering courage, connection, and the uncovering of your own sacred stories. Exploring our roots can have a transformative power, shaping our creativity and perception of freedom.
In 1910, the Eastland, the “Speed Queen of the Great Lakes,” was getting some great reviews !
The Eastland in 1910. Lovely though she was, she had a reputation as being a “cranky” ship.
Alverda sent this postcard to her mother on July 20, 1910—just five years before the Eastland Disaster. She wrote, “Dear Mother, this leaves us both well and hope it will find you the same. Aunt Jennie and Bertha were to see us last week and we all took a ride on this boat. from Alverda” I wonder if Alverda, Aunt Jennie and Aunt Bertha ever learned how fortunate they were?
This was the type of ticket that my grandmother, a Western Electric employee, gave to her younger sister. It turned out to be a one-way ticket for Martha Pfeiffer and 843 others on July 24, 1915.
Trading Places, Trading Fates mashup.
In this episode, I also mention Jun Fujita, photojournalist and so much more. Fujita was on the scene the day of the disaster, and I will devote a blog to him!
Here’s the link to the podcast. Trading Places, Trading Fates, Ep. 20, Flower in the River podcast.
