Unraveling the Threads: Capone, Cons, and a Child's Survival
A collage for "Flower in the River Podcast Ep. 73," titled "Unraveling the Threads: Capone, Cons, and a Child's Survival." ©2024 Natalie Zett"
A Kaleidoscope of Stories: Quirks, Scandals, and Secrets
Episode 73 of the podcast opens with some fascinating tales from my family's Chicago past! That said, this was one of the most difficult of episodes to write and produce. The levels to which some go to exploit tragedies and fellow humans is extraordinary.
Did you know my family had a brush with one of the most notorious figures in history? That's right—my uncle's father was an upholsterer for none other than Al Capone himself! 🚗💼 Blindfolded rides to secret locations and all! What could Capone possibly want with an upholsterer? Join me as we explore this curious connection and get a peek into the shadowy world of Cicero, Illinois.
But wait, there’s more! 📰 My Aunt, Pearl Donovan Cerny, worked for the Chicago Daily News, a real-life newsroom adventure that adds a dash of old-school journalism glamour to our family's story.
Unexpected Heroes and Unlikely Villains: Al Capone vs. the Scoundrels
Discover how Al Capone emerges as the lesser evil in this episode, compared to some truly unscrupulous characters tied to the Eastland disaster’s aftermath.
It’s true. Al Capone comes out looking pretty good compared to some scoundrels in the second part of the podcast In this episode, we uncover the troubling story of Doly Schappacher and how some exploited the Eastland Disaster for personal gain. Events like these are sometimes taken advantage of, but this tale of exploitation is truly beyond the pale.
In between these intense moments, we're celebrating the quirky and unexpected stories that make up our family’s rich tapestry. I believe it's important to share these stories, but please listen at your comfort level.
TRIGGER WARNING: A heads-up: we touch on some sensitive topics in the episode, including historical events involving child exploitation and the Eastland disaster's aftermath. I believe it's important to share these stories, but please listen at your comfort level.
A sepia-toned wedding portrait of Pearl Donovan and Miles Cerny from 1938. Pearl, on the left, is wearing a traditional wedding dress with a veil and holding a large bouquet of white flowers and ferns. Miles, on the right, is dressed in a dark suit with a white boutonniere and a tie. Both are gazing slightly to the right with gentle smiles. The photograph is framed in a decorative mat with the photographer's name, Anthony Photographer, and address, 3219 W. Cermak Rd., Chicago, Ill."
The original family chronicler and truth teller Pearl Donovan Cerny. She was also working at the Chicago Daily News during this time.
Annie Pfeiffer Donovan and Pearl Donovan Cerny
A sepia-toned photograph from around 1919 depicting Annie Pfeiffer Donovan holding her young daughter, Pearl Donovan, in the backyard of their home on 27xx W. 23rd Street in Chicago. Annie is dressed in a long skirt and blouse, gazing down affectionately at Pearl, who is nestled in her arms. Pearl is wearing a light-colored dress and looking curiously at the camera. The background shows a wooden fence and foliage, capturing a glimpse of early 20th-century life in Chicago
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
