The Eastland on Lake Erie: 1907-1914 - Part 3
Before the SS Eastland became infamous for the 1915 disaster in Chicago, it had a complex and troubled history. This blog post explores the early life of the Eastland, from its construction to the years leading up to the tragedy.
ACCURACY: New findings may make some of this information obsolete and/or inaccurate.
NOTE: This account is adapted from information originally published by the Eastland Memorial Society, whose website is no longer active but can be accessed through the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine. They did a great job and deserve recognition for their early work.
New Ownership and Routes (1907-1909)
The Lake Shore Navigation Company acquired the Eastland in 1907, initially planning a route from Cleveland to Cedar Point to Toledo and back. This was soon simplified to a Cleveland to Cedar Point route only. In 1909, ownership changed again with the formation of the Eastland Navigation Company, and Merwin S. Thompson became the new captain.
Eastland - upright and probably on Lake Erie.
Cedar Point: A New Home
Cedar Point, a 364-acre peninsula near Sandusky, had become a world-class resort under George A. Boeckling's management. To accommodate the Eastland, Boeckling constructed a new dock on the western end of the peninsula and a scenic walkway to the resort.
The Eastland quickly became a beloved fixture:
It often departed Cleveland with its steam calliope playing popular tunes.
In 1911, a waltz titled "On The Boat Eastland" was commissioned and frequently played.
Night Cruises and Dancing
The Eastland gained popularity for its nighttime entertainment:
It offered moonlight cruises with dancing for 25 cents per passenger.
The ship's dance floor and orchestra were highly regarded.
Illuminated night cruises became a spectacular sight on Lake Erie.
Addressing Stability Concerns
Rumors of instability persisted, leading the Eastland Navigation Company to take action:
On August 9, 1910, they placed newspaper ads offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who could prove the ship unsafe.
No records indicate that anyone claimed this reward.
Modifications and Incidents (1909-1912)
Several changes were made to the ship during this period:
After the 1909 season, the remaining 39 cabins were removed.
In 1912, Captain Claude Ennes replaced Captain Thompson.
The top sections of the smokestacks were removed, possibly to reduce top-heaviness.
Despite these changes, stability issues persisted:
On July 1, 1912, the Eastland experienced a severe 25-degree list while loading passengers in Cleveland.
The Titanic's Impact and Schantz's Prophecy
Following the Titanic disaster in April 1912:
The Eastland's licensed capacity was reduced from 2,200 to 2,000.
A.A. Schantz, general manager of the Detroit and Cleveland Navigation Company, warned in 1914 Congressional hearings that additional lifeboat requirements could make Great Lakes vessels top-heavy and prone to capsizing.
Financial Struggles and Sale
The Eastland operated at a loss on Lake Erie, accumulating between $175,000 and $200,000 in total losses. Consequently:
At the end of the 1913 season, the Eastland was put up for sale.
On June 1, 1914, the St. Joseph-Chicago Steamship Company purchased the Eastland for $150,000, following Schantz's recommendation.
Return to Lake Michigan
The Eastland returned to Lake Michigan service on June 14, 1914, beginning a new chapter in its history. Unbeknownst to all, this move would eventually lead to the fulfillment of Schantz's ominous prophecy about top-heavy vessels on the Great Lakes.
