The Eastland: Prelude to Disaster (1914-1915)- Part 4
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NOTE: This account is adapted from information originally published by the Eastland Memorial Society, whose website is no longer active but can be accessed through the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine.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.
The 1914 Season
The Eastland's return to Lake Michigan in 1914 marked the beginning of its final chapter:
On June 10, 1914, inspector Robert Reid certified the Eastland to carry 2,045 passengers.
Captain Claude Ennes and Chief Engineer Donaldson were initially retained from the Lake Erie service.
New Leadership
Captain Harry Pedersen took command on June 26, 1914:
Born in Norway in 1860, emigrated to the U.S. in 1885
Obtained his pilot's license in 1896 and master's license a few years later
Had 14 years of experience, mainly with freighters and yachts
Peter Robertson became chief engineer for the 1914 season
During this season, the Eastland rarely carried over 1,000 passengers, except on weekends.
The 1914 Western Electric Picnic
Hawthorne Works picnic poster 1914. ©2024 Natalie Zett
The annual Western Electric Hawthorne Club picnic foreshadowed events to come:
The Indiana Transportation Company chartered the Eastland for the event.
Destination: Washington Park, Michigan City, Indiana
The picnic offered an escape from Chicago's crowded, unsanitary conditions.
The Eastland reached full capacity (2,045 passengers) on July 25, 1914, for this event.
Despite some logistical issues, the 1914 picnic was a success.
The La Follette Seaman's Act
In response to the Titanic disaster:
- Senator Robert LaFollette sponsored a bill to improve seaman's rights and passenger safety.
- Signed into law on March 4, 1915, effective November 1915
- Required increased life-saving devices and reduced licensed passenger capacity
The 1915 Season: Modifications and Changes
Several significant changes occurred before the 1915 season:
1. Leadership Change:
Joseph M. Erickson, 32, replaced Robertson as chief engineer
Erickson's experience was primarily with more stable vessels like car ferries and freighters
2. Physical Modifications:
Addition of six life rafts and three lifeboats (June 1915)
Rearrangement of certain compartments
Replacement of decking with concrete in the 'tween deck dining room and main deck near aft gangways
These changes further reduced the ship's stability
3. Capacity Increase:
Despite the pending La Follette Act, the Eastland's licensed capacity was increased to 2,500 passengers
This was more than double what would have been allowed under the new law
Setting the Stage for Disaster
The cumulative effect of these changes was significant:
The Eastland's top-heavy condition was amplified.
The ship became precarious when fully loaded.
However, like in 1914, the Eastland rarely reached full capacity.
The stage was set for the upcoming Western Electric picnic on July 24, 1915. The Hawthorne Club, unaware of the looming danger, eagerly prepared for their annual event. Little did they know that this day would mark one of the worst maritime disasters in American history.
