Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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In this episode, I open with a poignant story about my mother’s friend Donna—a moment of compassion that left an indelible mark on my life. It’s a small, tender memory, but one that unlocks a much bigger story—one of the most compelling and overlooked accounts I’ve come across in my research on the Eastland disaster.

Now, picture this: Chicago, July 1915. A young writer, already living on the edge of convention, leans against a bridge railing, lost in thought. Suddenly, chaos erupts. The Eastland, a ship loaded with unsuspecting passengers, capsizes right before his eyes. Jack Woodford—writer, observer, dreamer—is frozen in time. What he witnesses changes him forever, but it’s not just the event itself that leaves a mark. It’s how he chooses to capture it. His words are raw, immediate, philosophical—striking in a way no other account of the disaster dares to be.

And yet, history tucked his testimony away, like a forgotten page in an old book. Why? That question gnawed at me, pulling me deeper into Jack’s life. He wasn’t just an eyewitness; he was a man who lived boldly. From churning out pulp novels to crafting how-to writing guides, from brushes with Hollywood’s glamour to clashes with the law, Jack Woodford was a force to be reckoned with.

In this episode, we unravel Jack’s story—his life, his work, his haunting connection to the Eastland disaster. We’ll dive into the immediate chaos he captured so vividly and the philosophical musings that followed. Along the way, we’ll confront some uncomfortable truths: who gets to decide which stories matter? Why do some voices echo through time, while others disappear?

Join me as we bridge the gap between past and present, exploring not just the disaster but the lasting ripples it sends through all our lives. This is about more than a tragedy. It’s about memory, resilience, and the power of storytelling to shape how we see ourselves and the world around us.

Resources

• Trial and error : a key to the secret of writing and selling (Internet Archive)
• Rakuten Kobo (Kobo Books)

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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In today's episode, I speak with Erin McBrien, Interim Curator at the Upper Midwest Literary Archives (University of Minnesota), to explore the fascinating world behind preserving our collective stories.

Highlights:

• Step inside a real-life treasure vault: 80 feet underground in limestone caverns(!) where priceless historical materials are preserved
• From famous horror magazines to immigrant stories: Erin shares her path from South Dakota to becoming the guardian of Midwestern literary history
• Learn why preserving "ordinary" people's stories matters just as much as famous authors
• Discover how my research for both my family and the other people of the Eastland will find a permanent, accessible home at UMLA
• Explore the challenges of preserving digital history in an AI age (and why that matters to all of us)
• Find out why you don't need to be a scholar to access these amazing collections - they're for everyone!

Fun Facts:

• The archive is housed in underground caverns with perfect temperature and humidity control
• Erin worked with materials from Forrest Ackerman, the legendary founder of Famous Monsters magazine (I had a total fan moment about this!)
• The collections include everything from handwritten letters to protest materials to adoption records
• Every piece of history they preserve becomes publicly accessible - no gatekeeping here

Quote of the Episode: "There is no point to us saving this if people do not engage with it." - Erin McBrien

Whether you're a history buff, writer, researcher, or just curious about the stories that shape our communities, this episode offers a glimpse into how we ensure important histories aren't lost to time.

Links:

• Upper Midwest Literary Archives 
• Robert Bly 
• John Berryman
• Carol Bly
• Forrest J Ackerman

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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It’s time to explore the remarkable life of Margaret Dreier Robins, a powerful yet often overlooked voice in the Eastland disaster narrative. Born into privilege in 1868, Margaret chose to dedicate her life to labor reform and women's rights, becoming a pivotal figure in Chicago's social justice movement.

Key points:

• Margaret's early life and her transition from New York socialite to social reformer
• Her work with the Women's Trade Union League and Hull House alongside Jane Addams
• Her crucial but largely forgotten warnings about the Eastland's dangers before the 1915 disaster
• The shocking disparity in passenger limits: 143 for regular service vs 2,500 for excursion trips
• Her fierce advocacy for proper investigation after the tragedy
• Her tireless work schedule (6 AM to 2 AM) managing both the disaster aftermath and ongoing labor reforms
•  Margaret’s husband, Raymond Robins, is equally intriguing— particularly his mysterious 1932 disappearance while en route to meet President Hoover. Found two months later in North Carolina living under an assumed name, his story adds another layer to Margaret's already compelling narrative.

 Resources mentioned:

• Margaret Dreier Robins: Her Life, Letters and Work (1950) by Mary E. Dreier
• “Women Had Issued Warning on Eastland.” Chicago Times Examiner, August 9, 1915

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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*Content warning: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide*

In this episode of Season 3, I explore two powerful stories from the 1915 Eastland disaster in Chicago that showcase both heroism and devastating loss.

Meet Captain Dan Donovan: Chicago's Hero Diver

I take you into the world of early 20th century Chicago with Captain Dan Donovan, the city's chief diver whose extraordinary career spanned decades. From battling ice-choked waters to maintain Chicago's crucial water infrastructure to his heroic work during the Eastland disaster, Donovan's story is one of incredible bravery and dedication.

 Some highlights from Captain Donovan's remarkable life:

- Recovered 148 bodies from the Eastland disaster

- Served as Chicago's chief diver from 1898

- Known for taking on the most dangerous underwater missions

- Performed an eight-hour continuous dive at 40 feet deep in 1898

- Remained active until his death at age 68 aboard a tugboat

A Love Story Cut Short: John and Fanny Salak

I also share the heartbreaking tale of John and Fanny Salak, a young couple whose story exemplifies a profound truth about the disaster: some people "didn't die on the Eastland, but they died of the Eastland." Married in 1913, their lives were forever changed when the Eastland capsized. Fanny perished in the disaster, and John, unable to bear the loss, followed just days later.

 My Research Approach

- Newspaper archives

- Genealogical records

- Family histories

- Municipal records

- Personal stories

 The episode emphasizes the importance of thorough documentation and proper citations in historical research, drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Schoen Mills' approach: "An ancestor is not a name and a set of dates on a chart. An ancestor was a living, breathing human being with a heart and soul."

Links:

• Elizabeth Shown Mills reveals her secret to success in genealogy
• Historic Pathways Elizabeth Shown Mills
• Evidence Explained

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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Content Note: This episode deals with themes of death and misidentification. Please listen with care.

In episode 94 of Flower in the River, I’m diving into one of the most puzzling mysteries of the Eastland Disaster: the case of Emma Meyer and the confusion surrounding Victim #571. What started as a chance discovery during an archival search turned into a whirlwind of genealogical digging and conflicting records that left me completely floored.

Here’s what I uncovered:

• The tangled story of two women, both named Emma, whose lives and deaths became eerily entwined.
• The challenges faced by families and investigators in identifying victims after the disaster.
• How genealogy became my compass in untangling conflicting newspaper accounts and historical records.

This is a story filled with twists, turns, and unanswered questions. It’s a reminder of the chaos, confusion, grief, and extraordinary resilience of those who lived through the Eastland Disaster. I hope you’ll join me as I piece together the puzzle and honor these lives in the process.

Resources:

• Inital article accessed via HeritageHub through the St. Paul Public Library.
• Dziennik Chicagoski
• Chicago Tribune, July 29, 1915, “Exhumed Body of Eastland Victim Buried in Error,”

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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This week, I’m diving into the touching story of Lane Technical High School students who tragically lost their lives in the Eastland disaster of 1915. These weren’t just names on a list—they were vibrant young men with big futures ahead of them. From a baseball captain to a Moody Church Sunday School member, I’ll take you through their personal histories and the incredible ways their school honored them after the tragedy.

 Here’s what I’ll cover in this episode:

• Lane Tech’s incredible legacy as Chicago’s first technical high school and its impact during the city’s booming industrial age.
• How Lane Tech students created a memorial edition of their school newspaper to raise funds for Eastland relief efforts—just days after the disaster.
• The importance of digging deep into archives to uncover untold stories, and why it’s so important to bring them to light.
• Follow-up on Frank Fuka, the amateur boxer I talked about last week, and how his story brought new listeners to the podcast.
• As always, this episode is about more than just names and dates. It’s about honoring lives, connecting the past to the present, and keeping these stories alive. Whether you’re into genealogy, Chicago history, or just love hearing about the incredible lives of everyday people, this episode has something for you.

Links and Source:

• Chicago Tribune. (1915, July 31). Lane Tech Boys Pay Tribute to Their Dead.
• Lane Tech History
• Go Lane Go (Lane Tech song), Written by Jack T. Nelson, class of 1915 
• The Moody Church
• Wesley, C. (1738). And Can It Be. Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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This episode opens with my reflection on our podcast's year-end Buzzsprout statistics, which revealed some surprising reach - listeners in 17 countries, 49 episodes (soon to be 52--I hope!), and 1,910 downloads. I share my special appreciation for our unexpected following in Coloma, Wisconsin (population abt. 460), where an incredible 33% of the village has become loyal listeners.

 I discuss how this podcast has evolved from simply telling my family's story into a broader mission of documenting and preserving the many untold stories of the Eastland disaster. As I mention, some of these episodes seem to "write themselves," similar to Jim Harold's observation about his Campfire podcast, where themes naturally emerge and converge sometimes.

 The main story focuses on Frank Fuka, a 19-year-old Western Electric worker and amateur boxer who fought under the name "Young Hanlon." Through detailed genealogical research, I uncovered how this young man lived a remarkable double life – working as an assembler by day while making a name for himself in the boxing rings of Chicago and surrounding areas.

 I share the story of Frank's family, including the tragic coincidence that his brother Stanley also died in 1915, just months after Frank, from a reported rabies infection. The episode explores the Fuka family's life in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, and Frank's early start in the workforce at around age 14.

 A highlight of my research reveals Frank's victory in the 135-pound division at the Irwin Opera House in St. Charles, Illinois. I explore the rich history of this venue and its significance in the local boxing scene. The episode also features a fascinating tangent about women's boxing in 1915, including society women paying $25 an hour for boxing lessons - a surprising discovery that challenges our assumptions about the era.

 The story comes full circle as I share the remarkable achievements of Frank's niece and nephew - one becoming a Bronze Star recipient and Illinois EPA director, the other a pioneering feminist who helped establish NOW's Sacramento chapter. Their accomplishments leave us wondering what Frank might have achieved had his life not been cut short.

 Key Points:

• Frank Fuka worked at Western Electric for 5 years before his death
• He boxed under the name "Young Hanlon"
• His family lived in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago
• The episode includes details about amateur boxing in early 20th century Chicago
• Surprising connections to women's boxing in 1915
• The lasting impact of the Fuka family legacy through his niece and nephew

Links and Sources:

• St. Charles, IL - Encyclopedia of Chicago
• St. Charles History Museum
• The Chicago Inter Ocean, March 8, 1914.

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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Episode Description:

Welcome to Episode 91 of Flower in the River! This week, we’re diving into two extraordinary stories from the Eastland disaster, showcasing why history is about people—not just numbers. 

We’ll explore the firsthand account of E.J. Smith, an engineer who witnessed the Eastland aftermath and painted a vivid picture of the chaos, heartbreak, and heroism. Then, we’ll meet Orvin T. Havey, a young survivor who saved lives in the midst of tragedy and went on to live a remarkable life full of creativity and generosity.

But that’s not all! I also share a special update about my recent appearance on Jim Harold’s Campfire podcast—a true honor for me. If you’re curious about the supernatural side of family history or just love a good goosebumps-inducing story, don’t miss it. (Link in the show notes!)

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How E.J. Smith’s analytical mind and compassionate spirit captured the harrowing aftermath of the Eastland disaster.
• The heroic actions of Orvin Havey, who saved multiple lives during the tragedy and carried that resolve into an extraordinary life of service and success.
• Why numbers alone don’t tell the full story of the Eastland disaster—and why digging deeper matters.
• A sneak peek into my recent appearance on Jim Harold’s Campfire podcast, where I shared personal stories that tie family history and the supernatural together in unexpected ways.

Why This Episode Matters:

History is more than just dates and statistics. It’s about people—their courage, their heartbreak, and their legacies. This week’s episode is a reminder that the Eastland disaster wasn’t just a moment in time; it was a series of deeply human stories that continue to resonate today.

Special Shoutout:

Thank you to Jim Harold for featuring me on his Campfire podcast! Sharing my stories there was such a meaningful experience, and I’m thrilled to connect with listeners who love diving into the unexplained. If you haven’t listened yet, you can catch my segment starting at 12:13—but don’t skip the other incredible stories on the episode!

Links:

• An historic Madison iceboat may race again
• The Haunted Coffee Shop - Jim Harold’s Campfire 685
• Ice Boat Foundation

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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The 1915 Eastland disaster cast a long shadow over Chicago, and many stories from that day remain hidden—often in plain sight! This week, we’re uncovering more overlooked narratives to ensure they are remembered.

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

John A. Rusk’s Quiet Heroism

A produce merchant whose store became a rescue hub during the Eastland disaster. His obituary, hidden in an obscure newspaper, highlights his critical role—a narrative you won’t find in mainstream Eastland histories.

 Robert F. Snyder’s Courage and Love

At just 19 years old, Robert’s heroic actions saved several people that fateful day, including his sweetheart, Bessie Straan. This episode traces their incredible story, from survival to a lifelong love forged in tragedy.

The Straan Sisters

The heartbreaking fates of Bessie’s sisters, Clara and Grace, underscore the ripple effects of disaster on one family. Their lives, though brief, are remembered with dignity and compassion.

Highlights:

• A first-hand account of the Eastland disaster by Robert Snyder, sourced from a 1915 newspaper.
•  Insights into Chicago’s South Water Market and the role of commission merchants like John A. Rusk in the city’s bustling produce trade.
•  A look at International Harvester, where Robert worked, and its impact on Chicago’s immigrant working class.
• The resilience of families like the Straans and Snyders, who found strength amid immense loss.

 Why These Stories Matter:

As far as I can tell, these stories—gleaned from century-old newspapers—have not been shared widely, if at all. They were hidden in the folds of time, waiting to be rediscovered. For me, giving voice to these individuals is not just about filling in the blanks of history; it’s about honoring lives that shaped the world around them, however quietly.

Sources: 

• As reported in The Grand Forks Daily Herald on July 27, 1915, this story highlights Robert Snyder’s courage during the Eastland disaster.
• John Rusk’s obituary was published in the October 18, 1943, issue of The Oak Leaves in Oak Park, IL.

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

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In today’s episode, I uncovered an extraordinary tale that intertwines the 1915 Eastland disaster, an heirloom tomato, and a present-day artist in Maine. This story, unearthed in the Franklin Journal and Farmington Chronicle from August 2023, is a beautiful reminder of how the Eastland’s legacy continues to emerge in surprising ways.

Meet Henry (Enrico) Inciardi, a Sicilian immigrant who arrived in America in 1898 with tomato seeds secretly sewn into his clothing. Though Henry survived the Eastland disaster in 1915, his first wife, Antoinette, tragically did not. Yet his smuggled seeds carried forward a legacy that lives on in the “Inciardi paste tomato.”

Why This Story Captivates Me:

• Henry survived the Eastland disaster, but his first wife, Antoinette, tragically perished.
• He passed his treasured seeds to his son, John, who preserved them with simple yet ingenious methods.
• Gardener Vicki Nowicki received the seeds in the 1980s and introduced them to her seed library, ensuring their survival.
• In 2023, printmaker Anastasia Inciardi stumbled upon her connection to these tomatoes through a chance Google search.
• Anastasia and her partner now grow the tomatoes in Maine while working on an artist’s book inspired by their history.

A Glimpse Into Henry’s Life:

• Born in Palermo, Sicily, in 1880.
• Immigrated to America in 1898 and was naturalized in Chicago in 1919.
• After Antoinette’s death, he married Jenny in 1916.
• Together, they had three children: John (1918–2010), Nilo (a Guadalcanal WWII veteran), and Mary.

This story illustrates that the Eastland disaster isn’t about numbers—it’s about lives and legacies. Here, an immigrant’s journey, a family tragedy, and a simple tomato variety link us to a modern-day art project and remind us how history thrives in unexpected places.

What’s Next:

I’ve ordered Inciardi tomato seeds to plant in my Minnesota garden, and I’ll be sharing their progress in future episodes. These seeds symbolize more than just plants; they’re a living connection to the Eastland disaster’s enduring story.

Links:

• Inciardi Paste Tomato
• Downer's Grove Seed Library
• Inciardi Prints

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• Substack: https://nataliezett.substack.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist