Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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Hey everyone! I'm excited to share some fascinating discoveries about how Chicago newspapers covered the Eastland disaster in 1915. This episode takes us behind the scenes at the Chicago Evening Post through the eyes of a publication called "The Scoop" - which was essentially a newspaper about newspapers!

First, I want to welcome all my new listeners who mysteriously appeared this week. Not sure where you came from, but I'm grateful you're here!

Key highlights from this episode:

• Deep dive into how the Chicago Evening Post handled the breaking news of the Eastland disaster
• Spotlight on Jun Fujita, the groundbreaking Japanese American photojournalist whose photos captured the tragedy
• Introduction to Lena McCauley, an incredible female journalist who wrote a technical analysis of why the Eastland capsized (and now I'm desperately trying to track down that article!)
• A look at S.J. Duncan-Clark, whose writing helped shape how people understood the disaster

Speaking of research, I've spent the last year uncovering stories that have been overlooked or barely acknowledged. While it can be painful to uncover these forgotten histories, it feels like tending a garden - these stories needed care and attention to bloom again.

On a personal note, I shared a memorable story about my mother who, as a young girl in the late 1930s, would sweetly offer to help "mail" her father's problematic correspondence with extremist groups in Europe. Instead of mailing them, she'd duck into an alley with a hidden box of matches and burn those letters to ash. Her courage and commitment to treating everyone as individuals, despite her upbringing, helps explain my own drive to uncover and tell overlooked stories.

Links:

• Bonus Episode: Max and Eva Play the Eastland Numbers Game
• The Eastland Disaster: Untangling the Numbers
• Through the Lens of Jun Fujita - with Graham Lee & Natalie Zett - Part 1
• Darkroom Confidential: Developing the Jun Fujita Story with Graham Lee, Part 2
• Jun Fujita: Behind the Camera by Graham Harrison Lee

• 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 Highlights:

Introducing Helen Sclair: In this episode, I explore the life of Helen Sclair, a unique and quirky “cemetery-ologist” who had a deep love for Chicago’s history, especially as it relates to its cemeteries. Helen dedicated her life to preserving the stories of those buried in Chicago’s historic cemeteries, including many of the Eastland disaster victims.

• The Bohemian National Cemetery: Helen had a special connection with Bohemian National Cemetery, where around 143 Eastland victims were laid to rest. She also lived there! Her commitment to the dead helped keep Chicago’s cultural and historical memory alive. Helen saw cemeteries as sacred archives, full of stories waiting to be told.
• Real Lives, Real People: Through Helen’s powerful words, we’re reminded that history is made up of real people. The Eastland victims weren’t just names; they were individuals from all walks of life—Polish, Bohemian, Italian, Irish, Swedish, German—all working hard, dreaming of better lives. Helen’s perspective makes us see these people as people like us, not distant figures.
• The 2nd Regiment Armory Morgue: Helen had a unique way of bringing the harsh realities of history to life. I recount her description of families searching through rows of bodies after the disaster, an image that hits close to home. My own grandmother was among those people, looking for her sister.
• Helen’s Life and Her Legacy: I share more about Helen’s background and her journey into Chicago’s cemeteries. From a young age, Helen was drawn to these places, eventually becoming a vital source of knowledge on lost and hidden cemeteries in the area. Her extensive research and collection are still inspiring others, and her contributions have left a lasting mark on Chicago history.
• The Role of a Citizen Historian: Helen’s story is a reminder that history doesn’t just belong to a select few or gatekeepers. Helen wasn’t part of any organization —she was simply driven by her love for history and her commitment to justice. She taught me that sometimes, you need to dig deeper to honor the people who came before us.

Closing Thoughts: Helen’s story challenges us to be curious, to ask questions, and to look beyond what we think we know. I hope you’re as inspired by Helen’s legacy as I am.

Links and Sources:

• Helen A. Sclair papers – The Newberry
• Graveyard Snoop blog
• Eastland: The Shipwreck That Shook America | Timeline
• Rumore, Kori. “Dead People Always Seem to Get in the Way of the Living: Facing Death with Chicago’s ‘Cemetery Lady’ Helen Sclair.” Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2022

• 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 this episode, we explore the rich history and legacy of Chicago’s Bohemian National Cemetery—a place that’s so much more than a resting place. We’ll explore what it really means to be “Bohemian” (no, not absinthe-drinking artists) and how this historic cemetery, founded by Czech immigrants, became a site of resilience, community, and remembrance.

Highlights:

•  Introducing New Listeners: Natalie welcomes listeners from around the world, including folks from the Philippines, Spain, and even her family in Slovakia!
•  Bohemian National Cemetery: Learn why this unique cemetery, established by Czech freethinkers, stands out for its inclusivity, independence, and quirky monuments, like a memorial for Cubs fans that mimics Wrigley Field.
•  Bohemia’s History: A crash course on the rise and fall of Bohemia, how it transitioned from an independent kingdom to part of the Czech Republic, and what “Bohemian” culture really means.
• Chicago’s Czech Community: Discover the impact of Czech immigrants in Chicago—from early labor activism to political influence, culminating in the election of Chicago’s Czech-born mayor, Anton Cermak.
•  Eastland Disaster Connections: Natalie highlights the Bohemian National Cemetery’s role in memorializing Eastland Disaster victims and preserving their stories, showing how these memories live on through meaningful, carefully crafted public art.
• BONUS EPISODE: Guess who’s back! Max and Eva, my trusty AI sidekicks, are diving into a topic that’s as bold as it is brainy—the history of Freethought in the Czech community! 🧠✨

Links:

• Friends of Bohemian National Cemetery
• A Dear and Precious Heritage: The Bohemian National Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois by Carol Jean Smetana
• Cubs-Themed Burial Site Offers A Season Ticket For Eternity
• American Sokol
• Freethought Today
• Wikimedia Commons (additional music)

Additional Fun Fact:

Stay tuned for a bonus episode on YouTube where Natalie’s AI pals, "Max" and "Eva," will discuss the Czech community’s freethought movement and its impact on Chicago’s cultural landscape.

• 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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Welcome to Episode 85 of Flower in the River, where we dig deep into the enduring impact of the 1915 Eastland Disaster on Chicago and the families left behind. Inspired by my book of the same name, this episode takes us further into the lost narratives of the Eastland’s victims and heroes.

 Episode Highlights:

•  Honoring the Forgotten: In this episode, I reflect on the countless Eastland Disaster victims and survivors whose stories remain untold. I’ll talk about how much of this history is right there in plain sight for those willing to look.
• A Mission to Preserve Memory: I discuss my commitment to remembering my own great-aunt, a 19-year-old lost in the disaster, and the personal drive that fuels my research. This journey goes WAY beyond one family’s story; it’s a mission to honor the entire “family” of those touched by the Eastland tragedy.
•  Misplaced Trust and the Role of Institutions: Sometimes, we rely on institutions to preserve history, only to find we must do the work ourselves. I share insights from genealogist Elizabeth Shown Mills on why it’s vital to take ownership of family history and partner with like-minded researchers.
•  Stories Behind the Headlines: Join me as we journey back to 1915, revisiting the accounts from The Scoop and the Chicago Journal. We’ll spotlight reporters like Larry Malm and Magda West, who covered the disaster firsthand, and explore how their dedication shaped public understanding of the tragedy.
•  Preserving Legacy in Modern Times: Whether you’re on your family history journey or simply a lover of historical storytelling, this episode offers encouragement. From online resources like Find a Grave to volunteer researchers, I highlight ways we can all help bring lost stories to light.

 Summary: 

Through the lens of early 20th-century journalism, we revisit the morning of the disaster alongside intrepid reporters like Larry Malm and the trailblazing Magda West from the Chicago Journal. Their relentless pursuit of truth in the chaos of the capsizing, and their efforts to capture the human stories behind the headlines, offer a unique perspective on the dedication and challenges faced by journalists of the era. We celebrate the passion of these journalistic heroes, including Pulitzer Prize winner Marquis James, who transformed statistics into poignant narratives, and we explore the skepticism faced by those like Malm, whose credibility was questioned.

Link:

Eastland Disaster Victims on Find A Grave

• 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 this episode (84), I explore the intriguing life of John Griggs, a talented actor from the Golden Age of Radio and Television—and an important witness to the Eastland disaster. I share his vivid account of that tragic day in 1915, which he wrote for American Heritage Magazine just two years before his death. His story gives us a rare and personal perspective on the catastrophe.

John Griggs wasn’t just a familiar face and voice from radio and TV; he was also a passionate film preservationist. His extensive film collection became the foundation for the Yale Film Studies Center, and I talk about his lasting impact on preserving film history. 

Topics Covered:

• John Griggs’ firsthand account as a witness to the Eastland Disaster.
• His career during the Golden Age of Radio and Golden Age of Television.
• His contributions to film preservation, including the donation of his collection to Yale University.
• New details on African American workers involved in the Eastland rescue efforts.
• The importance of using multiple historical sources to gain a richer understanding of past events.

Shout-out!

A huge shout-out to Coloma, Wisconsin! You make up 11% of my audience, and I appreciate every single one of you. Thank you so much!

Links: 

• House of Mystery Gift From The Dead Radio Show Classic Radio 
• "Excursion to Death." by John Griggs
• Coloma, WI: You Blew Us Away! Thanks for All the Podcast Love!

• 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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Welcome back to Flower in the River podcast! In this episode, we dive into the coverage of the 1915 Eastland disaster through The Sentinel, a historic Jewish newspaper in Chicago.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The role The Sentinel played as a bridge between Chicago’s Jewish community and their evolving American identity.
• The 1997 article from the Chicago Tribune that reflects on The Sentinel’s legacy and closure after 85 years.
• A reading of The Sentinel’s powerful 1915 article, The Voice from the Eastland, offering a poignant reflection on the disaster, worker safety, and social justice.
• Stories of Jewish victims of the Eastland disaster, including the heroism of Sam Widran, who saved 40 lives before tragically losing his own.

Key Themes Explored:

• How The Sentinel framed the Eastland disaster as not just a tragedy but a call for change in the working conditions of immigrants and the working class.
• The emotional and spiritual reflections captured in The Sentinel’s coverage, emphasizing the human toll and the need for systemic reforms.
• The interconnectedness of personal loss and broader social justice issues highlighted by the disaster.

Special Guests from Notebook LM:

To add a bit of fun, this episode features a special segment with "Max" and "Eva" from Notebook LM, who share their insights into the historical significance of The Sentinel’s coverage and what we can learn from it today.

Links:

• 85-YEAR-OLD JEWISH NEWSPAPER BARELY OUTLIVES ITS EDITOR
• Illinois Digital Archives
• Unearthing the Untold: Jewish Lives and the Eastland Tragedy
• Sassiness Saved Her: A Jewish Girl's Narrow Escape from the Eastland
• Posts in the Graveyard - Eastland Disaster

• 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 this episode, I continue exploring the Eastland disaster coverage, focusing on articles from The Scoop, featuring the Chicago Daily News (1915), and a later piece from the Bradenton Herald (1962). The episode highlights the power of eyewitness accounts and the lasting impact of the tragedy.

Key Points

• Discussion of the Chicago Daily News coverage of the Eastland disaster
• Eyewitness accounts from three Bradenton, Florida residents who witnessed the disaster in 1915
• Details about the rescue efforts and the tragedy's impact on Chicago
• Comparison of the Eastland disaster to other major Chicago tragedies

Interviewees

• John Swanson - Former news journalist
• John Bacon - Part-time linotype operator for the Bradenton Herald
• Harry Borns - Witness

Notable Quotes

•  "The Daily News was the first paper to announce that 1000 or more were dead in Saturday's disaster, and it was the first to print a photograph of the capsized vessel."
• "As Barry began to cut a hole in the hall with an asphaltene torch, the Eastland's captain Pedersen burst forth and literally tried to throw Barry off the ship, despite the shrieking and pounding of survivors underneath the sinking hall."

 Interesting Facts

• The Eastland disaster resulted in over 800 deaths, surpassing the death toll of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. 
• The ship was later repurposed as a Naval training vessel named the USS Wilmette
• John Swanson worked with famous writers like Carl Sandburg and Ben Hecht at the Chicago Daily News

Personal Note

As always, I'm amazed at how much of this history hasn't been covered. While my podcast episodes are quick sketches of these stories, I continue to update my website with new information as I discover it.

Link:

• Eastland : Legacy of the Titanic by George Hilton

• 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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Eastland Disaster on Chicago Med

• The TV show Chicago Med referenced the Eastland disaster in its Season 10 premiere.
• Jenny Jose’s article in Central Recorder discussed this reference.

Genealogy Conference Highlights

• Attended a conference by the Association of Professional Genealogists, focusing on new technologies in genealogy.

Ticker Tape and Gossip Tickers

• Explored Frank Blaha’s mention of gossip tickers and provided historical context on ticker tape technology.
• Shared insights on ticker use during major events like the Titanic and Lusitania disasters.

Chicago Examiner’s Coverage of the Eastland Disaster

• Detailed how William Randolph Hearst’s Chicago Examiner covered the disaster, with a focus on the vital role of a telephone operator.
• Highlighted the paper’s system for gathering and distributing news.

The Role of Telephone Operators

• Provided historical context on early 20th-century telephone operators and their pivotal role in communications.
• Discussed their challenges, including efforts to organize for better working conditions.

Ongoing Research

• Shared efforts to uncover the identity of the nameless telephone operator from the Chicago Examiner.
• Described the genealogical methods being used in this investigation.

Links:

• A Tale of Two Eras: Eastland Disaster and Modern Chicago
• Create Google News Alerts
• A Switchboard Operator and a Nurse Walk into a Shipwreck: Unraveling the Eastland Disaster

• 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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Step into a time machine and find yourself on the misty banks of the Chicago River in 1915. The air is thick with anticipation as thousands of Western Electric employees and their families prepare for a day of fun. Little do they know, history is about to be made – not in triumph, but in tragedy.

Fast forward to 1976. One survivor and one daughter of a near-miss survivor-- their memories as clear as the day the Eastland capsized, sit before a microphone. Their voices, now preserved for eternity, paint a vivid picture of that fateful day.

Meet Frank Blaha, just 18 when disaster struck. Picture him, perched on the upper deck, oblivious to the doom that lurks beneath his feet. The ship lurches, and in a heartbeat, Frank's world turns upside down – literally. His tale of survival is a roller coaster of luck, quick thinking, and the cruel randomness of fate.

Then there's Amelia Kotas Stelton, whose father cheated death by mere minutes. Imagine the agonizing wait as her family clung to hope, not knowing if they were widowed or orphaned. Through Amelia's eyes, we see a community torn apart and stitched back together by tragedy.

But this isn't just about the disaster. It's about the ripples that spread through time:

• The eerie premonitions that saved lives
• Children, wide-eyed and curious, sneaking peeks at the aftermath

And just when you think the story ends in 1915, it leaps forward to today. As your guide through this time warp, I’m happy to share a startling twist: these long-forgotten voices are now reaching ears across approximately 42 countries. From Germany to Poland to Hong Kong and beyond, the people of the Eastland Disaster refuse to be silenced.

So, as you walk along your local river or board your next boat, remember Frank and Amelia. Their voices, once lost to time, now whisper a powerful message: every family has a story worth telling. What's yours?

LINKS:

• Documenting Social History: Chicago's Elderly Speak--Eastland Tragedy (16062) - Guerrilla Television (uchicago.edu)
• Documenting Social History: Chicago’s Elderly Speak–Eastland Tragedy

• 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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What if a single event could forever change the fate of countless families and a whole city? Join us this week as we unravel the untold stories of the 1915 Eastland disaster, starting with Ann Smith's riveting family history. Ann shares the valiant efforts of her grandfather, Floyd Cameron Smith, who leaped into action when the ship capsized, saving lives and earning recognition from the Chicago coroner. We also hear about Ann's maternal grandfather, Jay Bates, who narrowly escaped this tragic fate. These personal accounts offer a rare glimpse into the lives forever marked by that fateful day.

Next, we shift gears to explore the gripping firsthand experience of Harlan Babcock, a Chicago Herald journalist who narrowly missed boarding the ill-fated Eastland. His incredible coverage provided a poignant narrative that combined journalistic integrity with deep personal stakes. Learn how Babcock's unique perspective and the collaborative efforts of the Herald staff brought the horrors and heroism of the Eastland disaster to the forefront, forever influencing the landscape of disaster reporting.

Lastly, we transport you to the chaotic morning the Eastland capsized in the Chicago River. Feel the tension and anguish as we recount the desperate rescue efforts that unfolded amidst the screams and chaos. From the bravery of crew members and dock workers to the heartbreaking struggles of the Western Electric Company employees and their families, we honor the resilience of a community in crisis. Stick around as we wrap up this chapter and tease the intriguing stories to come, ensuring the memory of those affected by the Eastland disaster lives on.

Links:

• Rivers of Memory: Two Grandfathers' Eastland Legacy
• Story of Disaster By Only Newspaper Man Who Saw it - HARLAN E. BABCOCK

• 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