Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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Trigger warning: there is a brief mention of suicide in this episode.

Introduction

Welcome back, and a special hello to all the new listeners! If you’re just joining us, think of this as jumping into the middle of an intriguing movie—I'll provide some context and encourage you to listen to previous episodes.

Today's Topic: Arthur Loeb - The Audacious Con Artist

In this episode, I introduce you to Arthur Loeb, a man whose life reads like a bizarre blend of dark comedy and audacious deceit. Born in 1895 in Chicago, Arthur's knack for exploiting disasters began early. He first made headlines in 1913 by posing as a reporter to swindle money meant for fire victims. This was just the start of a nearly 40-year career of scams.

Arthur Loeb’s Adventures:

• Early Life and Family: Born to Ben and Jennie Loeb, Arthur was the youngest of four children. His father immigrated from Germany, and by 1910, Arthur was working as a driver for the stockyards in Chicago.
• First Scam: In 1913, Arthur was arrested for collecting money under false pretenses, posing as a reporter helping fire victims.
• Constant Presence in Calamity: Arthur had an uncanny ability to be near disasters, presenting himself as a hero. From the Eastland Disaster in 1915 to various other tragic events, Arthur claimed to have saved lives and received prestigious awards, including a fake Carnegie Medal.
• Lecture and Vaudeville Circuit: Arthur took his fabricated heroism on tour, captivating audiences with dramatic stories and fake medals. His tales included saving lives during the Eastland Disaster and participating in other rescue operations.
• Later Life and Final Acts: By the 1930s, Arthur was a perfume salesman but couldn't stay away from his con artist ways. He continued to exploit tragedies and eventually moved to Hollywood, where he claimed to work in films until his death in 1964.

Key Takeaways:

• Manipulating Tragedy: Arthur's story is a sobering reminder of how some individuals exploit disasters for personal gain. His charm and convincing lies made his outrageous claims seem plausible.
• -Stay Skeptical: Arthur's antics highlight the importance of verifying historical accounts and questioning sources. In today’s world, as in Arthur’s time, maintaining a healthy skepticism is crucial to avoid being duped by charismatic con artists.

Conclusion:

Arthur Loeb’s tale is a humorous yet sobering reminder of the lengths to which some will go for attention and recognition. His story serves as a lesson to stay informed, skeptical, and always double-check the facts. Join me next time as we continue to uncover the hidden histories of the Eastland Disaster and its many characters.

Thank you for listening! Until next time, stay curious and keep questioning.

Links:

Closing quote from Denys Allen of PA Ancestors

Music:

Artlist

YouTube Audio Library

• News Theme 1 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/
• Greta Sting by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100530 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

• 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, we explore the unique and tragic case of  Chrissie McNeal Lauritzen  who survived the Eastland disaster but succumbed to long-term health issues years later. We discuss how her story, and others like hers, have been overlooked in the broader narrative of the disaster. We also talk about the surprising discoveries from DNA testing that reshaped my understanding of my family's history, and the creative projects that have come from these revelations.

 **Key Topics Covered:**

• **DNA Discoveries**: How a commercial DNA test led to a surprising connection with a German relative from the Pfeiffer line.
•  **Creative Projects**: The creation of a family scrapbook and a video featuring my family's journey from Poland to Johnstown to Chicago, with photography by Chicago-based photographer Ervin Eliud.
• **Honoring Forgotten Victims**: The story of Chrissie McNeal Lauritzen a survivor of the Eastland Disaster who suffered long-term health effects and eventually succumbed to them. Her story highlights the overlooked long-term impacts on survivors and the importance of remembering every life affected by this tragedy.
• **Public Health Concerns**: Discussion on typhoid fever and other health risks faced by those who were in the Chicago River during the disaster.
• *Creative Spark**: How I created a song and a video, "Eastland Hymn," to honor the upcoming disaster's anniversary. 

 Links:

• Ervin Eliud
• Eastland Hymn by Natalie Zett
• Snapshots of a Legacy: Our Family's Chicago Story by Natalie Zett 

• Eastland Hymn by Natalie Zett

• 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 commemorate the 120th anniversary of the General Slocum tragedy, which took place on June 15, 1904. We examine the profound impact this disaster had on families and communities, specifically focusing on the Haas family. The episode also explores the intriguing connection between historical tragedies and fictional narratives, using Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series as a lens to understand how we process grief and uncover hidden histories.

 Key Points:

•  Introduction: Marking the 120th anniversary of the General Slocum disaster and its historical significance.
• Comparison with Eastland Disaster:  Recap of the eerie similarities between the General Slocum disaster and the Eastland disaster, both involving tragic loss of life among working-class immigrant passengers.
• Literary Reflection:  Discussing historical fiction and the final Maisie Dobbs book by Jacqueline Winspear, "The Comfort of Ghosts." Exploring how fiction can offer perspective on personal grief.
• Maisie Dobbs' Wisdom: Reading a passage from "Pardonable Lies" by Jacqueline Winspear, highlighting the importance of mental flexibility and viewing evidence from fresh angles to uncover connections in seemingly unrelated cases.
• Focus on St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church:  Examining the role of St. Mark's in the General Slocum disaster and the lasting impact on its congregation.
• Historical Context: Understanding the German immigrant neighborhood known as Klein Deutschland in New York City and its cultural significance.
• The Haas Family's Story:  In-depth look at the Haas family, including Pastor George Christian Frederick Haas, his son George Christian Otto Haas, and their personal and professional journeys post-disaster.
• Spiritual and Religious Transformations:  Exploring George Haas Jr.'s shift from his Lutheran roots to founding the Universalist Spiritualist Church and his role as a censor at Ellis Island during World War I.
• Legacy and Memorials: Discussing the aftermath of the General Slocum disaster for St. Mark's Church, the establishment of memorials, and the ongoing efforts to keep the memory of the tragedy alive.

Memorable Quotes:

•  "Their legacies teach us that while we cannot change the past, we can shape our responses to it, finding ways to heal, connect, and contribute to the ongoing tapestry of human history." - Natalie Zett

 Links:

• Jacqueline Winspear, author of the Maisie Dobbs books
• Rev George Christian Frederick Haas (1854-1927) - Find a Grave Memorial
• Dr George Christian Otto Haas (1883-1964) - Find a Grave Memorial

Music:

• Artlist
• Aurel von Bismarck, CC BY-SA 4.0  - Wikimedia Commons
• RandomCanadian, CC BY-SA 4.0 - 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 dives into the eerie connections between the Eastland Disaster and the General Slocum tragedy, two devastating events with striking historical parallels. Listen in for compelling stories of individuals touched by these disasters, their genealogical backgrounds, and personal narratives. Discover the profound impact on immigrant communities and the importance of keeping their stories alive.

Key Points:

Introduction:

• Kicking off with an introduction and a promised update on individuals mentioned in a letter from Eastland survivor Martha Willig.

Eastland Disaster Stories:

• Investigating the heart-wrenching story of Anna Hillman from Hoboken, NJ, who lost her life in the Eastland Disaster.
• Exploring the emotional toll of Anna's death on her scattered family and their poignant journey.

Personal Reactions and Genealogical Insights:

• Sharing a visceral reaction to Anna Hillman's story and the challenges of researching fragmented family histories.
• Highlighting how genealogical research can transform personal perceptions and shatter hidden biases.

Alarm Clock Saves Lives:

• A remarkable tale from the Plainfield Courier News about how a failed alarm clock saved Mr. and Mrs. A.W. Dorchester from boarding the Eastland by a minute.

Connecting the Eastland and General Slocum Disasters:

• Drawing parallels between the Eastland Disaster and the General Slocum tragedy, focusing on the similarities in affected demographics and their relative obscurity in popular culture.
• Both disasters predominantly involved working-class immigrants, particularly women and children.

General Slocum Disaster Overview:

• The General Slocum caught fire in the East River in 1904, claiming over 1,000 lives, mainly German immigrants from St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church (New York).
• Discussing the details of the fire, the crew's delayed response, and the tragic loss of life.

Artistic Tribute:

• Highlighting the incredible work of artist Cindy Vojnović, who created a series of paintings depicting the General Slocum disaster. Her artwork adds emotional depth to the tragic event and helps preserve its memory.

Reflection and Closing:

• Reflecting on the importance of remembering and honoring past tragedies through art and storytelling.
• Emphasizing that the Eastland and General Slocum disasters, though not as iconic as the Titanic, hold unique and significant places in history.

Links:

• General Slocum Disaster (cindyvojnovic.com)
• You need every ancestor … every darn one! - Roots & Branches - Award winning newspaper column about genealogy (roots-branches.com)

Music:
Artlist 

• 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 moving away from one disaster only set you on a collision course with another?

In This Episode--

• Weather and Historical Parallels: Kick off the episode by discussing the recent rains and drawing a parallel to the infamous Johnstown Flood of 1889. This catastrophe reshaped the lives of many, including my own ancestors.
• Family History: Share the harrowing story of my second great aunt, Julia Pfeiffer Rohr, and her miraculous escape during the Johnstown Flood. Her survival eventually led my family to relocate to Chicago, where another tragedy awaited.
• Eastland Disaster Connections: Highlight how the Eastland Disaster isn't just a Chicago story. Many families, including the Willig, Cruse, and Larsen families, moved from New York and New Jersey to Chicago due to opportunities with Western Electric.
• Survivor's Tale: Read a poignant letter from Martha Willig, a survivor of the Eastland disaster, to her sister. Warning: Martha's detailed and graphic account provides a rare and personal perspective of the tragedy.
• Historical Context: Provide background on Hoboken, New Jersey, and its significance during the early 20th century. This context helps us understand the origins of the families involved in the Eastland disaster.
• Family Updates: Trace the lives of the Willig and Larsen families post-disaster, detailing their resilience and the legacy they left behind.
• Reflection on Storytelling : Reflect on the importance of sharing these stories, the responsibility we have to keep history alive, and the unique tradition of storytelling and respect for the departed ingrained in my family's heritage.
• Upcoming Stories: Tease next week's episode, where I'll discuss another tragedy similar to the Eastland disaster and correct some historical inaccuracies from this episode.

 Links: 

• Johnstown Flood Museum
• Hoboken Historical Museum
• The Eastland Chronicles

Music:

• Artlist

• 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 of "Flower in the River," I dive into the intricate history of the 1915 Eastland disaster, uncovering untold stories of bravery and legacy. Join me as I share new discoveries, reflect on historical research, and pay heartfelt tributes to the forgotten heroes of the tragedy.

Highlights:

 New Listener Inquiries:

•  Address common questions from new listeners, clarifying my independent approach to the podcast and sharing how it evolved from my audiobook project.

 Personal Reflections:

•  Reflect on the significance of fulfilling family promises, particularly the emotional journey of discovering and sharing my mother's lost family history.

Revisiting Key Literature:

•   Revisit George Hilton's definitive book, "Eastland: Legacy of the Titanic," discussing its impact on my understanding of the disaster and its role in my research.

 Introducing Harry Birch:

•   Meet Harry Birch, a pioneering newsreel cameraman who filmed the Eastland disaster. I recount his fascinating career and the rediscovery of his footage.

Heroic Acts of Frederic W. Willard:

•   Introducing Frederic W. Willard, a hero who saved numerous lives during the Eastland disaster. Through historical newspapers, I bring his bravery to life.

The Importance of Preservation:

•   Say Hello to "Burt,"  the creator of the virtual Eastland Memorial on Find a Grave. 

 Key Quotes:

“In genealogy, we always have receipts.” - Jennifer Mendelsohn

“With over 800 people killed, you would think by now there would be at least 800 stories to go along with them!" - Natalie Zett

Resources and Links:

• "Eastland: Legacy of the Titanic* by George Hilton
• Virtual Eastland Memorial:  Find a Grave
• Harry Birch Collection:  University of South Carolina's Moving Image Research Collections
• Lost Footage of the Eastland Disaster

 Music:

• Artlist

• 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 62 of Flower in the River Podcast.

A gripping tale from the Bell Telephone News (August 1915)

•  The extraordinary heroism of Fred J. Lippert and George Spiegelhauer during the Eastland Disaster.
•  A heart-pounding account of their daring rescues and the obstacles they overcame
• The fascinating history of pulmotors: the cutting-edge resuscitation devices of the time

 Chicago: The beating heart of the telephone industry

•  Discover the city's pivotal role in telephone equipment manufacturing
•  Unraveling the intriguing connection between the Chicago Telephone Company  and Western Electric

3. The remarkable life of Fred J. Lippert

•  Lippert's distinguished military career.
•  Thrilling news articles that showcase his unwavering courage and exceptional leadership
•   A family legacy: Lippert's loved ones and their noteworthy achievements

 4. The unassuming hero: George Spiegelhauer

•    From immigrant roots to a life dedicated to serving others
•   The surprising hobby that sweetened the lives of Wilmette, IL residents
•   A tribute to a life well-lived: Spiegelhauer's obituary and memorial service

 Conclusion:

• A heartfelt thank you to the Bell Telephone News for preserving this incredible story
• An invitation to contribute to the Eastland Memorial profiles on Find a Grave
• A tantalizing glimpse into the untold stories that await in the next episode

Links:

• Bell Telephone News
• Encyclopedia of Chicago
• Find a Grave

Music:
Artlist

• 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 discusses the contributions of women morticians by first focusing on one woman mortician's involvement in the Eastland Disaster. 
Highlights.

•  An obituary from the Oak Leaves dated December 30, 1947, about Mrs. Catherine Wheeler Wyand, who ran an undertaking business in Chicago. 
• Catherine Wyand's background. The 1880 Cook County, Illinois census reveals that Catherine and her husband John were living in Chicago, with John working as a blacksmith. 
• Somewhere between 1880 and 1895, the Wyands entered the funeral business, with Catherine being the one of the few woman undertakers in Chicago at the time.
• investigate the Eastland disaster victims from my family's neighborhood of South Lawndale (now Little Village), 
• Focus on Anna Brenner, an 18-year-old Western Electric employee who perished on the ship. Anna's Find a Grave biography, contributed by Sonia Sanchez, reveals the tragic story of Anna, her cousin Catherine Heiser, and Catherine's boyfriend on the day of the disaster. The Chicago Ancestors page lists Catherine Wyand as the undertaker for Anna Brenner, making her possibly the only woman undertaker who worked with Eastland victims. 
• Introduce the fascinating history of women embalmers, referencing Morgan Conn's MA thesis, "Women for Women: The Forgotten History of Early U.S. Women Embalmers." I highlight pioneering women in the field, such as Henrietta Smith Bowers Duterte, Lina Odou, Lena Reynolds Simmons, and Mrs. E.G. Bernard,--many of whom founded embalming schools and made significant contributions to the profession. 
•  Emphasize how Catherine Wyand's story adds a new dimension to the understanding of the Eastland Disaster and the often-overlooked contributions of women in the funeral industry. 
• Mention contemporary mortician Caitlin Doughty, who continues to challenge and change the funeral industry with her work and advocacy.
•  Encourage you to contribute to Find a Grave to help preserve and share historical information.  We can keep these stories alive and ensure that the legacy of these remarkable individuals lives on!
  
  Links:
• Connie Knox, Find A Grave - Top 5 Tips (youtube.com)
• Anna Brenner - Find A Grave
• Lena Reynolds Simmons
• Henrietta S. Bowers Duterte (1817-1903) • (blackpast.org)
• Women's Activism NYC (womensactivism.nyc)
•  Death Ladies - Dilettante Army
•  Videos - Caitlin Doughty

 Music:
Artlist

• 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 explore pivotal events in American labor history, focusing on the personal stories of three women who tragically lost their lives in the Eastland disaster, and how their stories intertwine with broader labor rights movements. Starting with the harrowing Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, we explore the conditions that led to significant labor reforms and the push for safer workplaces.

In This Episode:

• The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire: I explore this catastrophic event where poor working conditions led to over a hundred deaths, primarily of young immigrant women, sparking a major push for labor reforms in the U.S.
• Engaging with History: I mention a compelling website by the Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition that effectively uses media to make historical events resonate today. 
• Transition to Chicago: From New York, we move to Chicago's burgeoning garment industry, setting the stage for the Eastland disaster and the ongoing struggles for labor reform.

Highlighting Three Women members of Amalgamated Clothing Workers of America

• Emily/Amelia Genda: Originally from Hungary, Amelia's story is a poignant reminder of the immigrant experience in industrial America. Her journey from a family left behind to working in Chicago's garment factories underscores the personal costs of industrialization.
• Rose Reine: Known as Rosalia Rynarzewski in official records, Rose's Polish background and her family's challenges provide a window into the ethnic diversity and struggles within Chicago's working class.
• Mary Cooper (Marya Kupska/Mary Kupski): Mary's narrative illustrates the complexities of immigrant identities and the challenges they faced, including the support of her family through her work at Western Electric, highlighting the interconnectedness of community and industry.

Additional Resources:

• Clothing and Garment Manufacturing (chicagohistory.org) 
• The Day Book 29 July 1915 Edition 02 — Illinois Digital Newspaper Collections 
• Remember the Triangle Fire Coalition.

Music:
Artlist

• 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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Introduction:

• Exploring the democratization of historical documentation through platforms like Reclaim the Records, WikiTree, GEDmatch, and Find a Grave.

Reclaim the Records:

• Non-profit organization advocating for public access to historical documents.
•  Using legal means to unlock previously hidden archival records.
• Over 60 million records reclaimed so far.

WikiTree:

• Collaborative genealogy platform where users contribute to a unified family tree.
• Showcases the power of shared knowledge over traditional gatekeeping in family history.

GEDmatch:

• Originally a hobbyist tool for genealogists to share DNA across different testing companies.
• Has become instrumental in solving cold cases, demonstrating the impact of citizen scientists.

Find a Grave:

• Began as a simple endeavor to catalog grave information.
• Has grown into an indispensable resource for genealogists and family historians.
•  Allows people to create virtual memorials and connect family links across generations.
• Purchased by Ancestry in 2013.

Mary Helen Egan's Story:

• Updated obituary from July 31st, 1915 Chicago Tribune reveals new information.
• Connected to the Sindelar, Dolezal,  Marren and Wood families, who suffered significant losses in the Eastland disaster.
•  Importance of accuracy and thorough research in piecing together historical narratives.

Using Find a Grave:

• Step-by-step guide on updating Mary Helen Egan's profile with the new obituary information.
• Importance of adding searchable text and connecting family members for better accessibility and SEO.

Conclusion:

• The dangers of a "single story" in historical narratives, as warned by Chimananda Ngozi Adichie.
• The Eastland disaster stories should be managed and communicated with the understanding that stereotypes, while not untrue, are incomplete.
•  Encouraging listeners to continue their own journey of discovery.

Links:

• Mary Helen Egan (1900-1915) - Find a Grave Memorial
• Reclaim The Records: Public Data for Public Use - Reclaim The Records
• WikiTree: The Free Family Tree
• DNA and Genealogy Tools to Grow Your Family Tree | GEDmatch
• Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: The danger of a single story | TED Talk

Music:

• Artlist

• 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