Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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Episode 38 of Flower in the River Podcast is dedicated to Donna Loren and Dr. Adam Gerace from "Love's a Secret Weapon" podcast.  It’s not often that you can go on a podcast with a film star and singer that you’ve admired since you were a child--but that happened!  Last month, multitalented film icon and vocal powerhouse, Donna Loren and Dr. Adam Gerace invited me to discuss my book on their podcast. I still can't believe this happened but here's the link to  "The Ancestors Who Guide Us: Donna and Dr Adam In Conversation with Natalie Zett" -  Ep. 75 of "Love's a Secret Weapon."

**Trigger Warning: This week's journey takes us back to 1915's Eastland Disaster, a heart-wrenching event in Chicago's history. As we unfold tales from old newspapers, expect a raw and emotional exploration involving the loss of entire families, including children. Listener discretion is advised for this deeply moving episode.**

Main Discussion: Voices from the Depths of History

• A Family's Tragedy: We begin with Otto Brandt and his sister Mary Braitsch, engulfed in a nightmare where Mary lost her husband and all five children. The story's layers unravel, revealing Mary's life post-tragedy.
• Robert Magnuson's Heartache: From the pages of history, we meet Robert Magnuson, who faced the unimaginable loss of his wife and two children, Robert Jr. and Irene. His journey post-disaster uncovers the resilience of the human spirit.
• The Storytellers of the Tragedy: Step into the shoes of journalist Richard Henry Little and political cartoonist John Tinney McCutcheon. Discover how their words and images shaped public perception of this calamity.
• Behind the Scenes with Natalie: I'll peel back the layers of my research process, revealing how I piece together these poignant character sketches from the fragments of history preserved in records and old newspapers.

Summary: A Tribute to Resilience and Remembrance
This episode was an emotional and challenging endeavor, taking us through the unfiltered corridors of the past. It's a deep dive into the resilience of the human spirit, contrasting past and present perspectives on grief and loss. Join me in this poignant tribute to honor the 844 lives swept away by the Eastland Disaster. Together, we step back in time – to remember, to learn, and to ensure that these stories are never forgotten.

Links 

• Love's a Secret Weapon podcast, "The Ancestors Who Guide Us: Donna and Dr Adam In Conversation with Natalie Zett"
• Stories of Robert Magnuson, Mary Braitisch, Richard Henry Little, John T. McCutcheon and more.

Music by Laurel Violet (Artlist)

• Woodland
• At The Start
• Afterwards
• Cold

• 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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🌺 Flower in the River Podcast - Episode 37 Show Notes

Part 1 - A Poignant Journey with Zara Vrabel (Chapter 6, "Sketching an Unlived Life.")

• Join us as we follow Zara, our main character, on a heartfelt drive to a cemetery. It's not just any trip; Zara is about to "meet" her long-departed Aunt Martha for the very first time.
• Imagine the conversations they might have! Zara grapples with a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, curiosity, maybe even a bit of apprehension about Martha's dramatic presence in her life after so long.
• We'll also take a peek into Zara’s past, touching on moments of doubt and heartache that have shaped her. It's a journey of rediscovery, as she seeks to reconnect with the fiery passion and openness of her 20-year-old self.

Part 2 - Katherine MacIntyre : Eastland Disaster Survivor and Rescuer 

• Our story takes us back to 1889, in Canada, where Katherine MacIntyre’s journey begins. She made her way to Chicago in 1900, carving a path that would lead her to unexpected heroism.
• Fast forward to 1915, Katherine, a proud graduate of the University of Illinois, finds herself working at Western Electric – and on board the ill-fated Eastland with her family.
• Picture this: the Eastland capsizes, and there’s Katherine, using her modest swimming skills to keep her mother and little brother afloat. A true unsung hero until help arrives.
• Just days after the disaster, Katherine's heart of gold shines through as she donates $25 to the Mayor's Relief Fund, a significant sum back then, showing her deep empathy for fellow survivors.
• Katherine’s life was a tapestry of service and community involvement, from her philanthropic efforts with organizations like the Red Cross to managing the prestigious Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago.
• Later, she moves to Hammond, Indiana, where her journey of service continues as she manages high school cafeterias and remains actively involved in groups like the League of Women Voters.
• Katherine passed away in 1967, leaving behind a legacy of service and humility. As a member of a church that honored a WWII doctor and missionary martyr, she showed us the power of looking up to those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

Conclusion - Celebrating Katherine's Legacy

• In today’s episode, we celebrate Katherine MacIntyre, a woman who faced life’s trials with unwavering calm and grace. Her story, more than half a century after the Eastland disaster, is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have through a life of service and selflessness.
• By sharing Katherine’s story, we honor not just her memory, but the spirit of all those who turn adversity into a catalyst for helping others.

Links:

• Eastland Chronicles: Katherine MacIntyre - Survivor - Rescuer
• The Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago
• University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign - Iota | Inspiring Ambition since 1897 
• Dr. Hawthorn Darby

Music (Artlist)

• Gymnopédie No 2. - Bishara Haroni 
• Dark Rose. - Marek Jakubowicz 
• Song for Gigi - Amos Ever Hadani 
• The Dream of Life.- Sémø - 

• 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 episode 36 of the Flower in the River podcast where I share stories and reflections around gratitude, family connections, and finding meaning in timeless tragedies.

Highlights

• The importance of expressing gratitude, all year long. I share an example of feeling grateful after a meaningful conversation with a cousin.
• Imagining an alternative reality where my Aunt Martha had survived the Eastland disaster. How different my family's story and intergenerational trauma may have been. The paradox of grief and gifts that come from tragedy.
• The common regret that many of us have - wishing we had listened more closely to the stories of older relatives when they were alive. But there are ways to still "hear" them by being open to synchronicity.
• I discuss finding and sharing the story of James Lawrence Gardner, a Galena, IL native and Eastland survivor. His incredible first-hand account published in a local paper in 1915. How finding voices like his helps build a broader picture of the disaster and its aftermath.
• I share about an extraordinary newer documentary on the Eastland disaster released last year, titled "The Full Story of the Eastland Disaster (1915)" by filmmaker Tom Lynskey and HFX Studios.
• Preview of next week's episode, where I'll share the story of another Eastland survivor, a Canadian immigrant woman named Katherine.

LINKS

Eastland Chronicles 

• Eastland Chronicles: James Gardner, Survivor

Eastland Documentary by Tom Lynsky and HFX Studios

• The Full Story of the Eastland Disaster (1915) documentary

• Beatrice
• Interlude
• The 5th Season

• 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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Sparkling Start with a Star-Studded Tale: We kick off with a dazzling story! I share how a simple email of gratitude opened doors to an incredible opportunity - being a guest on “Love’s a Secret Weapon” podcast. The host? None other than the iconic Donna Loren, a gem from the 60s! We’re talking a whirlwind of memories from her shining moments in “Playhouse 90,” her groovy times with “The Monkees,” to her splash in the “Beach” movies. Get ready for tales from “Dr. Kildare,” “Batman,” and her rocking beats on “Shindig.” This episode (release date, TBD) Will be a trip down memory lane, where Donna drops pearls of wisdom while I dive into discussions about my book.

🚢 Unearthing the Eastland Disaster: Our historical odyssey continues as we explore deeper into the mysteries of the 1915 Eastland Disaster. It’s a century-old story, but new revelations keep surfacing! Highlights of this episode’s exploration promise to be enlightening.

📖 Literary Interlude - Sketching an Unlived Life: Get ready for an emotional journey with a short reading from Chapter 6 of “Flower in the River.” The excerpt features Zara, a character deeply intertwined with her ancestors’ connection to the Eastland disaster. Here, she struggles with how to understand 1915 Chicago. This narrative goes perfectly with the theme of this episode.

🔍 Genealogical Gems and Puzzles: We’ll navigate the intricate maze of tracing family histories, with a spotlight on immigrant communities of mixed ethnic backgrounds. I’ll share intriguing aspects of my family saga, highlighting the unique challenges and fascinating discoveries in genealogy.

🇵🇱 Chicago’s Polish Heart in 1915: Step into the past as we uncover the impact of the Eastland Disaster on Chicago’s Polish communities. We’ll sift through Polish language newspapers from 1915, seeking insights into the community’s response to this tragic event. Plus, poignant obituaries from the Polish community add a personal touch to our historical journey.

⚙️ Western Electric’s Controversial Connection: The episode wouldn’t be complete without touching on Western Electric’s controversial role in the Eastland disaster. We’ll discuss the nuances, including the debate over forced ticket sales for the fateful excursion.

🪦 Virtual Memorial - A Find a Grave Discovery: We share a remarkable find - a Virtual Cemetery on Find a Grave dedicated to Eastland Disaster Victims. 

Links

• Zgoda - Unity — Browse by title — Illinois Digital Newspaper Collections
• Dziennik Chicagoski 26 July 1915 — Illinois Digital Newspaper Collections
• Chicago's Historic Polish Language Newspapers
• Eastland Disaster Victims: a Virtual Cemetery - Find a Grave
• Chicago, the Polish city - Polish History
• Donna Loren’s Podcast, “Loves a Secret Weapon.”

Music by ANBR (Artlist)

• Diffusion
• Land
• Life

• 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 all the new listeners, especially those from Ireland! Since there are so many new folks, I provide background on the origin of my podcast, which is tied to my book Flower in the River about the 1915 Eastland Disaster in Chicago. I also talk about the power of world building in genealogy and how understanding our ancestors' times can help us understand them and us better.

In the segment “From eBay to Eastland,” I recount finding an Eastland Disaster court document listed for sale on eBay...for a lot of money! I then located the same document on Google Books--for free! In the case of public domain documents, you might want to make Google Books your one-stop shopping place.

A name on the court document led me to research two Eastland Disaster victims who were new to me. Meet William Ristow and his brother Herman Ristow — and learn about their lives and the aftermath. Serendipitously, I found ancestral connections to the Ristow name.

I summarize William Ristow’s estate’s lawsuit contesting the ship owner’s limited liability. This took place 19 years after the Eastland Disaster. After appeals, the court ruled in favor of the owner. I reflect on justice denied to victims’ families.

Public Domain books

• Google Books
• Hathitrust 

Using Google Books

• Lisa Louise Cooke's Genealogy Gems 

Photos

• Dead Fred Photo Archive

Forest Home (Waldheim) Cemetery and Haymarket Memorial

• Forest Home Cemetery
• Haymarket Memorial

Music (Artlist)

• Borrtex - Memoir of Solitude
• Jean-Miles Carter - Gladys Aylward
• Yuval Vilner - Nocturne in E Flat Major Op 9 No 2.
• Yoav Ilan - Sky Blue
• Ardie Son - Departures
• Marcelo Nami - Estudio en Mi Menor
• Romeo - Fragility

• 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 Episode 33, I explore the changing seasons in Minnesota, from the scorching heat of summer, marked by wildfires, to the serene arrival of winter. 

I take you through my creative process in crafting podcast artwork and continue discussing Chapter Six, “Sketching an Unlived Life.” This chapter centers on Zara who is tasked with unraveling her tragic family history. Throughout, I emphasize the intricate dynamics of family support and the significant roles played by friends and acquaintances.

In this podcast segment, I share a humorous incident where I unexpectedly found myself trapped in my old neighborhood, St. Anthony Park, because of good old Minnesota road construction. This unexpected detour led me down memory lane, allowing me to revisit the places of my past. I discuss the challenges and highlights of that period of my life and emphasize the significance of my chosen family of friends during that phase.

Shifting gears, I examine the intricacies of crafting podcast episode artwork, with a focus on the episode titled “Sketching an Unlived Life.” I include a poignant photo featuring my Aunt Martha’s handwriting, a detail that carries a double meaning.

I reflect on the guidance and subtle supernatural elements that have influenced my project, highlighting the importance of discerning relevance in storytelling. Last, I venture into the progression of the story, where the character Zara seeks her friend Elly’s assistance in overcoming the fear of moving forward. 

And a fun sidebar: I discuss the intriguing legend of Resurrection Mary, a renowned ghost story originating from Chicago. Resurrection Mary is described as a captivating young woman donning a white gown or party dress, often spotted hitchhiking along Archer Avenue or gracefully dancing at local dance halls. These encounters typically involve drivers offering her a ride, only for her to mysteriously vanish when they approach Resurrection Cemetery in Justice, Illinois—coincidentally, the same location as Bethania Cemetery.

Music (Artlist)

• Francesco DAndrea - Killers Remorse
• Kevin Graham - Until the End
• Kevin Graham - It's Not That Simple

Just for Fun 

• A Page Dedicated to Resurrection Mary 
• The Park Bugle

• 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 32 is a wild blend of personal stories, historical reflections, ancient wisdom, and a sneak peek into the future with voice cloning and multilingual adventures.

📺 YouTube Buzz:

• Uploaded podcasts featuring Barb Wachholz of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society and dropped some eye-catching YouTube Shorts.

🎤 Tech Adventure & Polyglot-ing

• Dubbed my voice and translated my podcast intro into Slovak, German, and Polish, languages that connect me to some of my roots. 
• Sent clips to family in Slovakia and got a two-thumbs-up review!

📚 Ancient Wisdom & Modern Gratitude

• A theological trip back in time to explore the enduring concept of giving thanks. How an ancient parable finds resonance today.
• The Power of ‘Thank You’ in Today’s World: The transformative nature of gratitude, rooted in ancient wisdom but utterly relevant in the modern world.💌 

Podcast Intro in Slovak, German and Polish!

• Flower in the River Podcast--Multilingual Intros (Slovak, Polish and German)

YouTube Shorts

• Barb Wachholz Interview Short
• Chicago’s Deadliest Disaster

YouTube Podcasts

• Capsized Chaos to Epic Courage
• Preserving the Eastland Disaster Story

Music (Artlist)
We Found Each Other - Birraj

Misc links

• ElevenLabs
• Eastland Disaster Historical Society
• Mike Russell's Adventures with ElevenLabs

• 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

Send us Fan Mail

This is Part 2 of the interview with Barb Decker-Wachholz! Here she guides us on a journey through time and unravels the remarkable tapestry of her family's connection to the Eastland Disaster of 1915 in Chicago. But brace yourself, as this story doesn't confine itself to the past; it propels us into the present--and beyond.

In 1998, Barb and her family created something truly extraordinary—the Eastland Disaster Historical Society (EDHS). This isn't just an organization; it's a passionate dedication to preserving the memories of those who endured the Eastland Disaster. 

But here's the twist—this episode isn't solely about history but the heart and soul of the people involved. As we wrap things up, Barb treats us to poignant stories about how the indomitable spirit of her grandmother, Bobbie Aanstad, inspired the creation of EDHS. You'll discover how this society has touched countless lives, leaving an indelible mark on the narrative of the Eastland Disaster.

Join us on this extraordinary odyssey as we learn how one family's unwavering dedication has forever shaped how we remember this gripping chapter of history.

Note:
Be sure to listen to Part 1 of the interview with Barb.

Link:
Eastland Disaster Historical Society 

• 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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Ready for a story about someone who SURVIVED The Eastland Disaster? Welcome to Episode 30 of Flower in the River Podcast! Pack your bags as we take a journey filled with courage, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. We are happy to welcome our guest, Barb Decker Wachholz, who shares her family’s tragic yet inspirational tale of survival during the Eastland Disaster. She paints a vivid picture of her spirited “Grandma Bobbie,” a survivor of the disaster. She shares her family’s migration from Norway to Chicago, and the life that awaited them after the catastrophe.

As Barb unravels her family’s past, we delve into the lives of her great-grandparents and their occupations, paving the way for an intimate understanding of the life and times they lived in. We learn of Barb’s Uncle Olav’s daring rescue efforts during the disaster. A Western Electric employee, Olav rescued 27 people!

A tale of strength, disaster, and survival, the story of Barb’s grandmother Bobbie—treading water and looking for the sky through the portholes—will leave you with chills.

In the disaster's aftermath, it’s crucial to remember the lives affected. We close the episode discussing the importance of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society and their mission to keep the memories of the 844 lives lost alive. Join us for an episode brimming with family lore, courage, and a poignant reminder of the past. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and humbly aware of the power of human spirit and resilience.

Catch our next episode as Barb dives into the origin story of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society—a genuine family endeavor!

Links:

• The Eastland Disaster Historical Society
• WGN Radio - Chicago
• Wally Phillips - WGN Radio -Chicago
• Hart, Schaffner, Marx history

• 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 29 of Flower in the River Podcast! 

What's Cooking Today?

• A poetic toast to the 100th anniversary of Jun Fujita's "Tanka: Poems in Exile." 
• Your guide to sniffing out good advice from bad in the Writing & Genealogy Tips corner. 
• Meet Elly DeAngelo, a character from Flower in the River who was stitched together from some amazing real-life muses. 
• A rally cry for creative defiance!

 Episode Highlights  

Tribute to Jun Fujita's poetry

• We're kicking things off with a heartfelt nod to the poetic masterpiece, "Tanka: Poems in Exile." A century old and still fresh as a daisy!

Wisdom Alert: Tips & Tricks

• Ever been slammed with brutal critique? Hear about a former student's close call and how to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to criticism.

Who the Heck is Elly DeAngelo?

• Buckle up as we deep-dive into this captivating character.

The Art of Creative Rebellion

•  We wrap up with a chat about why defiance is your best friend when faced with discouragement.

 Final Thoughts

• Remember, we're all born creators. It's just a matter of letting that creativity shine.

Links

• 100th anniversary of the publication of “Tanka: Poems in Exile” by Jun Fujita
• Tanka Poems

Music by  idokay (Artlist)

• Cicada Killer.
• The Colors Began to Fade

• 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