Eastland 101: How NOT to Lose a History in 100 Years

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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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/
• LinkTree: @zettnatalie | Linktree
• 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

Luvut

1. Eastland 101: How NOT to Lose a History in 100 Years (00:00:00)

2. Uncovering the Eastland Disaster Stories (00:00:07)

3. Chicago Journal (00:12:17)

4. Remembering Journalistic Heroes (00:20:24)

5. Exploring Eastland Disaster Sculptor (00:38:12)