Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
"Flower in the River" podcast, inspired by my book of the same name, explores the 1915 Eastland Disaster in Chicago and its enduring impact, particularly on my family's history. We'll explore the intertwining narratives of others impacted by this tragedy as well, and we'll dive into writing and genealogy and uncover the surprising supernatural elements that surface in family history research. Come along with me on this journey of discovery.
Episodes
90 episodes
The Machinist, the Merchant, and the Sweetheart: Stories from the Chicago River
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 Lear...
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Season 2
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Episode 90
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30:14
The Tomato Smuggler Who Survived a Disaster
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 Augus...
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Season 2
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Episode 89
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41:33
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Front Page Gold, Footnote Dilemma: The Eastland’s Mixed Legacy
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 "Th...
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Season 2
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Episode 88
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41:47
Bones, History, Heart: Helen Sclair’s Death Quest
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....
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Season 2
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Episode 87
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36:59
Bohemian Rhapsody - Forgotten by the River, Remembered at the Cemetery
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 th...
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Season 2
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Episode 86
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34:06
Eastland 101: How NOT to Lose a History in 100 Years
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 los...
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Season 2
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Episode 85
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39:29
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From Eastland Witness to Radio Legend: John Griggs’ Journey
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, whi...
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Season 2
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Episode 84
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39:48
Community, Compassion, and Jewish Values: Lessons from the Eastland’s Waters
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:...
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Season 2
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Episode 83
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37:49
Immediate Ink, Enduring Impact - Eastland's Dual Narrative
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 highl...
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Season 2
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Episode 82
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25:15
Tickers Tapping, Phones Ringing: Women Racing to Break the Eastland Tragedy
Eastland Disaster on Chicago MedThe TV show Chicago Med referenced the Eastland disaster in its Season 10 premiere.Jenny Jose’s article in Central Recorder discussed this reference.G...
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Episode 81
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32:07
Alive & Anxious: Frank Escapes, Amelia Waits
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 80
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45:32
Badge-Worthy Bravery and the Journalist Who Missed the Boat
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 val...
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Season 2
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Episode 79
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44:55
Storytellers of the Eastland: From Tombstones to Trumpets
In episode 78 of Flower in the River podcast, I explore the power of storytelling through two distinct voices connected to the Eastland disaster. First, I introduce you to Jennifer from the Instagram page Posts in the Gra...
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Season 2
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Episode 78
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31:15
Pencils, Presses, and Persistence: The Eastland's News Heroes
Join me on a thrilling journey through time as we uncover the hidden world of early 20th-century journalism during one of Chicago's darkest hours--the Eastland Disaster of 1915.Highlights:My personal pilgrimage to a fa...
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Season 2
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Episode 77
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44:36
Raw Knuckles, Bare Feet: Eastland's Unlikely Heroes
Welcome back to Flower in the River! In this episode, we explore the untold stories of two extraordinary individuals connected to the tragic Eastland Disaster of 1915. These heroes, whose tales have remained largely hidden from history...
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Season 2
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Episode 76
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48:34
The Chicago Shoemaker and the Jersey Transplants: Eastland's Unexpected Ties
In this episode, the journey into the history of the Eastland Disaster continues, sharing new findings and uncovering untold stories of those affected by the tragedy. A unique two-part approach to research combines rigorous historical investiga...
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Season 2
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Episode 75
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44:21
From Web to River: Tracing Eastland's Digital Footprints
Welcome back to Flower in the River podcast! In episode 74, we're uncovering more hidden gems from the Eastland disaster, including a deep dive into one of the very first websites dedicated to this tragic event. Get ready for stories you won’t ...
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Season 2
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Episode 74
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33:12
Unraveling the Threads: Capone, Cons, and a Child's Survival
Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics that may be distressing to some listeners. We cover historical events involving child abuse, exploitation, and trauma related to the aftermath of the Eastland disaster. T...
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Season 2
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Episode 73
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38:07
From Silence to Testimony: Eastland Survivors Speak Out
Explore the gripping tales of the survivors from the Eastland disaster! Episode 72 peels back the layers of history to reveal the human side of this tragic event.Journey with me as I retrace my great-aunt Martha’s final steps, experienci...
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Season 2
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Episode 72
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49:49
Time's Tide: Navigating 109 Years of Eastland Stories
In this special episode commemorating the 109th anniversary of the Eastland disaster, we're taking a moment to reflect on the stories and individuals covered since November 2023. It's been an incredible journey of discovery, preserving and shar...
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Season 2
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Episode 71
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50:05
From Hawthorne Works to Heartbreak: Legacy of Loss
Listener discretion advised: this episode has some graphic descriptions of death. Welcome to the 70th episode of Flower in the River! Today, we're peeling back the layers of time to explore the chaotic history of early 20th century...
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Season 2
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Episode 70
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43:53
The Actor and the Doctor: Converging Lives Post-Eastland
What would you do if you narrowly missed a disaster that claimed hundreds of lives? In this episode of "Flower in the River Podcast," we uncover the riveting stories of Tom Milton and Dr. Willard Calvin Haynes, two unsung heroes forever linked ...
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Season 2
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Episode 69
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40:12
Arthur Loeb: The Fake Hero of Real Tragedies
Trigger warning: there is a brief mention of suicide in this episode. IntroductionWelcome 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...
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Season 2
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Episode 68
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1:07:18
Survived But Not Saved: The Lingering Legacy of the Eastland Disaster
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 bee...
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Season 2
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Episode 67
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31:53
From Tragedy to Transformation: The George Haas Story
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 66
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41:12
