Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

Send us Fan Mail 100 Episodes of Flower in the River! 🎉   Can't believe we made it to 100! Let's look back at how this whole thing started, how Flower in the River has grown, and our mission to keep the stories of all of the people who experienced the Eastland Disaster from fading into history. The Most Random Thing Just Happened.. . So get this - Crista Cowan (you might know her as The...

Send us Fan Mail Step back to 1915 and witness how the Eastland disaster shook not just Chicago but the entire nation—thanks in part to New York’s relentless reporters. Meet H. Percye Millar , a Chicago-based New York Times correspondent, who single-handedly transmitted 15,000 words about the catastrophe in a single night. His meticulous reporting, paired with John Fay’s gripping eyewitness accoun...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I open with a poignant story about my mother’s friend Donna—a moment of compassion that left an indelible mark on my life. It’s a small, tender memory, but one that unlocks a much bigger story—one of the most compelling and overlooked accounts I’ve come across in my research on the Eastland disaster. Now, picture this: Chicago, July 1915. A young writer, already l...

Send us Fan Mail In today's episode, I speak with Erin McBrien, Interim Curator at the Upper Midwest Literary Archives (University of Minnesota), to explore the fascinating world behind preserving our collective stories. Highlights: Step inside a real-life treasure vault: 80 feet underground in limestone caverns(!) where priceless historical materials are preserved From famous horror magazine...

Send us Fan Mail It’s time to explore the remarkable life of Margaret Dreier Robins, a powerful yet often overlooked voice in the Eastland disaster narrative. Born into privilege in 1868, Margaret chose to dedicate her life to labor reform and women's rights, becoming a pivotal figure in Chicago's social justice movement. Key points : Margaret's early life and her transition from Ne...

Send us Fan Mail *Content warning: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide* In this episode of Season 3, I explore two powerful stories from the 1915 Eastland disaster in Chicago that showcase both heroism and devastating loss. Meet Captain Dan Donovan: Chicago's Hero Diver I take you into the world of early 20th century Chicago with Captain Dan Donovan, the city's chief diver w...

Send us Fan Mail Content Note : This episode deals with themes of death and misidentification. Please listen with care. In episode 94 of Flower in the River , I’m diving into one of the most puzzling mysteries of the Eastland Disaster: the case of Emma Meyer and the confusion surrounding Victim #571. What started as a chance discovery during an archival search turned into a whirlwind of genealogic...

Send us Fan Mail This week, I’m diving into the touching story of Lane Technical High School students who tragically lost their lives in the Eastland disaster of 1915. These weren’t just names on a list—they were vibrant young men with big futures ahead of them. From a baseball captain to a Moody Church Sunday School member, I’ll take you through their personal histories and the incredible ways th...

Send us Fan Mail This episode opens with my reflection on our podcast's year-end Buzzsprout statistics, which revealed some surprising reach - listeners in 17 countries, 49 episodes (soon to be 52--I hope!), and 1,910 downloads. I share my special appreciation for our unexpected following in Coloma, Wisconsin (population abt. 460), where an incredible 33% of the village has become loyal liste...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Description: Welcome to Episode 91 of Flower in the River ! This week, we’re diving into two extraordinary stories from the Eastland disaster, showcasing why history is about people—not just numbers.  We’ll explore the firsthand account of E.J. Smith , an engineer who witnessed the Eastland aftermath and painted a vivid picture of the chaos, heartbreak, and heroism. Then,...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Learn in This Episode: John A. Rusk’s Quiet Heroism A produce merchant whose store became a rescue hub during the Eastland disaster. His obituary, hidden in...

Send us Fan Mail 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 August 2023, is a beautiful reminder of how the Eastland’s legacy continues to emerge in surprising ways. Meet Henry (Enrico) Inciardi, a Sicilian immigr...

Send us Fan Mail 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 mysteriousl...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Boh...

Send us Fan Mail 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 L...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode (84), I explore the intriguing life of John Griggs, a talented actor from the Golden Age of Radio and Television—a nd 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 reflect...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Eyew...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 recognit...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Graveyard , a passionate storyteller who preserves the memory of Eastland victims through photographs and stories. I talk about how Jennifer's work adds depth...

Send us Fan Mail 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 family grave site that started everything. The forgotten technology that powered breaking news in 1915 "The Scoop," a trade journal that described the...

Send us Fan Mail 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, finally get the recognition they deserve. First, meet Amelia Schaefer Schmidt , a 15-year-old girl on what was supposed to be a joyous picnic day...