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.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 35 minutes
- Episodes
- 131
- Years Active
- 2023 - 2025
When the River Took Over: Stories Nearly Left Behind
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 peop…
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 …
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 Fr…
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 Chicag…
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, espec…
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 b…
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 th…
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 sha…
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 Y…
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 …
Tickers Tapping, Phones Ringing: Women Racing to Break the Eastland Tragedy
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.
Gene…
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 famil…
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 w…
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…
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.
Highligh…
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, who…
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 …
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 dedic…
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 tra…
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 re…