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In this episode, I explore a seldom documented incident involving the Eastland steamship from August 1905—ten years before the infamous Eastland Disaster of 1915. This forgotten event reveals important patterns in the ship's troubled history and adds crucial context to understanding the later tragedy.
Episode Highlights:
- Rosemary Pietrzak's Passing: I begin with a tribute to Rosemary Pietrzyk, who passed away at 94. Rosemary was the first person I met who also lost family in the Eastland Disaster, and her insight that "They didn't die on the Eastland, but they died of the Eastland" continues to guide my research.
- The Forgotten 1905 Incident: I share two newspaper articles from August 13, 1905, documenting a serious accident involving the Eastland at South Haven, Michigan. The gasoline ferry launch "Phylidia" was destroyed when it came too close to the Eastland's propellers, causing an explosion that hurled over 20 passengers into the water.
- Burning Water: Several victims suffered burns when the gasoline ignited on the water's surface. Heroic rescuers, including Chicago resident Gordon Eckerson, pulled victims from the blazing water.
- The Major Sisters: I explore the lives of Ethel and Kate Major, two Chicago sisters who survived the 1905 incident. Kate, despite severe burns to her legs, went on to become an accomplished opera singer who performed with John Philip Sousa before her death in 1925.
- Captain Walter Donahue: The launch captain ignored warnings about getting too close to the Eastland's propellers. My research reveals he was a Spanish-American War veteran who later suffered from a devastating illness.
- Hidden Histories: This incident demonstrates how important historical events can be overlooked or forgotten.
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