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What if moving away from one disaster only set you on a collision course with another?
In This Episode--
- Weather and Historical Parallels: Kick off the episode by discussing the recent rains and drawing a parallel to the infamous Johnstown Flood of 1889. This catastrophe reshaped the lives of many, including my own ancestors.
- Family History: Share the harrowing story of my second great aunt, Julia Pfeiffer Rohr, and her miraculous escape during the Johnstown Flood. Her survival eventually led my family to relocate to Chicago, where another tragedy awaited.
- Eastland Disaster Connections: Highlight how the Eastland Disaster isn't just a Chicago story. Many families, including the Willig, Cruse, and Larsen families, moved from New York and New Jersey to Chicago due to opportunities with Western Electric.
- Survivor's Tale: Read a poignant letter from Martha Willig, a survivor of the Eastland disaster, to her sister. Warning: Martha's detailed and graphic account provides a rare and personal perspective of the tragedy.
- Historical Context: Provide background on Hoboken, New Jersey, and its significance during the early 20th century. This context helps us understand the origins of the families involved in the Eastland disaster.
- Family Updates: Trace the lives of the Willig and Larsen families post-disaster, detailing their resilience and the legacy they left behind.
- Reflection on Storytelling : Reflect on the importance of sharing these stories, the responsibility we have to keep history alive, and the unique tradition of storytelling and respect for the departed ingrained in my family's heritage.
- Upcoming Stories: Tease next week's episode, where I'll discuss another tragedy similar to the Eastland disaster and correct some historical inaccuracies from this episode.
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