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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
- Eyewitness accounts from three Bradenton, Florida residents who witnessed the disaster in 1915
- Details about the rescue efforts and the tragedy's impact on Chicago
- Comparison of the Eastland disaster to other major Chicago tragedies
Interviewees
- John Swanson - Former news journalist
- John Bacon - Part-time linotype operator for the Bradenton Herald
- Harry Borns - Witness
Notable Quotes
- "The Daily News was the first paper to announce that 1000 or more were dead in Saturday's disaster, and it was the first to print a photograph of the capsized vessel."
- "As Barry began to cut a hole in the hall with an asphaltene torch, the Eastland's captain Pedersen burst forth and literally tried to throw Barry off the ship, despite the shrieking and pounding of survivors underneath the sinking hall."
Interesting Facts
- The Eastland disaster resulted in over 800 deaths, surpassing the death toll of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
- The ship was later repurposed as a Naval training vessel named the USS Wilmette
- John Swanson worked with famous writers like Carl Sandburg and Ben Hecht at the Chicago Daily News
Personal Note
As always, I'm amazed at how much of this history hasn't been covered. While my podcast episodes are quick sketches of these stories, I continue to update my website with new information as I discover it.
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