Shows
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldFrom the Iroquois to the Eastland: One Firefighter, Two CatastrophesSend a textA single obituary opened a door to two of Chicago’s most haunting tragedies: the Iroquois Theatre Fire (1903) and the Eastland Disaster (1915). We trace the life of Charles C. Morgan, a Chicago Fire Department truckman who assisted with both tragedies. Along the way, we connect the Iroquois Theater fire and the Eastland disaster, explore what firefighters faced on the line, and surface the reforms that reshaped public safety — outward-opening doors, marked exits, stronger fire curtains, and real drills. These were hard-won lessons paid for in lives, and Morgan was there for both reckonings.I...
2026-02-1927 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldThe Search Goes On — Coincidence. Clarity. Resolve.Send a textA single number can shape how we remember—until new evidence asks us to look again. This episode takes you inside another year of research on the people of the Eastland disaster, where a repeated death toll gives way to an evolving, documented estimate. I share how two overlooked victims surfaced through archival work, and why adding their names is crucial for families, historians, and anyone who believes facts should lead the story—not follow it.This journey isn't just archival; it's personal and communal. I discuss the engine of citizen genealogy—focuse...
2026-01-0130 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldBONUS: The Night Nobody Came Knocking – A Father’s Day StorySend a textThis is a special bonus episode in honor of Father’s Day 2025.On an ordinary evening in 1960s Cleveland, an unexpected knock at the door changed the way I saw my father forever.This short, true story is a tribute to Robert Joseph Zett (aka, Dad), a working-class man who never thought of himself as brave—but showed me what quiet courage really looks like.Video Link:The Night Nobody Came Knocking – A Father’s Day Story Book website: https...
2025-06-1406 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldLetters, Ledgers, and Lost LivesSend a textIt’s May 31st—an important date if, like me, you have roots in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. On this day in 1889, the South Fork Dam gave way, and a wall of water wiped out most of the city. Over 2,000 lives were lost. It was a manmade disaster—tragic, preventable, and all too familiar.In this episode, I begin with the story of Maggie Irwin, a chambermaid who died in the Johnstown Flood at age 18. Her mother saved the letters Maggie sent home during her brief time working in a hotel—and because of those le...
2025-06-0137 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldEastland 1905: Burning Water, Missed WarningsSend a textIn 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 di...
2025-03-1633 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldDisaster Dodger – One Woman’s Escape ArtistrySend a textDeath came knocking three times—but Bertha Behrend Healy wasn't home.In this episode, I uncover the jaw-dropping story of a woman who narrowly escaped not one, not two, but THREE of America's deadliest disasters:The Johnstown Flood (1889) - A catastrophic dam collapse that killed 2,200+ people while Bertha's family fled to higher ground just in timeThe Iroquois Theatre Fire (1903) - 602 victims perished when Chicago's "fireproof" theatre became a deathtrap, but 11-year-old Bertha's mother kept her home that frigid nightThe Eastland Di...
2025-03-0132 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldFront Page Gold, Footnote Dilemma: The Eastland’s Mixed LegacySend a textHey 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 mysteriously appeared this week. Not sure where you came from, but I'm grateful you're here!Key highlights from this episode:Deep dive into how the Chicago Evening Post handled the breaking news...
2024-11-1741 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldThe Chicago Shoemaker and the Jersey Transplants: Eastland's Unexpected TiesSend a textIn 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 approach to research combines rigorous historical investigation with intuitive connections to the past. This episode features the compelling stories of the Remy and Tismer families, who suffered heartbreaking losses in the disaster. Correcting historical inaccuracies is crucial to honoring the memory of those who perished.Key Points:Research Approach: A methodical process of historical research is...
2024-08-1844 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldTime's Tide: Navigating 109 Years of Eastland StoriesSend a textIn this special episode commemorating the 109th anniversary of the Eastland disaster, we're taking a moment to reflect on the stories and individuals covered since November 2023. It's been an incredible journey of discovery, preserving and sharing often-forgotten narratives.Exciting news to share: Tom Milton's letter and related items have found a new home at the Newberry Library. It's heartening to see these pieces of history being preserved for future generations.There's been a noticeable increase in detailed biographies on Find a Grave for Eastland victims. This collective effort to document...
2024-07-2150 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldSurvived But Not Saved: The Lingering Legacy of the Eastland DisasterSend a textIn today's episode, we explore the unique and tragic case of Chrissie McNeal Lauritzen who survived the Eastland disaster but succumbed to long-term health issues years later. We discuss how her story, and others like hers, have been overlooked in the broader narrative of the disaster. We also talk about the surprising discoveries from DNA testing that reshaped my understanding of my family's history, and the creative projects that have come from these revelations. **Key Topics Covered:****DNA Discoveries**: How a commercial DNA test led to a surprising connection with a Ger...
2024-06-2231 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldFrom Tragedy to Transformation: The George Haas StorySend a textIn this episode, we commemorate the 120th anniversary of the General Slocum tragedy, which took place on June 15, 1904. We examine the profound impact this disaster had on families and communities, specifically focusing on the Haas family. The episode also explores the intriguing connection between historical tragedies and fictional narratives, using Jacqueline Winspear's Maisie Dobbs series as a lens to understand how we process grief and uncover hidden histories. Key Points: Introduction: Marking the 120th anniversary of the General Slocum disaster and its historical significance.Comparison with Eastland Disaster: Recap of...
2024-06-1641 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldThe Chronicler and the Rescuer: Unveiling Overlooked NarrativesSend a textIn this episode of "Flower in the River," I dive into the intricate history of the 1915 Eastland disaster, uncovering untold stories of bravery and legacy. Join me as I share new discoveries, reflect on historical research, and pay heartfelt tributes to the forgotten heroes of the tragedy.Highlights: New Listener Inquiries: Address common questions from new listeners, clarifying my independent approach to the podcast and sharing how it evolved from my audiobook project. Personal Reflections: Reflect on the significance of fulfilling fami...
2024-05-2640 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldCrowdsourcing the Past: The Eastland Tragedy and Collaborative GenealogySend a textIntroduction:Exploring the democratization of historical documentation through platforms like Reclaim the Records, WikiTree, GEDmatch, and Find a Grave.Reclaim the Records:Non-profit organization advocating for public access to historical documents. Using legal means to unlock previously hidden archival records.Over 60 million records reclaimed so far.WikiTree:Collaborative genealogy platform where users contribute to a unified family tree.Showcases the power of shared knowledge over traditional gatekeeping in family history.GEDmatch:Originally a hobbyist tool for genealogists to share D...
2024-04-2729 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldIrish Roots and Greek Tides: More Eastland StoriesSend a textIn Episode 58 of Flower in the River Podcast, we explore more untold stories of the Eastland Disaster through the lives of two victims, Mary Helen Egan and Theodore Hallas, whose stories bring to life the diverse richness of early 20th-century Chicago. We'll explore their family backgrounds, their communities, and the historical context that shaped their short but impactful lives.Mary Helen Egan's Story Introduction to Mary, her family background in Chicago's Irish Catholic community Discussion on her family’s life in Chicago, their struggles, and societal contributionsCalva...
2024-04-2140 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldBloodlines and Bylines: The Power of Genetic GenealogySend a textToday’s episode is a special one, dedicated in memory of my cousin "George," (not his real name) and intertwined with an exploration of genetic genealogy.Episode HighlightsA Tribute to "George" Sharing the story of my cousin George, set against the backdrop of the 1930s in a coal mining town in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. His life story reflects the resilience and challenges of our family during those tough times.Genetic Genealogy Deep Dive: Recounting my journey into the world of genetic genealogy, beginning with my firs...
2024-04-1331 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldBonded in Tragedy: The Role of Fraternal Orders in the Eastland DisasterSend a textWelcome to Episode 56 of Flower in the River Podcast, where we will explore the role of Fraternal Organizations in the wake of the Eastland Disaster. Many victims of the Eastland disaster were members of various fraternal organizationsExploring the role these organizations played in the lives of working-class communities in early 20th century ChicagoWhat are Fraternal Organizations?Groups of individuals who come together based on shared interests, beliefs, or backgroundsAim to provide mutual support, engage in charitable activities, and foster a sense of communityExamples: Freemasons, Independent Order o...
2024-04-0744 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldArchives Unveiled: The Eastland Disaster's Hidden StoriesSend a textIn Episode 55 of Flower in the River Podcast, I share the remarkable discovery of a story about the Eastland Disaster found in an old periodical. Today's Tale: The Power of PERSI reveals how attended a webinar led me to discover an eyewitness account of the Eastland Disaster. It was waiting inside the Periodical Source Index (PERSI)! This journey underscores the value of continuous learning and the rich resources available for genealogical research, such as the Allen County Public Library.Highlight from the Archives: The i...
2024-03-3034 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldSassiness Saved Her: A Jewish Girl's Narrow Escape from the EastlandSend a textIn this episode, I continue exploring the Jewish legacy of the 1915 Eastland Disaster in Chicago. Insights from Jewish genealogy experts, Ellen Kowitt and Rhonda R. McClure, on the unique challenges and strategies for tracing Jewish ancestry, including navigating name variations, language barriers, and historical events like pogroms and the Holocaust. The story of Eastland victim Sam Widran , a 29-year-old Western Electric auditor, and the tragic losses endured by his Jewish immigrant family from Hungary. Details about 24-year-old Celia Brooks (aka Rooks/Rook/Borak) Colombik, who died in the disaster, leaving behind her husband Fra...
2024-03-2331 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldUnearthing the Untold: Jewish Lives and the Eastland TragedySend a textIn Episode 53 of "Flower in the River Podcast," I explore:The impact of the 1915 Eastland disaster on Chicago's Jewish community Theories on why relatively few Jewish passengers died in the disaster (due to it occurring on the Sabbath) The miraculous survival story of 14-year-old Jacob Aaron Elin (later Jack Elin), who went on to co-found Topps Manufacturing Company, Rochester, Indiana.Jack Elin’s family background, immigrating from the Russian Empire's Pale of Settlement in the late 1800s.The life and death of 24-year-old Eastland victim Carl Friedman, an electrician at Western Electric.Details on C...
2024-03-1637 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldSons of Norway, Daughters of Tragedy: The Iverson Family's Eastland StorySend a textEpisode 52 Highlights: Introduction and one-year anniversary of the Flower in the River podcast (52 episodes!).Jacqueline Winspear quote and discussion of the Maisie Dobbs series, highlighting themes of personal growth, historical context, resilience, and the complexity of human character.Setting the stage: the role of religious identity in early 20th century Chicago. Introducing the Norwegian Lutheran communities in Chicago.Meet the Iverson family and the stories of two sisters who died in the Eastland Disaster: Mabel Iverson Gibson and Louise Iverson Theil.I also share my own connections with the Norwegian community th...
2024-03-0935 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldFrieda Kannberg's Story and the Legacy of the EastlandSend a textPlease join me on a profound journey as we continue to honor those who were forever changed by the Eastland Disaster of 1915. Touching on the unexpected emotional bonds which the last episode ignited (The Lutheran Legacy of the Eastland Disaster), I share the personal significance of my own diverse heritage, which fuels my passion for going deeper into the histories that connect us all.Frieda Kannberg died at age 39 while aboard the Eastland. Yet, her life becomes a beacon--guiding us through the social fabric of her time. Crucial to our u...
2024-03-0247 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldThe Lutheran Legacy of the Eastland DisasterSend a textIntroduction: In episode 50, I uncover the stories and lasting legacy of the German Lutheran communities in Chicago, profoundly affected by the Eastland Disaster of 1915, exploring their resilience and the event's historical significance.Key Points:Lutheran Community’s Role: Highlighting how Lutheran churches served as pivotal social and spiritual support systems for immigrant communities in Chicago.Understanding Ancestors: Discussing the importance of the “FAN club principle” in comprehending the complex lives of our ancestors.Personal Connection: Sharing bits and pieces from my Luther...
2024-02-2542 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldLeafing Through History: Oak Park, Forest Park, and the EastlandSend a textKey Highlights of Episode 49:Eastland News Update: An intriguing update from a relative of coroner Peter Hoffman.RootsTech 2024: The upcoming world's largest genealogy conference is right around the corner.Genealogy as a Swiss Army Knife: Explore the multifaceted tools of genealogy, from DNA analysis to historical research, and how they've helped me piece together my family's past.Deep Dive into Oak Park: I share stories from Oak Park, Illinois, and its connection to the Eastland disaster.A Look at Forest Park...
2024-02-1843 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldFrom the Mayflower to the Sketchpad: Unveiling More Eastland ConnectionsSend a textWelcome back to "Flower in the River," where every episode is a journey through forgotten stories and hidden histories. In episode 48, I explore some unlikely and poignant connections to the Eastland Disaster. The Eastland Disaster Unveiled: Learn about one of the most heart-wrenching tragedies in Chicago's history, where a crowded ship capsized in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915, claiming over 800 lives. I explore the disaster beyond the statistics, highlighting the affected community of working-class immigrants.Personal Connection: I share a poignant family story, introducing you to my great aunt M...
2024-02-1141 min
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally ToldCoroner's Conundrum: Pete Hoffman & The Eastland DisasterSend a textWelcome to Flower in the River Podcast, Episode 47: Coroner's Conundrum: Pete Hoffman & The Eastland DisasterIn this episode, we explore more coincidences that intriguingly knit together the fabric of our stories and histories. Join me as we uncover the unexpected intersections of past and present, proving that history is not just around us but occasionally aligns in the most fascinating ways.Zeitgeist News or Coincidence Corner?Discover the synchronicity between our past episode on the Ghosts of Versailles and another podcast's similar journey....
2024-02-0333 min