Badge-Worthy Bravery and the Journalist Who Missed the Boat

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

Sep 15 2024 • 44 mins

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 with Ann Smith's riveting family history. Ann shares the valiant efforts of her grandfather, Floyd Cameron Smith, who leaped into action when the ship capsized, saving lives and earning recognition from the Chicago coroner. We also hear about Ann's maternal grandfather, Jay Bates, who narrowly escaped this tragic fate. These personal accounts offer a rare glimpse into the lives forever marked by that fateful day.

Next, we shift gears to explore the gripping firsthand experience of Harlan Babcock, a Chicago Herald journalist who narrowly missed boarding the ill-fated Eastland. His incredible coverage provided a poignant narrative that combined journalistic integrity with deep personal stakes. Learn how Babcock's unique perspective and the collaborative efforts of the Herald staff brought the horrors and heroism of the Eastland disaster to the forefront, forever influencing the landscape of disaster reporting.

Lastly, we transport you to the chaotic morning the Eastland capsized in the Chicago River. Feel the tension and anguish as we recount the desperate rescue efforts that unfolded amidst the screams and chaos. From the bravery of crew members and dock workers to the heartbreaking struggles of the Western Electric Company employees and their families, we honor the resilience of a community in crisis. Stick around as we wrap up this chapter and tease the intriguing stories to come, ensuring the memory of those affected by the Eastland disaster lives on.

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