Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
Please 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 Crucial to our understanding are the Western Electric Company News articles and other historical documents that bring to life the Hawthorne Club's activities and the impact of the disaster on its members. Remembering Frieda and her fellow committee members underscores the importance of preserving individual narratives within the broader context of historical events. These accounts form a bridge between the past and the emotional resonance felt in our communities today.
We also step into the lives of the Kannberg family, whose story is inextricably linked with immigration and with Chicago's industrial boom. Employing the FAN (Family (I've also heard, Friends), Associates, Neighbors) Club principle, I piece together their saga through a paper trail of newspaper clippings, census records and cemetery records, highlighting the enduring importance of community ties. And as a bonus, I've unearthed a historical gem from the Internet Archive—a Hawthorne Club document rich with details of a bygone era. Tune in for an episode that promises to be as enlightening as it is enthralling.
Music:
Link: