Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
What would you do if you narrowly missed a disaster that claimed hundreds of lives? In this episode of "Flower in the River Podcast," we uncover the riveting stories of Tom Milton and Dr. Willard Calvin Haynes, two unsung heroes forever linked by the 1915 Eastland disaster. First, we journey with Tom George Milton, a man who narrowly escaped the tragedy but led an adventurous life filled with service across continents and wars. At 70, Tom's zest for life was unquenchable, as highlighted by a Houston Chronicle article that captures his intriguing journey, including his stint with Western Electric, his military life, and his life as an actor.
We then shift focus to Dr. Willard Calvin Haynes, who reached out to Tom after reading his story and shared his own haunting experience from that fateful day. Dr. Haynes' life was a complex web of roles——from farmer and oilman to doctor and fruit seller—each thread revealing his resilience and dedication.
The episode culminates with an intriguing discovery on eBay of items related to Tom Milton and Willard Haynes, now digitized and preserved for future generations. Join us as we honor the quiet courage and historical significance of these two remarkable men.
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