Capsized Chaos to Epic Courage: An Eastland Disaster Survival Story

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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Ready for a story about someone who SURVIVED The Eastland Disaster? Welcome to Episode 30 of Flower in the River Podcast! Pack your bags as we take a journey filled with courage, resilience, and the unyielding human spirit. We are happy to welcome our guest, Barb Decker Wachholz, who shares her family’s tragic yet inspirational tale of survival during the Eastland Disaster. She paints a vivid picture of her spirited “Grandma Bobbie,” a survivor of the disaster. She shares her family’s migration from Norway to Chicago, and the life that awaited them after the catastrophe.
As Barb unravels her family’s past, we delve into the lives of her great-grandparents and their occupations, paving the way for an intimate understanding of the life and times they lived in. We learn of Barb’s Uncle Olav’s daring rescue efforts during the disaster. A Western Electric employee, Olav rescued 27 people!
A tale of strength, disaster, and survival, the story of Barb’s grandmother Bobbie—treading water and looking for the sky through the portholes—will leave you with chills.
In the disaster's aftermath, it’s crucial to remember the lives affected. We close the episode discussing the importance of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society and their mission to keep the memories of the 844 lives lost alive. Join us for an episode brimming with family lore, courage, and a poignant reminder of the past. Prepare to be moved, enlightened, and humbly aware of the power of human spirit and resilience.
Catch our next episode as Barb dives into the origin story of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society—a genuine family endeavor!
Links:

• The Eastland Disaster Historical Society
• WGN Radio - Chicago
• Wally Phillips - WGN Radio -Chicago
• Hart, Schaffner, Marx history

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus

Chapters

1. Capsized Chaos to Epic Courage: An Eastland Disaster Survival Story (00:00:00)

2. Survivor's Story (00:00:01)

3. The Aanstad Family History and Ancestors' Occupations (00:15:55)

4. The Eastland Disaster and Its Aftermath (00:23:07)

5. Closing Comments (00:32:23)