Eastland Chronicles: Katherine MacIntyre's Bravery Didn't Stop with Survival

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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🌺 Flower in the River Podcast - Episode 37 Show Notes

Part 1 - A Poignant Journey with Zara Vrabel (Chapter 6, "Sketching an Unlived Life.")

• Join us as we follow Zara, our main character, on a heartfelt drive to a cemetery. It's not just any trip; Zara is about to "meet" her long-departed Aunt Martha for the very first time.
• Imagine the conversations they might have! Zara grapples with a whirlwind of emotions – excitement, curiosity, maybe even a bit of apprehension about Martha's dramatic presence in her life after so long.
• We'll also take a peek into Zara’s past, touching on moments of doubt and heartache that have shaped her. It's a journey of rediscovery, as she seeks to reconnect with the fiery passion and openness of her 20-year-old self.

Part 2 - Katherine MacIntyre : Eastland Disaster Survivor and Rescuer

• Our story takes us back to 1889, in Canada, where Katherine MacIntyre’s journey begins. She made her way to Chicago in 1900, carving a path that would lead her to unexpected heroism.
• Fast forward to 1915, Katherine, a proud graduate of the University of Illinois, finds herself working at Western Electric – and on board the ill-fated Eastland with her family.
• Picture this: the Eastland capsizes, and there’s Katherine, using her modest swimming skills to keep her mother and little brother afloat. A true unsung hero until help arrives.
• Just days after the disaster, Katherine's heart of gold shines through as she donates $25 to the Mayor's Relief Fund, a significant sum back then, showing her deep empathy for fellow survivors.
• Katherine’s life was a tapestry of service and community involvement, from her philanthropic efforts with organizations like the Red Cross to managing the prestigious Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago.
• Later, she moves to Hammond, Indiana, where her journey of service continues as she manages high school cafeterias and remains actively involved in groups like the League of Women Voters.
• Katherine passed away in 1967, leaving behind a legacy of service and humility. As a member of a church that honored a WWII doctor and missionary martyr, she showed us the power of looking up to those who dedicate their lives to helping others.

Conclusion - Celebrating Katherine's Legacy

• In today’s episode, we celebrate Katherine MacIntyre, a woman who faced life’s trials with unwavering calm and grace. Her story, more than half a century after the Eastland disaster, is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can have through a life of service and selflessness.
• By sharing Katherine’s story, we honor not just her memory, but the spirit of all those who turn adversity into a catalyst for helping others.

Links:

• Eastland Chronicles: Katherine MacIntyre - Survivor - Rescuer
• The Quadrangle Club at the University of Chicago

• 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. Eastland Chronicles: Katherine MacIntyre's Bravery Didn't Stop with Survival (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to the Episode (00:00:46)

3. Reading from Chapter 6, Sketching an Unlived Life (00:02:28)

4. Discovering MORE under-told Eastland Stories (00:09:54)

5. Introducing Katherine MacIntyre (00:16:23)

6. Katherine MacIntyre, Newspaper Article (00:18:21)