From Hawthorne Works to Heartbreak: Legacy of Loss

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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Listener discretion advised: this episode has some graphic descriptions of death.
Welcome to the 70th episode of Flower in the River! Today, we're peeling back the layers of time to explore the chaotic history of early 20th century Cicero, Illinois, focusing on the behemoth known as Western Electric's Hawthorne Works.

My journey begins with a fateful trip to Chicago in 1998, driven by an inexplicable pull to uncover my family's hidden past. Little did I know that this adventure would lead me to the ruins of Western Electric and the doorstep of my Aunt Pearl, who held the key to our untold stories.

We'll dive into the immigrant experience in Cicero, examining what drew so many to this bustling suburb and the profound impact of the Eastland disaster on the community. Through newspaper articles and personal accounts, we'll uncover the heartbreaking story of the Schultz family, who lost multiple members in the tragedy and faced additional hardships in its wake.

Central to this narrative is Rosemary Pietrzak, granddaughter of Anton and Pearl Schultz. Rosemary's mother, Marie Schultz Pietrzak, lost a brother, two sisters-in-law, and an infant nephew in the Eastland disaster. Through Rosemary's recollections, we gain intimate insight into how the tragedy affected her family for generations.

Join me as we honor those who've kept these stories alive, like Rosemary, who tirelessly shared her family's experiences. We'll reflect on the words of Viktor Frankl and consider how tragedy can shape us and connect us to our shared humanity.

This episode is a testament to the enduring spirit of those affected by the Eastland disaster and a reminder of the importance of preserving and sharing our family histories. Don't miss this powerful exploration of Chicago's past and its lasting impact on generations to come
Links

• Sharing stories of city’s deadliest tragedy
• Flashback in history: Sinking of the passenger vessel SS Eastland on the Chicago River, 24 July 1915
• A Switchboard Operator and a Nurse Walk Into a Shipwreck: Unraveling the Eastland Disaster
• The Blue Collar Titanic That Killed Over 800 | Eastland: The Shipwreck That Shook America | Timeline

Music

• Artlist

• 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. Exploring Chicago's Eastland Disaster Impact (00:00:00)

2. Cicero's Immigrant Experience (00:10:42)

3. Multigenerational Tragedies (00:26:55)

4. Tribute to Eastland Disaster Victims (00:42:58)