Storytellers of the Eastland: From Tombstones to Trumpets

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

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In episode 78 of Flower in the River podcast, I explore the power of storytelling through two distinct voices connected to the Eastland disaster. First, I introduce you to Jennifer from the Instagram page Posts in the Graveyard, a passionate storyteller who preserves the memory of Eastland victims through photographs and stories. I talk about how Jennifer's work adds depth and complements my own research, creating a fuller picture of the lives affected by the disaster.

Next, I dive into The Jazz Palace by Mary Morris, a novel that uses the Eastland disaster as the spark that sets the story in motion. While the book isn't entirely focused on the Eastland, the tragedy ignites the narrative and shapes the direction of the characters' lives. The novel beautifully captures the essence of Chicago during the Jazz Age, weaving a tale of survival, identity, and resilience. I highlight how Morris's storytelling sheds light on both the personal and cultural impacts of the disaster, and I share insights into the novel's themes of loss, music, and change.

My reflections on the Eastland and storytelling intertwine with my ongoing mission to honor the forgotten victims of the tragedy, reminding us that stories, more than objects or events, connect us to our shared past.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The fascinating work of Jennifer’s *Posts in the Graveyard* and her documentation of Eastland disaster victims.
• The role of storytelling in preserving history and healing.
• How Mary Morris’s novel *The Jazz Palace* brings the Eastland disaster into the broader context of Chicago’s cultural evolution.
• My thoughts on how the Eastland tragedy continues to shape the stories of those impacted, both past and present.

Links:

• The Eastland Disaster – Posts in the Graveyard
• Jennifer (@postsinthegraveyard) • Instagram photos and videos
• The Jazz Palace | Mary Morris

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• LinkTree: @zettnatalie | Linktree
• 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
• Other music. Artlist

Chapters

1. Storytellers of the Eastland: From Tombstones to Trumpets (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Eastland Disaster Stories Through Writing (00:00:07)

3. Exploring Jazz Age Through Eastland Disaster (00:19:38)

4. Exploring Recommendations for Eastland Disaster (00:29:52)