SS Eastland
SS Eastland in Cleveland, Ohio (1911)
The SS Eastland was a passenger ship built in 1903 by the Jenks Ship Building Company of Port Huron, Michigan, and operated primarily as an excursion steamer in the Midwest. Known as the “Speed Queen of the Great Lakes,” the Eastland was designed to be fast and accommodate large numbers of passengers, but its legacy would be defined by a tragic flaw—dangerous instability.
Early History and Known Instability
From the beginning, the Eastland was plagued by listing issues due to its top-heavy design. It had a narrow hull and high superstructure, which made it prone to leaning dangerously when heavily loaded or when passengers crowded to one side. Over the years, the vessel underwent several modifications in an attempt to correct these issues. Ironically, these efforts sometimes made the problem worse.
Incidents of excessive listing were reported multiple times between 1904 and 1907. In 1905, the ship listed so badly in Cleveland that a gangplank collapsed, throwing several passengers into the water. Later, while docked in Chicago, the Eastland listed enough to cause furniture and equipment to slide across the deck. Despite these events, the ship continued to operate, and public concerns about its safety were largely dismissed by the company.
Post-Titanic Modifications
In 1912, the Titanic disaster prompted changes in maritime safety regulations. The U.S. Congress passed the Seamen’s Act of 1915, which required ships to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers. For vessels like the Eastland, this meant installing dozens of lifeboats, life rafts, and other safety gear on the upper decks—adding thousands of pounds to an already unstable vessel.
These modifications further raised the ship’s center of gravity and worsened the listing problem. Experts later concluded that the added weight of the lifeboats contributed directly to the ship’s capsizing.
The 1915 Disaster
On the morning of July 24, 1915, the Eastland was docked on the south bank of the Chicago River, between Clark and LaSalle Streets, preparing to take employees of Western Electric’s Hawthorne Works and their families on a company-sponsored picnic to Michigan City, Indiana.
At approximately 7:10 AM, the ship began listing slightly to port. As more passengers boarded, the list became more pronounced. The crew attempted to correct the tilt by pumping water into the starboard ballast tanks, which only created more instability. Just after 7:28 AM, while still tied to the dock, the Eastland suddenly rolled completely onto its port side in about 20 feet of water.
Chaos and Tragedy
In the span of just a few minutes, the upper decks were submerged, and passengers on board were thrown into the river or trapped below decks. Many were crushed by heavy furniture, pinned by falling pianos, or suffocated under collapsed partitions. Others drowned in the few feet of water between the riverbank and the ship’s hull. First responders and onlookers rushed to help, using ropes, ladders, and boats to rescue survivors. Firemen broke through the hull with axes and torches to reach those inside. Despite the rescue efforts, the death toll reached 844 people, including 22 entire families. Many of the dead were young women and children. It remains the deadliest shipwreck in Great Lakes history and one of the worst maritime disasters in American history. The bodies of the victims were brought to several temporary morgues, the largest being the Second Regiment Armory at 1337 West Washington Boulevard, where hundreds of bodies were laid out for identification. The Armory became the grim center of the tragedy’s aftermath. Decades later, the same building would become famous as Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios.
Early History and Known Instability
From the beginning, the Eastland was plagued by listing issues due to its top-heavy design. It had a narrow hull and high superstructure, which made it prone to leaning dangerously when heavily loaded or when passengers crowded to one side. Over the years, the vessel underwent several modifications in an attempt to correct these issues. Ironically, these efforts sometimes made the problem worse.
Incidents of excessive listing were reported multiple times between 1904 and 1907. In 1905, the ship listed so badly in Cleveland that a gangplank collapsed, throwing several passengers into the water. Later, while docked in Chicago, the Eastland listed enough to cause furniture and equipment to slide across the deck. Despite these events, the ship continued to operate, and public concerns about its safety were largely dismissed by the company.
Post-Titanic Modifications
In 1912, the Titanic disaster prompted changes in maritime safety regulations. The U.S. Congress passed the Seamen’s Act of 1915, which required ships to carry enough lifeboats for all passengers. For vessels like the Eastland, this meant installing dozens of lifeboats, life rafts, and other safety gear on the upper decks—adding thousands of pounds to an already unstable vessel.
These modifications further raised the ship’s center of gravity and worsened the listing problem. Experts later concluded that the added weight of the lifeboats contributed directly to the ship’s capsizing.
The 1915 Disaster
On the morning of July 24, 1915, the Eastland was docked on the south bank of the Chicago River, between Clark and LaSalle Streets, preparing to take employees of Western Electric’s Hawthorne Works and their families on a company-sponsored picnic to Michigan City, Indiana.
At approximately 7:10 AM, the ship began listing slightly to port. As more passengers boarded, the list became more pronounced. The crew attempted to correct the tilt by pumping water into the starboard ballast tanks, which only created more instability. Just after 7:28 AM, while still tied to the dock, the Eastland suddenly rolled completely onto its port side in about 20 feet of water.
Chaos and Tragedy
In the span of just a few minutes, the upper decks were submerged, and passengers on board were thrown into the river or trapped below decks. Many were crushed by heavy furniture, pinned by falling pianos, or suffocated under collapsed partitions. Others drowned in the few feet of water between the riverbank and the ship’s hull. First responders and onlookers rushed to help, using ropes, ladders, and boats to rescue survivors. Firemen broke through the hull with axes and torches to reach those inside. Despite the rescue efforts, the death toll reached 844 people, including 22 entire families. Many of the dead were young women and children. It remains the deadliest shipwreck in Great Lakes history and one of the worst maritime disasters in American history. The bodies of the victims were brought to several temporary morgues, the largest being the Second Regiment Armory at 1337 West Washington Boulevard, where hundreds of bodies were laid out for identification. The Armory became the grim center of the tragedy’s aftermath. Decades later, the same building would become famous as Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios.
Support for victims’ families
In the aftermath of the Eastland Disaster, the Eastland Disaster Relief Fund was established by the American Red Cross, local charities, and civic leaders to support the families of victims and survivors — many of whom were working-class immigrants. The fund raised about $400,000 (equivalent to over $12 million today) through donations from individuals, businesses, unions, and community groups. Managed by a board of trustees with oversight from the Red Cross, the fund provided assistance for funeral costs, immediate living expenses, and support for widows, orphans, and injured survivors. At the same time, Western Electric, the employer of most victims, created its own relief fund and offered payments to some families, covering funeral costs and limited financial support. However, these company payments came with controversy, as families were often required to sign waivers releasing Western Electric from future liability.
Aftermath
Public outrage followed, with investigations launched by the U.S. government. Though multiple officials and crew members were indicted, no one was ever held criminally responsible. The ship was eventually raised, sold to the U.S. Navy, and converted into a training vessel renamed the USS Wilmette. It served throughout World War I and World War II before being scrapped in 1947.
Forest Park’s Involvement
After the tragedy, many organizations helped raise money for the families of the victims and the survivors. A night of boxing was held in Forest Park on July 31, 1915 (after then Mayor Henry Mohr gave permission) with half of the proceeds going to victims. On that same day, all of the ticket sales from the Forest Park Amusement Park went to the relief fund. Forest Park was one of the first places people could view footage of the ship sinking and the aftermath. Film shot by the Chicago Tribune was distributed nationwide, but Chicago did not initially allow the film to be presented in the city over concerns that it could be seen as exploitative or too graphic.
In the aftermath of the Eastland Disaster, the Eastland Disaster Relief Fund was established by the American Red Cross, local charities, and civic leaders to support the families of victims and survivors — many of whom were working-class immigrants. The fund raised about $400,000 (equivalent to over $12 million today) through donations from individuals, businesses, unions, and community groups. Managed by a board of trustees with oversight from the Red Cross, the fund provided assistance for funeral costs, immediate living expenses, and support for widows, orphans, and injured survivors. At the same time, Western Electric, the employer of most victims, created its own relief fund and offered payments to some families, covering funeral costs and limited financial support. However, these company payments came with controversy, as families were often required to sign waivers releasing Western Electric from future liability.
Aftermath
Public outrage followed, with investigations launched by the U.S. government. Though multiple officials and crew members were indicted, no one was ever held criminally responsible. The ship was eventually raised, sold to the U.S. Navy, and converted into a training vessel renamed the USS Wilmette. It served throughout World War I and World War II before being scrapped in 1947.
Forest Park’s Involvement
After the tragedy, many organizations helped raise money for the families of the victims and the survivors. A night of boxing was held in Forest Park on July 31, 1915 (after then Mayor Henry Mohr gave permission) with half of the proceeds going to victims. On that same day, all of the ticket sales from the Forest Park Amusement Park went to the relief fund. Forest Park was one of the first places people could view footage of the ship sinking and the aftermath. Film shot by the Chicago Tribune was distributed nationwide, but Chicago did not initially allow the film to be presented in the city over concerns that it could be seen as exploitative or too graphic.
View of Eastland taken from Fire Tug in river, showing the hull resting on its side on the river bottom.
The work of recovering bodies is being carried on with untiring effort.
Hawthorne Works
Aerial view of the Hawthorne Works, ca. 1907
The Hawthorne Works was a massive industrial complex operated by the Western Electric Company in Cicero, Illinois. Built in 1904 on 300 acres at the southeast corner of Cicero Avenue and 22nd Street, the plant opened with 2,000 employees, many of them young immigrants of German, Czech, Slovak, and Bohemian descent who lived nearby. By 1915, the workforce had grown to over 14,000 and would eventually peak at 45,000 employees.
Named after the original name for Cicero—Hawthorne—the facility produced telephone equipment and a wide range of consumer goods. It featured a private railroad, the Manufacturers’ Junction Railway, for efficient transport of materials and products. Workers used bicycles to navigate the vast complex.
Western Electric was known for treating its employees well, offering decent wages and providing several on-site amenities. In 1912, the company began hosting annual picnics to show appreciation for its workers’ dedication. The plant became a model of industrial efficiency and progressive labor practices.
The Hawthorne Works gained international attention in the 1920s as the site of groundbreaking industrial studies that led to the concept known as the “Hawthorne Effect,” which explored how worker productivity is influenced by observation and attention. The plant was also a training ground for quality control pioneers such as Joseph Juran, Walter Shewhart, and W. Edwards Deming.
Hawthorne Works remained in operation until 1983, when it closed following the breakup of the Bell System. Most of the complex was later demolished and replaced with a shopping center, though one of the original towers still stands at the corner of Cicero Avenue and 22nd Street as a reminder of its industrial legacy.
Named after the original name for Cicero—Hawthorne—the facility produced telephone equipment and a wide range of consumer goods. It featured a private railroad, the Manufacturers’ Junction Railway, for efficient transport of materials and products. Workers used bicycles to navigate the vast complex.
Western Electric was known for treating its employees well, offering decent wages and providing several on-site amenities. In 1912, the company began hosting annual picnics to show appreciation for its workers’ dedication. The plant became a model of industrial efficiency and progressive labor practices.
The Hawthorne Works gained international attention in the 1920s as the site of groundbreaking industrial studies that led to the concept known as the “Hawthorne Effect,” which explored how worker productivity is influenced by observation and attention. The plant was also a training ground for quality control pioneers such as Joseph Juran, Walter Shewhart, and W. Edwards Deming.
Hawthorne Works remained in operation until 1983, when it closed following the breakup of the Bell System. Most of the complex was later demolished and replaced with a shopping center, though one of the original towers still stands at the corner of Cicero Avenue and 22nd Street as a reminder of its industrial legacy.
Aerial view of the Hawthorne Works, ca. 1925.
This image and the image above are created from the same angle.
Burials in Forest Park
Forest Park is the final resting place for 133 Eastland Disaster Victims. Full list are available for download
|
|
| ||||||
Concordia Cemetery
Concordia Cemetery was the first consecrated cemetery in Forest Park to conduct a burial service. It was founded in 1872 by 7 Lutheran Church congregations that would serve as the Lutheran Cemetery Association. Member churches have a Board of Directors that oversees the cemetery and a Superintendent who lives on the grounds with his family. Many of the burial sites feature Christian phrases and biblical verses written in German.
Charles and Catherine Trogg were married in 1909 and lived with their two young children, Eveline (5 years) and Walter (3 years) in the West Town neighborhood at 1703 Maplewood Ave. Charles was 46 years old and had worked for Western Electric for 9 years and for Deering Harvester Works on Chicago’s Northside building harvester machines before that. Both he and Catherine (31 years old) came to America as babies, he from Germany and she from Poland. They decided to go on the outing together and brought along one of Catherine’s brothers, Tony Serouka. All three perished that day. Charles and Catherine were found in the Chicago river with their arms around one another. The funeral was held at Charles’ mother’s home, 142 N. Hermitage Ave. as was still custom at that the time, rather than a church or funeral parlor. They were buried on July 27th, along with 16 other persons at Concordia Cemetery. These burials were an all day affair as it took two people over an hour to dig one grave by hand.
Herbert Buelow was the eldest of four children born to Charles and Ida (Rossow) Buelow. The Buelows were a rare family of the time , all four of their children survived infancy.
Herbert grew up in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, close to his Rossow cousins, especially Ralph Rossow, whom he invited to join him on the Western Electric company picnic. Tragically, both young men died in the Eastland Disaster on July 24, 1915. At the time, Herbert had been working at Western Electric for just over two years, earning a respectable wage for his age. The company covered his funeral expenses, but it appears his family received no further compensation.
The Buelow family remained close-knit. After Herbert’s death, his parents and siblings continued to live together, with both of his younger brothers eventually joining the Western Electric workforce.
Herbert grew up in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood, close to his Rossow cousins, especially Ralph Rossow, whom he invited to join him on the Western Electric company picnic. Tragically, both young men died in the Eastland Disaster on July 24, 1915. At the time, Herbert had been working at Western Electric for just over two years, earning a respectable wage for his age. The company covered his funeral expenses, but it appears his family received no further compensation.
The Buelow family remained close-knit. After Herbert’s death, his parents and siblings continued to live together, with both of his younger brothers eventually joining the Western Electric workforce.
|
|
|
James C. Justin and Emily Mary Manthey are buried next to each other under the inscription “Sweethearts – Died – Eastland” and “Budded on Earth to Bloom in Heaven.” They were engaged to be married. James was a well-known athlete in Cicero.
The headstone for Irwin & Margaret Nagel Section 8, Lot 260 has an engraving of the Eastland on the side.
Rossow Family
William, Mamie, Ruth and William Jr. The entire Rossow Family was killed the day of the Eastland tragedyragedy, as were 21 other whole families. William, 36, worked for Western Electric as a foreman for 20 years. They lived at 3842 W. Walton St. in the Austin neighborhood.
William, Mamie, Ruth and William Jr. The entire Rossow Family was killed the day of the Eastland tragedyragedy, as were 21 other whole families. William, 36, worked for Western Electric as a foreman for 20 years. They lived at 3842 W. Walton St. in the Austin neighborhood.
Augusta Wiese and Elizabeth Rackow Grandmother Augusta Wiese and her young granddaughter, Elizabeth Rackow, boarded the Eastland together. They were to be joined by Augusta’s daughter Minnie, her husband Daniel Quinn, and their daughter Lauretta. However, after an argument between Minnie and Daniel, the family decided to return home instead.
Clara and Lydia Rohn were the two eldest children of Henry and Louise Rohn, part of a large family of ten siblings growing up in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. Their parents, both Illinois-born children of German immigrants, married in 1896 and welcomed Clara less than a year later, followed by Lydia in 1898.
By their late teens, both girls had entered the workforce. Clara began working at Western Electric around age fifteen, and Lydia found work at a tailor shop. A newspaper obituary described them as the “main support of their family” by 1915.
Louise Rohn filed probate petitions for both daughters, and though exact settlements are unclear, the family likely received some financial compensation from the disaster fund. Clara and Lydia rest together at Concordia Cemetery.
By their late teens, both girls had entered the workforce. Clara began working at Western Electric around age fifteen, and Lydia found work at a tailor shop. A newspaper obituary described them as the “main support of their family” by 1915.
Louise Rohn filed probate petitions for both daughters, and though exact settlements are unclear, the family likely received some financial compensation from the disaster fund. Clara and Lydia rest together at Concordia Cemetery.
Alma Zielske and Lillie Prochnow were cousins and close friends, bound by both family ties and shared hardships. Alma, the daughter of German immigrants Theodore and Amalia “Mollie” Zielske, worked at Western Electric as a spring operator. Lillie, four years younger, worked as a laundress. On July 24, 1915, Lillie joined her older cousin for the much-anticipated Western Electric company picnic. Neither survived the Eastland Disaster.
Alma’s family had already suffered profound losses. Her father died when she was just ten, and her only brother, Otto, passed away at thirty-one less than a year before her death. Lillie, too, knew loss — her mother died when she was a child. By 1915, Lillie was living with Alma and Mollie in Chicago, perhaps finding strength in family during a difficult time.
Alma’s family had already suffered profound losses. Her father died when she was just ten, and her only brother, Otto, passed away at thirty-one less than a year before her death. Lillie, too, knew loss — her mother died when she was a child. By 1915, Lillie was living with Alma and Mollie in Chicago, perhaps finding strength in family during a difficult time.
Martha Quwas was 18 and living at 3114 W. 40th St. in Chicago with her widowed mother and 4 siblings: Gertrude, William, Walker and Theresa. She had worked for Western Electric for 3 years and was engaged to Frank Sagenblecht, 22, who drowned that day with her. Frank worked for Armour and Co. and was born and raised in Chicago. He was later buried in German Waldheim, while Martha was buried here, at Concordia. Martha and her sister, Gertrude, who worked for the Chicago Telephone Co. as an operator, were the only means of support for their family. Their brother William, had been in the hospital at the time of the accident, awaiting an operation. The family was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Chicago.
Louise Radoll, known as “Lizzie” to family and friends, was a vibrant young woman whose life was cut tragically short in the Eastland Disaster. Born in Chicago in 1890 to German immigrant parents August and Frieda Radoll, Louise was one of twelve children, nine of whom survived into adulthood.
Louise grew up in a large, working-class family on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Her father passed away in 1906, leaving her mother to care for the younger children with help from the older siblings. Louise attended the George H. Thomas School, graduating around 1908, a notable achievement for a young woman of her background, and soon after began working at the Western Electric Company. By 1910, census records show her still living at home and working to help support the family.
Known for her beauty and charm, Louise had been chosen as the Queen of the Carnival for a celebration planned in Michigan City. On July 24, 1915, she boarded the Eastland with her brother and a friend, Mary Vavra. The two companions survived, but Louise, who stepped onto the ship just moments before it tipped, was among the 844 lives lost that morning.
Her obituary in the Chicago Tribune was one of the longer and more personal tributes published in the days following the disaster, hinting at her popularity and spirit. Her mother, Frieda, was awarded a settlement
Louise is buried at Concordia Cemetery alongside her father and siblings lost in childhood. Her brother August Jr., who had died two years before her, rests in a nearby section. The family’s burial choices reflect a closeness that endured beyond life. A mother’s decision to lay her daughter to rest beside her father rather than keep the space for herself speaks volumes about love and loss.
Louise grew up in a large, working-class family on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Her father passed away in 1906, leaving her mother to care for the younger children with help from the older siblings. Louise attended the George H. Thomas School, graduating around 1908, a notable achievement for a young woman of her background, and soon after began working at the Western Electric Company. By 1910, census records show her still living at home and working to help support the family.
Known for her beauty and charm, Louise had been chosen as the Queen of the Carnival for a celebration planned in Michigan City. On July 24, 1915, she boarded the Eastland with her brother and a friend, Mary Vavra. The two companions survived, but Louise, who stepped onto the ship just moments before it tipped, was among the 844 lives lost that morning.
Her obituary in the Chicago Tribune was one of the longer and more personal tributes published in the days following the disaster, hinting at her popularity and spirit. Her mother, Frieda, was awarded a settlement
Louise is buried at Concordia Cemetery alongside her father and siblings lost in childhood. Her brother August Jr., who had died two years before her, rests in a nearby section. The family’s burial choices reflect a closeness that endured beyond life. A mother’s decision to lay her daughter to rest beside her father rather than keep the space for herself speaks volumes about love and loss.
Forest Home / Waldheim Cemetery
Present-day Forest Home Cemetery was once two separate cemeteries – German Waldheim and Forest Home. The land was originally the site of Native American settlements with approximately ten acres of burial mounds. After the Native Americans were forced to move west, a French-Native American fur trader, Leon Bourassa, acquired the land in 1839. He, along with his Potawatomi wife, Mnetoqua (Marguerite or Martha), cared for the ancient burial sites until 1851, at which time they sold the land to a German immigrant, Ferdinand Haase. Haase initially established a farm, then, a few years later opened Haase’s Park, a popular picnic grove and gathering place. In 1865, Chicago closed its city cemetery and passed an ordinance that all cemeteries had to be outside of the city limits. This created a need for cemeteries in the suburbs.
German Waldheim was established the following year in 1873 by a group of German Fraternal Lodges. Members of these lodges wanted to be able to display symbols of their fraternal organizations (i.e. Masons, Odd Fellows) on their headstones, which was forbidden in Concordia. German Waldheim was advertised as the only “German, non-denominational cemetery in the Chicago area.”
In 1876, Forest Home Cemetery, to the south, was established after several wealthy Oak Park leaders and landowners came together to propose a non-sectarian cemetery that would be open to all English-speaking citizens of the area.
There have been changes over time to Concordia and Forest Home Cemeteries. In the 1950s, several acres at both cemeteries were sold to accommodate construction for I290 (Eisenhower Expressway) In 1968, German Waldheim merged with Forest Home Cemetery to become one large cemetery. Forest Home has been the final resting place of persons of all beliefs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and fraternal associations. Located in the cemetery is the Haymarket Martyrs Monument, a National Historic Landmark. Also buried here are victims of the 1903 Iroquois Theater Fire, the 1915 Eastland Disaster and various epidemics and outbreaks.
German Waldheim was established the following year in 1873 by a group of German Fraternal Lodges. Members of these lodges wanted to be able to display symbols of their fraternal organizations (i.e. Masons, Odd Fellows) on their headstones, which was forbidden in Concordia. German Waldheim was advertised as the only “German, non-denominational cemetery in the Chicago area.”
In 1876, Forest Home Cemetery, to the south, was established after several wealthy Oak Park leaders and landowners came together to propose a non-sectarian cemetery that would be open to all English-speaking citizens of the area.
There have been changes over time to Concordia and Forest Home Cemeteries. In the 1950s, several acres at both cemeteries were sold to accommodate construction for I290 (Eisenhower Expressway) In 1968, German Waldheim merged with Forest Home Cemetery to become one large cemetery. Forest Home has been the final resting place of persons of all beliefs, backgrounds, ethnicities, and fraternal associations. Located in the cemetery is the Haymarket Martyrs Monument, a National Historic Landmark. Also buried here are victims of the 1903 Iroquois Theater Fire, the 1915 Eastland Disaster and various epidemics and outbreaks.
Jethro Richard Beel, Jr. lost his life in the Eastland disaster while heroically trying to save his wife. He and Marguerite Beel were dancing on the lower deck of the Eastland when the ship capsized. As water rushed in, Jethro pushed Marguerite through a porthole window, but he was unable to follow and perished. Though Marguerite could not swim, she was pulled to safety. Their nearly two-year-old son, Jethro Edward, was in the arms of his grandaunt, Helen Kennedy, watching from the riverfront as the tragedy unfolded. Marguerite was severely injured and unable to support herself or her child for some time. Over a year later, she remarried and had two more sons with Henry Ludwig, Sr. Jethro Edward was raised within this new family.
Harry and William Engenhart were brothers who worked at Western Electric and boarded the Eastland together on the morning of July 24, 1915, for the company’s annual outing. Tragedy struck when the ship capsized in the Chicago River. William survived, but Harry did not make it home.
Two years later, William married Josephine Polivka in April 1917. He passed away in 1929, leaving behind Josephine and their young daughter, Alice.
Two years later, William married Josephine Polivka in April 1917. He passed away in 1929, leaving behind Josephine and their young daughter, Alice.
William Holtz was 21 years old and lived with his parents, his two older sisters, and an older brother. A devoted son, William was preparing to leave his job so he could stay home and care for his mother, Emma, who was blind.
On July 24, 1915, William boarded the S.S. Eastland with his friend, Emil Nelson, to attend the Western Electric Company’s employee outing. When the ship tragically capsized in the Chicago River, Emil survived—but William did not. His untimely death was a heartbreaking loss for a family already facing many challenges.
On July 24, 1915, William boarded the S.S. Eastland with his friend, Emil Nelson, to attend the Western Electric Company’s employee outing. When the ship tragically capsized in the Chicago River, Emil survived—but William did not. His untimely death was a heartbreaking loss for a family already facing many challenges.
George W. Jost was a 17-year-old employee of the Western Electric Company, where he worked in department 2031. He lived on Komensky Avenue with his parents, Henry and Emma, and his sisters, Doris and Evelyn. Deeply devoted to his family, George turned over his entire earnings to help pay for their home.
On the morning of July 24, 1915, George left with a friend to attend the Western Electric Company’s annual excursion and picnic. After boarding the S.S. Eastland, George—an avid violinist—went below deck to enjoy the music. Tragically, he was trapped when the ship capsized and did not survive. His friend made it out alive.
His father, Henry, visited the temporary morgue at the Armory building several times before finding and identifying George’s body.
On the morning of July 24, 1915, George left with a friend to attend the Western Electric Company’s annual excursion and picnic. After boarding the S.S. Eastland, George—an avid violinist—went below deck to enjoy the music. Tragically, he was trapped when the ship capsized and did not survive. His friend made it out alive.
His father, Henry, visited the temporary morgue at the Armory building several times before finding and identifying George’s body.
Forest Park Residents
Gertrude Stork was the 15 year old daughter Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Stork of 1027 Circle Ave. in Forest Park. She went on the excursion with her father and brother. She had expressed concern over the trip just minutes before the accident. Mr. Stork went under the water with his family and several others. He felt people clinging to him and was able to reach the surface. As he pulled people from the water, he was able to rescue his son and two women. He lost his daughter and was unable to save her. This caused him tremendous grief and sorrow. The funeral was held at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and burial was held at the family plot in German Waldheim Cemetery.
Oak Leaves 1915
Ristow Brothers William lived at 939 Lathrop Ave. in Forest Park while his brother, Herman, lived at 1041 Home Ave. in Oak Park. Both brothers worked for Western Electric’s Hawthorne Works plant. William left behind a wife, Anna, and three daughters. His family did not attend the excursion with him because his wife was home taking care of a young baby. Herman was unmarried, but attended the excursion with his soon-to-be fiance Ida Jutci of Chicago. Ida was saved by her brother, Oscar, who was also in the party. The party was on the first deck on the river side of the boat and were all thrown into the water together. A double funeral was held at the Ristow home in Oak Park and internment was at German Waldheim. William was a member of the Circle Masonic Lodge, Herman of the Atlas Lodge of the Rebeccas. The Odd Fellows and Rebeccas were represented in rites at the home and the Masonic held rites at the cemetery. Besides William’s wife and children, their parents and sister also survive them.
Jewish Waldheim Cemetery
Jewish Waldheim Cemetery was established in Forest Park in 1870. It contains over 280 distinct sections, each originally owned and managed by different synagogues, temples, Jewish organizations, or family groups from the Chicago area. In the past, these sections were strictly separated, often enclosed with fences and gates—traces of which are still visible today. While the cemetery is now managed under a single company, the historical divisions reflect the diverse and organized structure of Chicago’s Jewish community. For more than 140 years, Jewish Waldheim has served as a resting place for generations, including prominent figures such as Michael Todd (film producer and husband of Elizabeth Taylor), members of the Arie Crown family, and Clara Peller, known for her “Where’s the Beef?” catchphrase. Only three victims of the Eastland Disaster are known to be buried at Jewish Waldheim.
Gate 43 Lot S Section N Row 39 Grave 88 41°51’29.4”N 87°49’01.2”W
Eleanor H. Orbes was born on July 1, 1899, in Chicago, Illinois, to Bertha Bendix and Frank Orbes. At just 14 or 15 years old, she married Tom Pappos in June 1914 in Rock Island, Illinois.
At the time of her death, 16-year-old Eleanor was living near 21st Street and Western Avenue in Chicago. Raised in a Jewish household, she was one of several children in the care of her mother and extended family. Eleanor was an aspiring cabaret singer and had been invited to perform aboard the Eastland as passengers traveled from Chicago to Michigan City, Indiana.
No birth or surviving child has been found in public records, yet her gravestone bears the inscription “MOTHER.” It once featured a photo cameo, now sadly lost. Eleanor is buried in a single grave under the trees at the Free Sons of Israel section of Jewish Waldheim Cemetery.
Eleanor H. Orbes was born on July 1, 1899, in Chicago, Illinois, to Bertha Bendix and Frank Orbes. At just 14 or 15 years old, she married Tom Pappos in June 1914 in Rock Island, Illinois.
At the time of her death, 16-year-old Eleanor was living near 21st Street and Western Avenue in Chicago. Raised in a Jewish household, she was one of several children in the care of her mother and extended family. Eleanor was an aspiring cabaret singer and had been invited to perform aboard the Eastland as passengers traveled from Chicago to Michigan City, Indiana.
No birth or surviving child has been found in public records, yet her gravestone bears the inscription “MOTHER.” It once featured a photo cameo, now sadly lost. Eleanor is buried in a single grave under the trees at the Free Sons of Israel section of Jewish Waldheim Cemetery.
Gate 31 Lot 10 Section K Row 29B Grave 2 41°51’32.5”N 87°49’15.6”W
Samuel Widran (Widranovitz), 29, beloved husband of Rose nee Spingold; son of Frank and Anna Widranovitz. Widran was an excellent swimmer and when he found himself in the water after the Eastland capsized, he began to save others. He was able to rescue about 40 persons before he fractured his skull from a dive and lost his life. He worked as an electrician for the Western Electric Company, along with his friend, Philip Grinsberg. The pair boarded the Eastland together and lost their lives together. They were placed next to each other at the Armory and were identified together. The families decided to have a double funeral together at the J. Weinstein Chapel at 3654 W. 12th St. They were then separated for Widran was burial at the Free Sons of Israel Cemetery (Jewish Waldheim) and Grinsberg was then buried at the family plot in Oakwoods Cemetery.
Karoly "Carl" Friedman
Gate 53--I.O.B.A. (B’rith Abraham)41.859374, -87.816663
Here [lies] buried
the young man Chaim Moshe
son of Tzvi Aryeh
may light shine from his candle’; 13th Av 5675
may his soul be bound in the bond of [eternal] life.
Gate 53--I.O.B.A. (B’rith Abraham)41.859374, -87.816663
Here [lies] buried
the young man Chaim Moshe
son of Tzvi Aryeh
may light shine from his candle’; 13th Av 5675
may his soul be bound in the bond of [eternal] life.