Chicago, Illinois -- Growing up, sisters Susan Decker and Barbara (née Decker) Wachholz listened to their grandmother, Borghild “Bobbie” Aanstad, tell the harrowing story of how—at the age of 13—she, her mother Marianne, and her sister Solveig survived the Eastland Disaster. With the help of Bobbie’s uncle Olaf Ness, a Western Electric employee, the family […]
Chicago, Illinois -- From The Executive Director Dear EDHS family member, Two years ago, we enthusiastically announced the next chapter in the history of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society (EDHS). We then began the process to transition from being a family-run, not-for-profit organization to becoming a key asset within several iconic Chicago area institutions. Three […]
Chicago, Illinois -- After nearly twenty-one years of honoring those affected by Chicago’s deadliest disaster, I am now thrilled to share with you the news regarding the next chapter in the history of the Eastland Disaster Historical Society (EDHS). Beginning this month, we will be transitioning EDHS from being a family-run, not-for-profit organization to becoming a key asset within […]
Chicago, Illinois -- For the 19th consecutive summer, the Eastland Disaster Historical Society will host the anniversary commemoration for Chicago's greatest loss-of-life tragedy on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. We hope you will join us at the Chicago Riverwalk for this year’s commemoration ceremony, and then follow with us over to Barbara's Bookstore to […]
On June 18, 2018, which was International Picnic Day, we honored those who were involved in the Eastland Disaster. Perhaps you were wondering what became of the annual Hawthorne Works employee picnic? After the hundreds of funerals and burials concluded in 1915, individuals and families picked up the pieces, returned to work, and went on […]
Happy International Picnic Day from EDHS! Today, we remember those who embarked on Hawthorne Works’ 5th Annual Employee Picnic and were involved in the Eastland Disaster. Hawthorne Works operated six days a week, but for one Saturday every summer, the plant shut down for a day of laughter, joy, and relaxation. Men and women donned […]
Chicago, Illinois -- It is with a heavy heart that we are announcing the loss of Bob Leff, a dear friend and EDHS advocate and volunteer. Bob, who was married and had three children, passed away this past Tuesday, April 4, 2017. Bob did not have a personal family connection to the Eastland Disaster, as […]
