Best Eastland Disaster Podcasts (2025)

1
Roll Up Your Sleeves—A Lesson in Preserving History 41:40

3d ago41:40

41:40

Send us a text History isn’t just about what’s remembered—it’s about who makes sure it’s remembered. In this episode, I take you to Fall Creek, Wisconsin—a small village with a deep familial connection. It’s also where I first saw what real historical preservation looks like. Their approach to honoring the past contrasts what I’ve found in my resea…

1
MoNo Encore: The Villisca Axe Murders - The Reverend Lyn George Kelly w/ Edgar Epperly 1:18:58

3d ago1:18:58

1:18:58

(Original publish date: 6/7/22) In this third and final part of my interview with Dr. Edgar Epperly, the "little minister" Lyn George Jacklin Kelly is examined as a primary suspect in the 1912 Villisca Axe Murders. Although Kelly spoke obsessively about the case and even confessed to the murders, many believed that the confession was the result of …

1
MoNo Encore: The Villisca Axe Murders: Wilkerson Vs. Jones w/ Edgar Epperly 1:18:07

5d ago1:18:07

1:18:07

(Original Publish Date: 5/31/22) Frank Fernando (F.F.) Jones seemed to be one of the most obvious suspects in the aftermath of the horrific 1912 Villisca Axe murders. He had a contentious business rivalry with the patriarch of the slain Moore family, Josiah (Joe) Moore, intensified further because Moore was having an affair with his daughter-in-law…

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MoNo Encore: The Villisca Axe Murders: Crime Scene w/ Edgar Epperly 1:16:30

4d ago1:16:30

1:16:30

One of my absolute favorites! This is the first of a three part interview I did with Dr. Ed Epperly about the notorious 1912 Villisca Axe Murders. (Original publish date 5/23/2022) This episode is sponsored by Strawberry .me. Get a $50 credit when you use our link: https://strawberry.me/notorious On June 9th (or) 10th, 1912, America experienced of …

1
Episode 100: A Milestone, A Synchronicity & A Heartfelt Thank You 28:42

9d ago28:42

28:42

Send us a text 100 Episodes of Flower in the River! 🎉 Can't believe we made it to 100! Let's look back at how this whole thing started, how Flower in the River has grown, and our mission to keep the stories of all of the people who experienced the Eastland Disaster from fading into history. The Most Random Thing Just Happened... So get this - Crist…

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378: The Murder of "Elvis Girl" Jenny Maxwell w/ Buddy Moorehouse 1:16:57

13d ago1:16:57

1:16:57

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, Jenny Maxwell was one of Hollywood's "it girls", appearing in countless television shows and films. Arguably her most memorable role was that of Ellie Corbett in Elvis Presley's 1961 movie "Blue Hawaii", where she stole every scene she was in. But despite her professional success, her personal life was a mess, muc…

1
The Big Apple Meets Chicago’s Biggest Disaster 41:42

16d ago41:42

41:42

Send us a text Step back to 1915 and witness how the Eastland disaster shook not just Chicago but the entire nation—thanks in part to New York’s relentless reporters. Meet H. Percye Millar, a Chicago-based New York Times correspondent, who single-handedly transmitted 15,000 words about the catastrophe in a single night. His meticulous reporting, pa…

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377: The Murder of Anna Wilkens & The Birth of the Lie Detector w/ Amit Katwala 58:01

20d ago58:01

58:01

Late one evening in the summer of 1922, Henry Wilkens burst through the doors of the emergency room covered in his wife's blood. But was he a grieving husband or a ruthless killer who conspired with bandits to have her murdered? To find out, the San Francisco police turned to technology and a new machine that had just been invented in Berkeley by a…

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376: Erie's Mausoleum Mystery w/ Justin Dombrowski 56:34

21d ago56:34

56:34

On February 8, 1911, the Scott Mausoleum, a symbol of wealth for the Scott and Strong families in Erie, Pennsylvania, was desecrated by unknown vandals, coined by nationwide papers as ghouls. With the inside of the mausoleum heavily damaged - and a body missing - the crime set off shockwaves throughout the country during a time in which grave robbe…

1
The Pulp Scribbler meets the Capsized Ship 41:39

25d ago41:39

41:39

Send us a text In this episode, I open with a poignant story about my mother’s friend Donna—a moment of compassion that left an indelible mark on my life. It’s a small, tender memory, but one that unlocks a much bigger story—one of the most compelling and overlooked accounts I’ve come across in my research on the Eastland disaster. Now, picture thi…

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375: The Murder of Virginia Olson w/ Brian & Cameron Santana 1:25:10

26d ago1:25:10

1:25:10

On April 15, 1973, the body of Virginia Olson was discovered near the campus of the University of North Carolina-Asheville in an area known as the Botanical Gardens. She had been raped and stabbed to death in horrifically brutal fashion. Police would investigate this crime for decades, and even hone in one one particular suspect, but it still remai…

1
American Criminal: John Gotti - Making a Man 45:34

1M ago45:34

45:34

This is the first episode of Airship's new series about John Gotti on their American Criminal podcast. "Living in poverty as a young kid, John Gotti takes up mafia work very early on. He knows that the Gambino family is his ticket out, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to climb the ranks. Even if it means killing a guy." For more information…

1
Caverns of Memory: Erin McBrien’s Archival Journey 47:58

1M ago47:58

47:58

Send us a text In today's episode, I speak with Erin McBrien, Interim Curator at the Upper Midwest Literary Archives (University of Minnesota), to explore the fascinating world behind preserving our collective stories. Highlights: Step inside a real-life treasure vault: 80 feet underground in limestone caverns(!) where priceless historical material…

1
374: The Mafia, the Kennedys & Hoover w/ Louis Ferrante 1:31:53

1M ago1:31:53

1:31:53

Louis Ferrante is back on the show, sharing more of his extensive research into the history of the American Mafia. In volume two of his trilogy, called "Borgata: Clash of Titans", he focuses on the Mafia during the height of its power in the 1960s and 70s. In our interview he talks about the origins of the animosity between the mob and Bobby Kenned…

1
Margaret Dreier Robins - Voice of Thunder 34:38

1M ago34:38

34:38

Send us a text It’s time to explore the remarkable life of Margaret Dreier Robins, a powerful yet often overlooked voice in the Eastland disaster narrative. Born into privilege in 1868, Margaret chose to dedicate her life to labor reform and women's rights, becoming a pivotal figure in Chicago's social justice movement. Key points: Margaret's early…

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373: The Murder Case that Inspired The Scarlet Letter w/ Kate Winkler Dawson 1:05:57

1M ago1:05:57

1:05:57

On a cold winter day in 1832, Sarah Maria Cornell was found dead in a quiet farmyard in a small New England town. When her troubled past and a secret correspondence with charismatic Methodist minister Reverend Ephraim Avery was uncovered, more questions emerged. Was Sarah’s death a suicide...or something much darker? Determined to uncover the real …

1
The Diver and the Janitor: Heroes, Loss, and the Price of Tragedy 39:21

2M ago39:21

39:21

Send us a text *Content warning: This episode contains a brief mention of suicide* In this episode of Season 3, I explore two powerful stories from the 1915 Eastland disaster in Chicago that showcase both heroism and devastating loss. Meet Captain Dan Donovan: Chicago's Hero Diver I take you into the world of early 20th century Chicago with Captain…

1
TWICE BURIED & THE MYSTERY OF EASTLAND VICTIM #571 40:15

2M ago40:15

40:15

Send us a text Content Note: This episode deals with themes of death and misidentification. Please listen with care. In episode 94 of Flower in the River, I’m diving into one of the most puzzling mysteries of the Eastland Disaster: the case of Emma Meyer and the confusion surrounding Victim #571. What started as a chance discovery during an archiva…

1
MoNo Encore: Catch Me If You Can's Frank Abagnale - Perpetrator of the Ultimate Hoax? w/ Alan C. Logan 1:37:02

2M ago1:37:02

1:37:02

Happy New Year everyone! This Most Notorious Encore episode revisits my conversation with Alan Logan, originally released on May 19, 2021. Most of us are familiar with the critically acclaimed film called Catch Me If You Can, based on the autobiography of legendary confidence man Frank Abagnale. It's the story of a brazen teenage imposter who throu…

1
Lane Tech: Triumph Through Tragedy 32:28

2M ago32:28

32:28

Send us a text This week, I’m diving into the touching story of Lane Technical High School students who tragically lost their lives in the Eastland disaster of 1915. These weren’t just names on a list—they were vibrant young men with big futures ahead of them. From a baseball captain to a Moody Church Sunday School member, I’ll take you through the…

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372: Rhode Island's Last Execution w/ Paul F. Caranci 1:17:32

2M ago1:17:32

1:17:32

On a frigid day in 1843, Amasa Sprague, a wealthy Yankee mill owner, left his mansion to check on his cattle. On the way, he was accosted and beaten beyond recognition, and his body was left facedown in the snow. What followed was a trial marked by judicial bias, witness perjury and societal bigotry that resulted in the conviction of twenty-nine-ye…

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371: The Barbara Graham Murder Case w/ Marcia Clark 59:18

2M ago59:18

59:18

Unwanted and neglected from birth, Barbara Graham had to overcome the odds just to survive. Her beauty was both a blessing and a curse—offering her too many options of all the wrong kind. Her innate sensitivity left her vulnerable to the harsh realities of the street, where she was left to fend for herself before she reached double digits. Her reco…

1
From Factory Floor to Fighting Ring: Another Eastland Story 39:53

2M ago39:53

39:53

Send us a text This episode opens with my reflection on our podcast's year-end Buzzsprout statistics, which revealed some surprising reach - listeners in 17 countries, 49 episodes (soon to be 52--I hope!), and 1,910 downloads. I share my special appreciation for our unexpected following in Coloma, Wisconsin (population abt. 460), where an incredibl…

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370: Britain's Notorious Hawkhurst Gang w/ Joseph Dragovich 1:04:30

2M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

South-east England, 1740s: War and heated politics bring the old practice of smuggling to new and dangerous heights. Violent gangs of smugglers terrorize communities and confound government attempts to stop them. The most famous of these, the Hawkhurst Gang, operate like a modern drug cartel fueled by illegal tea. They threaten witnesses and author…

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When the River Took Over: Stories Nearly Left Behind 41:04

2M ago41:04

41:04

Send us a text Episode Description: Welcome to Episode 91 of Flower in the River! This week, we’re diving into two extraordinary stories from the Eastland disaster, showcasing why history is about people—not just numbers. We’ll explore the firsthand account of E.J. Smith, an engineer who witnessed the Eastland aftermath and painted a vivid picture …

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369: Polly Bodine: The Witch of New York w/ Alex Hortis 1:22:36

3M ago1:22:36

1:22:36

On Christmas night, December 25, 1843, in a serene village on Staten Island, shocked neighbors discovered the burnt remains of twenty-four-year-old mother Emeline Houseman and her infant daughter, Ann Eliza. In a perverse nativity, someone bludgeoned to death a mother and child in their home—and then covered up the crime with hellfire. When an ambi…

1
The Machinist, the Merchant, and the Sweetheart: Stories from the Chicago River 30:14

3M ago30:14

30:14

Send us a text The 1915 Eastland disaster cast a long shadow over Chicago, and many stories from that day remain hidden—often in plain sight! This week, we’re uncovering more overlooked narratives to ensure they are remembered. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: John A. Rusk’s Quiet Heroism A produce merchant whose store became a rescue hub during …

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368: Gangster Hunters w/ John Oller - A True Crime History Podcast 1:10:09

3M ago1:10:09

1:10:09

My guest this week is John Oller, author of the new book "Gangster Hunters: How Hoover's G-men Vanquished America's Deadliest Public Enemies". He walks us through the evolution of J. Edgar Hoover's Bureau in the early 1930s, highlighting some of the unsung federal agents that battled America's Depression Era bank-robbing outlaws and the pivotal cri…

1
The Tomato Smuggler Who Survived a Disaster 41:33

3M ago41:33

41:33

Send us a text In today’s episode, I uncovered an extraordinary tale that intertwines the 1915 Eastland disaster, an heirloom tomato, and a present-day artist in Maine. This story, unearthed in the Franklin Journal and Farmington Chronicle from August 2023, is a beautiful reminder of how the Eastland’s legacy continues to emerge in surprising ways.…

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MoNo Encore: Jack the Ripper - New Clues & Theories w/ Tom Wescott 1:17:47

3M ago1:17:47

1:17:47

On this month's Most Notorious Encore episode, we revisit the "Autumn of Terror" with a popular interview first released on 11/21/2019, five years ago today. One of the world's most preeminent Ripperologists, Tom Wescott, author of "The Bank Holiday Murders" and "Ripper Confidential" is my guest on this episode of Most Notorious. His extensive rese…

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Front Page Gold, Footnote Dilemma: The Eastland’s Mixed Legacy 41:47

3M ago41:47

41:47

Send us a text Hey everyone! I'm excited to share some fascinating discoveries about how Chicago newspapers covered the Eastland disaster in 1915. This episode takes us behind the scenes at the Chicago Evening Post through the eyes of a publication called "The Scoop" - which was essentially a newspaper about newspapers! First, I want to welcome all…

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367: A Double Murder in 1948 Illinois w/ Ted Gregory 1:18:03

3M ago1:18:03

1:18:03

Summer 1948. In the scenic, remote river town of Oregon, Illinois, a young couple visiting the local lovers’ lane is murdered. The shocking crime garners headlines from Portland, Maine, to Long Beach, California. But after a sweeping manhunt, no one is arrested and the violent deaths of Mary Jane Reed and Stanley Skridla fade into time’s indifferen…

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Bones, History, Heart: Helen Sclair’s Death Quest 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

Send us a text Episode Highlights: Introducing Helen Sclair: In this episode, I explore the life of Helen Sclair, a unique and quirky “cemetery-ologist” who had a deep love for Chicago’s history, especially as it relates to its cemeteries. Helen dedicated her life to preserving the stories of those buried in Chicago’s historic cemeteries, including…

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366: Revenge, Murder & Madness in 1903 Indiana w/ Stephen Terrell 1:25:46

3M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

In early 1900s Indiana, John Terrell was the wealthiest man in Wells County, thanks to oil discovered on his farm. But when his youngest daughter, Lucy, became pregnant and entered into a forced marriage to abusive Melvin Wolfe, Terrell’s life and fortune unraveled in a tumultuous spiral of murder, a dramatic trial, and a descent into madness. My g…

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365: Ontario's Lazier Murder w/ Robert J. Sharpe 48:32

4M ago48:32

48:32

In December of 1883 Peter Lazier, a traveling farm implement salesman, was shot in the heart during the botched robbery of a farmer and his wife in Prince Edward County, Ontario. Two men would be arrested and tried for the murder, but would the sparse evidence against them lead to freedom, prison or the gallows? My guest is Robert J. Sharpe, author…

1
Bohemian Rhapsody - Forgotten by the River, Remembered at the Cemetery 34:06

4M ago34:06

34:06

Send us a text In this episode, we explore the rich history and legacy of Chicago’s Bohemian National Cemetery—a place that’s so much more than a resting place. We’ll explore what it really means to be “Bohemian” (no, not absinthe-drinking artists) and how this historic cemetery, founded by Czech immigrants, became a site of resilience, community, …

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Eastland 101: How NOT to Lose a History in 100 Years 39:29

4M ago39:29

39:29

Send us a text Welcome to Episode 85 of Flower in the River, where we dig deep into the enduring impact of the 1915 Eastland Disaster on Chicago and the families left behind. Inspired by my book of the same name, this episode takes us further into the lost narratives of the Eastland’s victims and heroes. Episode Highlights: Honoring the Forgotten: …

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364: Absinthe: The World's Most Dangerous Spirit w/ Evan Rail 1:07:59

4M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Absinthe is a drink that has been both romanticized and demonized over the centuries. While the spirit was a favorite of avant-gardists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Van Gogh and Baudelaire, it was also thought to be hallucinogenic and the catalyst for violent crime. My guest is Evan Rail, author of "The Absinthe Forger: A True Story of Deception, Betraya…

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MoNo Encore: The Mysterious Death of "Furnace Girl" Elfrieda Knaak w/ Kraig Moreland 1:29:10

4M ago1:29:10

1:29:10

We revisit an interview from February 2020 in this Most Notorious Encore episode. In late October of 1928, authorities in the small town of Lake Bluff, Illinois discovered a grisly scene in the village hall basement. They found a young woman named Elfreida Knaak, naked, horribly burned and barely clinging to life, next to a furnace. From that point…

1
From Eastland Witness to Radio Legend: John Griggs’ Journey 39:48

4M ago39:48

39:48

Send us a text In this episode (84), I explore the intriguing life of John Griggs, a talented actor from the Golden Age of Radio and Television—and an important witness to the Eastland disaster. I share his vivid account of that tragic day in 1915, which he wrote for American Heritage Magazine just two years before his death. His story gives us a r…

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363: The Donner Party Tragedy w/ Troy Taylor 1:20:36

4M ago1:20:36

1:20:36

Troy Taylor, host of the American Hauntings Podcast, returns to the show - this time for an interview with a bit of a Halloween theme. He's here to talk about the ill-fated Donner Party, which was was traveling by wagon to California when it became stranded in the Sierra Nevada mountains during the winter of 1846-47. There, some of its members infa…

1
Community, Compassion, and Jewish Values: Lessons from the Eastland’s Waters 37:49

4M ago37:49

37:49

Send us a text Welcome back to Flower in the River podcast! In this episode, we dive into the coverage of the 1915 Eastland disaster through The Sentinel, a historic Jewish newspaper in Chicago. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: The role The Sentinel played as a bridge between Chicago’s Jewish community and their evolving American identity. The 199…

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362: The Murders of Virginia Brooks, Louise Teuber & Hazel Bradshaw w/ Richard L. Carrico 1:12:09

4M ago1:12:09

1:12:09

In 1931, San Diego was left reeling from the brutal murders of ten-year-old Virginia Brooks, seventeen-year-old Louise Teuber, and twenty-two-year-old Hazel Bradshaw. The murders left period investigators flummoxed - and the cases remain unresolved to this day. My guest is award-winning author Richard L. Carrico. He has meticulously reconstructed t…

1
Immediate Ink, Enduring Impact - Eastland's Dual Narrative 25:15

5M ago25:15

25:15

Send us a text In this episode, I continue exploring the Eastland disaster coverage, focusing on articles from The Scoop, featuring the Chicago Daily News (1915), and a later piece from the Bradenton Herald (1962). The episode highlights the power of eyewitness accounts and the lasting impact of the tragedy. Key Points Discussion of the Chicago Dai…

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361: A Brief History of Scotland Yard w/ Simon Read 1:09:11

5M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

My guest this week is Simon Read, author of "Scotland Yard: A History of the London Police Force's Most Infamous Murder Cases". He walks us through a number of the notorious murder cases that helped transform London's Metropolitan Police into one of the world's premiere crime-fighting organizations. More about the author and his work here: https://…

1
Tickers Tapping, Phones Ringing: Women Racing to Break the Eastland Tragedy 32:07

5M ago32:07

32:07

Send us a text Eastland Disaster on Chicago Med The TV show Chicago Med referenced the Eastland disaster in its Season 10 premiere. Jenny Jose’s article in Central Recorder discussed this reference. Genealogy Conference Highlights Attended a conference by the Association of Professional Genealogists, focusing on new technologies in genealogy. Ticke…

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360: The Mysterious Death of Sarah Mumford w/ Michelle Graff - A True Crime History Podcast 1:11:38

5M ago1:11:38

1:11:38

While on a search for more information on her great-grandmother, my guest Michelle Graff uncovered a fascinating mystery involving the very suspicious 1899 death of a fifteen-year-old girl named Sarah Mumford, whose body had been hit by a train, assumably to cover up a murder. The following investigation, led by the local coroner, would reveal some…

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MoNo Encore: DB Cooper & the Hijacking of Northwest Flight 305 w/ Darren Schaefer & George McKeon 1:21:23

5M ago1:21:23

1:21:23

On this Most Notorious episode, we revisit a fan favorite interview, originally released on 12/9/2021. In November of 1971 a man who would come to be known as D.B. Cooper hijacked Northwest Orient Flight 305, ultimately parachuting out of the Boeing 727 in spectacular fashion, along with $200,000 in ransom money, presumably somewhere in Washington …

1
Alive & Anxious: Frank Escapes, Amelia Waits 45:32

5M ago45:32

45:32

Send us a text Step into a time machine and find yourself on the misty banks of the Chicago River in 1915. The air is thick with anticipation as thousands of Western Electric employees and their families prepare for a day of fun. Little do they know, history is about to be made – not in triumph, but in tragedy. Fast forward to 1976. One survivor an…

1
Badge-Worthy Bravery and the Journalist Who Missed the Boat 44:55

5M ago44:55

44:55

Send us a text What if a single event could forever change the fate of countless families and a whole city? Join us this week as we unravel the untold stories of the 1915 Eastland disaster, starting with Ann Smith's riveting family history. Ann shares the valiant efforts of her grandfather, Floyd Cameron Smith, who leaped into action when the ship …

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