The History

Aftermath

“SOLEMNLY, THE STRETCHER BEARERS WALKED DOWN THE HULL OF THE STEAMER onto the dock with their inanimate burdens of humanity that a brief half hour or hour before had scurried laughing to the death craft.” -- Harlan Babcock

Though it may seem as if the aftermath of the Eastland Disaster was focused on rescue and survival, it sadly was consumed with relief efforts.

Hundreds of people faced physical, mental, and spiritual struggle in the wake of the Disaster -- and relief was needed to help survivors and victims' families cope in the aftermath. Countless businesses, religious institutions, undertaking and funeral establishments worked day and night to pick up the pieces.