Eastland Disaster Historical Society
The Call To Remember )
 Eastland Disaster Historical Society December 12, 2003 
In this issue
  • From the President
  • Captain Pedersen
  • Book update
  • Eastland Corner (a follow-up)
  • EDHS receives donation
  • Holiday gift ideas

  • From the President

    At the end of this month we will celebrate our fifth year of operations. We are grateful to all who have supported us - we depend largely on public support to help us provide award-winning services. If you have benefited from our services or if you simply want to ensure that others can, please think of us this giving season.

    May your holidays and the remainder of 2003 be filled with peace and joy.

    Click here to make a secure donation online...

    Captain Pedersen
    Under the command of Captain Harry Pedersen, the Eastland rolled over while still partially moored to its wharf along the Chicago River, claiming the lives of nearly 850 people.

    The newspapers made Captain Pedersen the central figure of the tragedy, the courts tried to make him the scapegoat, and to many of the people in Chicago and around the world he was a villain.

    A visit to Captain Pedersen's grave this summer conjured up some unexpected thoughts.

    Click HERE to view the final resting site of Captain Pedersen... »

    Book update
    As announced earlier this year in our Mar/Apr newsletter, author Jay Bonansinga has reached an agreement with Kensington Publishing Corp to publish a book about the Eastland Disaster. Since this announcement, Jay has been working steadily on the book.

    - Prior to his August 15 deadline, Jay submitted several dozen photographs and images to the publisher. These photos and images were those suggested by Jay to be included in the book.

    - Prior to his October 15 deadline, Jay submitted the first draft of his book to the publisher.

    Jay recently received feedback from the publisher regarding his first draft of the Eastland Disaster book. Jay said, "they loved it and they are planning to use the book as their lead title for 2004."

    Eastland Corner (a follow-up)
    Each issue of THE CALL To Remember newsletter typically contains a column called the Eastland Corner. This column features the story (and accompanying photo, when available) of someone who was involved in the Eastland Disaster - a survivor, victim, hero, member of the crew, or perhaps someone who assisted with the rescue, recovery, and relief efforts.

    Last month, one of our subscribers (who also is a member) asked, "Where do you get the information that you publish in the Eastland Corner?" Our answer more often than not is that a descendant or relative provides us with the personal account and photo.

    In the case of last edition's Eastland Corner feature, the information and photo of Robert Hicks (a member of the Eastland's crew) were obtained from granddaughter Judy Botham, who resides in Australia! We are able to share this account and photo with you - all the way from Australia - thanks to the gracious efforts by Judy combined with the power of the Internet.

    Click HERE to read Robert Hicks' story... »

    EDHS receives donation
    Nearly two years ago, Mr. Robert Nickels attended the Eastland Disaster program we gave at the Park Ridge Public Library in Illinois. Bob's personal connection to the Eastland Disaster is through his grandfather, Charles O. Reinhard (a member of the Chicago Fire Department who assisted in the rescue and recovery efforts).

    Bob recently donated a stamp to us, a stamp depicting the Eastland Disaster. Follow the link below to read more about Bob's donation and the origin of the stamp.

    Click HERE to read about the recent donation... »

    Holiday gift ideas
    Looking for that last-minute unique gift? We have several gift items that may end your search including an emmy award-winning documentary (on VHS video). Also available is a variety of books (author-signed and/or personalized Eastland: Legacy of the Titanic, books on the paranormal, and even a book that is perfect for youngsters including your nieces, nephews, and grandchildren). Gift memberships may also be given.

    Need it in time for the holidays? No problem. Every order is processed and shipped the next day.

    Click HERE to order online or by mail... »

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