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Newspaper
Boston Post
Location
Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Date
Jul 26, 1915
Page
6
Firemen and divers battled flames and strong currents to recover victims from the Eastland hull. By nightfall the tally rose with 157 bodies recovered, divers detailing near-fatal entrapment while spectators crowded the riverfront to watch the grim operation.
Chicago July 25 Maclay Hoyne state s attorney assigns partial blame to the United States Inspection Bureau for the Eastland disaster. He cites letters predicting the ship was unsafe and says he may introduce them at the inquest.
A Chicago businessman arriving from the scene in Boston pins the capsize on the Eastland’s narrow racing hull and lack of ballast. He notes the vessel’s deep tapering sheer and top heavy condition with a large crowd on deck in the shallow Chicago River.
Dr J T Hood a Chicago physician who spoke with Mr String at the Hotel Lenox endorsed the view that Hastland’s ballast practice caused instability. He recalled riding her to South Haven in a storm noting ballast eased wobble but crowding excursionists made her too heavy and prone to capsize.
An observer recalls the panic after the Eastland capsized, noting 3000 claimed aboard though officials list 2500. He describes grieving crowds along the river, police using rifles to keep people from the water, and funeral processions of sheet-covered bodies to the armory morgue. He compares the scene to the Iroquois Theatre fire.
Northampton July 25. J J Lyons and his young son, formerly residents here, are reported lost when the Eastland sank. J J Lyons is the son of Chief of Police M J Lyons of this city.
Charles R. E. Bowles, a 17 year old volunteer diver, explored the hull of the Eastland while professionals refused to dive. He worked from morning to dark, bringing to the surface 40 bodies before being placed in a car for rest. Known as the human frog, Bowles earned praise from veterans for his bravery.
Young Bowles son of Western Union wire chief helped search the Eastland wreck. At 11 he rescued two boys, later saved a baby in a burning building. He entered the ship again next day despite fatigue and warnings from doctors and officials.
Chicago July 25 Sorrow over the Eastland disaster fills the Second Regiment Armory as bodies arrive at the morgue. Coroners record identifications and hand over the deceased to mourners. By tonight fewer than 100 bodies remain and embalmers face the distress of infant victims.
Acting Mayor Moorhouse of Chicago received a telegram from President Woodrow Wilson dated Windsor Vermont July 25 1915 expressing universal sympathy and sorrow for the great disaster that saddened many homes in Chicago and the nation.
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