Raw Knuckles, Bare Feet: Eastland's Unlikely Heroes

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

Send us a text

Welcome back to Flower in the River! In this episode, we explore the untold stories of two extraordinary individuals connected to the tragic Eastland Disaster of 1915. These heroes, whose tales have remained largely hidden from history, finally get the recognition they deserve.

First, meet Amelia Schaefer Schmidt, a 15-year-old girl on what was supposed to be a joyous picnic day. Instead, Amelia found herself in a nightmare, surviving the capsizing of the Eastland with sheer determination and courage. Her story, preserved in interviews and newspaper articles, reveals the harrowing details of that day and her incredible bravery in saving a young girl's life.

Next, we uncover the story of Peter Hardy (Hardo), a Rusyn immigrant who, at just 17, found himself rescuing multiple people from the Eastland's wreckage. A man who went on to build a successful life in America, Peter never forgot the screams and chaos of that day. His story is a testament to the strength and resilience of those who rise to the occasion when disaster strikes.

This episode is not just about remembering the tragedy but also about honoring the human spirit's incredible power to persevere and help others, even in the darkest of times. We also take a brief detour into the fascinating world of Rusyn culture, shedding light on the rich history and identity of this often-overlooked ethnic group.

As we wrap up, we reflect on the importance of uncovering and preserving these hidden stories. History is full of forgotten voices, and it's our responsibility to bring them to light.
Links:

• Magocsi, Paul Robert. Our People: Carpatho-Rusyns and Their Descendants in North America. Carpatho-Rusyn Research Center, Inc., January 1, 2023.
• Carpatho-Rusyn Society

Music:

• Artlist
• Memory Eternal

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• LinkTree: @zettnatalie | Linktree
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

Kapitel

1. Raw Knuckles, Bare Feet: Eastland's Unlikely Heroes (00:00:00)

2. Long-Lost Heroes of the Eastland (00:00:07)

3. Survivor of the Eastland Tragedy (00:06:43)

4. Rusyn Identity in the West (00:19:17)

5. Journey of a Rusyn Immigrant (00:33:15)