Dora was a victim of the Eastland Disaster, The deadliest maritime disaster in Chicago's history to date. Dora and her sister, Caroline, were to take a day trip on the Eastland excursion ship, one of 5 ships designated for the fifth annual Western Electric Company sponsored picnic. Dora was employed with Western Electric, as a phone polisher. Caroline had been employed there as well before she married Max Affeld.
The two were dolled up in fine Victorian era fashion, with lunches in tow. They boarded a train from the Mokena Train Depot, rode on the Rock Island Line into the city.
The boats were first come, first serve for anyone with a ticket to the event. They boarded the Eastland at about 6:30 a.m. At 6:40 the boat began to tilt towards it's starboard side. The captain righted the ship and passengers continued to enjoy themselves.
At 7:30 a.m., however, the boat began to sink on it's port side into the Chicago River. Sadly, the two sisters were of 844 who perished.
They were returned to their hometown of Frankfort, Illinois, to be buried at Immanuel Lutheran Church's cemetery, where they were members.
Dora was a victim of the Eastland Disaster, The deadliest maritime disaster in Chicago's history to date. Dora and her sister, Caroline, were to take a day trip on the Eastland excursion ship, one of 5 ships designated for the fifth annual Western Electric Company sponsored picnic. Dora was employed with Western Electric, as a phone polisher. Caroline had been employed there as well before she married Max Affeld.
The two were dolled up in fine Victorian era fashion, with lunches in tow. They boarded a train from the Mokena Train Depot, rode on the Rock Island Line into the city.
The boats were first come, first serve for anyone with a ticket to the event. They boarded the Eastland at about 6:30 a.m. At 6:40 the boat began to tilt towards it's starboard side. The captain righted the ship and passengers continued to enjoy themselves.
At 7:30 a.m., however, the boat began to sink on it's port side into the Chicago River. Sadly, the two sisters were of 844 who perished.
They were returned to their hometown of Frankfort, Illinois, to be buried at Immanuel Lutheran Church's cemetery, where they were members.
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