Think & Drink Series: The Eastland Story
May 7 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
On July 24th, 1915, the SS Eastland was docked in the Chicago River, filled with thousands of Western Electric employees headed for a company picnic. In a matter of minutes, the “Speed Queen of the Lakes” capsized while still tied to the dock, resulting in the unfortunate deaths of 844 people. To this day, this was the greatest loss of life in a single shipwreck in Great Lakes history.
Join Todd Gordon for a deep dive into the service and final moments of this steamer, from its launch in 1903 to its second life as the USS Wilmette. This presentation is a journey through the “six degrees of separation” that connect the Eastland to some of the most famed figures and events in American history.
About the speaker:
Todd Gordon is the president of the Wisconsin Marine Historical Society and serves on the Advisory Council for the Wisconsin Shipwreck Coast National Marine Sanctuary. A lifelong history enthusiast and former SCUBA diver who has explored the wrecks of Door County, Todd Gordon spent 43 years at We Energies before “retiring” to co-manage the historic Port Washington 1860 Light Station. He is a dedicated researcher committed to preserving the maritime legacy of the Great Lakes.
Doors and cash bar open at 6:00 PM. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase at the limited bar. The presentation and livestream will begin at 6:30 PM. To access the livestream of this event, please register here: https://forms.gle/
