For their fifth annual excursion and picnic, employees of Western Electric Company planned a lovely cruise across Lake Michigan.  Thousands of hard-working immigrant laborers and their families would enjoy a festive day that included a lovely cruise across Lake Michigan to an awaiting parade and day-long picnic.  Instead, the event turned into a tragedy unlike any other.  The SS Eastland, while still tied to the wharf, capsized into the Chicago River with more than 2,500 passengers aboard.  Nearly 850 people lost their lives, including 22 entire families.  Captivating images and compelling narrative taken from families of survivors recall the ensuing struggle for survival, and the resulting death, heroism, greed, cowardice, and scandal that gripped the city.
Softcover, 6 x 9, 128 pgs.