GALLERY - THE DISASTER
  MAIN GALLERY
Years ago, postcard printers marketed postcards using actual photographs taken at disaster scenes. A number of postcards showing various Eastland disaster scenes were printed. Postcards such as these can still be located at antique malls and shops. It is our intent to display these images and their content unedited, in their original form, to accurately provide a better visual image of the ship and the disaster. CAUTION: Some of these images are disturbing and graphic in nature.

For a larger image, click on the picture

Capsized! Rescuers work on the side of the Eastland. Note that the Waukegan (on the left) is being held to the Eastland by hand. The passengers have already been removed. From the Karl J. Sup Collection
First Male Victim Male victim being removed from the between decks near the stern. Note the fringed canopy on the ship in the background. From the Kurt H. Gregory Collection
The Lifeboat A female victim is pulled into one of the Eastland's lifeboats, which ironically contributed to the disaster. Only one lifeboat broke away from its davits during the disaster. From the Karl J. Sup Collection
Removing a Woman from the Deck A woman is hoisted from the between decks with a rope. The tops of the rescuers head can be seen below as they stand on the cabin walls. Note the spectators at the top of the picture are using umbrellas. From the Karl J. Sup Collection
Remember the Children A young girl is pulled from the water. Seventy-seven children under the age of fifteen drowned that day. From the Kurt H. Gregory Collection
A Very Sad Day A young boy is pulled from the water. Spectators feet can be seen behind the railing at the top. From the Karl J. Sup Collection
Pulling up the Dead The corpse of a man is hoisted from inside the ship. Note that some rescuers are carrying blankets. Merchants in the area donated quanitites of blankets to aid the rescue. From the Karl J. Sup Collection
Attempting Rescue A young woman is laid out on the side of the Eastland. The long white dresses were standard attire for the picnic. From the Karl J. Sup Collection
Propeller Shaft Men in a small boat hold onto the aft breast line while others stand on the propeller shaft, waiting to climb onto the hull. Note that the aft starboard gangway is open. From the Kurt H. Gregory Collection
Woman Victim This postcard shows rescue workers removing a drowned woman from the side of the ship. It was printed by Independent Photo & Art Postal Card Co., Chicago. From the Karl J. Sup Collection
Removing Bodies Bearers carrying a victim off the ship. Note the hole cut in the hull at the waterline to facilitate rescue inside the ship. The Graeme Stewart fireboat is in the background. From the Kurt H. Gregory Collection
A View from the River The Indiana pulls up to the scene to assist. Note the jumble of davits and lifeboats in front of the Indiana's bow. From the Kurt H. Gregory Collection
Removing the Dead Carrying a victim on a stretcher off the bow of the Eastland, onto the deck of the tug Kenosha. This image gives a good indication of the slope of the bow, and the necessity for the rescuers to spread ashes on the side for traction. From the Karl J. Sup Collection

Panoramic View of the Disaster

The Wreck of the Eastland; c1915
Kaufmann, Weimer, & Fabry Co.
gelatin silver print; 10 x 37.5 in.
PAN US GEOG - Illinois, no. 34 (E size) P&P

To the far right, the Petoskey is still docked. It was later moved past the wreck to the Rush Street wharf. Also notice what appears to be a motion picture camera and tripod on the bridge platform to the left. This image has been altered to restore torn pieces and remove imperfections in the original.

A reproduction of this panoramic photograph is available to order through the Library of Congress site: Taking the Long View - Panoramic Photographs 1851-1991 and select 'How to Order Photographic Reproductions'.

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