The Eastland Disaster

The Eastland never left its dock the day it was set to carry Western Electric’s annual family picnic. Parents and children were on board with others close to the ship, waiting for their turn when the boat rolled over. Resume attempts began immediately but in the confusion and force of the sinking many drowned and lost their lives. A nearby building was converted into a makeshift morgue where bodies were placed for storage and identification. That building became Harpo Studios, home to The Oprah Show among other programs.

Since the incident, people coming to the bridge and walking below since the disaster have reported hearing screams and hearing the sounds of crashing and bending metal. Inside Harpo Studios as well, sightings of people including a young girl in wet clothing have been seen running through the halls and the sounds of squeaking wet footsteps have been heard.

 

Post Tragedy Ghost Stories

The Eastland Historical Society delves deeply into events and the aftermath of the Eastland disaster as well as offers names of the passengers.

Some of the most recognizable ghosts and ghost stories come directly from tragic events. Many of Chicago’s ghost canon centers around gangster ghosts who died in violent or sensational ways. Many others arise from Great Chicago Fire stories, disease epidemics that shook through hospitals, and more.

In some accounts, these stories allow a legacy to be preserved and assurances that events will not be forgotten. In others, it seems the moments of suffering are drawn out into an unimaginable eternity as these ghosts are discussed as yelling or expressing pain and confusion.

Rather you believe in these ghosts or not, their stories live on and transform overtime, keeping a spirit present in the places they are said to haunt and in the minds of those who listen.