Annual Summer Picnic Excursion Begins with Disaster

September 6, 2023

By Suzette Lopez

EASTLAND entering Sandusky. PHOTO CREDIT: Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Milwaukee Public Library and Wisconsin Marine Historical Society

On July 24, 1915, employees of the Western Electric Company of Chicago were all filled with anticipation for the great day ahead. Many arrived early to make the most of the annual summer picnic excursion across Lake Michigan to Michigan City, Indiana. Some 7,300 tickets were sold for the event. Five passenger ships were chartered – the THEODORE ROOSEVELT, the PETOSKEY, the RACINE, the ROCHESTER and the EASTLAND.

The EASTLAND was docked at the Clark St. Bridge and was the first to start loading passengers about 6:30 am. By 7:15 am she was full with about 2,500 people and preparations to depart began. Just as the crew was ready to cast off, she began to list away from the dock, a little at first, then more, then she went over onto her side. The Chicago River rushed in trapping all who were below her decks. The EASTLAND settled on the river bottom with only about 15 feet of her above water.

EASTLAND – All Steel and Strictly Fireproof color post card. PHOTO CREDIT: Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Milwaukee Public Library and Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.

Many who first felt the ship tilt managed to step back onto the dock. Others were trying to hang onto whatever was above water. Immediately improvised gangplanks were thrown to the ship to allow passengers to get back to the dock. Those in the water were helped by tugs, private boats, and fireboats. Men tried to cut through the hull hoping to help out those trapped in air pockets. Others used sledge hammers to break through. A day of summer excitement turned into a horrific nightmare. In the end, 812 of the 2,500 were dead.

Much has been written about this disaster. You can research the facts in many books and online. It is heartbreaking to say the least. So not to start your day with more gloom, this will be short and a few disaster photos will be posted at the end. Many passengers survived. Some just stepped off the boat as it started to list. Others were waiting on land for friends and family who had not yet arrived and they decided to wait for the next boat. Some intended to be on the first boat but were saved due to their bus or train being late – keep that in mind the next time traffic is running slower than usual – it may be saving you from something horrific.

WILMETTE colorized photo. PHOTO CREDIT: Great Lakes Marine Collection of the Milwaukee Public Library and Wisconsin Marine Historical Society.

The EASTLAND was built in 1903 at Port Huron by the Jenks Shipbuilding Co. for the Michigan Steamship Co. She measured 265 feet in length, 38.2 feet in beam and 19.5 feet in draft. After this disaster she was bought by the US Navy. By 1917, her upper deck and part of her side were cut away allowing her to be a training ship for the Navy. She was renamed WILMETTE and headquartered in Chicago. Her trainees included midshipmen from Northwestern, Notre Dame and other universities. In her prime, she could do 22 knots.

On June 6, 1921, the US Gunboat HAWK towed the German submarine UC 97 out of Chicago into Lake Michigan and the USS WILMETTE sunk her by gunfire as part of the provisions of the Treaty of Versailles.