This month marks the 100th anniversary of the Eastland Disaster, the largest loss of life tragedy in Chicago's history. Unfortunately, this day is largely lost to the collective Chicagon memory but one organization, the Eastland Disaster Historical Society is working hard to change that.
They've partnered with Liz Garibay of History on Tap and Logan Square brewery, Ale Syndicate to brew a commemorative imperial pilsner, crafted in honor of the 844 who lost their lives on July 24, 1915 during the S.S. Eastland Disaster in the Chicago River.
On Friday July 24th, 2015, we'll be hosting a city wide toast to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Eastland Disaster.
Join Us For Our City Wide Toast
The S.S. Eastland, known as the "Speed Queen of the Great Lakes," was part of a fleet of five excursion boats assigned to take Western Electric employees, families and friends across Lake Michigan to Michigan City, Indiana, for a day of fun and fellowship. But the festivities were short-lived and quickly turned tragic.
The Eastland, docked at the Clark Street Bridge, never left the Chicago River. Tragedy struck as the ship rolled over into the river at the wharf's edge. More than 2,500 passengers and crew members were on board that day – and 844 people lost their lives, including 22 entire families.
Ale Syndicate Brewers in Logan Square created a beer that would respectfully encompass the stories of victims, survivors, and responders.
Beginning on July 15th, The 844 Czech imperial styled pilsner, will be available on draft for a limited time in Chicago area bars and restaurants. A limited edition of 844 bottles will also be released. Each bottle will be hand numbered and will highlight the story of one of the victims, responders, or survivors of the tragedy. Ted Wachholz, Executive Director of Eastland Dissaster Historical Society said: “Every family that previewed the concept – sharing history through beer – provided overwhelmingly positive feedback. With their unanimous support we now look forward to sharing the history of the Eastland Disaster with thousands of Chicago-area residents, many who we know will be hearing the story for the first time.”
A portion of the proceeds of all beer sales by Ale Syndicate will benefit EDHS.
Join us for a city wide toast as Chicagoans all across the city pause to raise a glass to the memory of the 844. We'll be toasting with Ale Syndicate's The 844 but you can raise whatever you've got on hand. If you want to join us, sign up below and we'll send a reminder before the toast so you can get your glasses ready.