From Factory Floor to Fighting Ring: Another Eastland Story

Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told

Send us a text

This episode opens with my reflection on our podcast's year-end Buzzsprout statistics, which revealed some surprising reach - listeners in 17 countries, 49 episodes (soon to be 52--I hope!), and 1,910 downloads. I share my special appreciation for our unexpected following in Coloma, Wisconsin (population abt. 460), where an incredible 33% of the village has become loyal listeners.

I discuss how this podcast has evolved from simply telling my family's story into a broader mission of documenting and preserving the many untold stories of the Eastland disaster. As I mention, some of these episodes seem to "write themselves," similar to Jim Harold's observation about his Campfire podcast, where themes naturally emerge and converge sometimes.

The main story focuses on Frank Fuka, a 19-year-old Western Electric worker and amateur boxer who fought under the name "Young Hanlon." Through detailed genealogical research, I uncovered how this young man lived a remarkable double life – working as an assembler by day while making a name for himself in the boxing rings of Chicago and surrounding areas.

I share the story of Frank's family, including the tragic coincidence that his brother Stanley also died in 1915, just months after Frank, from a reported rabies infection. The episode explores the Fuka family's life in Chicago's North Lawndale neighborhood, and Frank's early start in the workforce at around age 14.

A highlight of my research reveals Frank's victory in the 135-pound division at the Irwin Opera House in St. Charles, Illinois. I explore the rich history of this venue and its significance in the local boxing scene. The episode also features a fascinating tangent about women's boxing in 1915, including society women paying $25 an hour for boxing lessons - a surprising discovery that challenges our assumptions about the era.

The story comes full circle as I share the remarkable achievements of Frank's niece and nephew - one becoming a Bronze Star recipient and Illinois EPA director, the other a pioneering feminist who helped establish NOW's Sacramento chapter. Their accomplishments leave us wondering what Frank might have achieved had his life not been cut short.

Key Points:

• Frank Fuka worked at Western Electric for 5 years before his death
• He boxed under the name "Young Hanlon"
• His family lived in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago
• The episode includes details about amateur boxing in early 20th century Chicago
• Surprising connections to women's boxing in 1915
• The lasting impact of the Fuka family legacy through his niece and nephew

Links and Sources:

• St. Charles, IL - Encyclopedia of Chicago
• St. Charles History Museum
• The Chi

• Book website: https://www.flowerintheriver.com/
• LinkTree: @zettnatalie | Linktree
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-z-87092b15/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zettnatalie/
• YouTube: Flower in the River - A Family Tale Finally Told - YouTube
• Medium: Natalie Zett – Medium
• The opening/closing song is Twilight by 8opus
• Other music. Artlist

فصل ها

1. From Factory Floor to Fighting Ring: Another Eastland Story (00:00:00)

2. Flower in the River Podcast (00:00:08)

3. Confusion in Cook County Reports (00:09:07)

4. Boxing Culture in Immigrant Communities (00:18:40)

5. Women's Boxing Trend in 1915 (00:27:03)

6. Remembering the Eastland Disaster (00:38:16)