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Barb and Ted Wachholz

Barb and Ted Wachholz Profile Photo

The Eastland Disaster Historical Society (EDHS) is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization co-founded in 1998 by Susan Decker and Barbara Decker Wachholz, the granddaughters (and only grandchildren) of brave survivor Borghild Amelia Aanstad. Together with Susan and Barbara's mother, Jean Decker, and Barbara's husband, Ted Wachholz, these four were the EDHS founding family.

Feb. 27, 2023

The Eastland Disaster

On the morning of July 24, 1915, employees of the Western Electric Company and their families excitedly boarded the SS Eastland near the Clark Street Bridge in Chicago, eager to set off for a day of fun in Michigan City, Ind…