(Above) Two United States Coast Guard members salute a bouquet of flowers placed on the Chicago River on Thursday to commemorate the 1915 disaster involving the S.S. Eastland. (Click on images to view larger versions.)

July 25, 2014 – It has been almost 100 years since the Chicago River’s greatest tragedy. While pausing on Thursday to remember the 844 people who died in the Eastland Disaster, the organization that honors the victims is trying to expand its presence when the new Riverwalk is completed.

Eastland Disaster Historical Society is discussing with the Chicago Department of Transportation a proposal that would make the Eastland Disaster commemoration a part of the stretch of Riverwalk between Clark and LaSalle Streets. That is where on July 24, 1915, the S.S. Eastland – docked on the Chicago River with more than 2,500 passengers – rolled over, killing 844 people including 22 entire families.

The proposal is being developed with the help of three design companies, including Ross Barney Architects, which designed the last six blocks of the Riverwalk currently being constructed.

Chicago Scenic Studios would design and manage construction of the Eastland project. Fleming Museum Consulting would help with some of the design elements.

“We cannot sufficiently share…how amazing these three partners are,” said Ted Wachholz, the historical society’s executive director. “They are top-notch professionals who have personally embraced the vision of a permanent presence along the new Riverwalk to commemorate the Eastland Disaster.”

It was construction of the new Riverwalk that moved this year’s ceremony to the north side of the river, just west of the Clark Street Bridge. The ceremony has been an annual event on the Chicago River since 2000.

(Above) Ted Wachholz speaks to about 30 people gathered near the Chicago River on Thursday to remember the Eastland Disaster.