The Center for History is partnering with author Marian Manseau Cheatham. A unique book launching party for her historical novel, Merely Mee about the Eastland Disaster in the Chicago River in 1915 will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2012 from 1 – 4 pm at the Center, 315 W. Front St., 2nd Floor, Wheaton, IL. Manseau Cheatham will present her path from idea to publication about Chicago’s greatest loss of life tragedy at 2 pm. The Center’s Disaster, Courage & Silence exhibit will illustrate the impact of this disaster and how citizens and businesses gathered to help during and after the capsizing of the SS Eastland. Students from Wheaton North High School will be dressed in authentic clothing from the 1910s as a reminder of what life was like in 1915. Many of the employees at Western Electric were still in their teens and looking forward to a pleasant day in Michigan City at their company picnic. Visitors can stroll through the other galleries or chat with the author while enjoying refreshments. Signed and personalized copies of Merely Mee can be purchased that day or books can be reserved in advance through the Center. Admission is waived for this event. A portion of the book sales benefit the Center. For further information: look at www.wheatonhistory.org, send an email to: info@wheatonhistory.com, or call 630-871-6601.
