All avid readers are welcome to join the Museum and Bloomington Public Library on Tuesday, August 1 at 7:00 p.m. for the third installment of the History Reads Book Club for 2023. This will be an in-person only discussion held at The Junction, 303 East Oakland Avenue, due to construction at both the Library and Museum. This quarter's feature book to be discussed is The Wreck of the Columbia: A Broken Boat, a Town's Sorrow, and the End of the Steamboat Era on the Illinois River (2012) by Ken Zurski.
On the night of July 5, 1918, a steamboat named Columbia, returning from a moonlight excursion, collapsed and sank in the middle of the Illinois River. Of the nearly 500 passengers on board that night, most were from the town of Pekin. Eighty-seven people lost their lives in the disaster. The rest were left to tell their stories of fortitude and survival.
The worst maritime accident in the history of the Illinois River, the wreck of the Columbia is a mostly forgotten tragedy today. Ken Zurski’s gripping account follows the compelling true story from the moment the captain sensed a problem, to the horror of the cries and screams in the night, to the courageous actions of the rescue and recovery workers, and ultimately to the pursuit by law enforcement officials to find truth and justice.
One town in particular found itself reeling from a sudden and devastating loss of life, an immense communal grief, and a frustrating search for answers that never truly came.
Registration is required and can be completed clicking this link. You may also register by calling 309-590-6168 or by visiting the Adult Services Desk in person. Please note that in-person attendance is limited to 15 people.
To request a copy of the book, please contact the Reference Desk at Bloomington Public library at 309-590-6168 or email reference@bloomingtonlibrary.org.