Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1875-10-14
The Heroine Of Lime.Rock-1da Lewis
Interviewed.
Correspondence Of the Baltimore American

[Correspondence of the Baltimore Americana
NEWPORT, R. I) September 13, 1S75.--ln
the ''upper-tendom" circles Of Newport, our.
ing the fashionable season, it is considered
''the thing to pay at least one visit TO the
noted woman who has rescued so many men
from watery grave, Ida Lewis, in her light
house home on the Lime Rock, in Newport
harbor. Desiring ''when in Rome to do as
the Romans do your correspondent found
himself few days since, plowing his way, in
one of the numerous cat-boats which are al
ways seen ''curtesying over the pillows, OF
Narragansett Bay, towards the Waye-Washed
abode Of Ida Lewis.
Arrived at the Lime Rock, a landing was
soon effected. and several loud knocks given
to the modest front entrance Of the lighthouse
keepers cottage. These proving Intellectual,
it was decided to try the rear OF the house,
and a loud rap at the kitchen door followed.
A CHEEKY voice cried out, "Come in,' and
Immediately afterwards the writer entered a
plain Yankee kitchen-brightt tins hanging on
a diminutiye black kitten purring on the
hearth; while in one corner Of the room a
young woman of two and three and twenty
stood over wash-tub. with rolled-up sleeves
and arms plunged in the suds, who was at
once recognized as the famous Ida Lewis.
At the first glance there is nothing about her
which would seem to indicate heroine, but
before long close observer sees what her
real character is by watching the animated
play of feature, firm mouth and steady eyes.
Your correspondent upon entering removed
his hat, bowed, and the following conyersa-
ton ensued:
Correspondent (handing his card.) Miss
Lewis, | believe
Ida Lewis (glancing at the card and offer
ing chair. Yes, sir; Ida Lewis is my name.
Correspondent. hope that am not TAX
ing liberty in calling upon you; but having
been told that it would never do to visit New
port and leave without seeing Newport's
heroine, and being married man, who has
reached the years of discretion, made up
my mind to come.
Ida Lewis. Oh, sir, I am accustomed to
having strangers come here to see and be
shown over the lighthouse. Five thousand
people, perhaps, have taken the trouble to
come from the shore 70 visit me this sum-
mer, and the season is not over yet, by any
means.
Correspondent Well, Miss Lewis, Of
course, the reason SO many are anxious to
see you is because you have repeatedly shown
yourself to be the bravest woman in America.
Is not this the case?
Ida Lewis. The truth is, sir, people have
exaggerated the little good may have ac-
complished in saving drowning men. After
all, have done no more than most American
girls would have done if, like me, they had
lived all their lives in lighthouse, and
known that by taking little trouble many
valuable lives could be saved. Circumstances
alone have made me the heroine people
choose to call me-
Correspondent But, surely, you don't
think that most women would have the cour-
age to put to sea on stormy night in
frail boat on the mere chance of being
able to save life, when, to all appear
ances, certain destruction would seem newt
able?
Ida Lewis. l honestly do, sir; if, like
me, they had strong arms, clear head and a
willing heart, and were accustomed to man
age a life-boat in heavy sea.
Correspondent. The last time you risked
your life was about two months ago, l be-
lieve, in saving two drowning soldiers near
Fort Adams?
Ida Lewis Yes, sir. succeeded in saw
ing two drowning soldiers in my boat about
six weeks ago, l had more trouble than
usual in doing it, because both OF them were
a little drunk.
Correspondent. How did you manage to
get them both into the boat?
Ida Lewis At first I was afraid that l
wouldn't be able to do it, but by dint Of call
ing to them, and reminding them that it was
their last chance for life, succeeded in final
" hauling them both over the gunwale OF
my boat, and then pulled ashore. | hope the
men had lesson, and didn't try sailing again
after spell.
Correspondent. May ask who you live
with in this lonely spot, and how you pass
your time?
Ida Lewis. My parents live here with me,
but as they are both getting on in life, the
duty of attending to the light and keeping
house devolves principally upon me, and to
tell the truth, am glad to have these matters
to attend to, as, otherwise, time would hang
heavy upon my hands.
Correspondent. / suppose, having so many
visitors, you make numbers OF friends, and
receive valuable presents sometimes. Is this
not the case?
Ida Lewis. Yes, people are very kind to
me-too kind, sometimes think, for certain
ly have done no more than many other WO-
men, about whose good works very little is
said. Let me show you some Of the presents
| have lately received.
So saying, Ida produced numoer of arti-
cles supposed to appeal to the feminine heart
silks, scarfs, hose, gloves, bonnets, dresses,
and even jewelry, were among the gifts pre-
sented by admiring friends.
Correspondent Judging from my mascu-
line standpoint, should say that any one
wearing one-half Of those articles in life
time would never have reason to utter Flora
McFlimsy's complaint.
Ida Lewis. And I probably never shall
wear one quarter of them. Why, what iced
have |. simple New England girl, Ct so
many fine things? # people want to give