The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1910-04-19
CAPT. DtTLEF OF The A. A.
AUGUSTUS IS MODEST HERO
Master Of Fine New Steel Steam
err, Now in Portage Lake,
interviewed.
REWARD FOR HIS BRAVERY

When the crew of the splendid new
steel steamer. the A. \. Augustus. had
made her fast 10 the Copper Range
coal docks at Houghton, where the
boats big cargo of coal will be dis
charged, a representative OF The News
boarded her and sought out the cap
tain, principally with the intention to
get his own story of the rescue by him
and his crew of the steamship William
A. Paine of a portion OF the crev
OF the stranded steamship Richardson
down in Lake Erie last December. The
reporter found the captain in his
quarters receiving the congratulations
OF a party of friends who had just
boarded the boat. When the reporter
made known the purpose of the call.
Captain Detfels protested that he had
only done what he thought any other
man on the lakes would do for me and
my boat" and seemed s-inclined 10
talk OF the act of bravery which he
had accomplished. and for which he
was given command of the Augustus.
Instead of talking about the rescue
OF the helpless crew of the steamer
Richardson Captain Detlefs showed
those present the beautiful watch
which he carries as a reminder of that
awful December day. IL Is a solid
gold 21-jeweled Howard and the open
face bears the numerals in heavy,
black type making il easy to see the
time in comparative darkness. In adj
dtion to the twelve hour numerals
around the face of the watch there are
also the minutes from l to 60 and the
hands are also very broad which
greatly assists in the reading of the
time in a poor light. A heavy gold
chain and a charm emblematic of the
chapter OF the Masonic fraternity
completes the outfit. The back of the
watch is engraved "E. D." and the in
side of the case bears the following
inscription:
presented TO Capt. Emil
Detlefs of the Steamship
William A. Paine by many
vessel owners in recogni-
ton of high courage and
seamanship in rescuing
fourteen of the crew from
the Steamer w. c. Rich
ardson when wrecked in
heavy gale in Lake Erie,
December Ninth 1909"
Capt. Detlefs Modest Hero.
Captain Detlefs IS an exceedingly
modest hero and was loath 10 talk of
what he did on that memorable day,
prefering to talk OF his new boat, of
which he seems very proud. He adj
mits that he prizes the gift OF the
vessel owners highly but he also tells
OF letter he has that he prizes al
most as much. if not a little more, I'm a |
way. This letter is one which show
ers upon the brave captain all the APP
probation of a mother who has had
her son sent back TO her arms by the |
act OF this man in running his boat |
up to the foundered steamer and pull |
ing the frozen members of the crew to !
safety at the risk of sending his own |
craft and crew TO the bottom of the
storm -swept lake This letter was
written to Captain Detfels by Mrs. ]. |
Atkinson Of Escanaba and tells the |
rescuer OF the great thankfulness of |
the writer for the rescue Of her son |
who was Waterman on the Inflated
Richardson.
As II to change the subject Captain
Detlefs showed his guest through the |
roomy little apartment Of the cap |
tain. This consists of an Office. bed |
room and bath room. all connected |
and furnished throughout in elegant
style. The interior finish Of these |
rooms is of stained oak and there is !
every modern convenience provided
for the comfort Of the occupant. These !
quarters are located on what would be |
the forward hurricane deck Of a pas
senger boat and below them are the