Local author’s book looks at Bradley and Cedarville sinkings

Local author James L. Hopp?s new book commemorates an event which occurred 50 years ago this year. A defining event in the history of Rogers City occurred on November 18, 1958. The Carl D. Bradley, a 640-foot limestone carrier, sank during a Lake Michigan storm. Thirty-three sailors were lost; most with family ties in Rogers City, Posen and Metz.

Twenty-three women became widows overnight; nearly 50 children lost their fathers. Only two survived?First Mate Elmer Fleming and Frank Mays, a deck watchman. Both men clung to a small raft for 14 hours, battling 60 mile-per hour winds and 30-foot waves. Fifteen Bradley crewmen were never recovered. Mays is the only living Bradley survivor. In observance of the 50th anniversary of the Bradley sinking, Hopp, a retired teacher, has written and published Mayday! Tragedy at Sea: The Sinking of the S/S Carl D. Bradley and the S/S Cedarville. The 263-page historical account details the loss of the Bradley, the rescue attempts by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the devastating impact the shipwreck had on Rogers City.

The book also recounts the May 7, 1965 tragedy of the S/S Cedarville, which sank in the Straits of Mackinac after colliding with the Topdalsfjord, a Norwegian salty. Ten Cedarville sailors lost their lives. Mayday! Contains more than 80 photographs, illustrations and maps. It details the results of the recent dives on the Bradley wreck, which have attempted to answer one of the greatest questions about the sinking?did the Carl D. Bradley really break in two? It also discusses the fatal navigation error, which contributed to the deaths of ten Cedarville crewmen (nine from Rogers City).

Hopp said the book should not be confused with M?AIDEZ! an 80-page

book he published in 1981. The recent work draws on some of his earlier research, but is much more comprehensive, focusing much attention on the families of Bradley crewmen. He began writing the book in 2006 and completed it last month.

In addition, the book features the artwork and poetry of Sarah Altman, Matt Bellmore, Sheri Bruder, Derrick Kierzek and Sarah Stringer?former Rogers City High School students. They created their projects during a study of the lake tragedies in Mr. Hopp?s English classes. Also featured on the cover is a beautiful oil painting by Kenneth E. Friedrich, who once sailed on the Bradley.

A book signing will take place Saturday, May 3 at the Presque Isle County Historical Museum where refreshments will be served. Ordering information can be obtained by calling the museum at 734-4121. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated by Mr. Hopp to the Presque Isle County Relay for Life and the Children?s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation.

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