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Page 95 and sometimes COLUMBIA. It came to be understood that the matter would be settled on the last day of COLUMBIA'S 1903 season, on Sunday, September 13. That day, COLUMBIA sailed first, a few minutes after 9:30. The KIRBY pulled away to pursue her, smoke pouring from her stack. The course was intended to extend 18-1/2 miles downriver to the narrows of Lime Kiln Crossing, just above Bob-Lo Island at the mouth of the river. The race was described by Robert H. Davison in the March, 1960, issue of Telescope. At first, COLUMBIA stayed three lengths ahead of the KIRBY. COLUMBIA'S propeller was turning 140 revolutions per minute, and the KIRBY's paddle wheels at 34. The KIRBY began to gain gradually. Davison writes, "Suddenly, a cry of exasperation and violent curses came from the hold of COLUMBIA. The belt on the forced draft blower had stretched, and it began to slip. There was a frantic search for resin to put on the belt. But there was none aboard. Slowly, the steam gauge dropped as the forced draft system failed." Both boats were abreast of one another at Grassy Island Light, and at Mama Juda Light, the KIRBY was a length ahead and pulling away. "There was a deathly silance on COLUMBIA, but from the KIRBY came shouts of victory and waiving of hats and handkershiefs. Out over the stern, a deckhand waved a mooring line in derision and invited COLUMBIA to take a tow." Humbled by boiler room gremlins in her big moment, COLUMBIA has come back by attrition. Today, we will settle conclusively just which of the two Bob-Lo boats is the fastest big passenger steamer on the lakes, at least, perhaps, until "next year". This leaflet by Gordon P. Bugbee was given to those passengers aboard the COLUMBIA and STE. CLAIRE on Race Day, May 29, 1982. The "Steamboat Race " on the Detroit River benefited the Detroit Police Athletic League. FRANK E. KIRBY 210'-30'-10'2" Pass Steamer, Side Wheeler. Built 1890 at Wyandotte for the Ashley & Dustin Line. Gross tonnage 532, Net Tons 374. Her Fletcher Built Beam engine was built in 1865 and was used on the JOHN SHERMAN also on the ALASKA. 1400 Horse power, Crew 22. Was known as the "Flyer of the Lakes". Best time 60 mile run, Detroit to Put-in-Bay, 2 hours 45 minutes. Ran the original route until 1919. Later over Lake Erie lines as the SILVER SPRAY and the DOVER. Damaged by fire at Ecorse 1932 - hull broken up. Photo from Young Collection Photo by Pesna