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Page 37 CITY OF DETROIT III of 2400 miles through three of the Great Lakes. I was quite an adventure for a sixteen year old youth who had not been away from home before. "I have first hand knowledge of every square inch of brass in the original [Gothic Room], as one of my duties was to polish it every day. I was on a first name basis with my can of Brasso and polishing cloth." One person wrote regarding the largest and last of the Great Lakes cruise ships - the AQUARAMA. Vicky Colwell explains, "After I graduated from Grosse Pointe High, I got a call telling me I'd been hired to work in the ship's office on board the AQUARAMA. I was as thrilled as an 18 year old could be! I was working with Captain Morgan Howell, and it would be my job, as radio operator, to stand with the captain on the bridge in emergencies, and if the ship sank, to be the last to leave with the captain on a rubber raft off the top deck. How romantic! For two summers, I sailed aboard that beautiful ship, and it will be part of my life, full of adventures, that I'll never forget." These remembrances added a personal touch to the story that Era of Elegance told. An unexpected bonus was the opportunity to meet many of the contributors when the exhibit opened. The letters, now in the archives, are a welcome addition to our tremendous collection of artifacts from the steamboat era. Thanks to all who contributed, and if this article stirs more memories, please write them down and send them on. Special thanks should go out to the local media for promoting this project, particularly to Neil Rubin of the Detroit News who wrote two enjoyable articles which drew the greatest measurable response. We also received other warm remembrances and artifacts not mentioned here. Due to spatial constraints, many of the letters were edited, and some had to be omitted. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through the Detroit Historical Society. Joel Stone, Curator Detroit Historical Society TELESCOPE