Detroit, Oct. 7- In the steamer CITY OF DETROIT 111, of the Detroit & Cleveland Navigation Company, which
was launched at the Wyandotte yards of the Detroit Shipbuilding Company today. The Great Lakes can boast of
the largest and finest side-wheel steamer in the world. The hull dimensions of the CITY OF DETROIT 111, are:
Length,500 feet over all: breadth over guards, 100 feet: depth molded, 22 feet. The hull is of steel with double
bottom divided into 11 compartments by water-tight cross bulkheads. There are two decks below the main deck
and three above. The engine will be of the inclined double expansion type, having one high pressure and two low
pressure cylinders and three pairs of cranks. The main shaft is the largest that has ever been cast for a steamer on
fresh water, weighing 100 tons.
The paddle wheels are ponderous affairs, being of the feathering type, 29 feet in diameter, each with 11 paddles
14.5 feet long and about 5 feet wide. On the outer ends they will be supported by a 14-ton steel truss. Everything
that ingenuity can, suggest for the safety and convenience of passengers is incorporated. Running hot and cold
water will be supplied throughout the ship. An automatic fire alarm will reach all parts; this new fire alarm or
automatic thermostat, consists of a small hollow copper wire which is connected with a sensitive diaphragm or
plate, the latter sounding the alarm. The wire is installed in staterooms and other sections of the steamer in such a
manner that it is exposed so that a certain degree of heat causes it to sound an alarm.
A modem ventilation system will renew the air supply in all parts of the ship where such artificial circulation is
required. With this new system, inside staterooms are continually supplied with washed fresh air, making them
as comfortable and desirable as outside staterooms. There will be 600 staterooms, 25 parlors with baths and
private verandas. 50 staterooms with private toilets. Telephones with all connections necessary for shore service
when the boat is at the dock will be installed. The lobby on the main deck will be of the Doric order of architecture, finished in bold figured mahogany inlaid in marque with Scagliodas columns, having carved capitals and brass bases. The ceiling panels will be in composition relief, finished in gold. The floor will be of interlocking rubber tiling. The dining room, located on the main deck aft, will follow the colonial in design. The rooms will be finished throughout in mahogany, ceiling panels painted and decorated in colors and gold. The ; seating capacity will be 260. The main saloon and forward saloon on the promenade deck will be finished in selected mahogany with marquetry inlaid work, and the upper and gallery decks in poplar paneling, The buffet will be designed after the plan of an old wine cellar with vaulted ceilings. Striking features of the room will be paneled oak hogsheads with iron bands above the settees on either side of the room. The palm court is located aft ; on the upper deck, with pergola and bay window forward, fountain with running water, and trellis screens aft; columns cornices, flower boxes and stands will make it one of the most popular places on the ship. The lounge room is on the upper deck at the stacks. This will be of Gothic design worked out on English oak. The steamer , CITY OF DETROIT 111, will be completed and ready for service in June, 1912, and in connection with the steamer CITY OF CLEVELAND 11, will operate a daily service between Detroit and Buffalo.
Buffalo Evening News
Sunday, October 8, 1911
Steam screw CITY OF DETROIT 111. U. S. No. 209571. Of 6,061 gross tons; 3,328 tons net. Built Wyandotte, Mich., 1912. Home port, Detroit, Mich. 455.8 x 55.5 x 22.5 Passenger service. Crew of 85. Steel built. Of 2,800 indicated horsepower.
Merchant Vessel List, U. S., 1913
