Winner of U.P. Notable Books Award (2022)
More than 6,000 shipwrecks have been recorded on the Great Lakes, but only one offers a true-life adventure like the 1926 rescue of the City of Bangor off the Keweenaw Peninsula in upper Michigan. A fierce November storm tossed the ship with a crew of 23 and 240 new Chrysler automobiles onto a Lake Superior reef. For the first time, Shipwrecked and Rescued tells the near-tragic story of lost and desperate shipmates floundering for two days in the deep snow and near-zero temperatures. Jorgensen's detailed research and collection of 100 rare historical photos chronicles what happened, introduces the key players, and finally reveals the fate of those collectors' prizes in the century since.
"Shipwrecked and Rescued is a thoroughly researched book about the most famous Keweenaw Peninsula shipwreck. The author clearly describes the timeline of incredible events, noting the vast number of people involved in successful rescue and salvage--a story that continues to this day through authentic artifacts, historic preservation, and family descendants of those who were there." -- Sean Ley, Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society
"This book is well-written and illustrated. It is almost beyond belief, but wonderful photos serve to corroborate the story." -- Robert Joynt, Classic Car Club of America
"Jorgensen provides a thorough look at a unique and fascinating Great Lakes shipwreck story." -- Eric Marsen, Curatorial Specialist, Michigan Maritime Museum
"It is refreshing that a non-native of the U.P. took such an intense interest in this wreck that he made the time to research his topic thoroughly, work with the Keweenaw County Historical Society, search out the background details and utilize a great number of photos so readers can see as well as read the story. All in all, it's a quick and informative read." -- Deborah K. Frontiera, U.P. Book Review
"If you like tales of courage and survival in the worst conditions that Lake Superior can dish out, you'll really enjoy Larry Jorgensen's Shipwrecked and Rescued: The City of Bangor. Be sure to pick up a copy from the many bookstores and gift shops on the Keweenaw Peninsula." -- Victor R. Volkman, Marquette Monthly
From Modern History Press
Larry Jorgensen first became fascinated with Michigan's Upper Peninsula and its unique history while writing and reporting for television news in Green Bay. However, his journey into that world of news had begun much earlier in northern Wisconsin where he worked during high school for the weekly newspaper in Eagle River. Later he was employed by a newspaper publisher in Milwaukee, and then on to radio and television news in Texas and Louisiana, along with wire service and freelance assignments. During all those years he looked forward to return visits to the Keweenaw Peninsula. During one of those visits, Larry discovered the tale of the wreck of the City of Bangor. Learning of that little-known event resulted in his decision to create this written account, which he hopes would share the story of one of Lake Superior's most unusual shipwrecks.
