Presque Isle District Library in partnership with

A.Marlowe Productions

Presents a Bon Ami Filmworks documentary,

“NOVEMBER REQUIEM”

BRIEF PROJECT OVERVIEW:

HISTORY. On the evening of November 18, 1958, the freighter Carl D. Bradley went down
in a brutal Lake Michigan storm—but what sets this tragedy apart is that out of 33 lives lost,
23 came from one small northern Michigan town: Rogers City. Rather than dissecting the
accident with forensic detail, our story takes place on land, in the town where so many faced
unimaginable grief literally overnight. The harsh numbers reflect the tragedy: 23 widows,
52 children made fatherless. Virtually every one of the 3,000 townsfolk was affected in some
way. As one resident tearfully put it, “It’s been fifty years, and some of us still haven’t gotten
over it.”

THE DOCUMENTARY. “November Requiem” explores how a small northern Michigan
community has come to grips with a disaster that even a half-century later remains vivid in
the minds of those old enough to remember. The filmmakers have interviewed witnesses
from that era, and maritime historians and wreck divers familiar with the Bradley’s story.
In 2008 the filmmakers will continue filming with additional witness interviews, and with
psychologists who will offer their insights on how grief plays out on this scale. The only
remaining survivor of the casualty, deckwatch Frank Mays, was interviewed in August 2007.
A small archivist team has collected extensive stills, newspaper headlines, even 8mm home
movies of the Bradley and her crew. The documentary will show how the townsfolk have found
closure with this 50-year-old tragedy, and what has happened to this maritime community both
emotionally and economically.

Project Goals:

	Explore the significance of Great Lakes maritime culture, and the seminal event of the Carl D. Bradley and how it affected the community of Rogers City.
	Profile the economic dependency of Great Lakes shipping of the area’s natural resources (i.e., limestone and lumber), begun over a century ago.
	Use the archival collection (circa 1911-mid 1980s) known as "The Calcite Collection" for educational and historical purposes and incorporate media into documentary.
	Explore local maritime history and the risks involved in shipping.
	Commemorate sailors on the 50th anniversary of the SS Carl D. Bradley sinking of November 18, 1958.
	Relate authentic personal stories and accounts following the sinking of the Bradley as told by the people of Rogers City and the last survivor, Frank Mays.

Activities:

	Produce a feature length documentary in the high definition format. Film witness and historian interviews^* and cover dive operations from 2004 through 2007, including the Bradley pilothouse bell recovery and memorial bell replacement*. Scan and digitize archival media dating from the 1920s through the late 1950s: newsreel, stills, newspaper and magazines, and home movies.
	Original music score by Michigan composer.
	Live interactive presentation, panel discussion and premiere of documentary with Frank Mays, last survivor of the Carl D. Bradley, and the shipwreck dive team.
	WCMU Public Broadcasting Service to air documentary via six channels from central to upper Michigan and seven radio stations to promote coverage from mid to upper Michigan. In addition, national and regional coverage will be pursued on both public television and radio. WCMU will broadcast “live” from Rogers City marking the 50^th anniversary on November 18, 2008.
	Author Presentation and Book Discussion. Frank Mays, last survivor of the SS Carl D. Bradley and author of, “If We Make It ‘til Daylight: The Story of Frank Mays” will hold lectures at the Presque Isle District Library followed by audience Q&A.
	Traveling Maritime Art Exhibit. Some of the featured artists include Jim Clary, Bob McGreavy, and Steve Witucki (Rogers City local artist), all nationally acclaimed maritime artists, will exhibit their original paintings and selected prints.
	*Traveling Historical Maritime Exhibit profiling the Carl D. Bradley* Story.** This historical exhibit will tour throughout the region at historical and maritime museums, educational institutions, cultural events, and libraries.

Special thanks to the partnering organizations—Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum and
the Presque Isle County Historical Museum providing historical documentation and
archival images.