Rensselaer Union, Volume 8, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 October 1875 — Ida Lewis Interviewed. [ARTICLE]

Ida Lewis Interviewed.

Ida Lewis, the heroine of Lime Rock, has been interviewed. She was found in a plain Yankee kitchen, bright tins hanging On the walls, a dinner cooking on the stove, and a diminutive black kitten purring* on the hearth; while in one corner of the room a young woman of two or three and twenty stood over a washtub, with rolied-up sleeves, and arms plunged in the suds, who was at once recognized as the famous Ida latwis. —As the first glance there is nothing about her which would seem to indicate a heroine, hut before long a close observer sees what her real character is by watching her animated play of feature, firm mouth, and steady eye. She is not afraid of visitors, having become accustomed to them since she first achieved notoriety. Talking of her exploits in saving people from drowning, she said: “ After ali, I have done no more than most American girls would have done if, like me, they had lived all their lives in a light-house and known that by taking a little trouble many valuable livescould be saved, if, like me, they had strong arms, a clear head, and a willing heartland were accustomed to manage a life-boat in a heavy sea. I succeeded in saving two drowning soldiers in my boat about six weeks ago. I had more trouble than usual doing it, because both of them were a little drunk. At first I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do it, but by dint of calling to them, and reminding them that it was their last chance for life, I succeeded in finally hauling them ashore. I hope the men had a lesson, and didn’t try sailing again after a ‘ spell.’ Yes, people are very kind to me —too kind, I sometimes think, for certainly I have done no more than many other women about whose good works very little is said. Let me show you some of the presents I have lately received.” So saying, Ida produced a number of articles supposed to appeal to the feminine heart—silks, scarfs, hose, gloves, bonnets, dresses and evenjewelry.