James B. Hendryx -- Friends Karl and Clarice Detzer

On the list Rick mentioned that Karl Detzer published in Short Stories. This was a name that was familiar, tho I confused it at first with his son Mike who I met long ago. Karl and Clarice Detzer lived in Leland, not far from JBH and the two socialized. Karl started a newspaper there and later become an editor at Readers Digest. He and his wife were both writers. My mother remembers him as being pompous and overbearing, tho she liked him.

Rick Hall's comments

Rick Hall (see Fans Page) wrote: Detzer wrote a few mystery and detective stories but those are not the ones I go after. I started reading the fire fighting stories he wrote in Argosy. I've also found some Coast Guard sea rescue stories.

I don't think he made his living from pulp magazines. Either he was a fire buff, had a fireman in the family, or had a good friend who was a fireman.

Dave White's comments

David White (see Fans Page) knew of two books by Karl Detzer and has more info. He wrote:

"Marked Man" 1927, a story about a young lighthouse keeper set in the Traverse City area.
"Pirate of the Pine Lands", 1925, a story about a fishing family who lived north of Traverse City and their troubles with the "Pirates" - Mormans on Beaver Island.

Clarice Detzer also wrote a book titled "Island Mail", 1926, which takes place in Michigan.