The Open and Inclusive Worldwide Online Sherlockian Society (Really, We're about Having Fun)
No Sherlockian information recorded for this date so how about a Tid Bit from Jim Coffin to ponder?
Who can forget that first reading of an adventure of Sherlock Holmes
and Dr. Watson? Our first foray from Baker Street, in a fog, a hansom or
a cab dashing for Victoria Station, not worrying about the date of the
story, mother or aunt, one wound or two.
Posted by Chips.
November 6, 1857: The Gloria Scott sank. [GLOR]
The latest issue of the Watsonian is making its way to members’ mailboxes around the world. Digital subscribers should have received an email including a link to download the new issue. (If you have the Paperless Membership or the Print + PDF Membership and you did not receive an email, please contact Selena Buttons.) We’re very proud of this issue, and you’ll find it’s chock-full of good stuff.
In addition to returning features “Roxie’s Canonical Ramblings”, “Pondicherry Ponderings”, and “The Pawky Puzzler”, we’re thrilled to introduce “Thoughts from under Willow’s Tree”. We hope you will enjoy the beautiful color illustrations from Kayla Kinoo and Phil Cornell and the new title page illustration from Basil Chap. There are thoughtful essays on Dr Joan Watson of Elementary and the young man who might not have been John Watson in Young Sherlock Holmes. There are explorations of Victorian-era camping and phrenology, as well as a report from the “Bringing Traditional Sherlockians into Today’s Fandom” panel at the most recent 221B Con. In addition to traditional articles, this issue includes poetry, Canonical toasts, and an illustrated essay.
This issue’s contributors reflect our commitment to blending the wisdom and background of great Sherlockians and the enthusiasm of those newly drawn to The Game. Some have been writing for the Watsonian since its inception, while others are appearing for the first time. It is bittersweet that this issue includes an essay from the late Peter H Jacoby, whose previous papers on Dr Watson’s medical and military training appeared in earlier issues.
We hope you will find something interesting, educational, entertaining, and thought-provoking in this issue. Digital (PDF) copies of the issue are available in the Shop: Watsonian vol. 4 no. 2.
“221b (1887-1987)”, from Baker Street Miscellanea, 1987
Coin of ours can never ransom
Years now prisoners to Time;
Roars the bus, where once the hansom
Trotted on the trail of crime.
Found in Quotations from Baker Street, a wonderful booklet edited by
Christopher Redmond, JHWS “Buster”
Posted by Chips, I hope you all who read this enjoy.
Well done, everyone!
October 20, 1889: Holmes explained the solution of the Red-Headed League mystery to Watson. [REDH]
October 19, 1889: The Red-Headed League was dissolved. [REDH]
October 19, 1889: Holmes captured John Clay. [REDH]
October 19, 1900: Holmes and Watson shot and killed the Hound of the Baskervilles. [HOUN]
October 19, 1900: Jack Stapleton perished in the Grimpen Mire
October 18, 1900: Watson visited Laura Lyons in Coombe Tracy. [HOUN]
October 18, 1900: Holmes found Watson waiting for him in the stone hut on the moor. [HOUN]
October 17, 1900: Watson learned that L.L. was Laura Lyons. [HOUN]
October 16, 1900: Barrymore reported to Sir Henry that Sir Charles Baskerville had received a letter from L.L. [HOUN]
October 15, 1900: Watson wrote his second report to Holmes. [HOUN]
October 14, 1900: Selden was chased across the moor by Watson and Sir Henry. [HOUN]
October 14, 1900: Watson and Sir Henry saw Holmes’s outline against the moor. [HOUN]
October 14, 1900: Sir Henry learned that Selden was Mrs Barrymore’s brother. [HOUN]
October 13, 1900: At 2 a.m., Watson watched Barrymore signal to Selden. [HOUN]
October 13, 1900: Watson watched the meeting on the moor of Sir Henry and Beryl Stapleton. [HOUN]
October 13, 1900: Watson wrote his first report to Holmes. [HOUN]
No activity recorded for today, so here is a little known fact unearthed from a Dr Watson’s Neglected Patients past event.
A question came up at Ron Lies’ presentation of The Sign of the Four at the September 2006 meeting as to whether British Army at the time were all volunteers at that time or were they conscripted. The Staff Surgeon (Stan Moskal) researched this question and found the answer on page 80 of Mr. Kipling’s Army: All the Queen’s Men, by Byron Farwell:
It was and had always been an army of volunteers; not until the middle of the First World War (January 1916) did Britain resort to conscription. From 1783 until 1806 men enlisted for life; then for a twenty-three-year, enlistments were seven years for the infantry, ten years for the cavalry and twelve years for sappers and gunners. In 1829 Parliament restored the life engagement; in 1847 this was changed to twenty-one years- which was much the same thing. In 1870 ‘short service’ was introduced. Men enlisted for twelve years, but spent only three to seven years with the colours and the remainder in reserve.
See the original post on the Dr Watson’s Neglected Patients site: Some Random Notes.
This week’s Quiz is a single question, submitted by Enrico Solito, JHWS “Devon”
Animals are important in the Canon. In four different sentences, one person is described with similarities to three different animals. Who is it, what are the animals, and in which story does the person appear?
Submit your answers for a total of 5 possible points (1 person, 3 animals, 1 story) by email to Selena by Sunday, October 23.
If you’ve been bitten by the bug to create your own Canonical Quiz, don’t forget you can send your questions to Selena, too!
October 11, 1900: Dr Mortimer had lunch with Watson and Sir Henry. [HOUN]
October 10, 1855: Relief of Agra by Col. Greathed. [SIGN]
October 10, 1889: Holmes confronted James Windibank AKA Hosmer Angel. [IDEN]
This year’s Sherlock Seattle WATSON WASHINGTON Con is less than two weeks away now. And, this year, it’s all about our favorite fellow, Doctor John H Watson.
This year we’re taking the focus off of Sherlock Holmes and instead we are celebrating his amazing companion, Dr. Watson! As such for 2016 we are Watson Washington, a convention where we celebrate all things John Watson, from the original ACD canon stories to the latest incarnations of the world’s most famous doctor, and you’re invited to join us!
Our own Robert Ryan, JHWS “Caesar” and author of the “Dr Watson at War” novels, and Lawrence Albert, JHWS “Bertie” and the voice of Doctor Watson for Imagination Theater, are the Guests of Honor.
They’ll be joined by Elinor Gray, JHWS “Misty”, Ariana Maher, JHWS “Carla”, and Beth Gallego, JHWS “Selena Buttons” for a special panel at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday called “A Society for our Dear Doctor”.
While there are a plethora of societies celebrating Sherlock Holmes, there is only one society that specifically celebrates our favorite doctor – the John H Watson Society! Come meet some of it’s members and learn about how this society was recently founded, their current activities (such as publications, treasure hunts, and online discussions), and our enthusiasm for Dr John H. Watson!
We will also be in the Dealers’ Room with copies of the Watsonian and other publications for sale, as well as the opportunity to join or to renew your membership.
Will you be in Seattle for the Convention this year? Check in in the comments to this post!
October 9, 1889: Mary Sutherland consulted Holmes about the missing Hosmer Angel. [IDEN]
October 8, 1855: The Gloria Scott sailed from Falmouth. [GLOR]