What scene do you believe was Dr Watson’s finest moment in the Canon?
Interview Series: John Longenbaugh
For the interview series, I thought it might be fun not only to speak with fellow members to learn more about each other, but also to reach out to those out there who are currently engaged in Sherlockian endeavors that would interest the John H Watson Society.
John Longenbaugh is popular writer and director here in Seattle. He’s well-known amongst local Sherlockians for his presence in the Sound of the Baskervilles, his participation in Sherlock Seattle, and also for his lovely 2010 yuletide play “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol.” He is currently working with a creative team to create an audio series that is sure to be of interest to us Watsonians, so I contacted him to talk about his new project: BRASS
To start us off, John, may you give us an idea of what BRASS is about?
BRASS is the story of a family of science geniuses living in a Victorian England that’s significantly different from our own. Each member of the Brass family is extraordinary in a different way. Lord Brass is an inventor and master tactician, his wife a Sherlock-level detective, his daughter Gwendolyn a mistress of disguise, and his son Cyril a formidable martial artist. Due to changes in history, the 1885 that they inhabit is filled with all sorts of strange technology, including airships, Babbage engines (mechanical computers), aetherial batteries and other unlikely innovations. It’s an adventurous and extremely optimistic world, and they are the chief agents of the Crown, leading them to be known as “The First Family of the Realm.”
In what ways do you feel this series shall strongly appeal to Watsonians?
Every good Victorian adventure, I believe, needs a Great Detective, because no matter how much value you might place in your trusty service revolver ultimately you need more than pluck and derring-do to uncover your villain’s plots. I thought it’d be fun to have a Sherlockian character who was not only a woman, but whose natural anti-social tendencies are balanced by an entire family of Watsons, as it were. Given the absence of her children and husband, Lady Madelyn Brass might indeed have become a “high functioning sociopath,” and as it is her intellect often frightens her family. But her powers of ratiocination and deduction are channeled to complement the formidable yet different intellects around her.
There’s also the matter of a certain other “Great Detective,” who Lady Brass never mentions by name but has been known to call a “hawk nosed poseur.” I think it’s fun to imagine the frustration of the various “rivals of Sherlock Holmes” in a London where due to the writings of John H. Watson there’s one sleuth who has a supreme reputation.
Can you tell us a bit about the cast and crew behind BRASS?
BRASS is being produced by Battleground Productions. My two co-producers are Katherine Grant-Suttie and Ron RIchardson, who like me wear many creative hats. Because they’re also both actors and because I’m wily, they’re also playing the parts of Gwendolyn and Lord Brass. The actors who fill out the parts of the Brass family are Kate Kraay as Lady Brass and Jeremy Adams as Cyril, both experienced Seattle actors who have already turned in great performances for the audio series. Other actors featured on the audio series include Phillip Keiman, Tadd Morgan, Nancy Frye, Margaret Bicknell and Matt Middleton. Seattle audiences who saw my play “Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Carol” will be gleeful to hear that Terry Edward Moore, who played Sherlock in that play, is also featured in the cast of BRASS.
BRASS is happening not only as an audio series, but on stage at Seattle’s Theater Schmeater and as a short film that might evolve into a web series. This is partly because I love a good challenge (why not start your own franchise, right?) but also because I’m intrigued by the different ways that different mediums can be used to tell a story. Each of the mediums will also feature different but interlocking stories of the Family Brass. The audio series, for example, picks up just after they’ve returned to London following several years off in different parts of the Empire, and their battle against a shadowy organization of London crime bosses. The plays show us a couple of different “side quests” that the parents and children get up to, mysteries involving mysterious bodies falling from the sky, gurkhas and an ill-fated production of Oscar Wilde’s first play. (These are being co-written with Seattle playwright Louis Broome.) And the film “The Lair of the Red Widow” tells of their encounter with a villainous white-slaver who may hold the key that finally uncovers their arch-nemesis.
Is there a site where we can learn more about this series?
Yes! Battlegroundproductions.org is your place to find links (when we’ve got them posted) to listen to the audio series, updates on the stage show and details on our crowdsourcing campaign to film “Red Widow,” among other things.
Aside from the launch of BRASS itself, what other events for the series is planned for the near future?
I’ll be appearing at Portland’s GearCon Steampunk Convention on July 4th and 5th to read one of my original stories and also give a “BRASS Teaser,” which will include a live reading from the scripts with Katherine Grant-Suttie and several local actors. BRASS also fits into several other works of fiction that I’ve been writing for the last few years, so you can expect to see several ancillary characters (such as Ponder Wright, the “Mechanical Detective”) show up in other mediums.
BRASS will branch out into different mediums, but the audio series will kick off the franchise. What made the idea of performing an audio drama so appealing to your creative team? What do you feel makes it unique to other mediums?
The audio series made sense for two reasons. The first is that thanks to the huge popularity of such non-fiction serial drama as “Serial” as well as new radio dramas like “We’re Alive” and “Leviathan,” there’s a new interest in radio drama of various genres and forms. Podcasts and audio books are changing the way people listen to radio, and we’ve already had interest from both public radio stations and commercial radio stations for broadcast. And what’s more, radio’s a wonderful medium for being able to tell big stories with a modest budget, while drawing the listener into an intimate involvement.
The other is that I’m a lifelong radio theatre fan. Since I was kid I’ve loved radio drama, even though in America its Golden Age was back in the 1930s and 40s. I grew up listening to recordings of shows like “Suspense,” “Escape” and “The Jack Benny Show” made many years before I was born. I had a renewed burst of interest in it when i was in college in England, as the BBC continues to produce some amazing radio theatre, including pieces written by writers of the caliber of Tom Stoppard, Samuel Beckett and others. And I’ve done some work in the past in creating radio drama, both at University and at a public radio station in my hometown of Sitka, Alaska.
In its audio form, BRASS is a specific homage to my favorite old time radio adventure serial, “I Love a Mystery.” This was a daily radio written by Carlton E. Morse, a man equally well-known for writing a hugely successful soap opera called “One Man’s Family.” In “ILAM,” a trio of detectives travel from one unlikely adventure to another, facing murderers, cultists and criminal syndicates, all while carousing, joking and generally having a great time. The shows had wonderful titles like “Temple of the Vampires” and “Bury Your Dead, Arizona,” featuring some of the most ridiculous cliff-hangers you can imagine. Morse was able to create stories that brought together outrageous adventure with charming character development, which is precisely my goal with BRASS. I want to write stories that are fun, thrilling and feature characters you actually care about.
(Learn more about BRASS at: http://battlegroundproductions.org/brass/)
Announcing: Third Annual Treasure Hunt
“Come, Watson, come!…The game is afoot! Not a word! Into your clothes and come!” (Sherlock Holmes, ABBE)
Halloa! Sherlockians, Holmesians and Watsonians—
You are invited to the Third Annual John H Watson Society Canonical Treasure Hunt
The Third Annual John H Watson Society Canonical Treasure Hunt will begin soon on August 1, 2015. In keeping with JHWS tradition, the 2015 edition of the Treasure Hunt will be a difficult 100-question quiz designed to challenge your knowledge of Sherlock Holmes, Dr John Watson, and their greater world. Are you up to the challenge?
In 2014, one individual, and teams from the USA, Italy and France earned honors in the competition. These quiz masters have set a high bar for this year’s competition.
Individuals and teams (two to five members) are invited to compete. The competition is open from August 1 through September 1, 2015. A list of the rules for the competition can be found on the Treasure Hunt Rules page.
While most answers will be no more than two to ten words, the questions will not be simple. The Treasure Hunt will involve encryption, obscure references, geographic and biologic inferences, people, objects, dates, unique terminology, and all manner of canonical knowledge. A list of recommended resources can be found on the Treasure Hunt Resources page.
The JHWS hopes participants will find the Treasure Hunt to be the definitive — and most enjoyable — canonical quiz. And there are awards! The first participant in each category to submit the most correct answers will receive a unique and distinctive award from the JHWS.
The JHWS asks you to tell other clubs, organizations, and individuals about the Third Annual John H. Watson Society World Canonical Treasure Hunt—a flyer to share about the competition can be found here.
The goal of the Treasure Hunt is to bring together Watsonians, Sherlockians, and Holmesians on a global, collegial basis to further the scholarship and enjoyment of our mutual interest in all things 1895. Won’t you give it a go?
“We can but try-the motto of the firm.” (Sherlock Holmes, CREE)
Weekly Forum 2015: #26
Similar to last week’s discussion:
Who is a fellow from the Canon that you wished you had seen more of or learned more about?
Weekly Forum 2015: #25
There were many notable women in the Canon. Some were heroes, some were villains, and some were caught up in unfortunate circumstances. Aside from our dear Mrs Hudson and a few appearances by Mary Watson née Morstan, there were not many reoccurring women in the stories. Like many clients and criminals, they rarely crossed paths with Holmes and Watson again.
So who is a lady from the Canon that you wished you had seen more of or learned more about?
Interesting News
There are those who will call this find a horses skeleton or some such excuse. I feel sorry for those folk. Their lives must be so dull with so little imagination in their worlds.
Interview Series: JHWS “Carla Buttons”
This 2nd entry for the Interview Series is a unusual because I’m not the one giving the interview, I’m the one responding. Bob Katz JHWS “Willow” contacted me after my interview with “Cocoa” and pointed out that not a lot of people know me personally, so he volunteered to interview me.
Willow: When did you first read the Canon?
Carla Buttons: Not too long ago, actually. I grew interested in the Canon a little after I returned to the US and settled down near Seattle after several years abroad. I read the entire Canon during the summer of 2012, I believe. After that, I started listening to the BBC Radio 4 dramatization of the Canon and realized that I needed to meet more Sherlockians because I couldn’t bottle up my excitement for the stories for much longer.
What was the first Sherlockian organization that you joined and how did you hear about it?
Once I became enamored with the radio dramatizations, I wanted to share my interest with others but I didn’t have anyone to talk to about the stories. My friends are good to me, but they can only put up with my Sherlockian ramblings for so much until losing interest entirely. I was hoping to find a circle of friends who would share my interest in the Canon.
I finally found an opportunity to do this at Sherlock Seattle, a local convention. I was too shy to attend the event alone, so a friend joined me. It was there that I saw a couple sitting at a table dedicated to the Sound of the Baskervilles. The friendly couple was none other than the leaders of that scion society, Terri and David. I signed up immediately.
What was it like when you attended your first meeting?
I was more than a little nervous and shy when I went to my first meeting, but the experience turned out better than I could have ever imagined. I thought it would be awkward and that I would feel out of place, but I felt that it would be worth it because I could finally discuss Holmes and Watson’s adventures with other people. By the time the first meeting was over, I didn’t want to leave. I had made new friends, participated in a lively discussion, and learned more about the stories than I ever could on my own. It quickly became an event I look forward to every month. I rarely miss a meeting. Even when I had to miss one, I’d wish I could be at two places at once.
How did you hear about the John H Watson Society?
One friend I quickly became close to when I joined the SoB was Sheila. She became a member of the John H Watson Society when she (JHWS “Daisy”), Margie (JHWS “Gwen”), and the rest of the SoB team won the first JHWS Annual Treasure Hunt. When I told her my idea for a paper I wanted to write, she recommended that I join the JHWS and submit my paper to the Watsonian for consideration.
How did you become so involved in the activities of the JHWS? What were your initial duties and how did that evolve into your present role?
I joined and submitted “A Dissection of the Cyanea Capillata” to the Watsonian in early 2014. I don’t often write papers, but I am still quite proud of this one. It came from the heart and since it was about the BBC Radio 4 series, it allowed me to contact someone I greatly admire, Bert Coules. Mr. Coules was so kind to me that he read my paper and offered helpful corrections. I bought and mailed him a copy of the Watsonian out of gratitude.
Time passed and I participated in the JHWS as many do – taking part in the weekly discussion forum and occasionally trying my best at the weekly quizzes. Eventually, I earned my very own moniker, “Carla.” I love it. You see, the male side of my family is composed of a long line of Charles, in fact my little brother is Charles IV, so Carla would suit me fine in my family if I weren’t an Ariana. When August came around, I kept my promise to “Daisy” and “Gwen” to join their SoB team in the second annual Treasure Hunt. We won the team category and Buttons sent us each a prize. I was so proud that I could help my team complete the Hunt!
In the fall, I wanted to do more to help out the JHWS. I contacted Don “Buttons” and asked if I could help Joanne “Sandy” with the layout and design, since I was learning a lot about the process and working with an experienced designer would be a great opportunity. Within a few weeks, to my surprise, I was now in charge off all of the design and pre-press work. I was so nervous but “Buttons” was very encouraging.
After March and all that followed, my participation in the John H Watson Society has changed drastically and I’m still not sure if I’ve figured out my place yet. As “Gwen” likes to say, I’m now “TheBiB” – The Boy in Buttons. Although I would think that “A Boy in Buttons” would be more accurate – there would only ever be one true “Buttons.” So now, I still design the publications, but a great deal more work is involved in organizing volunteers, fielding questions, and numerous other things I’m trying my best to handle one day at a time.
Tell us what it’s like to do the design and layout of The Watsonian.
Most of the groundwork was done by “Sandy,” who provided me with the files before she passed the position to me. I then cleared out the pages and started the new design from there, slowly shaping how it would eventually look. A lot of the hard work comes first: How big should the text be? How should the titles look? How should the Table of Contents look? And so on. Once I’ve decided how it should go, most of the work that follows is all about making sure all of the pages stay consistent with the design.
With each new book, I’m slowly growing more and more used to the style of JHWS publications. The most difficult part for me so far is the fact that I don’t actually consider myself an artist, simply someone trying her best while stumbling through the dark. I know how to use programs to shape a book for publication, but I can’t draw a perfect circle with pen and paper to save my life. I’m simply trying my best and hope it works out OK. A few people I respect greatly, such as “Buttons” and “Sandy,” have told me I’m doing well and that they like the work I’ve done, so if they were satisfied, I’ll just keep at it and grow through the experience.
One thing I’m particularly critical about is the cover. I just can’t seem to nail down how I want it to look and I’ve made embarrassing mistakes with it so far. I need to consider a new approach, so I’m always open to suggestions.
You’ve made lots of friends around the world through the JHWS. Have you met any in person, beyond internet communication?
Not many, but I would love the opportunity to meet more fellow Watsonians. I know all of the members of the Sound of the Baskervilles who also happen to be members of JHWS. I’ve also had the pleasure of interviewing Larry “Bertie” earlier this year due to his amazing work at Imagination Theatre. I’ve spoken with Andrea “Asta” over the phone. I would love to meet so many more Watsonians, so if anyone happens to be in the Seattle area, please feel free to drop me a line.
Are you participating in Sherlockian activities beyond your local group and the JHWS? Tell us about the various organizations and their activities and traditions.
The Sound of the Baskervilles has a number of activities throughout the year and I try to take part whenever I can. A few traditions I enjoy is the Master’s Dinner we have once a year, where all of the members gather and I could meet people I haven’t encountered before. There’s also the annual Wreath Toss to symbolize Richenbach Falls, followed by a lovely meal to celebrate the return of Sherlock Holmes. I’ve also volunteered for a few activities in the past, such as giving a presentation on the history of Holmes and Watson on the radio and hosting a couple of panels at Sherlock Seattle this year.
Would you like to tell us anything about your background and career?
I’m Brazilian American. My Dad is retired in the Philippines and my Mom lives in southern Brazil. I grew up mostly in the US, Japan, and Singapore. My Portuguese skill is rather poor, but I’m fluent in Japanese and I currently work as a translator for a video game company. I love travel and I try to see family whenever I can afford to, but lately I’ve really wanted to go to places I’ve never been. I’d like to see England next, so if anyone happens to have advice on affordable accommodations and public transport, please let me know.
I’m a huge fan of comic books. I learned how to do digital lettering several years ago to help friends with their comic book projects. Now I am doing a bit of freelance work lettering for web comics and also a couple of titles for Image comics. It does not seem like glamorous work, but lettering is so essential to comics that personally it feels quite rewarding. I studied book layout and design last year in an effort to help a friend put her graphic novel together and that knowledge is what led me to work on JHWS publications.
Do you have a favorite Sherlockian film or television program?
I love The Great Mouse Detective and Without a Clue. They aren’t canonical by any means, but they are what I watch when I want to relax and laugh. Although the BBC series is fun and I love the actors, I think the Granada series did its best to stay true to the Canon, so that’s my favorite Sherlockian TV program. Above any other form of media, I love audio dramas the most, so the BBC Radio 4 series is my favorite adaption. Clive Merrison and Michael Williams are my Holmes and Watson.
What Sherlockian books do you read?
I read annotations and non-fiction Sherlockian books. My favorite book is “221 BBC” by Bert Coules, which details all of the work that went into adapting Sherlock Holmes for the radio.
I do enjoy pastiche, parody, homage, and fan fiction, but if it seems that Dr Watson is being used poorly in the story or if his role gets replaced by an entirely different character, I’m not particularly interested in it. For me, the dynamic of their friendship is as important to the story as the mystery being presented. A few of my favorite Sherlockian fictions are “Dust and Shadow” by Lyndsay Faye, “The Case of Death and Honey” by Neil Gaiman, and “The Queen’s Migration” by Elinor Gray “Misty.”
Are you a collector of any type of Sherlockiana?
I don’t collect too much. I’ve moved around so much in the past, I’ve become something of a minimalist as a result. However, if there is something that has anything to do with Sherlock Holmes on the radio, I’m interested. That much is obvious. However, I have a few treasures that I keep: a signed script for HOUN signed by Bert Coules, the entire BBC Radio 4 series collected on CD, my prize from the Treasure Hunt given to me by “Buttons,” and a few commissioned drawings from artists I greatly respect. It’s not a big collection, but I don’t have a big apartment, so that works fine for me.
Reviewing Mr. Holmes
I received this Movie Review from Darwin and he asked to share it with the Watsonians:
I was lucky to get into a sneak preview of Mr. Holmes starring Ian McKellan. Here are my thoughts on this movie.
I have been a Sherlockian since I was seven years old. I’ve read the stories innumerable times. I have seen all the major Sherlockian movies and TV programs many times over. On the strength of these credentials I declare that Mr. Holmes, starring Ian McKellan, is hands down the greatest Sherlock Holmes movie ever made, bar none.
It shows a vulnerable Holmes struggling mightily against the approaching ravages of old age. It shows Holmes simultaneously in his weakness and strength. The movie draws you into its powerful grip from the opening scene of the railroad steaming its way across the edenic British countryside and grasps you relentlessly until the end.
IanMcKellan is beyond marvelous as the ultimate avatar of Holmes. His words, his actions, the very tilt of his head, the subtle movements of his eyes speak volumes to the viewer. He is an actor’s actor and a cinematic jewel.
The supporting cast of Laura Linney, Milo Parker, and Hiroyuki Sanada all work together like the gears of the finest Swiss watch. Little Milo Parker is about the most adorable child actor I’ve ever encountered. I predict a brilliant movie career for him.
This movie is an instant classic and will tower and endure as long as folks love and admire Holmes.
Bravo, Mr. Holmes! Bravo, indeed!
Al Gregory “Darwin”
Weekly Forum 2015: #24
Today’s lighthearted topic is from our fellow JHWS member “Gwen.” Thank you!
Say you had H.G. Wells’ time machine, or you stumbled into the TARDIS, and for one day only you can travel and join Holmes and Watson on one of their adventures. What day would that be?
Weekly Forum 2015: #23
Remarks in the recent book review offered by Larry Feldman brought me to pondering a topic that is often under debate…
In your personal opinion, is there a difference between “pastiche” and “fan fiction”?
If not, then why?
If so, then what differentiates them?
Sherlock Holmes: Repeat Business
(The Society presents reviews and recommendations on books by its members on these pages. We hope you will enjoy hearing of new books furthering our Sherlockian, Holmesian and Watsonian interests.
Members who wish to have their books featured are asked to email cover photos, book descriptions and reviews to me. You may also contact me if you wish to share your thoughts on a book to inspire dialogue. On this occasion JHWS member “Chips” invited his friend Larry Feldman, “Staff Surgeon of Doctor Watson’s Neglected Patients,” to share his thoughts on a book he recently read: )
Today I concluded reading “Sherlock Holmes: Repeat Business” by Lyn McConchie. The idea here is that it is a collection of new Sherlock Holmes cases, each initiated by someone Holmes served in the Canon.
I was a little exasperated with the first story. Ms. McConchie had a story related to, and having everything to do, with Jabez Wilson, but Wilson himself doesn’t appear in the story! Holmes is hired here by Jabez Wilson’s new wife, who is concerned when her husband is accused of murdering her first husband. How can this author write a story concerning one of the most humorous and memorable Canonical characters, and yet not actually depict him? Where’s the fun in that?
The author somewhat redeems herself in later stories, depicting the likes of James Windibank, who is again trying to take financial advantage of his step-daughter, Mary Sutherland, the banker Alexander Holder of the Beryl Coronet adventure, Grant Munroe, where we get to check in on Effie and her mixed race daughter of “The Yellow Face”, Watson’s old school friend Tadpole Phelps, who has again ran afoul of his brother-in-law, etc. She does use the unique info about these characters as plot points in the stories, which is much to the better. Two obvious examples are a vanished student from the school where Violet Hunter is now Headmistress, and the use of acting ability of Neville St Clair, whose depiction of a London beggar was the central piece in his original Canonical appearance.
While the author’s depictions of these characters are not particularly memorable, Ms. McConchie does demonstrate two important strengths. First, she is obviously an accomplished mystery writer, and her puzzles and problems constructed for these stories are professional and satisfying.. Even more surprising and pleasing is that she is very good at depicting the friendship and interaction between Holmes and Watson, who clearly know each other’s habits and idiosyncrasies as well as we Sherlockians like to think we do. So, despite the use of all these memorable and familiar Canonical characters, it is the Holmes/Watson depiction that is the outstanding feature of this work, and, in itself makes these stories worth reading.
At a time when much of what is called “pastiche” work has the quality of self-published fan fiction, finding yourself in the hands of a professional quality mystery writer and Sherlock Holmes fan is certainly worth noting.
Interview Series: JHWS “Cocoa”
One disadvantage of being an on-line gathering is that we rarely get the opportunity to learn more about each other as we would tend to do as part of a Scion Society that often meets in real life. I feel that I may not be the only one who is curious to learn more about our fellow Watsonians…
So, I reached out to a fellow JHWS member who kindly agreed to an interview. As a result, she allowed me to learn more about her and her Sherlockian interests. This was a very fun experience for me, so I’m honored to share my interview with Judith Freeman, “Cocoa” of the John H Watson Society.
To start off, Cocoa, I’d love to know about how you first encountered Dr. Watson’s writings.
I have been reading mystery/detective fiction since early adolescence but somehow didn’t meet Holmes & Watson until about 35 years ago. A friend and I were organizing The Maltese Falcon Society here in NY and he introduced me to members of The Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes. I went to my first luncheon and was so impressed with the witty, intelligent women I had met there that I went out purchased a copy of the Doubleday Canon forthwith.
What is it about the cases of Sherlock Holmes that appeals to you as a reader?
At first it was the charm of moving back in time to the foggy streets of Victorian London. But over time, as I re-read the stories, I was attracted to the relationship between the Holmes & Watson.
Aside from the John H Watson Society, what are some other Sherlockian groups and activities that you enjoy?
Where to begin? I’ve been a member of ASH since the early 1980’s. The NYC area has five active scions and I’ve been to meetings of all of them. Over the years I’ve also attended special events like Autumn in Baker Street and the Scintillation of Scions, as well as gatherings in Chicago, Toronto, etc. I even attended the last of legendary John Bennett Shaw’s workshops. In addition to the Watsonian I’ve been published in the Muse, the BSJ and other journals.
Currently I’ve cut back my level of activity to being the current discussion leader of the on-line group WelcomeHolmes and I am the Headmistress of The Priory Scholars of NYC.
How did it come about that you became Headmistress of the Priory Scholars of NYC?
You could say I inherited the position. I had been working with the late Joe Moran for several years. He was the head of scion and I took care of the administrative stuff. Due to personal issues Joe was unable to continue as Headmaster and, in 2006, the scion went on hiatus. When I retired I decided to rehabilitate Priory and in 2012 we began to meet again.
If you’re interested in the history of The Priory Scholars of NYC, please check out our web page: https://prioryscholarsnyc.wordpress.com/about/
What activities does your position of Headmistress entail?
They’re still mostly administrative; including scheduling, emailing the announcements, following up on communications, selecting subjects for the homework assignments, coordinating with the other members of the faculty in selecting the story for discussion, etc. In other words doing whatever needs doing.
I’ve recruited several of the younger local Sherlockians to participate in running the scion. We currently have a “faculty” that consists of a discussion leader (Nick Matorelli, member of JHWS), a Bursar (Chris Zordan also member of JHWS), a Web Mistress and a Quiz Master. I even created a manual, “How to Start and Run a Sherlockian Group” to help them.
At my local scion society, the Sound of the Baskervilles in Seattle, Washington, we open every meeting with a toast to Murray and finish every meeting with a recitation of “221B” by Vincent Starrett. This is our most constant tradition. So, in your case, Cocoa, have you noticed any unique traditions for the Priory Scholars and also for the other NYC scion societies?
Over the last three years we’ve evolved a successful format. We have 4 short toasts; always one to Holmes & Watson and 3 that are related to items in the story. We also have 4 homework assignments (mini papers); one is a synopsis of the story and three others that explore significant aspects of the story under discussion and are presented during the course of said discussion. Limiting the amount of time for both the toasts and homework assignments helps keeps the meeting flowing. Several of the “students” presentations have been published in the Serpentine Muse.
And also, are there any traditions among the different societies that are similar in nature to each other?
Most of the local scions have toasts; many have either discussions and/or presentation of papers. But each of the local scions has their own traditions and program format. For instance The Three Garridebs always have a toast to the wives of Dr. Watson. The Epilogues in NJ always discuss two stories concurrently. Mrs. Hudson’s Cliffdwellers, also in NJ, often have games and/or contests as part of their program.
Why do you think New York City is such a popular gathering place for enthusiastic Sherlockians?
The five (actually six) local scions are spread out over the tri-state area. There are the Epilogues and Mrs. Hudson’s Cliffdwellers in New Jersey. In New York there are the Montague Street Lodgers in Brooklyn, The Priory Scholars in Manhattan and The Three Garridebs in Westchester. The Men on the Tor are located in Conn. Many of the local Sherlockians go to as many of the meetings as their schedules permit.
Through your interaction with local scion societies and from working with younger Sherlockians in the Priory Scholars of NYC, what are your thoughts on the next generation of Sherlockian scholarship?
That’s a complicated question to answer. When reading a journal like the Watsonian or the Muse you don’t always know the writer and therefore would have no way of knowing their age. Also I tend to skip through articles on subjects that are not of interest to me. However I must say that I have been very impressed by the presentations of the younger members of Priory Scholars. I think the future will continue to provide us with entertaining scholarship from the younger Sherlockians.
Weekly Forum 2015: #22
Today’s topic is from our fellow JHWS member “Gwen.” Thank you!
Once Dr Watson’s elusive tin dispatch box is finally found, which of the untold tales mentioned in the Canon would you wish to read first?
On May 31st…
May 31st 1902: A house agent agrees to Mrs. Maberly’s terms of sale for Three Gables. (3GAB)
Weekly Forum 2015: #21
Today’s discussion is about a link from “Chips” via the Facebook group “The Diogenes BookClub:”
15 Curious Facts About Sherlock Holmes and Sherlockian Subculture
The article features several facts gleaned from the new book “The Great Detective” by Zach Dundas. Several are common knowledge among Sherlockians, Holmesians, and we Watsonians, but I’m sure a great deal of these were a surprise to those not so familiar with the world of the great detective and his loyal friend.
What is a fact or two that you find tends to surprise people who are only familiar with Sherlock Holmes through pop culture?
(For me, my friends were very surprised to hear about Sherlockian societies – they were not aware that so many existed!)
On May 23rd…
May 23rd 1889: The Naval Treaty was stolen. (NAVA)
On May 21st…
May 21st 1902: The Prince wins the derby at Epsom. (SILV)
On May 20th…
May 20th 1900: Beppo’s last payday at Gelder and Co. (SIXN)
On May 19th…
May 19th 1900: Duke of Holdernesse writes a cheque for twelve thousand pounds to Holmes. (PRIO)
Lord Saltire is rescued.
Weekly Forum 2015: #20
For some of us, our personal collection does not stop at a well-read copy of the Canon. Instead, it is usually just the beginning…
Collection Curios
Aside from editions of the Canon, let’s discuss a few of the unique and prized items of note from your personal Sherlockian (and/or Watsonian) Collection.
EDIT TO ADD: “Dash” sent in a photo of two treasures from his collection!
To quote “Dash”:
“I keep our invitations to Sherlockian events posted on it with a jackknife. Next to the papers is a small pewter figurine of Holmes. I had purchased one of these at the New York Public Library when I was in high school, my first bit of Holmesian memorabilia. Some years later, I lent it to an exhibit and it was stolen. Several years ago I was able to replace it thanks to the late Vinnie Brosnan, JHWS “Beeton.”
Thank you, everyone, for sharing!