July 29, 1909: Fitzroy McPherson was killed by the cyanea capillata. (LION)
July 29, 1889: Holmes and Watson visited Percy Phelps at Briarbrae. (NAVA)
Weekly Forum: #30
JHWS “Gwen” read a review of Mr. Holmes in The New Yorker (July 20 issue). The film is reviewed by Richard Brody. The writer made two statements that Gwen wishes to discuss – the first one will be this week’s discussion and the second one will be next week’s.
Since this discusses the movie Mr. Holmes, I’ll but this under a Read More link for those of you who do not wish stumble upon any spoilers.
On July 28th…
July 28, 1898: Third dancing men with “At Elriges” appeared. (DANC)
On July 27th…
July 27, 1880: The battle of Maiwand. (STUD)
July 27, 1898: Hilton Cubitt first visited Holmes. (DANC)
3rd Annual JHWS Treasure Hunt Final Warm Up Question
Hello Watsonians! This time next week, the 3rd Annual JHWS Treasure Hunt will be posted and hopefully our hunters will be busy seeking answers. We’ve had two previous warm up questions: an easier question with just a bit of pawky-ness, and a harder question requiring some associative thinking and rereading of several stories. The final warm up question is a medium-level straight forward one. On we go:
Two men died in July: one in 1944, and the other in 1967. Their visionary work greatly influenced the world’s perception of Sherlock Holmes in their respective generations—in deed, their influence continues to resonate today. Who and who?
On July 26th…
July 26, 1889: Percy Phelps recovered from Brain Fever. (NAVA)
July 26, 1898: Second dancing men with message “Am Here, Abe Slaney” appeared. (DANC)
3rd Annual JHWS Treasure Hunt Warm Up Question 2
Hello! It is now a mere ten days until the 3rd Annual John H Watson Treasure Hunt posts, and I’m thinking it is time for another warm up question. And here we go:
Without becoming too terribly preoccupied, determine the missing name to complete the series:
Helen::Grimesby
Victor::Elise
Percy:: ___________
John::Sherlock
Sherlock::Adelbert
Sherlock::Jacky
Sherlock::Josiah
Weekly Forum: #29
This weekend, the local group I belong to will hold an annual John H Watson Picnic. Do you or your own local society have any traditions involving our dear Doctor? Please share them with us!
On July 20th…
July 20, 1903: Prof. Presbury was attacked a third time by his wolf hound, Rory. (CREE)
A Special Message
A special message from Megan, the daughter of Donald “Buttons” Libey, to everyone:
I just wanted to thank all who have written good words about my daddy, the comments are treasured to me. I express my gratitude to all, and I’m fine with him living in all of your hearts. Andrea will have great memories, and those will be treasured.
Thank you and best regards,Megan Libey
On July 19th…
July 19, 1889: Holmes returned the missing letter to Trelawney Hope’s dispatch box. (SECO)
July 19, 1898: First Dancing Men appeared. (DANC)
On July 18th…
July 18, 1889: Lady Hilda retrieved the missing letter from beneath Eduardo Lucas’s floor. (SECO)
On July 17th…
July 17, 1889: An inquest into the death of Eduardo Lucas was held. (SECO)
July 17, 1888: Silver Blaze won the Wessex Cup. (SILV)
July 17, 1888: Holmes told Colonel Ross that Silver Blaze had killed John Straker. (SILV)
On July 16th…
July 16, 1889: Trelawney Hope and Lord Bellinger ask Holmes for help. (SECO)
On July 15th…
July 15, 1889: Eduardo Lucas was stabbed to death by his wife Mme. Fournaye. (SECO)
3rd Annual Treasure Hunt Warm Up Question
Hello! It is now only 17 days until the 3rd Annual JHWS Treasure Hunt posts. I thought a warm up question might be in order: In the course of their adventures together, when and where did Holmes introduce the good Dr Watson by the doctor’s full first and last name?
Vincent Starrett
“But there can be no grave for Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson… Shall they not always live in Baker Street? Are they not there this moment, as one writes? Outside, the hansoms rattle through the rain, and Moriarty plans his latest devilry. Within, the sea-coal flames upon the hearth and Holmes and Watson take their well-won case… So they still live for all that love them well; in a romantic chamber of the heart, in a nostalgic country of the mind, where it is always 1895.”
― Vincent Starrett, The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes
Weekly Forum: #28
The Baker Street Babes recently released “Always 1895: Translating Starrett’s 221B” on their website for free. It’s a e-book of the Vincent Starrett sonnet “221B” translated into song and numerous different languages. You can download it on THIS page.
Every month, at the end of the meeting, everyone in my local scion society listens to a recitation of Vincent Starrett’s “221B.” How does the sonnet resonate for you? Why does it have such a lasting impact on generations of Sherlockians?
221B
by Vincent Starrett
Here dwell together still two men of note
Who never lived and so can never die:
How very near they seem, yet how remote
That age before the world went all awry.
But still the game’s afoot for those with ears
Attuned to catch the distant view-halloo:
England is England yet, for all our fears–
Only those things the heart believes are true.
A yellow fog swirls past the window-pane
As night descends upon this fabled street:
A lonely hansom splashes through the rain,
The ghostly gas lamps fail at twenty feet.
Here, though the world explode, these two survive,
And it is always eighteen ninety-five.
On July 13th…
July 13, 1888: Holmes called upon Madam Lesurier. (SILV)
Deadline for The Watsonian
Just as a remind to everyone (and myself!), the deadline for the October Fall issue of The Watsonian is July 15, which is this coming Wednesday.
CORRECTION: It seems that the deadline is August 1st, as originally set by our dear Buttons earlier this year. The website will be updated to reflect that change. Hopefully, this will give some of you more time and opportunity to submit your work for The Watsonian.
Submissions should be up-to-date Word documents and sent via email attachment to: publisher@johnhwatsonsociety.com