And We’re Back! And We’re Meeting!

guard outside sherlock holmes museum in london
Photo by Anna Kozlova on Pexels.com

First, thank you all very much for your patience as some behind the scenes chaos went on. The site is back up and running. Some of our media files are still being restored, but members can find downloadable digital Watsonian issues on the Member Resources page.

Also! We will be meeting on Zoom this Saturday, January 28. Here are the details:

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Saturday, Jan 28, 2023 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMpceioqjkuGNzgu_jsjZGEt1FJmwAlnTGH

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Upon the Terrace for Ron Lies, JHWS “Chips”

We have received word that our dear “Chips” passed away yesterday, January 16, in Denver, Colorado.

When Ron joined the Society in 2013, he wrote:

I am at present Transcriber of Dr Watson’s Neglected Patients. I have been a past Staff Surgeon, past Chief Surgeon and member since 1972. I am a member of: The Sherlock Holmes Society of India; a member of The Sydney Passengers, The Sherlock Homes Society of Australia; and co- founder of The Sons of Shaw, a society honoring the memory of John Bennett Shaw.

I have had an overwhelming interest in Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson since seventh grade when I read “The Speckled Band” in my class’s Catholic Weekly Reader. I have always identified with Dr John Watson and now feel I am where I belong with The John H. Watson Society.

He contributed to the Society blog many, many times over the years, including his long-running irregular feature, “Tid Bits“. He always brought a spirit of joy and friendship to the world of Sherlockiana. In 2014, he shared some thoughts in an observation I will reprint here.

Recently, there have been exchanges online about who is a Sherlockian. We have always had a healthy exchange of different ideas. This discussion question has brought out responses that have caused hard feelings among some Sherlockians. This concerns me and I would like to share some thoughts I have about the Grand Game we play.

I was fortunate to meet and know John Bennett Shaw, who had the largest individual Sherlockian collection in the United States and was one of the kindest, most decent human beings I ever had the pleasure to know. In my too few visits by letter and in person, we discussed all things Sherlockian. The following points are concepts I took away from my conversations with John Bennett Shaw. I try to base my Sherlockian actions on these points:

1. If you have one of a Sherlockian collectible, you gloat. If you have two, you share.
2. A Sherlockian is anyone who has read a Sherlock Holmes story (preferably a story from the Canon) and tries to find more.
3. A Sherlockian is someone who has watched a Sherlock Holmes movie, television program or play and who tries to find more.
4. A Sherlockian is one who has listened to a Sherlockian radio show, tape or cassette and tries to find more.
5. We should treat a Sherlockian’s opinion with respect even if that opinion is wrong or disagrees with yours.
6. The most important rule is: if you are having fun, do it; if you are not having fun,

I wish you all could have met John Bennett Shaw. He was a Sherlockian and human being of the finest kind.

These then are my thoughts: I am afraid we are losing some of the fun in and respect for each other’s point of view that John mentioned we should have. We each have our own favourite Sherlock Holmes and his world. I am a traditionalist. My Sherlock Holmes is that of the Canon and of the world of 1887. The actor who portrayed my quintessential Holmes is Peter Cushing in his portrayal of Holmes in the 1968 BBC television series.

I am sure there are others who will disagree with me. I look forward to discussing my beliefs with you whether you are Brett supporters or the new wave of Cumberbatch supporters from the BBC Series “Sherlock” which updates Holmes to modern times. All I ask is that you treat my beliefs with the same respect and courtesy I will treat yours.

Greetings to all my Sherlockian friends and those friends I have not yet met.

I never had the privilege of meeting Ron in person, but he was a wonderful correspondent. I hope that we will continue to honor his spirit in all we do.

Please share your reminiscences and condolences in the comments. A memorial will be included in the Spring issue of the Watsonian.

The John H. Watson Society 2022 Blue Carbuncle All-Carolling Musical!

This coming Saturday is the December meeting of the John H. Watson Society at noon Central time (adjust accordingly to your location) and here’s the meeting registration link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qf-qurTkoE9zRiMaCBxh2tOP6S6-D2pZe

As usual, our opening presentation/discussion starter will be a last-minute bit of something Watson-ish, but this time we really need your help! This Saturday will be the first ever John H. Watson Society Blue Carbuncle All-Carolling Musical, and we can’t do it without a cast! (Or, to put it more plainly, you don’t want to see who is willing to perform it without a cast.)

Can you sing Christmas carols, and not necessarily well? Can you stand to sing one or two verses a capella karaoke by yourself? (It’s Zoom, so all solos!) Are you full of that blythe Christmas spirit that overcomes Zoom stage fright? Well, come join in the fun! We’ll be rehearsing an hour before the meeting at 11 AM Central time, and here’s the link to that, but be forewarned — if you come to rehearsal, you’d best be prepared to sing — no lookey-loos allowed at rehearsal, of course!
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcsdOuhqj0jGd05FzVTryfalkHhtlUpYrgs

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting, and you will later be emailed some lyrics to practice on if you sign up before Saturday for the rehearsal. (If you sign up on Saturday, you can still sing, but the lyrics will come at 11.)

Yes, we had a meeting. And we’ll do it again!

The John H. Watson Society gathered on Zoom this past Saturday, after a bit of a late notice. You can hear some of what went on here:

https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/november-28-2022-watson-gets-stinky

And if you want to get ready for next month’s meeting, which is coming on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada), you can register in advance at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0qf-qurTkoE9zRiMaCBxh2tOP6S6-D2pZe

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Come on Saturday if convenient. If inconvenient . . . well you know what to do.

Think we forgot you? Nope! Join the John H. Watson Society and friends on Saturday for some laconic messages to Watson from a certain friend that may require your services to interpret.

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Saturday, Nov 26, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwpd-ysrTIpE93kKPMIwgCzYQ0aLKNxbtsE

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Why is the Watsonian Weekly longer this week?

You can probably guess — but we save it for the end of the show, so if you don’t want spoilers, you can listen to most of the podcast before turning it off. Otherwise, DIG IN! It’s Watsonian Weekly time!

https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/november-7-2022-no-spoilers-until-the-end

You can subscribe to the Watsonian Weekly on all the good podcathers, like . . .

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-watsonian-weekly/id1465553726

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23X2gDGeWfsvapGDrZfVQs

And more!

What kind of monster would Watson be?

Sure, the John H. Watson Society could talk about trick-or-treat costumes for our favorite doctor this Halloween season, but why not take it a step further at our Saturday, October 22 meeting? If Watson was an actual monster, what type of monster would suit his personality and preferences the most? That will be our starter topic, but you know the JHWS! Past that, it’s just the normal pub chat that our members enjoy. The usual mid-day-in-mid-America meeting time — come in costume if you dare!

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAkcemvrz4sG9XFChbNGpflYc6pbbTlMeKc

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The Clark Russell Challenge!

What? You say you were traveling to Toronto or waxing your moustache, and missed this month’s meeting of the John H. Watson Society? Well, here’s your chance to see what you missed on the latest episode of the Watsonian Weekly, where our usual fifteen minute podcast has been extended to include a hastily produced, written, and directed production of “The Frozen Pirate” by W. Clark Russell, perhaps John Watson’s favorite writer!

Can you last for the entire episode? That’s “The Clark Russell Challenge” and it’s available wherever The Watsonian Weekly is streamed, including this link:

https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/september-26-2022-the-clark-russell-challenge

Enjoy!

The Latter Days of September with John H. Watson and His Society

Have the equinoctial gales set in with exceptional violence in your neighborhood yet? The trees in the neighborhood of at least one Watsonian think so. Nonetheless, the internet cable is back and it’s time to gather the John H. Watson Society yet again.

In honor of a particular Watson September, we will be featuring an impromptu Clark Russell reader’s theater production of what some say is the very book he was reading the night that John Openshaw came to 221B Baker Street. (“Some” being a certain weekly podcast host.) You won’t want to miss it, just in case someone forgets to hit the “record” button.

When: Sep 24, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) 

Register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkdO-trjIuHdSh1BB-hobwjXJdoldPXH7y

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

2022 Treasure Hunt Results

Attenta! Attenta! The results have arrived from our esteemed Treasure Hunt Master, Rich Krisciunas (Hector):

“The 2022 John H. Watson Society Treasure Hunt is now over with a record 27 participants trying to solve a contest that was described as “a death quiz,” “diabolical” and “fun, fun, fun.”

The quiz had 72 questions based on our heroes in the Canon, some really horrible puns and a killer cipher. The fun thing was to review all of your answers and award points when deserved. My final answer sheet grew by an additional two pages. One of my questions had an extra four possible correct answers that I hadn’t thought of. Hats off to all of you for being so clever and knowledgeable about our hobby.

The individual champion was Steve Mason (Tex) of the Crew of the Barque Lone Star and the head of the Legion of Zoom who scored 182 of out a possible 200 points. Mason edged out sixty five time champion Michael Ellis (Lobo) who scored 177 points. The difference turned out to be that darn cipher as Mason correctly solved the phrase, “Good old Watson. You are the one fixed point in a changing age.” Our society is named after Watson so that was the first clue. The dreaded cipher used the first letter only in four letter words. Puzzlers who wondered about why words like “xray” and “iced” coffee appeared in the message figured out the solution. 

Paul Thomas Miller (Buck), sole member of The Shingle of Southsea, finished in third place with 173 points ahead of Todd Winegar 159, Enrico Solito (Devon) 155, Paul Hartnet (Scout) 140. Tom Campbell, of Cape Fear, North Carolina, Caitlyn Maughan and Ellie Lo rounded out the group.

The toughest competition in Treasure Hunt history took place in the team category as two teams tied for first place with 190 points and the champion was decided by date of entry. “The Sound of the Baskervilles”; Cameron Brandon, Margie Deck (Mopsy), Sunny Even, Nancy Holder (Diana) and Naching Kassa submitted their entry on August 12 and ended up edging the “Ineffable Twaddles”; Beth Gallego (Selena Buttons), Sandra Little (Harmless), Brad Keefauver (Calder), Crystal Noll, Madeline Quinones (Maddy), and Tatiana Sharapa who turned in their answers on August 28. 

The all French team, “La Fayette SSHF,” led by captain,Daniel Henocq and his assistants Léandre Helbecque, Nicolas Maurel-Lalague, Florence Turenne and Thierry Saint-Joanis (Tristan) finished in third place with 136 points edging out Ed and Elaine Lintzenich who battled Covid and the cipher to finish fourth.

Thanks to all who participated and I hope the hours you put into the Hunt were enjoyable. Until next year, best wishes to all who play ‘The Game.'”

2022 Treasure Hunt Answers

The qualities of the perfect Watson

At the latest meeting of the John H. Watson Society, we decided the Worst Watson to date with a bracket tournament that reduced sixteen screen Watsons to a single Worst Watson. Who was voted the Worst Watson? It was definitely Dudley Moore from “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” who beat out Anthony O’Donnell in “Xango De Baker Street” in the final round. But in determining the worst of Watsons, the question was raised as to the best of Watsons.

How would we determine the best of Watsons? How do we reduce bias and perform the a more “scientific” determination of Watsonian quality than a silly bracket tournament or popularity contest? After some discussion, we decided that coming up with twenty characteristics of a true Dr. Watson that we could use to rate Watsons would be a great start. So what qualities? Display of friendship? Moustache? Wound carrying? Medical abilities? Verbal abilities of a writer?

In the comments below, we’re going to start collecting qualities in our initial efforts to build a matrix of perfect Watson qualities, based on the John H. Watson of the Original Canon. Let us know what qualities you think should be included in our search for the Best Watson Ever!

The August Meeting of the JHWS

Don’t get so wrapped up in finishing the annual John H. Watson Society Treasure Hunt that you miss out on our August meeting! Yes, it’s a busy month, with school and such starting up again, but we still have important business to attend to, and you might want to be present when Decisions of Great Import are being made. What decisions?

Well, nothing less than picking the Worst Watson of All Time. Nigel Bruce has suffered long enough, and it’s time to point out that there are far worse Watsons out there. And to make that point, we’re holding a Worst Watson Tournament, in that classic bracket play-off fashion, as our society narrows down the field from sixteen worst Wats-ons to a single Wats-off, the true king of bad Watsonery!

And, yes, you are invited to this frabulous Zoom meeting.
When: Aug 27, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kcuuhpjovE9KFQbFARcOyqYE3AIiAfk_0

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The Annual Treasure Hunt Is On!

“But I did think that I had put the game in their hands.”

In keeping with the long-standing tradition of canonical quizzing among Sherlock Holmes societies around the world, The John H Watson Society invites all Sherlockians, Holmesians, and Watsonians to participate in the Annual John H Watson Society Canonical Treasure Hunt.

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.  The JHWS hopes participants will find the Treasure Hunt to be the definitive — and the most enjoyable — canonical quiz.   The competition runs from August 1 through August 31 each year.

Returning Treasure Hunt Master Rich Krisciunas invites individuals and teams to this year’s 73-question hunt. You will find a link to download the questions below.

Requests for clarifications or other questions for the treasure hunt master may be asked by commenting on this post, or by emailing the master at treasurehunt@johnhwatsonsociety.com. If you ask a question in the comments, please do not post possible answers.

Your answers should be sent by email no later than midnight, EDT, August 31, 2022 to treasurehunt@johnhwatsonsociety.com.

2022 Treasure Hunt Teaser Answers

The time allowed to complete the 2022 Treasure Hunt teaser has passed. And, as Musgrave told Holmes, “I have a copy of the questions and answers here, if you care to run your eye over them.”

Treasure Hunt Master Rich Krisciunas sent along the answers, as well as a reminder that this year’s hunt will commence right after midnight tomorrow night. Are you ready?

TREASURE HUNT TEASER

As a preview of the 2022 John H. Watson Society Treasure Hunt, fill in the blanks:

(1 point for each correct answer unless noted.)

                                                IT ALL STARTED WITH OUR GOOD DOCTOR

  1. Dr. John H. Watson received his medical degree from ____________________________

ANSWER: THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.

  • Subsequently, he trained to be a surgeon at ___________________

ANSWER: NETLEY.

  • In India, he was attached to the ________________________

ANSWER: 5TH NORTHUMBERLAND FUSILIERS

  • Upon reaching Candahar he subsequently was attached to ____________________

ANSWER: THE BERKSHIRES

  • Where he served in the battle of _________________

ANSWER: MAIWAND

  • Before he was injured after being struck by a _______________________-

ANSWER: JEZAIL BULLET.

  • He was saved and carried off the battlefield by __________________________

ANSWER: MURRAY HIS ORDERLY.

  • He was transported home on the troopship _______________________

ANSWER:ORONTES

  • Watson’s pension amount was __________________________

ANSWER: ELEVEN SHILLINGS AND SIX PENCE.

CANONICAL ADDRESSES

  1. The address of the woman engaged to a head waiter.

ANSWER: 11 RUE DE TRAJAN, MONTPELIER

Marie Devine, the maid, was as popular as her mistress. She was actually engaged to one of the head waiters in the hotel, and there was no difficulty in getting her address. It was 11 Rue de Trajan, Montpellier.  LADY

  1. The address where the coffin was delivered.

ANSWER: No. 36, Poultney Square, Brixton.

Then she called a cab and got in. I was lucky enough to get another and so to follow her. She got down at last at No. 36, Poultney Square, Brixton. I was standing there, wondering what I should do next, when a covered van drove up with two men in it. They descended, took something out of the van, and carried it up the steps to the hall door. Mr. Holmes, it was a coffin.” LADY

  1. The address where the constable lived.

ANSWER: 46, AUDLEY COURT, KENSINGTON PARK GATE

I should like to speak to the constable who found the body. Can you give me his name and address?” Lestrade glanced at his note-book. “John Rance,” he said. “He is off duty now. You will find him at 46, Audley Court, Kennington Park Gate.”

  1. The address of the inspector invited to breakfast.

ANSWER: 46 LORD STREET, BRIXTON

“The other is: ‘Inspector Stanley Hopkins, 46 Lord Street, Brixton. Come breakfast to-morrow at nine-thirty.”

  1. The addresses of two who were both suspected.

ANSWER: 13 GREAT GEORGE STREET, 13 CAULFIELD GARDENS, KENSINGTON

There are numerous small fry, but few who would handle so big an affair. The only men worth considering are Adolph Mayer, of 13 Great George Street, Westminster; Louis La Rothiere, of Campden Mansions, Notting Hill; and Hugo Oberstein, 13 Caulfield Gardens, Kensington. BRUC

                                         DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

  1. Five who were scheduled to arrive at noon. Who and where? 6 pts

ANSWER: HOLMES AND WATSON AT ST. BARTS, COL. VALENTINE WALTER AND OBERSTEIN AT SMOKING ROOM AT CHARING CROSS HOTEL, DR. BARNICOT AT HIS SURGERY AT LOWER BRIXTON ROAD.

Holmes to Watson: “A fellow who is working at the chemical laboratory up at the hospital. He was bemoaning himself this morning because he could not get someone to go halves with him in some nice rooms which he had found, and which were too much for his purse.”

“When shall we see them?” “Call for me here at noon to-morrow, and we’ll go together and settle everything,” he answered. “All right—noon exactly,” said I, shaking his hand.” STUD

Agony column ad written by Co. Valentine Walter directed to Oberstein,

“Therefore I shall expect to meet you in the smoking-room of the Charing Cross Hotel at noon on Saturday. Remember that only English notes, or gold, will be taken. And it did! It is a matter of history—that secret history of a nation which is often so much more intimate and interesting than its public chronicles—that Oberstein, eager to complete the coup of his lifetime, came to the lure and was safely engulfed for fifteen years in a British prison.” BRUC

“There lives a well-known medical practitioner, named Dr. Barnicot, who has one of the largest practices upon the south side of the Thames. His residence and principal consulting-room is at Kennington Road, but he has a branch surgery and dispensary at Lower Brixton Road, two miles away.

Dr. Barnicot was due at his surgery at twelve o’clock, and you can imagine his amazement when, on arriving there, he found that the window had been opened in the night…” SIXN

JHWS Training Day

August is almost here, and you know what that means! It’s Treasure Hunt time again, so this coming Saturday, July 23, the bull pups and friends will gather on Zoom for a virtual training montage to get in shape for running with the pack next month.

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUtcu6vqj8sE9xPLUdUWP8QJExL8KLRilgW

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

And while you’re waiting for Saturday, here’s the weekly episode of our society’s podcast if you aren’t subscribed on your favorite podcast service: https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/july-18-2022-somebody-takes-it-in-the-face-will-it-be-watson (Don’t expect it to last you until Saturday though — it’s not quite fifteen minutes.)

Attenta! Attenta! Warm Up Time for the 2022 Treasure Hunt

The 2022 John H Watson Society Annual Treasure Hunt is fast approaching and Treasure Hunt Master Rich Krisciunas has a little teaser to warm up your hunting skills.

In keeping with JHWS tradition, the annual hunt will begin as midnight of July 31 passes to August 1. This year the posting will be made Pacific Time (PDT). As always, individuals and teams are encouraged to join in the fun. The hunt will run the full month of August, and results will be announced in September.

There is no need to submit your warmup work. Answers will be posted on July 29.

Happy Hunting!

TREASURE HUNT TEASER

As a preview of the 2022 John H. Watson Society Treasure Hunt, fill in the blanks:

(1 point for each correct answer unless noted.)

                                                IT ALL STARTED WITH OUR GOOD DOCTOR

(Easy details that you probably know from memory.)

  1. Dr. John H. Watson received his medical degree from __________________________
  • Subsequently, he trained to be a surgeon at __________________________________
  • In India, he was attached to the _____________________________________________
  • Upon reaching Candahar he subsequently was attached to ______________________
  • Where he served in the battle of _____________________________________________
  • Before he was injured after being struck by a __________________________________
  • He was saved and carried off the battlefield by _________________________________
  • He was transported home on the troopship ____________________________________
  • Watson’s pension amount was _______________________________________________

CANONICAL ADDRESSES

(Harder addresses you’ll probably have to look up.)

  1. The address of the woman engaged to a waiter.
  1. Where the coffin was delivered.
  1. Where the constable lived.
  1. The address of the inspector invited to breakfast.
  1. The addresses of three who were suspected. 3 pts

                                    DO YOU HAVE THE TIME?

(If you like this one, you’ll like the Treasure Hunt that starts July 31 at midnight.)

  1. Five who were scheduled to arrive at noon. Who and where? 8 pts

Summer Watson, anyone?

Hi there,

You are invited to a Zoom meeting. (Yes, I just pasted the standard Zoom invitation to start this post.)
When: Jun 25, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

What’s the theme? “Summer Watson!”

What’s that mean? That’s what we’ll be figuring out! One of those men’s one-piece swimsuits with the wide stripes and a straw hat for a trip to the beach? Sitting around Baker Street in his boxers sweltering in the heat? Heading out to the street for a halfpenny Italian ice? Let’s find out!

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErcuyqpj0qH9PDjCuntbHF1sDhTyy_WTUj

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Also, don’t forget the latest episode of The Watsonian Weekly, where we don’t even mention that the meeting is coming up (but you read it here anyway).

https://watsonianweekly.libsyn.com/june-20-2022-i-gout-yer-james-right-here

Our May Meeting Has Egg On Its Face

Sure, next Saturday is a holiday weekend in the US, but what’s more important, family, friends, cook-outs, and travel? Or talking about John H. Watson and eggs? (And the usual random off-topic chat that fills up the last hour and a half.) Join your fellow bull pups and friends for a Saturday hang that always goes where no Sherlock Holmes society will go. (Because we’re a Watson society!)

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Saturday, May 28, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMldeCsqTgjE9z1Y_jOOkZcAQEBMCdOVmWR

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.