The Open and Inclusive Worldwide Online Sherlockian Society (Really, We're about Having Fun)
“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]
I found a Sherlockian sonnet written by William S Dorn, BSI, DWNP, who is so talented in his writings. A member of our local society and a man who does me the high honor of calling me his friend. I am sure after you read this you will agree with me as to the high quality of his work.
In the days of yore the old tales tell,
Of a spectral hound Sir Hugo much did dread.
It followed him till last he fell,
Then tore at his throat until he was quite dead.
Anon Sir Charles by the moor he did wait.
Next morn the gentle man’s remains were found.
He laid face down quite near a lonely gate,
Beside him prints of a gigantic hound.
Then Watson came to Baskerville, the Hall,
He strolled the moor and heard a frightening noise.
One man did say it was a bittern’s call,
So fierce it was the doctor lost his poise.
Alas it was the massive hound that glows,
In phosphor spread in globs from jowls to nose.
Hello Watsonians!
I have received many nice notes concerning the keepsakes sent to the 4th Annual Treasure Hunt participants. Thank you all for your kind words. I’m glad to hear you like them. I think our ‘Asta’ might have needed a shot of the doctor’s brandy after posting the keepsakes over four continents!
SelenaButtons posted a great quiz recently to keep our quizzing skills sharp, and I will be dropping in from time to time with a single question that might help us stay in practice for the next Treasure Hunt. I’m sure ‘Reggie’ is going to have quite the challenge for us in August 2017.
Thanks!
Margie ‘Gwen’
No Canonical events for today, but John Bennett Shaw asked once which the Dental Case was.
The one where Holmes had the sore bridge, of course.