I was listening to the latest IHOSE episode this morning, interviewing Peter Eckrich and Rob Nunn on their new anthology of articles on impactful Sherlockians. The book is available from Wessex Press, and is titled 'On The Shoulders of Giants: Great Sherlockians Remembered'.
I started reflecting on where these Sherlockians rest now, and a previous post of mine on the resting places of prominent Sherlockians (titled 'There Was No Mistaking It For Anything But A Newly Dug Grave'). There is already some overlap between the interments I'd included, and Rob/Pete's new book. One difference is that my list included British people also, and some of my list included actors and illustrators who were impactful on the popularity of Sherlock without being Sherlockians/Holmesians themselves.
So I thought it might be nice to create a list of graves that complemented the Table of Contents of the new book. As I put the list together I hope to crowd-source a couple of solutions. One that still lingers from my previous post is: where is Edith Meiser resting? I still don't have an answer to that question.
I often wonder whether brass Sherlock markers would these graves. Then I remember that they'd likely be stolen.
1. Christopher Morley, written by Steven Rothman
The grave of Christopher Morley (1890 – 1957), the man who founded the Baker Street Irregulars, and well-known author and journalist. Morley is buried in Roslyn Cemetery, Roslyn, Nassau County (Long Island), New York, USA.
Christopher Morley
Born Haverford, Penna.
May 5, 1890
Died Roslyn, New York
March 28, 1957
2. Edgar W. Smith, written by Rich Krisciunas
The grave of Edgar W Smith (1894 – 1960), the man who wrote early influential articles, self-published via his imprint 'The Pamphlet House', led the Baker Street Irregulars, founded the Baker Street Journal and was its first editor. In 'real life' Smith was prominent as Vice-President of General Motors. Smith is buried in New Vernon Cemetery, New Vernon, Morris County, New Jersey, USA.
Edgar Wadsworth Smith
Apr 1 1894 - Sept 17 1960
To me, this is an eminently American grave marker, with minimal information and no biographical details. It is in some ways surprising that someone as successful as Smith would have such a modest marker.
3. Ben Abramson, written by Bruce Harris
The grave of Ben Abramson (1898-1955), first publisher of the Baker Street Journal and founder of the Argus Bookshop in Chicago and then New York. Abramson does not appear to have a grave. The Chicago Tribune gives a clue that he was cremated - which may or may not have been taken place:
Chicago Tribune - Sun, Sep 25, 1955 ·Page 207
Ben Abramson made a final request which may be unique even among bibliophiles... He asked that his body be cremated and his ashes strewn on the steps of the Newberry library.
4. Vincent Starrett, written by Ray Betzner
The grave of Charles Vincent Emerson Starrett (1886 – 1974), the man who wrote 'The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes', Sherockian, bibliophile. Starrett is buried in Graceland Cemetery, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Ray Betzner created a lovely blog post on the cemetery, Starrett's grave, and other nearby important graves (such as Alan Pinkerton).
There's also a wonderful book by Don Izban titled 'Sherlock Holmes Visits a Cemetery' (Battered Silicon Despatch Box, 1999) that highlights graves in Gracelands Cemetery. The centerpiece is Starrett, but it also includes the Allan Pinkerton grave among others.
5. James Montgomery, written by Burt Wolder
James Montgomery (1898-1955), a renowned singer, released a recording of Baker Street songs and created Christmas annuals. Stephens is interred at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, USA.
Montgomery
James Stephens
1898-1955
6. Katherine McMahon, written by Tamar Zeffren
The grave of Katherine McMahon (1907-1999), one of the original solvers of the Sherlock Holmes Crossword Puzzle, and among the first women welcomed into the BSI. McMahon completed the puzzle correctly in 1934, but she was not extended an invitation because she was a woman. Her resting place is at Sunset Memorial Park Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, USA - Sec RG Wall 1, lot 7. I am yet to source a photograph of the cremation plaque.
NO PHOTO
7. Edith Meiser, written by Erika Dowell
The grave of Edith Mesier (1898-1993), the woman best-known for creating the first Sherlock Holmes radio play series from 1930 onwards. Her resting place is:
NOT KNOWN
8. William Anthony Parker White, pen nameAnthony Boucher, written by Terence Faherty
The grave of Anthony Boucher (1911 – 1968), mystery writer, critic, and writer of Sherlock Holmes radio dramas. Boucher is buried in Mountain View Cemetery Oakland, Alameda County, California, USA. Currently
NO PHOTO
9. William Baring-Gould, written by Phillip Bergem
The grave of William Baring-Gould (1913 – 1967), the man who created the first annotated Sherlock Holmes, chronologist, and author of a fictional biography of Holmes. In real life, he was a creative director at Time Magazine. Baring-Gould is buried in Pound Ridge Cemetery, Pound Ridge, Westchester County, New York, USA.
NO PHOTO
10. Frederic Dannay, one half of the pen name Ellery Queen, written by Ira Brad Metetsky
The grave of Frederic Dannay (1905 – 1982), half of the team that made up the famous Ellery Queen mystery writer and compiler. Dannay is buried in Mount Hope Cemeterym Hastings-on-Hudson, Westchester County, New York, USA.
Frederic Dannay
Beloved husband, father, and grandfather
(Seeking translation of Hebrew)
Oct 20 1905 - Sept 3 1982
11. E.W. McDiarmid, written by Erica Fair
The grave of Errett Weir McDiarmid (1909 – 2000), librarian and academic who volunteered for and donated to the University of Minnesota Special Collections unit, and founded the Norwegian Explorers scion. McDiarmid is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park and Mausoleum, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, USA. Currently resting place:
NOT KNOWN
12. Lenore Glen Offord, written by Sonia Fetherston
The grave of Lenore Glen Offord nee Glen (1905 – 1991), literary critic, mystery writer and the first female member of the Baker Street Irregulars. McDiarmid is buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Oakland, Alameda County, California, USA.
Robert A. Glen 1855-1955
Lenore G. Offord 1905-1991
Ann Mary Offord 1931-1995
13. John Bennett Shaw, written by Matthew Hall (me!)
The grave of John Bennett Shaw (1913 – 1994), the man who made evangelized, corresponded, and collected Sherlockiana. Shaw is buried in Rosario Cemetery, Santa Fe, Santa Fe County, New Mexico, USA.
SHAW
John Bennett Oct. 10, 1913 - Oct. 3, 1994
Dorothy Rowe Apr. 29, 1924 - Nov. 24, 1999
Catherine Mary Nov. 20, 1951 - Dec. 6 2010
14. Ely Liebow, written by Ray Betzner
The grave of Dr. Ely Liebow (1924 – 2007), academic and Sherlockian who wrote a definitive biography of Dr. Joseph Bell. I believe Ely is interred at Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois, USA, but I haven't identified a plot yet and have:
NO PHOTO
The searching continues..... this post will be updated.
15. Francine Morris Swift, written by Liese Sherwood-Fabre
16. Paul Herbert, written by Mike McSwiggin and Ralph Hall
17. Gordon Speck, written by Joe Ekrich
18. Susan Diamond, written by Marsha L Pollak
19. Jon Lellenberg, written by Julie McKuras
20. Susan Rice, written by Curtis Armstrong
21. Helen Elizabeth Wilson, written by Vincent W. Wright
On the third Monday of each month, the Watson's Tin Box of Ellicott City scion USUALLY meets. This month, things were a little different as we met on the FOURTH Monday of he month. Why virtual? Well, because of a whole lot of snow that fell all through the weekend before our Monday meeting. Understandably, our regular venue (Union Jack's) closed in anticipation, and so virtual was the only option!
"It was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer passengers than usual." The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet
And so, we gathered on Zoom - for our annual Mycroft Prize. We had guests from all across the US, including a significant number of former WTB members, for reasons that will be understood. Karen Wilson provided a toast to The Woman, and Liane shared one also.
Tom Fahres delivered his haiku for the month:
2026 (Twenty, Twenty-six)
"The Mycroft Quiz" Zoom only
The devil needs socks
Loss is never easy, and rarely expected. At this meeting, we had two members to 'Stand on the Terrace' for. Furthermore, the BSI dinner paid tribute to Ken McQuage who passed away in 2025.
Lynn Whitall passed away unexpectedly on January 7. Lynn had attended WTB meetings, and was also a regular attendee at events in Baltimore - many of us saw Lynn at the recent Sherlockian Saturdays at the Pratt Library event in November. Lynn had been Gasogene of the Society of the Naval Treaty scion (TNT, of Annapolis, MD) for almost 30 years since its founding in 1997. A number of WTB folks have attended TNT meetings in recent times. Such was Lynn's passion for the great detective, she even taught Sherlock Holmes courses at Anne Arundel Community College! Our thoughts are with all the TNT members.
Megan Homme, a long-time member of The Naval Treaty paid tribute to Lynn, and shared fond memories, describing her as a vibrant and energetic member who was deeply involved in the Sherlockian community.
The WTB community was shocked to learn of Jacquelynn Bost Morris' sudden death on Thursday January 15th. Less than a week earlier, we had been with Jacquelynn and Brent at the BSI weekend, and Jacquelynn in typical fashion gave gifts to fellow WTB members who were there. Jacquelynn was a center of Sherlockian activity all of her own. Along with being a member of BSI as 'Baroness Gruner', and ASH, Jacquelynn was a member of many scions in our area, was a Six Napoleon, and launched the 'Scintillation of Scions' meetings that brought so many people together. And of course, Jacquelynn was Watson's Tin Box Gasogene XIX (in 2008). Jacquelynn wrote many Sherlockian articles, organized meetings. Most of all, Jacquelynn entered every room with a smile, enjoyed Sherlockian humor, and welcomed newcomers.
Former Gasogene Karen Ballard prepared a tribute for Jacquelynn that represents the way everyone feels, that she read out at the meeting:
Joel and I first met Jaquelynn Morris at the Tin Box dinner at Café de Paris in 2007. We literally stumbled into the Sherlockian world because we saw a flyer for the October dinner at our favorite little restaurant.
To say that Jaquelynn was warm and welcoming to two complete strangers who showed up at dinner is a gross understatement. I don’t remember everything about that night except everyone Jaquelynn introduced us too was open and kind and a little crazy about Sherlock Holmes. At this point, Paul Churchill was still alive. So, you know.
At the monthly meetings I contrived to sit in the Ven diagram of Jaquelynn, Beth Austin, Deb Clarke, and Evy Hertzog. It was quickly evident that I had little to no knowledge of the Canon. But they included me nevertheless. I basked in the glow of their knowledge and inclusion. I like to think that what I lacked in knowledge, I made up for in my tea-serving abilities. Joel and I were part of the very first Scintillation of Scions.
Inevitably Jaquelynn got her volun-told hooks into us by making us the first Co-Gasogenes, fittingly as XX (20). We never should have agreed to pour that tea. She wisely knew that Joel had the canonical knowledge required for the job but I was a much better herder of cats.
Her passion for the Tin Box was unequalled. I remember at one meeting during our tenure as Gasogenes, she came to me very concerned about the Pantone color of the pin she was creating for that year. This was her first purple pin and she couldn’t decide between Pantone purple #1 and Pantone purple #2. When she asked my opinion, I thought that she was joking but one look at face and I knew that was completely serious. The pin represented the Tin Box in the Sherlockian world, and she wanted it to be perfect. It was. Of course.
Jaquelynn introduced me to The Baker Street Babes, Carla Coupe, and other Sherlockian literary luminaries. I celebrated as she was inducted into the BSI – a richly deserved honor for our dear Baroness. And I watched her mentor other Sherlockian scholars, especially Jamie Mahonney.
Outside of the Tin Box, the Morrises were our friends and dinner companions. Their love of food, travel, and good conversation gave us many delightful evenings.
I would be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to say something about Brent. He, too is kind, warm, and open. He gave me a mantra about inclusion that has served me well over many, many years. At the first Scintillation he said to me, “If you show up once, we consider it an honest mistake. If you show up a second time, you’re a member.”
We are so grateful that Jaquelynn accepted two strangers on an October night long ago. She was so welcoming that we showed up a second time.
We then picked ourselves up off the floor and moved on to Announcements -
Peter Blau announced that the next Red Circle next meets on Saturday March 14 - details here . The speaker will be me! And the title of my talk will be "Digging into the Dancing Miners". Curious? Come to the meeting!
Olivia announced a 40th anniversary screening of the Clue movie in Baltimore.
Steve Mason (Texas) announced plans for a new two-volume book project by the Crew of the Barque Lone Star, inviting submissions from children and adults about Sherlock Holmes.
Edith Pounden (calling in from Montreal!) shared information of an upcoming meeting 'All of Doyle' discussing the books "The Sign of Four" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray." Contact Edith if you'd like to be on the mailing list.
First we celebrated some wonderful achievements by members of WTB. Carla Couple was honored by the Arthur Conan Doyle Society in Visual Arts for her amazing A. Conan Doyle egg. At the BSI Dinner, Evy Herzog and Denny Dobry received the two shilling award "for extraordinary devotion to the cause beyond the call of duty."
The group discussed various events from the BSI weekend, including the Distinguished Speaker Lecture featuring Rupert Holmes, the Christopher Morley walk led by Jim Cox, and the Lost in New York dinner organized by the Kegleys. They also highlighted the Tea Brokers Breakfast and the ASH Wednesday and Sunday brunch events, emphasizing the camaraderie and social aspects of these gatherings. Denny discussed the success of the vendors room, raising over $2,000 for the BSI trust. Karen described the Gillette luncheon and play
Evy Herzog encouraged those who haven't considered doing so to give the BSI weekend a try, which Carla and others soundly endorsed. Carla highlighted the financial assistance possible through the John H. Watson Fund.
And FINALLY, we got to the Mycroft Prize quiz!! In January of 1991, as Watson's Tin Box completed its first year of operations, co-founder Paul Churchill, BSI, hosted an "Annual Dinner" for the society at his home. As part of the festivities, the Tin Box's other co-founder (and monthly quiz-master), Steve Clarkson, BSI, designed a 60-question "Canonical Inquisition" covering all the stories the group had read and discussed over the previous year. By the second Annual Dinner, the event had been christened "The Mycroft," after Sherlock's big-brained big brother. The dinner and Inquisition became a Tin Box tradition.
The Mycroft Award (conferring a year's possession of the Mycroft plaque and all associated bragging rights) is given to the person who achieves the highest score. The Strangers' RoomAward (established by Beth Austin, ASH) goes to the highest scorer among the self-designated Sherlockian "newbies" taking the quiz (this category can only be competed in once).
Olivia had set the quiz - each year there is a theme for the quiz. This year, Olivia selected "Women in the Canon" as the theme. The "Lady" in question did not need to be human (think, for example, ships!).
And we had two winners!!
Edith Pounden won the 2026 Mycroft Award, probably the first international winner (understandably for a meeting usually held in person!)
Victoria Wood won the 2026 Strangers' RoomAward.
Both will soon have the awards in their hands, and we'll post photos!!!!
Well, the 2026 Baker Street Irregulars 'weekend' in Manhattan has come and gone. It was a wonderful visit, and in this post I'll summarize what I got up to. What I can't capture easily in describing events is the camaraderie and friendship that permeates everything. Whether it's New York, or Ellicott City, or Sydney, people are the reason this is fun. I apologize for all the photos - it will make this a very long post.
Plot-spoiler:
I arrived on WEDNESDAY evening and had a chance to say hello to some wonderful people at the ASHWednesday dinner. Organized by the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes, the dinner is often the first event for many attendees, and a chance to see old friends.
THURSDAY.
This was my busy day - so busy I missed at least one event I really wanted to be at.
I started with an early breakfast with the Brothers Two of Bellanger, Ross Davies and Mark Jones for smashed av and a flat white for brekky (gotta start the day as Aussie as possible!), then over the road to theACD Society Doylean Honors event at the Mysterious Bookshop.
The event is hosted by Ross Davies, and yet again it was a packed house! A highlight was Victoria Woods' spectacular Victorian dress (above, right), and the room was absolutely full (above, left).
The ACD Society site lists all the awardees - I was particularly thrilled to see Margie Deck receive a literary award for 'Into the Fire', and Watson's Tin Box member Carla Coupe won a 'Visual Arts' award for her 'A. Conan Doyle Egg'. This was followed by the annual Wessex Cup - a model horse race. I again had a horse (named Monash) and lost in the first round. The final round was slo close it required Phil Bergem and Mark Jones to call a dead heat and a re-run. The entire proceedings can be watched on the Youtube video embedded below.
Afterwards. I realized I completely mis-timed the day and wasn't going to make a lunch date, so I tagged along to McSorley's where people were gathered for lunch. It was a great chance for a few glasses of dark with Ed Petit of the Rosenbach Library in Philly. McSorley's Old Ale House is a magical place - the walls are covered in pictures, including one of Christopher Morley who founded the BSI, and sawdust on the floor. Also gathered at my table were a great bunch including Anna Behrens, Johanna Draper Carlson, Victoria Wood, and Kyndall Potts.
Next was the Bowery Ruffians - the second year of the scion meeting.This year we met in the back bar of the Swift Hibernian Lounge (suitably literary) - it was a beautiful venue, a good turn-out and plenty of new members were rewarded with a pin. I welcomed attendees from a lectern installed in the bar, Mickey Fromkin read out her toast (which will be read out at the start of every meeting), and a number of toasts to criminals in the canon were read out around the room. Carl Stix probably stole the show, asserting that Watson was a criminal for not writing up more of the cases!! Another successful meeting of the Ruffians is in the bag.
Left: The back bar of the Swift Hibernian loung, and Right: an excellent Guiness was on tap.
Thursday evening kicked on; first, I was lucky enough to attend the Baker Street Journal reception, where the Morley-Montgomery award for best article in the BSJ was awarded to Fabienne Courouge ! Then I had to scoot to the Algonquin Hotel (first time there) to meet with some of the Scourers (those who search for Dancing Men in newspapers) - including Ira Matetsky, Greg Ruby, Victoria Wood, and happily Steven Rothman joined us.
THEN (it's still Thursday at this point folks) I headed over for my very first experience at the SPODE Dinner. SPODE? The Society for the Prevention of Oysters Destroying Earth, inspired by the Holmes statement that "I cannot think why the whole bed of the ocean is not one solid mass of oysters, so prolific the creatures seem. No doubt there are natural enemies which limit the increase of the creatures. You and I, Watson, we have done our part. Shall the world, then, be overrun by oysters?". Steve Doyle's brainchild meets on Thursday evening at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station. I had a chance to meet some mid-westerners, and next to Bob Katz who always entertains me. I just wish I could repeat the tales!
When you become a member of SPODE, you can buy the coveted SPODE pin created by Sherlockian jewelry maker Regina Stinson - what a beauty (the pin):
Above: the pin and myself. Below: real oysters for comparison with pin, and a view of the oyster bar itself.
Now I know what you're thinking... what a day - Matt must have gone to bed then. But NO - I went with Ed Petit, Max Magee, Betsy Rosenblatt, and Alex Katz among others to the Red Room to see a remarkable Sherlockian performance by Tiffany KnightBSI. It was absinthe night, and Tiffany-in-deerstalker selected some wonderful songs. She captured the mood of the weekend perfectly by drawing in a packed room of people (the general public, NOT Sherlockians) to garrulously join in on the choruses of 'We Never Mention Aunt Clara'. Tiffany also recited Vincent Starrett's poem 221B.
Perhaps the highlight for me was when Hank the puppet with his own deerstalker and pipe joined Tiffany on Stage (from The Hank Show and operated by Chris Johnson) - and was made a member of the Bowery Ruffians - yes the Red Room was close enough to the Bowery and Tiffany welcomed Hank to the fold on stage !! Tiffany - your show MUST be repeated !!
Hank with his pin, and onstage with Tiffany
FRIDAY.
Friday culminated in the BSI Dinner. So I was in bed early on Thursday night, and went for a run on Friday morning before the Literary Agents meeting (on Zoom). This wonderful meeting celebrates Doyle and Sherlock, and this year Ashley Polasek hosted a discussion of Sherlockian adaptations, moderating a panel discussion of writers Jonathan Barnes (Sherlock Holmes Untold), Jeffrey Hatcher (Holmes and Watson), Ken Ludwig (Baskerville) and Mark Shanahan (A Sherlock Carol).
Sad you missed it? Watch it right here:
After lunch with Mark Jones, we headed up to the Grolier Club. For the last three years, I've headed up to see the exhibition. This year was another stunning exhibition - The Pocket Petrarchs coordinated with one of three curators of an exhibition of 250 years of Jane Austen. There was an amazing display from first editions (without Austen's name) all the way through to modern day. The good news is the the exhibition can be viewed on-line for those unable to visit NY. There is also a delightful catalog.
Left: A first edition of Sense and Sensibility by 'a lady'. Right: Mark Jones and Peter Blau catch up while waiting for the guided tour to begin. Peter is on the right.
Then it was back to the hotel to get myself in shape for the Baker Street Irregulars dinner at the Yale club! This was my second year attending the dinner. The dinner is truly a grand affair. First is a cocktail reception hour, which is a great opportunity to connect with people all while mauling your way to the bar - I had a great time chatting with Liza Potts about her work with sherlockian.net.
Left: With the ever-dapper Mickey Fromkin. The cool thing is Mickey's dinner suit, which originally belonged to Roger Wolfe Kahn. According to Mickey, "Roger was a tiny man, and was a hugely successful jazz bandleader as a teenager.... The suit is probably a 100 years old or so, though I had the silk lapels refaced some years ago".Right: With Red Circle luminary Peter Blau.
Dinner included two wonderful talks (Mark Jones won with a lot of puns). At my table number 7 were a wonderful group: Karen Wilson (from WTB) and Alex Katz who together were the musical performers for the evening ; Carl Stix ; Will Walsh (roving photographer) ; Regina Stinson ; Nick Martorelli ; Mike McSwiggin .... and of course me!
After dinner, the talks, and lots of chatting, the 2026 investitures were announced by Wiggins (Michael Kean) in this order:
Michael Barton - "Baron Von Herling" Matt Hall - "The Earl of Maynooth" Linda Hein - "The Hotel National" Jen Kneeland - "The Haymarket Theatre" Richard Krisciunas - "William Morris" Max Magee - "Cyril Morton" Rusty Mason - "John Mason" Ashley Mayo - "Capital and Counties Bank" Madeline Quiñones - "Sir Joshua Reynolds" George Scheetz - "John Clayton" P.J. Sullivan - "The Ancient Cornish Language" Tom Ue - "London University"
What can I say? It's a wonderful group of people to be alongside. An honor. When the Wiggins announces each investiture, it's a slow reveal. In my case, the Sydney Passengers were mentioned, and the being Gasogene of Watson's Tin Box - someone said "it's Matt". I made an instant mental note to learn more about 'The Earl of Maynooth'. I then stood up front while the remaining ten BSI's were announced and it was a lot of fun to watch their faces as they realized what was happening. What's really wonderful is that I knew so many of my fellow inductees really well.
Along with these, there were two really exciting announcements: 'Two Shilling' awards for above-and-beyond
Evelyn Herzog - The Two Shilling Award Denny Dobry - The Two Shilling Award
With Tamar Zeffren BSI and WTB colleague Jacquelynn Bost Morris BSI at the BSI dinner.
After dinner it was down to the Yale Club bar for a couple of beers with Mark Jones. I particularly like this photo I took for some eminent Sherlockians. I'm not a photographer, but I love this pic :
SATURDAY.
My last full day of activities this BSI weekend. I visited the salesroom in the morning, exercising great restraint, and really restricting myself to new books. I was excited to purchase:
- Sherlock Holmes Review (Wessex Press) - I have an article in it on the Baker Street File.
- Annotated Brigadier Girard (Wessex Press)
- On the Shoulders of Giants (Wessex Press) - I have a chapter in it on the John Bennett Shaw
- Irregular Chronicles of the Early ‘Fifties (BSI Press)
Then off to the BSI Luncheon at the Yale Club - a refined affair, and a wonderful afternoon. At each luncheon, there is an auction of items to benefit the Watson Fund, the helps people attend the BSI Weekend. Peter Blau has hosted the auction.... forever? This year I contributed something for the auction - a complete set of Donald Girard Jewell's 'Sherlock Holmes Natural History Series' books, nine in total. I was amazed to see them see for over $2,000 !
After the auction, Peter revealed that he was stepping down as auctioneer, and handed over his gavel to Scott Monty. He also handed over his powder blue blazer. It was a very touching moment.
There was also a raffle to raise funds, featuring an AMAZING model of the Bruce-Partington submarine, created by Danna Mancini. I wanted to win it - so so much!. I did not. It is a beauty though:
After lunch, I had a chance to relax, then met my close friend Kyle for our now-traditional 'Lost in New York with a Bunch of Sherlockians', organized and hosted by the amazing Kegley's. We started off with a cocktail and oysters in the Grand Central Station Brasserie with an amazing 'back bar'.
Then it was off to a new venue for the event - Rosie Dunn's. It was yet another wonderful night of raffles draws, food, and friendship. More conversations with friends, everyone wins an amazing prize - had time to chat with Debbie Clark, Karen Wilson, Carl Stix, Brian Bellanger, and of course Jerry Kegley. So much fun.
I gave a toast to Doyle, and we announced a special pin for the 'Lost in New York with a Bunch of Sherlockians' , which Kyle designed. Jerry wanted something with a magnifying glass showing the NY skyline - Kyle delivered that.... and then A LOT MORE because when you rotate the pin it reveals.... Sherlock and his pipe. It really is the coolest design. We're sending everyone who attended a pin as soon as they arrive from the manufaturer in the next week or two.
And with that.....
....a walk back to the hotel through a cold and misty evening, and an end to a wonderful few days of camaraderie, laughs, and literary discussion.
.jpg)
