ACD in Chicago

I'm in Chicago for a very short period of time, and had a few brief hours to take a leisurely walk. I decided to spend that time visiting two sites that Conan Doyle had frequented in Chicago.

Doyle visited the US three times - 1894, 1922 and 1923. On the second and third visits, Doyle visited Chicago and lectured there.

Where did he stay? Well, we have some window into this, and ACD wrote books about his visits.

In Our American Adventure published on 16 March 1923 (Hodder & Stoughton Ltd), Doyle covered his stay in Chapter 11. There, Doyle says that:

"Chicago is the very noisiest city I have ever known. It is a serious drawback to its amenity. All the pavements seem to rumble, all the trains whistle, the taxis hoot, the brakes grind, and the wheels scream. It has other disadvantages in that the Blackstone Hotel at which we stayed is the most expensive and least accommodating that we had met. It is meant for millionaires and we were out of the picture. Our rooms alone cost a good ten pounds a day, and the service of a meal cost as much as a meal itself would have done in England."

Chicago Tribune, Sun, May 21, 1922 ·Page 5

Chicago Tribune, Tue, May 23, 1922 ·Page 9

The Blackstone Hotel is on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Balbo Drive, across from Grant Park that sits astride Lake Michigan. The hotel was opened in 1910, and hosted many well-known guests, and Al Capone held meetings there.

While the hotel was significantly renovated in the early 2000s, it still displays a beautiful exterior and the lobby retains original features.

In the not-imaginatively titled Our Second American Adventure published on 16 15 Feb 1924 (Hodder & Stoughton Ltd), Doyle covered his stay in Chapter 3. Doyle mentions that he was staying at 'the Auditorium which was our tryst in Chicago'.

The Auditorium Building housed a hotel, office space... and an auditorium. It was completed in 1889, and it still stands today. Since 1947, the Auditorium Building has been part of Roosevelt University - it is a National Historic Landmark and still standing. I entered, and explained to the security guard that "this used to be a hotel" and she let me take a few photos.

These two hotels were about two blocks apart, so Doyle had a local stomping ground in Chicago in the 1920s. 

I like to see spaces and know someone like ACD walked there too, had a drink there too... and did things I wouldn't like a seance.

I'll try and identify a few more locations such as those where he gave his lectures.

George Budd's bride

I've written about George Budd in Plymouth, and I've written about what became of his family after his death. I've even drafted an article on rugby in Doyle's world that touches on the Budd family - that will take a while to appear.

There is one other point of intrigue for me. In Doyle's 'Memories and Adventures', he wrote:

When I met him first he had just indulged in one of his wild escapades, which ended usually in a fight or in a transitory appearance in a police court, but on this occasion was more serious and permanent. He had run off with a charming young lady and married her, she being a ward in Chancery and under age. However, the deed was done and all the lawyers in the world could not undo it, though they might punish the culprit. He told me how he and the lady had gone over a Bradshaw with the intention that when they came on a station of which neither of them had ever heard, they would make for that place and spend their honeymoon there. They came therefore upon some awful name, Clodpole-in-the-Marsh or something of the kind, and there they sojourned in the village inn. Cullingworth stained his yellow hair black, but the stain took in some places and not in others, so that he looked as if he had escaped from Barnum’s show. What Clodpole-in-the-Marsh could have thought of such an extraordinary couple I cannot imagine, and it is probably the one occasion on which it ever buzzed. I cannot think of any surer way of getting publicity than that which Cullingworth took to avoid detection. In London they would have been perfectly unobserved. I remember that for years Cullingworth’s hair presented curious iridescent tints which were the remains of his disguise.

He brought his bride safely to Edinburgh, where they hired a flat and lived in it without furnishing it save for the absolutely needful. I have dined with them there on an apple dumpling, seated on a pile of thick volumes as there was no chair. We introduced them to a few friends, did what we could for the lonely lady, and finally they drifted off, and for a time we heard no more.

OK. So as a reminder Doyle changed Budd's name to Cullingworth (for the Stark Munro letters) so there was still some sensitivity.

Let's look at George Budd's bride Kate. Doyle says that 'He had run off with a charming young lady and married her, she being a ward in Chancery and under age' and further that 'he brought his bride safely to Edinburgh' indicating this was not an Edinburgh marriage. Where was she from, how old was she, and why was she a ward in Chancery?

Side-bar: what is a ward in Chancery? A ward in chancery is a historical English legal term for a minor or an incapacitated person whose care, property, and legal affairs are placed under the direct protection and supervision of a Court of Chancery. The court essentially acts as a guardian, making major life decisions on their behalf.

The UK BDM indexes reveal that Arthur Budd married Kate Russell in 1879 in London. Here is their marriage certificate:

Quarter: Sep 1879, District: Strand, Volume: 1b, Page: 1023

1879 Marriage solemnized at the Registrar Office in the District of Strand in the County of Middlesex. No. 78.

When married: Twenty first September 1879

Groom name and surname: George Budd, age 24 years

Condition: Bachelor

Rank or profession: Civil engineer

Residence at time of marriage: 11 Craven street, Strand

Father's name and surname: William Budd, Doctor of Medicine

Bride name and surname: Kate Russell, age 18 years

Condition: Spinster

Rank or profession: -

Residence at time of marriage: 12 Percy Villas, Norwood

Father's name and surname: Gustavus Russell (deceased), Major in Her Majesty's Army

In the presence of: Anthony Hart, Chas Cooke 

While this may have been presented as a fly-by-night operation, George certainly did not mis-represent himself. One point of confusion is that Budd is listed as an engineer. It certainly explains his interest in patenting that is seen in his later activities, but he clearly moved across to medicine quickly afterwards.

Now that we know something of Kate, we can learn after some diffing into the records that in the 1871 census the Russell family was living at the Priory, Heene, Sussex, with birthplaces reinforcing the life of a British colonial military man whose family travelled with him:

John G Russell, 50, Retired Officer of the Army, born France

Caroline A Russell, wife, 37, born London

Louisa A Russell, daughter, 15, born East Indies (twin)

Caroline E Russell, daughter, 15, born East Indies (twin)

Kate Russell, daughter, 9, Scholar, born Surrey

Some searching reveals that John Gustavus Russell served in the Madras Army (Indian Army), that he was indeed born in France. He clearly maintained connections to France, as it took a lot of searching to find he died in France in 1877, as shown in the UK Probate Calendar (estate valued at less than 100 pounds).

With the passing of 'Gustavus' (John G) we learn in the 1881 census that the widowed Caroline is living at 12 Percy Villas on Woodland Rd in Norwood - just as stated in Kate's 1879 marriage certificate! Along with Caroline is her daughter Louisa, aged 25, and a servant.

Caroline A Russell, 47, receiving pension as Officer's widow

Lousa, daughter, 25, unmarred

The residence suggests a fairly modest living. Kate was honest in the information she provided, right down to where she lived with her mother and sister. So perhaps Kate was not a ward in Chancery - perhaps she needed permission to marry and this wasn't received by her mother?

Let's look at Kate's birth to determine her age. Kate was baptized at St John's Church, Egham, Surrey in 1861.

Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of Egham in the County of Surrey in the year 1861.
Baptized Jan 29, Kate 

Parents John Gustavus and Caroline Augusta Russell

Father's occupation: Major in the Army 

I cannot find a civil registration for Kate Russell, but if we assume she was born in January 1861, then in September 1879 Kate was indeed 18. 

The age of consent for marriage was 21. In England in 1879, an 18-year-old woman was still considered a minor for marriage purposes, so parental or guardian consent was generally required for a lawful marriage by licence or after banns. Perhaps Kate married without consent of her mother - the marriage certificate does not mention consent, but the registrar performed the marriage. Perhaps papers were forged - if there was opposition, then it's definitely the case that elopements were almost impossible to reverse. Making the dash for Edinburgh does support the notion that the marriage was not approved by Kate's family.

--------

Is there any literary influence in this story?

Well, of course we have Stark Munro letters.

Looking a little deeper, there is one location that appears in a later story. In the last chapter of Hound of the Baskervilles, when Holmes is giving background on the Stapletons.

“It is possible that Stapleton did not know of the existence of an heir in Canada. In any case he would very soon learn it from his friend Dr. Mortimer, and he was told by the latter all details about the arrival of Henry Baskerville. Stapleton's first idea was that this young stranger from Canada might possibly be done to death in London without coming down to Devonshire at all. He distrusted his wife ever since she had refused to help him in laying a trap for the old man, and he dared not leave her long out of his sight for fear he should lose his influence over her. It was for this reason that he took her to London with him. They lodged, I find, at the Mexborough Private Hotel, in Craven Street, which was actually one of those called upon by my agent in search of evidence. Here he kept his wife imprisoned in her room while he, disguised in a beard, followed Dr. Mortimer to Baker Street and afterwards to the station and to the Northumberland Hotel. His wife had some inkling of his plans; but she had such a fear of her husband—a fear founded upon brutal ill-treatment—that she dare not write to warn the man whom she knew to be in danger."

It may just be a coincidence of course.... after all Craven Street is in the Strand area, but I like the fact that George Budd sprung Kate Russell and made a break for it - the opposite of Jack Stapleton's imprisonment of his wife.

Watson's Tin Box meeting summary - May 18, 2026

On the third Monday of each month, the Watson's Tin Box of Ellicott City scion meets at Union Jack's in Columbia MD and we gathered on May 18 for another great gathering of members - 20 in total. As always I took a census of where people were attending from, and Columbia and Frederick MD were tied.

We welcomed a new first-time visitor - Breier Scheetz - who found us through www.sherlockiancalendar.com where most meetings are listed around the country.

The story of the meeting was 'The Sussex Vampire'.... but we always start with toasts. 

Karen Wilson provided a toast to 'The Woman' - a sing-along toast! Karen originally wrote this toast for a COVID-era Zoom meeting of WTB, but didn't manage to get the sing-along part working - but in person five years later it worked a treat! Karen sang the verse, and the whole group joined in for the bolded choruses:

“Good Night, Irene (Adler)”

Karen Wilson

Irene, goodnight--; Irene, goodnight.

Goodnight, Irene; Goodnight, Irene

I'll see you in my dreams

You were a great prima donna

Crowds paid to hear you sing

Your career might have gone even longer

If you had not met the King

His promises they were empty

Good thing you retained souvenirs

His henchmen attempted to steal them

It ended -- for them  -- in tears

All right, Irene--; All right, Irene

I'm sure Wilhelm's men won't try again

And you would have made a fine queen

You married in the morning

To Godfrey Norton, Esquire

By afternoon, old Sherlock

Tried to set your house on fire

Not right, Irene--; Not right, Irene

But I'm sure you will win round two

And thwart the detective's scheme

Imagine Holmes's reaction

The photo all gone; just your note

I'll bet he blushed to learn you were

The slim youth in the coat!

You say that you're leaving England

For Continental parts

Let's hope they don't try to track you

By a trail of broken hearts

Let's toast Irene--; Let's toast Irene

To this fine lass we lift a glass

To our Irene, a toast!

Liane Luini again dug into the archives and produced a toast to 'A Certain Gracious Lady', originally written by Virginia Sherlockian Emily S. Whitten and delivered at the Gaslight Gala, New York, January 11, 2019. The toast was deposited at Ross Davies' Sherlockian Toasts database:

Her influence stretched from East to West;
From moral code to mode of dress.
Her reign was vast and long remembered;
Her image on each farthing tendered.
But in the annals of Watson’s tales,
What we’ll recall, without fail,
Are initials shot into the wall
By Holmes when struck by boredom’s pall!
So pour yourself the finest drink,
And raise a glass – prepared to clink,
When sun is over oak and shadow under elm,
To Victoria Regina, forever queen of Sherlock’s realm!

Tom Fahres then delivered his traditional Haiku for the story - this month for Sussex Vampire:

A spoiler alert!
Woman with hot tropic blood.
Story’s red herring.

Next came Announcements

• Liane Luini reminded everyone that copies of Irene's Cabinet are selling for $10 - and we mail ! Just email Liane for details.
• Each month, WTB will be presenting the contents of the Evidence Boxes at the Crew of the Barque Lone Star (Texas) scion meetings - on zoom. Lauren Cercone has also announced a new scion - the Tidewaiters of Delaware, and we'll be taking the Evidence Box to their first meeting as a treat.
• David Burke died on the 10th of May. He was the first John Watson in the Granada series, appearing in 13 episodes before stepping away from the show. With David's passing, the most prominent actor from the series who remains with us is probably Colin Jeavins - who approaches 100 years of age.
• Nea Dodson let members know that people can follow the events of Bram Stoker's Dracula in real-time at draculadaily.substack.com . The unabridged text will be emailed (if you subscribe) or posted on the day that the even happens. It started on May 3, and runs to November.
• The next Red Circle of Washington DC will be held on June 27, with Bradley Harper speaking on the topic "Sherlock Holmes as Science Fiction". Details atht website here.
• Brent Morris made the beautiful gesture of bringing a large amount of tea that belonged to Jacquelynn Bost-Morris, and invited members to take some home, and think of Jacquelynn whenever we sipped our tea. Jacquelynn loved tea, and also was an enthusiastic member of the Tea-Brokers of Mincing Lane scion.

We examined the evidence box for The Sussex Vampire with Debbie Clarke presenting. Here are some examples of the evidence.

Brent's gesture was well-timed, as the Tea-brokers of Mincing Lane appear in this very story.

Pictured are 2 photographs of young Jacky, one with Carlo, both with a cane/crutch at his side. Shown at right are notes from Sherlock's notebook stating evidence from the case.

Pictured is a pub mat from The Chequers, the inn which Holmes andWatson stayed in Lamberley, and the receipt from their stay.

The crowd favorite was probably the dart was used by Little Jacky to poison his step-brother. Unfortunately, there was no container of curare that the dart was probably dipped into. This was one of the  South American weapons displayed on wall at Cheeseman’s.

Then we of course discussed the story. This was a favorite for a few of our members, for good reason, and this led to a wonderful discussion, and a side-discussion on influences such as Dracula. The story first appeared in 1924, and has been adapted several times. There was wide agreement that the Granada adaptation was appalling, and recommendations were made for the Japanese 'Miss Sherlock' version (Season 1, Episode 4) as being excellent.

The story has a classic opening - a referral letter from lawyers who don't normally deal in Vampiric business, followed by a letter from Big Bob Ferguson of Cheeseman, who shares his ordeal. The story takes a while to get from case introduction to 'action'. We discussed the poor dog Jack experimented on, and the poor baby. But we mainly discussed Doyle's favorite strategy of the foreigner as the distracting Red Herring at the center of the story. How does a tea-broker meet a Peruvian? And why was the nurse so willing to hide to truth of what was happening in exchange for a fiver?

There was also robust debate on what should have happened to Jack once he was found out? A year at sea to sweep the family embarrassment under the carpet was generally agreed to be a terrible solution. Shouldn't he be locked up in an asylum or the juvenile equivalent? Perhaps that was not the solution Doyle would go for given his family history. And Sherlock stories love to send a problematic Briton across the seas to avoid scandal.

As for influence - beyond literary influences like Dracula, Nosferatu had been released in 1922, and the story elements were right in line with popular culture at the time. It turns out Nosferatu didn't screen in England till 1928 as Stoker's widow blocked it on copyright grounds.

For this evening, I wore a Blackheath Rugby Club throwback jersey, using a 1870s design and a wonderful collar. It is in 'Sussex Vampire' that we learn that Watson played rugby, and what his team was - the letter to Holmes seeking help ends: "P. S. I believe your friend Watson played Rugby for Blackheath when I was three-quarter for Richmond. It is the only personal introduction which I can give."

Grant Heller was our presenter for the evening. Grant was raised in the Midwest, and has lived in MD for 40 years. At various times he has worked as a farmhand, a carpenter, a sailor, a nuclear reactor operator, a radio engineer, and for the last quarter of a century, a comms security engineer. Grant's interest in the Canon has extended over fifty years, and his first Sherlockian activity was joining the Six Napoleons in the 1980s.

Grant's talk was titled "Of Submersibles and Subterfuge" provided an amazing overview of the history of submarines, and the likely scandal in the story 'Bruce-Partington Plans'. Grant began by providing us with a recap of the story as a take-home flier. 

Grant walked us through the early history of submarines, their design, where they were being constructed, and which countries had submarines (and which didn't!). Grant's deep historical research allowed him to pin-point the true nature of the 'plans' described in the story. As always, I don't provide details summaries of talks that aren't published - and I'm confident there's a Sherlockian article in development by Grant! Or you know.... your scion could invite Grant to give a talk!

 

And finally, the quiz! Olivia Millunzi created another great quiz for us - I am TERRIBLE at noting who won the quiz. 

The prize was a wonderful t-shirt design created by the always-productive Michelle March - two very clever ones:

The Maeda Clan of Kaga

THANK YOU to Tomoya Yoshida who helped me write this post.

Over on the 'Strangers' Room', the Japanese Sherlockian Tomoya Yoshida posted that there's an exhibition at the Tokyo National Museum right now called “Hyakumangoku! The Maeda Clan of Kaga”. On display is a letter written by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Here is a photo from the exhibition that Tomoya shared with me from his visit to the exhibition, along with the placard information:

Wow! Let's start with the exhibition. 

The exhibition commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the 'Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation', established to preserve the cultural legacy of the Maeda family, former rulers of the Kaga Domain and one of the most powerful samurai houses of Edo period Japan (1603-1868). Over centuries, the Maeda amassed an extraordinary collection of manuscripts, books, artworks, arms, armour, and personal objects that reflected both their political influence, scholarship, and culture. After the family’s move from Kanazawa to Tokyo in the modern era, the 'Marquis' Maeda Toshinari sought to ensure that these materials would be carefully protected and made available for future study through the creation of the Foundation.

Of course, the central items in the collection relate to 'National Treasures' such as Samurai swords, and an important archive of rare Japanese and Chinese books, historical documents, and family records. Of interest to this blog, in the 20th century the Marquis Toshinari (1885-1942) collected an international collection of autographs and letters while serving as a military attaché in London. He acquired items written by monarchs, statesmen, military leaders, writers, scientists, artists.... such as Arthur Conan Doyle. 

There is a catalog of the exhibition that I need - but isn't mailing to the US - but a digital PDF of the items in the exhibition lists the 'letter by Arthur Conan Doyle'.

The exhibition catalog itself provides images of both sides of the letter - again, Tomoya shared an image from the catalog (p 318) displaying both sides of the letter:

So lets look at the letter. Only the first page of the letter is shown - so Doyle's signature is not displayed in the exhibition. It is addressed to fellow author (and journalist) David Christie Murray (1847-1907). This is a significant literary letter - it describes Doyle's feelings My Contemporaries In Fiction killing off his famed literary character:

Reform Club

May 8 / 96

My Dear Christie Murray,—I have been in Egypt and have only just got back and received your note. Poor Holmes is dead and damned. I couldn't revive him if I would (at least not for years), for I have had such an overdose of him that I feel towards him as I do towards pâté de foie gras, of which I once ate too much, so that the name of it gives me a sickly feeling to this day. Any old Holmes story you are, of course, most welcome to use.

I am house-hunting in the country, which means continual sallies and alarms, but I should much like to meet you before I go away, to talk over our American experiences. I do hope you are not going to allow lecturing to get in the way of your writing. We have too few born story-tellers.—

With all kind regards.

Yours very truly,

A. Conan Doyle.

Doyle's thoughts on Sherlock are known because Christie Murray included the transcript of this letter and several others in his book 'Recollections', published in 1908. Christie Murray had died the year prior (1907), yet there is no introduction in the book acknowledging that the book was completed by an editor, so presumably it was in press at the time of Christie Murray's death. He had been fairly prolific as an author, but was unwell for the last ten years of his life and  'Recollections' was his first book in ten years.

Doyle and Christie Murray carried on a correspondence, and even met in the United States in 1894. They also presumably interacted regularly in England - though both were 'on the road' a great deal with travels. DC's book 'My contemporaries in fiction' (1897) spent a great deal of space praising Conan Doyle in Chapter 13 (titled 'The Young Romancers', and DC likely earned Conan Doyle's appreciation with the praise for his non-Sherlock work:

'The Sherlock Holmes stories are far, indeed, from being Dr. Doyle’s best work, but it is to them that he mainly owes his popularity. They took the imaginative side of the general reader, and their popular properties are likely to keep them before the public mind for a long while to come. To estimate Dr. Doyle’s position as a writer one has to meet him in ‘The Refugees,’ in ‘The White Company,’ and in ‘Rodney Stone.’ In each of these there is evident a sound and painstaking method of research, as well as a power of dramatic invention; and in combination with these is a style of unaffected manliness, simplicity, and strength, which is at once satisfactory to the student and attractive to the mass of people who are content to be pleased by such qualities without knowing or asking why. The labour bestowed on ‘The White Company’ may very well be compared to that expended by Charles Reade on ‘The Cloister and the H earth.'

Christie Murray's recollections includes transcriptions of five letters from Doyle, and it's worth reproducing the four letters here. The first is included in a chapter on Christie Murray's handwriting expertise and his researches into the Dreyfus Affair - an espionage scandal that could have inspired several Holmes stories. Doyle was clearly interested in the scandal, and in justice:

“My dear Murray,—Its being a week-end will prevent my coming up for I have always several visitors. I hope when you can come down you will let me know. Very much interested in your views upon the Dreyfus case. I fancy that the Government may know upon evidence which they dare not disclose (spy or traitor evidence) that he is guilty and have convicted him on a  bogus document,—Yours very truly,

(Sgd.) A. Conan Doyle.

The remainding letters are included in a chapter composed of letters received by Christie Murray.  The second letter we have already seen (on display in Tokyo).

The third is on the curious topic of the value of a statue of George Washington being erected in London. Christie Murray first published a letter in newspapers in 1897 on the topic, and presumably Conan Doyle wrote shortly afterwards.

Copy of Letter to David Christie Murray (undated).

My Dear Sir,—I think that your idea of a statue to Washington to be erected by public subscription in London is an admirable one. The future of the world belongs to the Anglo-Celtic races if they can but work in unison, and everything which works for that end makes for the highest. I believe that the great stream which bifurcated a century ago may have re-united before many more centuries have passed, and that we shall all have learned by then that patriotism is not to be limited by flags or systems, but that it should embrace all of the same race and blood and speech. It would be a great thing—one of the most noble and magnanimous things in the history of the world—if a proud people should consent to adorn their capital with the statue of one who bore arms against them. I wish you every success in your  idea, and shall be happy to contribute ten guineas towards its realisation.—Yours very truly,

(Sgd.)     A. Conan Doyle.

Letters four and five are included together. Bother presumably relate to Christie Murray's book 'My contemporaries in fiction' - Doyle was indeed thankful for being counted among peers such as Robert Louis Stevenson and Rudyard Kipling, and the comparison made with Poe. The second letter refers to having just moved into Undershaw, so the letters were probably also written in 1897 (and may have been direct follow-up correspondence to the Washington statue letter above).

Copy of Letter to David Christie Murray (undated).

Undershaw, Hindhead, Haslemere

My Dear Murray,—I shall be delighted and honoured to have a first glance at the ms. I never read anything of yours which I did not like, so I am sure I shall like it, but there are degrees of liking, and I will tell you frankly which degree I register.

Now you will bear that visit in mind and write to me when you are ready and your work done.—With all kind regards, yours very truly,

(Sgd.)    A. Conan Doyle.

Copy of Letter to David Christie Murray (undated).

Undershaw, Hindhead, Haslemere.

My Dear Murray,—I have just finished your critical book and think it most excellent and useful. I couldn't help writing to you to say so. It is really fine—so well-balanced and clear-sighted and judicial. For kind words about myself many thanks. I don't think we are suffering from critical kindness so much as indiscriminate critical kindness. No one has said enough, as it seems to me, about Barrie or Kipling. I think they are fit—young as they are—to rank with the highest, and that some of Barrie's work, Margaret Ogilvy and A Window in Thrums, will endear him as Robert Burns is endeared to the hearts of the future Scottish race.

I have just settled down here and we are getting the furniture in and all in order. In a week or so it will be quite right. If ever you should be at a loose end at a week-end, or any other time, I wish you would run down. I believe we could make you happy for a few days. Name your date and the room will be ready. Only from the 16th to the 26th it is pre-empted.—With all kind remembrances, yours very truly,

(Sgd.)       A. Conan Doyle

If the Sherlock letter was acquired by Marquis Toshinari while on diplomatic service, one wonders whether the other letters are also 'out there' in private hands, or even with the Maeda Ikutokukai Foundation.

The Doyle letter is something of a curiosity at an exhibition of cultural significant Japanese items from the Maeda clan, but it's a wonderful curiosity.

2025 Carole Dukes Montpellier Award

I received a kind email yesterday from Bill Barnes who leads the Sydney Passengers, advising me that I have "won the Montpellier Award for 2025 - your article "Where Did You Get That Hat?" was judged by your fellow Passengers to be the best bit of research published in The Passengers' Log for the year.... You have also taken out the "Admirable Cobber" Award as well - this is presented to a nominee for the Montpellier Award which displays a high standard of Australian research and content, in line with the late Passenger Arthur Williams’ own such high standards." The name of the latter award is in reference to Carlyle Smythe, the agent who managed Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's tour of Australia in 1920/21, who Doyle refered to as "an admirable cobber".

The 'Passengers' Log' is a wonderful publication and I try hard (but sometimes fail) to contribute an article to every issue. 

This particular article is a continuation of a series so I wanted to get them tied together in one place.

The dancing miners and their photographer

The first article identified who the photographer of the 'Dancing Miners' photograph was: Henry Hermon Grose. By extension, this confirmed that the photograph was taken as the location / mine of LAKESIDE near Boulder in Western Australia.

Where did you get that hat?

The second article identified a second photograph of the 'Dancing Miners', including its path in exhibitions, and where the original now resides (Switzerland). It also identified several photographs of 'Official Staff, Lakeside' who match those in the 'Dancing Miners' photograph.

Sherlock in Boulder 1903-1904

A third blog post looks at the world of Sherlock in the Kalgoorlie-Boulder area at the time Sherlock was returning and the miners were 'dancing'. This post describes where the Strand Magazine could be purchased, and the local performances of William Gillette's play "Sherlock Holmes".