The Evidence Boxes of Watson's Tin Box - updated for 2025

This is an update on my 2023 post on The Evidence Boxes of Watson's Tin Box, with extra information.

I am currently (2025) the Gasogene XXXV (i.e., number 35) for Watson's Tin Box of Ellicott City, Maryland. Ellicott City is located approximately mid-way between Washington DC and Baltimore. The scion meets monthly on a Monday night for dinner, conviviality, discussion on a story (more later), usually a short talk/presentation, and finally a Sherlockian quiz. These days, while the scion is 'of' Ellicott City, it actually meets at nearby Columbia MD, and many attendees travel from nearby locations including Frederick MD, Gaithersburg MD, Baltimore, and even Washington DC.

There's a web site with plenty of information where you can learn more at www.watsonstinbox.org , and recently our 'Mastermind at the center of the Web site' (webmaster) Liane Luini has been updating the website. As part of this work, we've been able to add an exciting feature. 

But first......where did the scion get its name from?

Somewhere in the vaults of the bank of Cox and Co., at Charing Cross, there is a travel-worn and battered tin despatch-box with my name, John H. Watson, M.D., Late Indian Army, painted upon the lid. It is crammed with papers, nearly all of which are records of cases to illustrate the curious problems which Mr. Sherlock Holmes had at various times to examine.   (THOR)

The scion was formed in 1989, and by 1990 had given itself the Tin Box name. A neat quirk of the scion is its membership requirements. There are no membership dues, but to be considered a member one needs to attend two meetings. Why? Attend one meeting and i might be considered an honest mistake. Attend two meetings, and that must be on purpose: you are now a member of Watson's Tin Box!

But there's another very special feature of the scion that ties in directly to the 'Tin Box' of cases. The scion is responsible for a 'Evidence boxes' (containing artifacts from the stories), one for each story (so sixty in total!). As each story is discussed, the evidence box for that story is opened, and each item described and passed around the group.

Where did these sixty boxes come from, and how were the items created?

A flyer had been created with some background on this remarkable collection, and we've also now added that information to the web site: www.watsonstinbox.org/evidence-box.html 

As the legend suggests, this picture displays the Evidence Boxes in their storage bookcase - an incredible amount of detail.  From the Watson's Tin Box information sheet on the the evidence boxes.

Recently, I had a chance to visit the keeper of the Evidence Boxes, Debbie Clark - here are some photos showing boxes arrayed on shelves, and other items too large to fit in their boxes.

The evidence boxes were created by one of the scion founders, Paul G. Churchill, BSI. I've transcribed the information on the sheet, and provided below some links to wonderful material from others sources. I enjoyed learning that Paul created these with inspiration from the Simon Goodenough Murder Dossier books that I've described previously (221bcooee.blogspot.com/2023/06/calling-simon-goodenough-sherlock.html).

The Evidence Boxes of Paul G. Churchill 

Inspired by Simon Goodenough's A Study in Scarlet - A Sherlock Holmes Murder Dossier, Paul began collecting Canonical artifacts around 1990. His initial goal was to collect at least one artifact for each of the 60 Canonical tales. Over 1500 artifacts later, Paul's 'Evidence Boxes' became legendary in the Sherlockian world as he displayed them at numerous Scion meetings. What Paul could not find, he made. He became known as a master forger, and 'found' numerous genuine 'faux' letters, documents, and telegrams, items that candidly became  the very one!

After Paul's passing in November of 2008, by his decree, the Evidence Boxes were bequeathed to Watson's Tin Box Scion Society of Ellicott City, Maryland, a Society that Paul co-founded in 1989. This inventory and accompanying photo file was lovingly compiled by Paul's friend, Denny Dobry.

There's a wonderful interview with Deborah Clark (of the WTB Scion) with the I Hear Of Sherlock Everywhere podcast team discussing Paul's Evidence Boxes:

www.ihearofsherlock.com/2021/09/episode-225-evidence-boxes.html 

There's also a poignant article on 'Remembering Paul Churchill, BSI' from the IHOSE team at the time of his passing: www.ihearofsherlock.com/2008/11/genuine-corot-sign_9.html 

In an effort to ensure as many people as possible could enjoy Paul Churchill's remarkable creative Sherlockian output, we have now added PDFs of each evidence box to the site - you can click on each and download them. These PDFs were created through a team effort - Steve and Rusty Mason (of The Crew of the Barque Lone Star, Texas) and Greg Ruby visited the home of Debbie Clark and together they spent several days photographing the over 1,500 items contained in the evidence boxes. These items were matched to the descriptions of items written by Paul Churchill, Denny Dobry and Beth Austin to create the PDFs. The PDFs are also available through the Beacon Society website (https://www.beaconsociety.com).

Now it's even easier for anyone in the world to rummage through Watson's Tin Box ! 

Here's an example of an Evidence Box PDF pages - Red Headed League - including an indenture, a receipt from Jabez Wilson's pawnbroker service, and an artificial kneecap:

Come along to a Watson's Tin Box meeting, and see the wonderful evidence boxes that Paul created and are an enduring legacy.

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APPENDIX: This is a published obituary for Paul at the time of his passing.

Obituary for Paul G. Churchill

Source: memorials.burrier-queen.com/paul-churchill/1392449/obituary.php

Paul Gabriel Churchill, 63 of Eldersburg, MD, died Friday November 7, 2008 at his home. He was the spouse of the late Jo Ann (Grammer) Churchill. Who passed away in 1989. He was born July 31, 1945 in Washington, D.C. The son of the late Murray V. Churchill and Lucille (Craven) Churchill. Mr. Churchill was a graduate of The University of MD and held a Masters Degree from Towson State University. He was a member of Pershing Rifles. He was co-founder of Watson’s Tin Box, He was also a member Baker St. Irregulars. He began his teaching career at Longfellow Elementary School and later taught at Centennial High School and most recently was a Latin Adjunct Professor at Hood College in Frederick. Mr. Churchill taught several Sherlock Homes Appreciation classes in the local region. Surviving are Sons and Daughter-in-laws Mark G. and Susan Churchill of Lincoln, Nebraska, Gregory and Danielle Churchill of Parkville, MD. Brothers: James R. Churchill of Alexandria, VA and David M. Churchill and wife Susan of Frederick, MD, Granddaughter, Ellie Churchill of Nebraska. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Memorial Services will be conducted on Saturday November 15, 2008 at 1:00 PM at Burrier-Queen Funeral Home and Crematory, P.A., 1212 W. Old Liberty Rd. Winfield, MD 21784 with Pastor Andy Honeycutt of Gethsemane Baptist Church officiating. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The ALS Association( Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Development Department, 27001 Agoura Road Suite 250 Calabasas Hills, CA 91301.

Un-blotting Conan Doyle

For very random reasons I was looking through Arthur Conan Doyle manuscript holdings at the wonderful Public Library of Toronto. They have digital scans of many of the manuscripts available, and I was look at an item labeled 'Arthur Conan Doyle notebook' that really has almost nothing in it at all! The object number is 37131055102206D and you can look at it here.

The detailed description states: "Notebook (lined paper) with three lines of text in French on top cover and only four lines of text in English on 1st page. Fragment of blotting paper inside."

There are only two lines of writing inside the whole notebook:

Transcript:

One of the most odious things upon earth is to receive a kindess from one whom we heartily dislike

The landscape was blurred as if it were slightly out of focus

The importance of these two statements is not clear ; neither appears in text searches of on-line books, and they may have been thoughts or ideas jotted down in a moment, with the idea they may have been useful lines used in some future story.

As I looked at this scanty item, I noticed the piece of blotting paper tucked inside the exercise book:

If you look closely you can see words clearly that have been blotted, but the catch is that the writing is mirrored - because it blotted the original writing and created an impression. So let's flip the image and see what was blotted by Doyle;

Transcript:

1. Small bronze (written/blotted multiple times)

... wife of Tiberius

2. Bronze (written/blotted multiple times, with other numbering also)

What does this mean? What writing was being blotted? It doesn't appear within the notebook, but there is another in the Toronto Public Library collection titled 'Coins and history.' with a description as follows 'Notebook listing, in chronological order, Roman emperors and coins in A. C. Doyle's own collection . Accompanied by a Roman coin "Clodius 68" (catalogued separately)'.

Looking inside the book, we can see some examples of the writing.

So Doyle used the blotting paper for his book of Roman Emperors and Coins. Perhaps the blotting paper was switched between the two books later, or perhaps Doyle carried both exercise books at the same time.

It's nice to make a tiny connection between two items.

Watson's Tin Box meeting brief report - 19 May 2025

Each third Monday of the month, the Watson's Tin Box of Ellicott City scion meets - at the Union Jack's in Columbia MD. We had a great turnout for the meeting. The story of the meeting was Silver Blaze, and it proceeded thus;

Each meeting is gaveled in by the Gasegene. The gavel was recently returned to the Scion and is back in action! The band around the gavel is engraved 'GASOGENE. WATSON'S TIN BOX'. The gavel sits on top of a battered old copy of 'The Last Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' from 1894.

- After a welcome, the group introduced themselves - all were from Maryland, and it's interesting that many attendees travel from Frederick. We discussed holding a meeting in Frederick at some point (why not?), and I also floated the idea of a virtual meeting at some point, perhaps as an annual event.

- We then proceeded to the toast, where Carla Coupe toasted "The Woman", with a wonderful sung toast. This was followed by Tom Fahres delivering the traditional Haiku. Tom's Haiku is often tied to the story-of-the-month. Here's a Silver Blaze haiku from this month:

Trainer, John Straker

Sneaks out to see his mistress

Hi Ho Silver!!! ........(sotto voce: Blaze)

- There were announcements: Debbie Clark has Sherlock board games to share with others ; congratulations were made to Brent Morris who was inducted as an Adventuress of Sherlock Holmes (ASH) at the recent New York meeting, with the name "Some algebraic equations before breakfast". Liane shared that she has now satisfied the requirements for membership in the Legion of Zoom ! All you need to do to joni is attend Zoom meetings for 17 different Sherlockian groups/scions. Jacquelyn Morris shared that she recently attend the BSI MidWest Canonical Conclave (you can read a blog post about it from Brad Keefauver here), and some of the discussions around common challenges and experiences that Sherlockian groups and scions have as organizations.

- Over dinner we discussed Silver Blaze, with a wide-ranging conversation. Curried mutton was NOT on the menu at Union Jack's (and powdered opium was not available) but there was some discussion of the meal, and the drug and how it was used. We also discussed the fact there are multiple mysteries in this story : who stole the horse? where is the horse? and who murdered Straker? They all unfolded almost instantaneously. Discussions were had about the math required to calculate the speed of the train, and the legality of hiding the horse till the day of the race. 

For those who listen to their stories when preparing for a scion meeting, there's a relatively new Sherlock Holmes short stories podcast series narrated by Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington, etc.) released by BBC Sounds. They are really outstanding - Bonneville's readings are combined with atmospheric soundscapes to create an immersive listening experience. You can access the podcasts here, or simply search "Sherlock Holmes Short Stories" on your favorite podcast streaming platform.

I've written before about the Evidence Boxes created by Paul Churchill. At each meeting, the box of items for the story up for discussion are displayed and explained by Debbie Clark. 

The Silver Blaze box was unpacked and displayed. There's plenty to identify here - how many items referenced in the story can you spot? I loved the 'silks' the jockey wore ("the very ones"), the CDV of Siver Blaze, and the aluminium pencil case.

 

I should add that one item missing was a set of ivory-handled cataract knives - but I brought a modern equivalent along - previously seen at the BSI weekend in New York! 

After that, our presentation was from Olivia Millunzi. And this was a GOOD ONE. By popular demand, Olivia gave her lecture titled "Messiah or Mesire? Jesus as a Vampire & the Implications for the Papacy" that was originally presented at the 3rd Annual Central Pennsylvania Vampire Conference, her other 'nerd group'. "Living forever, unexplained returns from the dead, miraculous abilities- what else do Jesus and the classic Vampire have in common?" - Olivia answered all those questions with a stunningly deep analysis of the 'other' canon (i.e., the Bible) to uncover evidence of Vampirism.

This photo of Olivia's talk has it all - Olivia's smile, the "Jesus' Life as a Vampire" title, the Queen looking on behind the chandelier, and the BSI Scion certificate framed on the table.

And there was a LOT of laughing! 

Finally, Olivia led the group in a 'shout out' quiz - a relaxed and fun way to work through - here's the quiz Olivia created with answers:

All in all another wonderful meeting full of laughs and friendship. Oh, and we sold a few scion pins and tote bags!

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Our next meeting is on Monday, June 16 at 7 pm, at Union Jack's, Columbia MD. The story of the evening will be 'Beryl Coronet'.

Burt Wolder visits the Red Circle - 2024

In 2024, the Red Circle of Washington, DC, hosted prominent Sherlock Burt Wolder. Burt (BSI’s “Third Pillar from the Left”) has been the co-host, along with Scott Monty, of the popular podcast “I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere,” for the past 17 years, and also the weekly podcast “Trifles.” A former employee of AT&T, he now sits on the board of Frederic Dorr Steele Memorial, Inc., a non-profit organization that promotes public awareness of Steele’s life and work. 

Burt’s talk was entitled “Arthur Conan Doyle: Adventurous Life, Enduring Memories.” Burt began by relating how Conan Doyle suffered a heart attack in 1929, which left him frail and introspective. Not long before he had another fatal attack in July 1930, he drew a cartoon of “The Old Horse,” hauling a cart laden with crates full of memories down a long road, under the care of three veterinarians. The question Burt posed was can we learn something from the contents of Conan Doyle’s packing cases.

You can watch the recording of Burt's talk here:

 

As part of Burt's talk, he shared a beautiful printed copy of the illustration with attendees. These were originally created for Burt's presentation at the 2024 Sherlockian meeting at Dayton, OH. 

The original image was created in 1929, and can be seen with key at the ACD Encyclopedia. The image shows Doyle as 'The Old Horse', and the label underneath states 'Consultation of vets Webb-Johnson, Parkinson, and Mackintosh "The Old Horse has pulled a heavy load a long way. But he is well cared for, and with six weeks stable and six months grass, he will be on the road once more".'

The illustration was printed by Doyle and shared with friends, and there is at least one example of a signed copy. It was included after his death in several publications including John Lammond's memoirs of Doyle the year following his 1930 death. The key is exceptionally helpful, as Doyle's original labeling is incredibly small. Here, for example, is Doyle's small image for his time at Stonyhurst (1869-1876) as a student. With comparison to a contemporary view of the main school building, it is easily recognizable.

  

The horse pulls many sacks loaded on the 'Life Works Carriage Co.'. Each sack is labeled, and include literary works such as 'Sherlock Holmes', accomplishments such as his contributions to the 'Edalji' case, and world travels including 'Australia 1921'. It is notable that on the long and winding road the horse has pulled his load, Doyle did not highlight his marriages or other family events. This is very much about Doyle's public life and accomplishments.

Burt's talk was highly enjoyable, and his creative way of using Doyle's own reflection on his life, right at the end of the journey, was a masterclass. Burt's 'hand-out' has been the inspiration for me to create a physical item to accompany my talks, and I'll be sharing those examples in future blog posts.