A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars
Numismatists Do Not Fear Change
“‘Data! Data! Data!‘ he cried impatiently. ‘I can’t make bricks without clay.’” – The Adventures of The Copper Beeches (COPP) This column is composed of material (Data!) developed for a short course called Appreciating Sherlock Holmes that I teach twice a year in the Community Education Life Enrichment Program for a local community college. It is composed… Continue Reading
Seventeen thoughts for further ponderance of the case at hand – The Blue Carbuncle (BLUE) THE WATSONIAN CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION Perhaps it’s an all-too basic question that we all pondered on before, but it needs to be asked whenever this story comes up: Why was Watson visiting the man we think of as his best friend on… Continue Reading
“… she went to the circus last night …” – A Study In Scarlet (STUD) Rupert Graves, the actor who portrays Detective Inspector Greg Lestrade on BBC’s Sherlock, was involved with a philatelic-numismatic cover (PNC) in 2002. The Royal Mail issued a set of five circus themed stamps on April 9, 2002. The British collectibles firm of Benham… Continue Reading
“… one of the most honoured.” – The Adventure of The Dancing Men (DANC) At a White House ceremony yesterday, President Barack Obama honored film director Steven Spielberg, and 16 others, with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation’s highest civilian award from the United States government. “Today we celebrate some extraordinary people: innovators, artists and leaders who… Continue Reading
“Are you not the author of a monograph…” – The Adventure of The Resident Patient (RESI) The first of several ceremonies to unveil designs for commemorative coins honoring celebrated author Mark Twain took place November 28, 2015 at the Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal, Missouri. Twain is known in Sherlockian circles for his 1902… Continue Reading
” … a luxurious club …” – The Adventure of The Five Orange Pips (FIVE) Over the years, Philadelphia’s The Sons of the Copper Beeches have met at many locations. On Friday, February 20, 1953, they met at the headquarters of the Union League of Philadelphia. The Union League dates back to December 27, 1862, when… Continue Reading
“… this thing has some deadly story linked on to it …” – The Adventure of The Blue Carbuncle (BLUE) First, let’s take a minute to wish everyone here in the United States, a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday this week. December will be upon us next week and it seems appropriate for us to discuss The… Continue Reading
“… the badge of a society.” – The Adventure of The Five Orange Pips (FIVE) The Sons of the Copper Beeches, the noted Philadelphia area scion of the Baker Street Irregulars, has a rigorous process for membership in their society. After attending three meetings, guests become “apprentices” who are eligible to advance to “journeyman” status by flawlessly reciting… Continue Reading
“… deserving members of society …” – The Adventure of The Devil’s Foot (DEVI) On December 8, 1947, at Shoyer’s Restaurant at 412 Arch Street in the City of Brotherly Love, eight erudite gentlemen met for the purpose of forming a society akin to the already-existing Baker Street Irregulars (“BSI”). Shoyer’s, with its excellent steaks and… Continue Reading
A Stiff Examination upon “The Adventure of the Three Garridebs” Representing an Herculean effort to return to the style of the old “Boxer” quizzes by Steve Clarkson, “Torquemada” of Watson’s Tin Box We are proud to present the answers to this quiz we posted earlier this month on The Three Garridebs, one of the 69 quizzes to be found… Continue Reading