Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit

Winter Meeting Report

2012-02-04T13:05:00.007-05:00

The Adventure at the Commonwealth Club

A light dusting of snow failed to stop 64 stalwart Amateur Mendicants and friends from attending the society’s January 28, 2012 meeting at the British Commonwealth Club in the Detroit suburb of Warren, Michigan.

Gasogene John Kramb called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m., welcoming members and guests to one of the best-attended meetings in the 66 year history of the AMS.

Following brief introductions of AMS board members and the planning committee, Kramb sought to quiet the souvenir seekers in the crowd by enumerating the availability of club badges, shirts and hats courtesy of member Gloria Longueil. As a way to encourage the presentations that AMS meetings have become known for, Kramb also ruled that, from now on, anyone presenting a scholarly paper during a meeting will be excused from paying for his or her own meal.

Members and guests also took the opportunity to improve their collections and pass on duplicate holdings during the evening-long Sherlockian Swap Meet. Among the stand-out swag being offered were rare books, videos and photos as well as a singular collection of the very first issues of the Baker Street Journal.

During the evening’s tasty repast – a buffet of roast beef, roast chicken, mashed and au gratin potatoes plus a salad, vegetables and more – various toasts organized by Commissionaire Chris Music were offered in accordance with the society’s long-standing tradition. Glasses were raised to The Woman (by Mark Diehl), Watson’s Second Wife (by Tidewaiter Ed Stein),
Mycroft Holmes (Bobbi Gorevitz) and to the founder of the Red-Headed League,
the late millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, one Ezekiah Hopkins (offered
as always by Jerry Alvin).

Salutations were also made to Holmes’ 158th Birthday (by Rob Musial), who also toasted three actors who in 2011 took their Last Bow – the late John Neville and Nicol Williamson, both of whom who played Holmes on the big screen and the late Edward Hardwicke, who was such a perfect Dr. Watson to Jeremy Brett’s Sherlock on the small screen.

To further celebrate Holmes’ natal day, dessert included slices of a one-of-a-kind creation, a cake shaped like a large book of Sherlockian tales, specially baked and frosted by the Chocolate Bar Café in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Scott Monty, who edits the Baker Street Blog (http://www.bakerstreetblog.com/) which is “the definitive site for news and info about Sherlock Holmes in popular culture,” then served up news about the upcoming second season of BBC’s “Sherlock” which is due to air on PBS starting May 6th.

Among his revelations: The second season, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a 21st Century Holmes and Martin Freeman as Watson, will consist of three episodes: “A Scandal in Belgravia,” “The Hounds of Baskerville” and “The Reichenbach Fall.” In other news for which the world is
not prepared, he also revealed that, in England, Benedict’s groupies have come to be known as “Cumberbunnies.”

The evening also saw the annual awarding of the AMS Beggar’s Cup for the best presentation given during the preceding year. Taking home the coveted cup was Brad Schwartz. Using investigative legwork and recently-discovered drawings from the Illustrated London News,
he proved that Holmes and Watson were actively hunting Jack the Ripper in Whitechapel during his murder spree. In fact, the drawings Schwartz uncovered actually offer the first objective proof of Holmes’ involvement in the Ripper investigation.

Next, Commissionaire Music gave the Mendicant History Minute which detailed the scions spun off from the AMS over its proud 66 year history. They included Mary Morstan’s Companions (a female scion necessitated by the Mendicants’ male-only membership in its early days), the Napoleons of Crime and finally, the shadowy cabal known only as Moriarty’s Allied Friends in America (MAFIA), whose members are dangerous and believed to be still-at-large.

Because a careful reading of the Sacred Canon is an integral part of any Sherlockian scion, Gasogene Kramb next led the group through a pop quiz-styled discussion of the main and minor points of this event’s assigned story, “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,” all about a master blackmailer whose career concluded with a bang (or several bangs, actually).

The true main course of the evening was the exhaustively-researched presentation entitled “Edith Meiser, Sherlock Holmes and the Detroit Connection.” In it, member Michael Ellis detailed the career of a talented and beautiful local doyenne, who dabbled in Detroit and Broadway theater, wrote hundreds of Sherlockian tales for radio in the 1930s and 1940s and who was, among other
things, the first female member of the AMS.

As the meeting drew to a close, the raffles were held and Donna Garant won the Sherlock Holmes pub sign and Gayle Mayer won the three-volume annotated Holmes, authored by Leslie Klinger and donated by member Phil Jones.

Members Anne Musial and Gayle Conway then led the assembly in the traditional singing of “God Save the Queen” and the meeting concluded with the reading of poem, “221B” by Musial.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
AMS Tantalus

Winter Meeting

2011-11-10T10:33:00.008-05:00

“We had been out for one of our evening rambles, Holmes and I,
and had just returned about six o’clock on a cold, frosty winter’s evening.”
— Dr. John Watson in “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton.”

We cordially invite you out on a frosty winter’s evening for an enjoyable sojourn at the winter meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 7 p.m.
British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd., Warren
(between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club phone: (586) 751-9560

Our assigned reading and brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Adventure of Charles Augustus Milverton,” which involves an evil blackmailer, a lovely debutante and a victim bent on revenge.

The evening’s presenter will be Michael Ellis who will enlighten us on what he’s learned while investigating the case of “Edith Meiser, Sherlock Holmes and the Detroit Connection.”

We’ll also award the annual Beggar’s Cup for the Best Presentation of 2011 and hold a Sherlockian Swap Meet where you can set your own prices and add to or condense your collection with the right audience.

There will also be the usual toasts – including a birthday salute to The Master – plus prizes and more. We look forward to seeing you on Jan. 28. Libations begin at 6:30 p.m. with a tasty buffet dinner at 7 p.m.

To join us on January 28, please mail your check for $25 per person by MONDAY, JAN. 23rd to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The buffet includes roast beef, roast chicken, tossed salad, mashed & au gratin potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls and dessert. Coffee/tea is included. As always, there will be a cash bar.

“Come at once if convenient … if inconvenient, come all the same.”

Fall Meeting Report

2011-09-12T18:05:00.002-04:00

The Adventure of the Big Rock

The Big Rock Chophouse & Brewery in the swanky suburb of Birmingham, Michigan was the setting for the September 10, 2011 meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Gasogene John Kramb convened the meeting at 1:14 p.m. and welcomed the 53 attendees (including six first-time guests) to the event, held in the Big Rock’s pleasant Terrace Room, within sight of the giant copper kettles used to craft the eatery’s signature brew.

After brief introductions of the AMS board members and planning committee, Kramb dispensed with miscellaneous club business, noting the double 65th anniversary of the AMS as well as Detroit’s legendary Buddy’s Pizza, the availability of club shirts and caps (through member Gloria Longueil) and what a bargain the annual Mendicant dues of $12 are.

Two Mendicants, Philip K. Jones and Chris Music, were also cited for their submissions to the Baker Street Journal, which published their individual works among the nine articles in its most recent summer issue. Jones itemized and categorized the Untold Tales in the Canon while Music detailed the important work of an archivist in preserving the proceedings of groups like the Mendicants.

Such business dispensed with, the attendees tucked into their meal choices of either chicken piccata in a lemon/garlic/white wine sauce, flatiron steak with a mushroom Bordelaise sauce or grilled salmon with chimichurri sauce, accompanied by chef’s salad, an excellent accoutrement of fresh vegetables and bakehouse bread, capped by a sorbet-and-cookie dessert.

During this gustatory exposition, attendees took time for the usual and some special toasts by Richard Jeryan (concerning the career and background of The Woman), by Rob Musial (to Watson’s Second Wife), by Chris Jeryan (to Mrs. Hudson and the exhilarating effect of haggis), by Chris Music (to Mycroft Holmes, said by some to be Sherlock’s smarter, older brother) and by Jerry Alvin (who connected the discovery of the RH factor to founder of the Red-Headed League, the late millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, one Ezekiah Hopkins).

Next, Commissionaire Music gave a quiz on the meeting’s required reading, “The Noble Bachelor.” Tying with all 11 correct answers were Fritzi Roth, who took home the scholar’s ribbon and medallion (suitable for engraving) and Chris Jeryan who opted for the shaving mug emblazoned with the U.S. and British flags and accompanied a cake of rare English shaving soap. This relic, donated by Anne Musial, honors Holmes’ vision at the end of this month’s story.

Wrapping up discussion of the story, Tantalus Musial also offered a limerick about it that was composed by the legendary science fiction writer (and Sherlockian) Isaac Asimov while Jones, drawing on his BSJ scholarship, recapped the untold tales mentioned in “The Noble Bachelor.”

The afternoon’s main course were presentations by two medical Mendicants en regalia, Ed Stein (BS, OD) and David Mohan (BA, MS, MD etc.) on why Watson’s wounds in the Second Anglo-Afghan War resulted in numerous discrepancies and inaccuracies in his telling of Holmes’ tales.

It was Stein’s contention that Watson suffered from a refractive error, astigmatism and presbyopia, which caused him to squint (as captured in the portrayal of Watson by actor Edward Hardwicke) and to mistake numbers and dates. Though easily corrected by glasses, Stein believes that Watson, who noted that his “experience with women extends over many nations and three continents” avoided corrective lenses because he was concerned about his image around the fairer sex.

In his paper, Mohan contended that Watson’s wound from a Jezail bullet during the Afghan conflict caused a form of dyscalculia, which led to him garbling dates and numbers, something that has frustrated Sherlockian scholars ever since. Backed by medical diagrams, angiograms and CT scans, Mohan showed that such a wound (and the resulting Bernoulli Effect) would have created a dysfunction of the angular gyrus, leading Watson to scramble numbers and dates.

As the applause died down at the conclusion of both medical exams, Anne Musial held the drawing for this meeting’s door prize, an imported tin of English biscuits, which was won by Elaine Johnson. Drawing the winning name was first-time guest Devin Rosni.

The meeting concluded at 3:43 p.m., after the singing of “God Save the Queen” and the reading of the traditional poem, “221-B” by Richard Jeryan, the club’s Lascar.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
AMS Tantalus

Next Meeting

2011-08-04T12:40:00.000-04:00

“I had formed my conclusions as to the case before the client had come into the room.”
— Sherlock Holmes to Dr. Watson in “The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor.”

And we hope you’ll quickly come to the conclusion to join us for an enjoyable afternoon repast and presentation at the Fall 2011 meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit. We'd like a large turnout so please feel free to invite your friends, family and neighbors -- we'll have the room

Saturday, September 10 at 1 p.m.
Big Rock Chop House, 245 S. Eton Road, Birmingham
just south of Maple (15 Mile) Road
Restaurant phone: (248) 647-7774

Our assigned reading and brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Adventure of the Noble Bachelor,” a story involving an English lord and an American bride who disappears on her wedding day.

As we continue to celebrate the Mendicants’ 65th year, Doctors David Mohan and Ed Stein will offer a fascinating joint presentation on “The Mystery of Doctor Watson’s Wounds.”

There will also be the usual toasts plus prizes and more. We look forward to seeing you on Sept. 10. Libations begin at 12:30 p.m. with a tasty luncheon served shortly after 1 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

If attending, select your entrée and return with your check ---

NOTE: Due to the venue, please select your entree from those listed below and let us know your choice when you mail your check for $25 per person. Then send these by FRIDAY, SEPT. 2nd to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

_____ Chicken piccata _____ Flatiron steak _____ Grilled salmon

Bread, salad, potatoes, vegetables, dessert and beverages are included. There will be a cash bar.

Summer Meeting

2011-06-21T15:29:00.002-04:00

Save the date...

The summer meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit will be help on Saturday afternoon September 10th at the Big Rock Chophouse located near Downtown Birmingham (in the old train station).

More details forthcoming...

-Chris

Spring Meeting Report

2011-05-04T09:33:00.001-04:00

A "Ripping" Good Time

The spring 2011 meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit was gaveled to order at 1:01 p.m. May 1 at the Bastone Brewery & Restaurant in the bucolic but trendy suburb of Royal Oak, Michigan.

Welcoming the 54 members and guests was Richard Jeryan, the society’s Lascar, filling in Gasogene John Kramb who was on assignment and believed to be taking part in some sort of special operation in Pakistan.

The meeting was held in the restaurant’s lower level, which reminded some that the original group of amateur mendicants, mentioned briefly in “The Orange Pips,” actually convened in the lower vault of a furniture warehouse.

After introducing board members and the planning committee, Lascar Jeryan welcomed the first-time attendees and reminded others about the necessity of paying their $12 annual dues which, for this meeting only, had been reduced to a more-affordable $12.

Mendicant Regina Stinson, who is also a member of the Baker Street Irregulars (BSI) and major domo of the small but scrappy scion known as the Ribston-Pippins of Royal Oak, was then recognized and invited attendees to her presentation on the films of Sherlock Holmes, set for the next evening at the Clawson Public Library.

Following Stinson, Commissionaire Chris Music reminded the multitude about the annual Dayton symposium on Holmes and Doyle, set for May 13-15 in Dayton, Ohio. Learned presentations, good fun, dandy memorabilia and more; for info, contact Cathy Gill at (513) 681-5507 or at chirpsworth@fuse.net.

With preliminaries dispensed with, the Sunday dinner began with a choice of potato leek soup or a green salad, followed by either mustard glazed pork loin, fish and chips, chicken and orchiette pasta, pan-roasted salmon or steak frites and later, a full complement of desserts, including chocolate-covered strawberries, lime cheesecake shots, chocolate mousse shots or profiteroles. Decisions, decisions, decisions.

During the repast, the usual – and some special – toasts were offered. Among these were a salute to William and Kate, the newly-wed Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (by Rob Musial); Irene Adler (Jim O’Keefe), Watson’s Second Wife (Ed Stein), Mrs. Hudson (Mary Louise Kramp), Mycroft Holmes (Regina Stinson, with a sonnet she composed and read at a BSI gathering a few years ago) and of course, in honor of May Day and the carrot-topped everywhere, a toast to the founder of the Red-Headed League, the late millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, one Ezekiah Hopkins (by Jerry Alvin).

Member Anne Musial then held the meeting’s drawing, in which member O’Keefe won a detailed miniature porcelain model of a Victorian-era hansom cab, donated by the Lascar and wife Chris Jeryan.

Taking note of the 65th year of the Mendicants with a “History Minute from the Archives,” Commissionaire Music then detailed how the society had, in January 1954, erected a plaque in St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London, England – a plaque which commemorated the very first meeting of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Intrepid sleuthing by Music revealed that the plaque was recently moved to a very visible spot in the museum of St. Bart’s, the city’s oldest hospital which dates to the 12th Century.

Next, society Tantalus Musial offered background on and questions about the meeting’s assigned story, “The Cardboard Box,” which so scandalized Victorians with its depiction of murder and adultery that it wasn’t reprinted in book form until 24 years after it first appeared in the Strand magazine.

Then, member Brad Schwartz served up the meeting’s main course, a presentation entitled “Two Suspicious Characters – Or in Defense of the Deerstalker. This learned lecture and PowerPoint presentation proved, thanks to a careful analysis of illustrations in an issue of the London Evening News in 1888, that Holmes and Watson likely assisted in ending the deadly depredations of Jack the Ripper, that infamous scourge of London’s grimy East End.

After the presentation, the Commissionaire said plans are underway for the next meeting, likely in August or September; details to follow.

Wrapping things up, members Anne Musial, Gayle Conway and Dr. David Mohan led the singing of “God Save the Queen,” O’Keefe closed the proceedings by reciting the traditional poem “221B” and the meeting adjourned at 3:44 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
AMS Tantalus

Spring Meeting

2011-04-01T21:44:00.003-04:00

“We approached the case with an absolute blank mind, which is always an advantage.”
— Sherlock Holmes to Dr. Watson in “The Adventure of the Cardboard Box”

And we hope you’ll see the advantage of joining us for dinner on the first Sunday in May for the annual spring meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit – as part of the year-long celebration of the 65h anniversary of the society’s founding.

Sunday, May 1, 2011 at 1 p.m.
Bastone Brewery & Restaurant, 419 South Main at Fifth, Royal Oak
Restaurant phone: (248) 544-6250

Our assigned reading and brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Adventure of the Cardboard Box,” a case involving adultery, revenge and murder – so please be ready to lend an ear.

As an appetizer, Commissionaire Chris Music will offer a History Minute from the Mendicant archives.

And member Brad Schwartz will serve up the main course – a surprising presentation entitled “Two Suspicious Characters – Or in Defense of the Deerstalker” which firmly establishes the link between Holmes and the good doctor and a real-life crime that shocked the world.

There will also be the usual toasts plus prizes and more. We look forward to seeing you on May 1. Libations begin at 12:45 p.m. with the meeting and dinner beginning at 1 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

To join us that afternoon, please mail your check for $25 per person by FRIDAY APRIL 22 to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

Entrée choices include fish & chips, pork, salmon, chicken or steak plus soup or salad, dessert and beverages. There will also be a cash bar featuring choices from Bastone’s microbrewery.

From the Archives

2011-02-21T17:13:00.002-05:00

The Case of the Missing Plaque
By Chris Music, AMS Commissionaire and Archivist

As most Mendicants know, the first meeting between Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson, M.D. took place in 1881 at the chemical laboratory at St. Bartholomew’s Hospital in London. Dr. Watson described this meeting in detail in A Study in Scarlet.

Another great event took place in 1953, when the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit erected a plaque at St. Barts –commemorating this historic meeting. The plaque stated the following:

AT THIS PLACE NEW YEARS DAY, 1881
WERE SPOKEN THESE DEATHLESS WORDS:
“YOU HAVE BEEN
IN AFGHANISTAN, I PERCEIVE”
BY
MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES
IN GREETING TO
JOHN H. WATSON, M.D.
AT THEIR FIRST MEETING
THE BAKER STREET IRREGULARS – 1953
BY THE AMATEUR MENDICANTS AT THE CAUCUS CLUB

But what happened to this plaque? Could it really still be there after all these years? Or was it lost? Stolen? Maybe it was buried in a forgotten storage closet somewhere. Or was it still hanging in its original location? These questions prompted me to contact St. Bartholomew’s directly to inquire. Much to my delight, I received an email back from one Katie Omerod – Deputy Archivist at Barts. In it she states:

“The plaque which you refer to is very much still in existence! It is currently hanging in the Museum here at Barts, where it has been for the last 5 years or so. It was moved from its previous location in a Medical School building as no one got to see it there.”

So mystery solved! The museum at St. Barts is open to all, free of charge, Tuesday-Friday 10AM – 4PM. So next time your travels take you to London, make it a point to visit this historic site which played such an important part in both Sherlockian and Mendicant history.

(Thanks to Roger Johnson, BSI, Sherlock Holmes Society of London for the photo)

Winter Meeting Report

2011-01-30T17:00:00.001-05:00

To kick off its 65th year and to celebrate the 157th birthday of Sherlock Holmes, the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit gathered on Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the British Commonwealth Club in suburban Warren, Michigan.

The winter dinner meeting was called to order at 6:59 p.m. by John Kramb, the society’s Gasogene, who welcomed the 61 members and guests and introduced the AMS board members and the notables in the audience. Among them was member Jim Zych, who recently won first place in a contest sponsored by the national Sherlockian group, the Baker Street Irregulars, for his essay on an alternative fate of Professor Moriarty.

With society business dispensed with, the assemblage took part in a tasty buffet dinner of roast beef, chicken cordon bleu, potatoes and vegetables while chatting with friends old and new.

The usual toasts were offered by Fritzi Roth (to Mrs. Hudson), Glenn Harbaugh (Mycroft Holmes), Phil Jones (Watson’s Second Wife) and Sam Stinson (to The Woman).

Additional salutations were offered by Bev Sobolewski (to Irene Adler), by Jerry Alvin (to Watson’s First Wife with a nod to Ezekiah Hopkins, the late millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania who founded The Red-Headed League) and by your Tantalus, who served up an Isaac Asimov limerick to Holmes on his birthday and succinctly explained why a January date was selected as the Great Detective’s natal day.

Along with dessert, Anne Musial arranged another post-prandial treat, a Norwegian almond ring cake (baked by the daughter of the Norwegian consul) to commemorate the coincidental 157th birthday of that remarkable Norwegian explorer, Sigerson, who had more than a passing acquaintance with Holmes.

With the meal concluded, the Gasogene presented the annual engraved Beggar’s Cup award for the best Sherlockian presentation in 2010 to Dr. David Mohan, whose paper at the spring meeting definitively revealed that “The Mazarin Stone” in the tale of the same name was, in reality, the famous Sancy diamond.

Following that, the Tantalus rose to offer discussion points on the evening’s story, “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist.” Owing to a special guest, he graciously yielded his time and recapped the adventure with a quick limerick about the tale, again by Asimov.

Gasogene Emeritus Roy Pilot then introduced the guest, Michael Whelan, the “Wiggins” (or leader) of the Baker Street Irregulars since 1998. Whelan briefly stressed both the fellowship and the scholarship of the 300 Sherlockian societies in the U.S. and how “the game” is played, in which Holmes’ devotees maintain that he was an actual person.

To back up that assertion, several hardcover BSI books showcasing the Canon’s tales and explanations of the discrepancies in them were offered for sale all evening. To facilitate the use of these tomes, the Gasogene passed out special sets of Holmesian bookmarks, featuring The Master, the Good Doctor and the Evil Professor.

Commissionaire Chris Music then recapped a brief history of the beginnings of the AMS in the 1940s, with short illustrated profiles of the society’s founders and early members, including Russell McLauchlin, Robert Harris, the mysterious Ray Donovan and Edgar W. Smith.

Dovetailing with the Commissionaire’s presentation for every guest was a replica of the program from the Society’s 1948 Canonical dinner and a reprint of the AMS entrance examination for membership from 1946, its first year.

In keeping with the historical theme, Ed Stein, the society’s Tidewaiter, a former Gasogene and a member since 1976, revealed that he had found Harbaugh’s unopened letter of application to the society in his files and offered a delayed apology on behalf of the group, which Harbaugh goodnaturedly accepted.

Next, an assortment of Sherlockian door prizes were won by Bev Ellis, Jim O’Keefe, Tom Biblewski, Peggy Whalen, Jim Conway, Dean Weber and the Gasogene himself, marking a first in his 35-year history with the group.

As the evening drew to its close, Dr. Mohan, Anne Musial and Gayle Conway led the group in the singing of “God Save the Queen.” Richard Jeryan, the society’s Lascar, concluded the festivities with a dramatic rendition of the poem “221B” by Vincent Starrett.

The spring meeting of the AMS will be Sunday afternoon, May 1, at the Bastone Brewery in Royal Oak. Details to follow before the beginning of spring.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
AMS Tantalus

Winter Meeting Announcement

2010-12-26T09:37:00.003-05:00

“From the years 1894 to 1901 inclusive, Mr. Sherlock Holmes was a very busy man.”
— Opening line of “The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist.”

And we hope you won’t be too busy to join us for an enjoyable evening at the winter meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, commemorating the 65th anniversary of the society’s founding – and the 157th birthday of Mr. Sherlock Holmes.

Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.
British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd., Warren
(between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club phone: (586) 751-9560

Our assigned reading and brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Solitary Cyclist,” an adventure involving a beautiful woman, a bearded man and a battle for a South African fortune.

As we begin our 65th year, Commissionaire Chris Music will offer a fascinating presentation on the formation of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit and our early years.

We’ll also award the society’s coveted annual Beggar’s Cup for the Best Presentation Made in 2010.

There will also be the usual toasts – including a birthday salute to The Master – plus prizes and more. We look forward to seeing you on Jan. 29. Libations begin at 6:30 p.m. with a tasty buffet dinner at 7 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

If attending, please mail your check for $26 per person by MONDAY, JAN. 24th to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The buffet includes roast beef, chicken Cordon Bleu, tossed salad, mashed & au gratin potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls and dessert. Coffee/tea is included. As always, there will be a cash bar.

"Come at once if convenient... if inconvenient, come all the same."

Winter Meeting

2010-11-24T11:55:00.003-05:00

Mark your calendars...

Please join us for the 65th Anniversary of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit. Our next dinner meeting will be held on Saturday evening January 29th at the British Commonwealth Club in Warren, MI. More details coming soon.

In the meantime: "Wishing you the Compliments of the Season"

- Chris

Fall Meeting Report

2010-09-22T14:26:00.002-04:00

The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit turned out for its autumnal 2010 meeting, held on Sunday, Sept. 19 at the Station 885 restaurant in the bucolic suburb of Plymouth, Michigan.

Welcoming the 46 Mendicants and guests to the luncheon meeting was John Kramb, the society’s Gasogene, who gaveled the meeting to order at 1:32 p.m. He then introduced other AMS board and committee members and welcomed first-time guests.

New business was briefly mentioned and old business was dispensed with as waiters appeared with a tasty bill of fare, offering diners their choice of wild mushroom pasta sautéed in white wine, broiled whitefish in a brandy sauce or steak medallions in a Chianti demi glace.

During the repast, the usual toasts were offered, to The Woman by Bev Sobolewski, Watson’s Second Wife by Michael Ellis, Mrs. Hudson by Denny Schwartz and Mycroft Holmes by Jim Conway. Longtime AMS member Jerry Alvin also offered a liquid salute to Ezekiah Hopkins, the late American millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania and founder of The Red-Headed League.

With the dishes cleared, Richard Jeryan, the society’s Lascar, walked attendees through the finer discussion points of the assigned story, “The Stock-Broker’s Clerk,” which was judged to be one of the lesser tales in the Canon.

Next, society member Robert Musial underscored the railroad theme of the venue with a PowerPoint monograph entitled “Bradshaw’s Guide, the Engineer’s Thumb and Trains in the Canon.” This exploration of the impact of the railroad on Victorian life and its use by Holmes and Watson even managed to weave in Thomas the Tank Engine, the Hogwart’s Express and a legendary local bag lady.

As the meeting drew to a close, the door prize drawing of a limited-edition comic book featuring Sherlock Holmes battling zombies was won by Pat Mandziuk.

Members Anne Musial and Gayle Conway then led the assemblage in the time-honored chorus of “God Save the Queen.”

After that, Chris Music, society Commissionaire, announced the next meeting of the Mendicants – Saturday, January 29, 2011 at the Commonwealth Club – and closed the festivities with a stirring rendition of the poem “221-B” by Vincent Starrett.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
AMS Tantalus

September Meeting

2010-07-28T11:04:00.003-04:00

"I perceive that you have been unwell lately. Summer colds are always a little trying."
- Sherlock Holmes to Dr. Watson in 'The Stock-broker's Clerk'

We do hope you'll feel well enough to join us at the Fall meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Sunday September 19 at 1:00 PM
Station 885 Restaurant, 885 Starkweather St., Plymouth, MI 48170
Four blocks north of Plymouth Rd. (Main St.) and one block west of Mill St.
(734) 459-0885

Our assigned reading and brief Canonical discussion will concern 'The Stock-broker's Clerk', an adventure involving an unemployed man, two very mysterious brothers and the Franco-Midland Hardware Company.

As befits our location next to the railroad tracks, AMS member Robert Musial will then enlighten us with a presentation about Bradshaw's Guide, The Engineer's Thumb and the use of trains in the Canon.

There will also be the usual toasts plus prizes, good fellowship and more. We look forward to seeing you on September 19th. Libations begin at 1:00 PM with luncheon being served shortly after.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial, Tantalus

If you plan to attend, please mail your check ($25 per person) by FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 12th to:

Edward F. Stein, AMS
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI
48033

We will order from a specially prepared menu at the restaurant. Your choices are Broiled Lake Superior Whitefish OR Wild Mushroom Pasta OR Bistro Steak Medallions.

All entrees will be served with your choice of potato or rice, vegetables, rolls and coffee, tea, or soft drinks and assorted petite pastries for dessert. As always, there will be a cash bar.

"Come at once if convenient... if inconvenient come all the same"

Respectfully submitted,

Rob Musial, Tantalus

Spring Meeting Report

2010-05-27T15:30:00.001-04:00

The annual spring meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit was held May 23, 2010 amidst the bucolic surroundings of the private Grosse Pointe Hunt Club.

The society’s esteemed Gasogene John Kramb convened the Sunday lunch session of the society at 1:14 p.m. and welcomed the 52 members and guests.

Among the new attendees was John Sherwood, the dramatic agent for the famed Sherlock Holmes weekends at the Victorian Villa Inn, located in Union City, Mich.

The pre-meal miscellany included a display of AMS wearables (polo shirts and sweatshirts) available from Gloria Longueuil and news of the recuperation of member Cary Black, following his surgery. Get well soon, Cary!

During an excellent repast selected from a menu listing chicken and wild mushroom crepes, seared salmon or tender chicken piccata, Tidewaiter Walter Young arranged for the usual toasts – to The Woman (by Jim O’Keefe), Watson’s Second Wife (by Ray Mandziuk), Mrs. Hudson (Longueuil) and to Sherlock’s smarter brother, Mycroft Holmes (by Les Brudne).

The chair also recognized guest Sherwood, who offered up an additional poetic toast to Mary Morstan Watson, thereby underscoring his role as Holmes’ dramatic agent, at least when it comes to the Victorian Villa and other notable venues.

Following the gustatory portion of the meeting, Dr. David Mohan served up his investigation into one of the deeper mysteries of the assigned reading, “The Mazarin Stone,” one of the most troubling adventures in the Canon, in part because of its third-person narrative and its mash-up of previously-used Canonical gimmicks.

Nonetheless, the stalwart Dr. Mohan was able to use the clues in the story to identify the true yellow gemstone that was the real basis for the Mazarin – the actual Sancy Diamond.

This stone was first recorded in the possession of the French ambassador to Turkey in 1570 after which it wound its way through the hands of a couple of King Henrys, was pawned to raise money for at least one war, was swallowed by a faithful servant and recovered during a rather grisly autopsy, only to end up in the hands of William Waldorf Astor and the Louvre Museum.

Next, Commissionaire Chris Music administered a diabolical quiz on “The Mazarin Stone,” featuring 10 questions on major and extremely minor details in the story. After a tie-breaker question, Terri Roth earned the prize of an English crown refrigerator magnet and Patience Nauta scored the magnet emblazoned with the Union Jack.

Continuing the Mazarin theme, Phil Jones briefly illuminated the many pastiches that have been written, using characters and events from this meeting’s assigned reading.

The raffle prize, donated by Jones, was the book-length pastiche “Sherlock Holmes & the Veiled Detective,” penned by David Stuart Davies. This rare tome was taken home by Donna Garant.

As the meeting came to a close, the commissionaire reminded those in attendance that the next meeting of the Mendicants would be in October at a location to be determined soon.

Assisted by Dr. Mohan, Anne Musial then led the assembled multitude in the singing of the traditional “God Save the Queen” and Tantalus Robert Musial closed the ceremony with a dramatic reading of “A Long Evening with Holmes.”

Respectfully submitted,

R. Musial, AMS Tantalus

Spring Meeting

2010-03-25T18:15:00.005-04:00

“I’m expecting something this evening.” “Expecting what?” “To be murdered, Watson.”
— Sherlock Holmes in “The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone.”

And we hope that we can expect you at the spring meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Sunday, May 23 at 1 p.m.
Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, 655 Cook Road, Grosse Pointe Woods
Off Mack Ave., between Moross & Vernier Roads)
Club phone: (313) 884-9090

Our assigned reading and brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Mazarin Stone,” an adventure involving a stolen Crown Jewel, a prizefighter and the diabolical Count Sylvius.

To further increase our understanding, Dr. David Mohan will reveal the deeper mysteries behind this, one of the most troubling tales in the Canon.

There will also be the usual toasts plus prizes, good fellowship and more. We look forward to seeing you on May 23. Libations begin at 12:45 p.m. with a tasty luncheon buffet dinner shortly after 1 p.m.

PLEASE NOTE: Because this is a private club, the deadline for reserving your spot at the meeting is FRIDAY MAY 14. So please RSVP by then. Also please indicate your main course selection – chicken mushroom crepes, salmon or chicken piccata – with your check.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

Please choose your meal below and mail your check ($28 per person) by FRIDAY, MAY 14th to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

_Chicken & wild mushroom crepes
_Salmon
_Chicken piccata

All entrees are served with side salad, choice of potato, vegetables, rolls and coffee, tea and soft drinks. As always, there will be a cash bar.

"Come at once if convenient... if inconvenient come all the same"

Winter Meeting Report

2010-02-01T11:10:00.004-05:00

The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit returned to familiar surroundings, the British Commonwealth Club in Warren, for its January 30, 2010 meeting.

The society’s esteemed Gasogene John Kramb called the gathering to order at 7:07 p.m. and welcomed AMS members, various dignitaries and invited guests.

Due perhaps to the publicity surrounding the recent “Sherlock Holmes” movie starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, this dinner meeting drew the highest attendance ever for an AMS meeting – a total of 65 stalwart souls who braved frigid temperatures to share the Sherlockian fellowship.

Among the 10 first-time attendees were the father and son team of Denny and Brad Schwartz, who made the trip down from East Lansing, Mich.

After brief announcements and the introduction of AMS officers and the planning committee, Gasogene Kramb presented a Lifetime Achievement Award for salutary service to Walter Young, the society’s Tidewaiter and arranger of toasts, who helped reanimate the society in the late 1990s after a long hiatus. The framed award, which is the society’s highest honor, includes an authentic English tuppence as a nod to the society’s origins as a band of non-professional beggars.

A tasty repast was then served buffet-style, consisting of mashed or scalloped potatoes, vegetables, roast beef and chicken cordon bleu and the usual accompaniments, including a specially-prepared birthday cake in honor of Mr. Holmes.

During the meal, the first toast was offered to Sherlock Holmes himself, to mark the January 6 anniversary of his birth. The toast, by Tantalus Robert Musial, explained at some length how scholars determined that date to be the Master’s birthday and concluded with a limerick by Isaac Asimov.

Throughout the rest of the meal, glasses were raised and the standard toasts were offered to The Woman (by Commissionaire Chris Music), Watson’s Second Wife (by John LaFond), Mycroft Holmes (Bev Sobolewski) and Mrs. Hudson (Gloria Longueuil).

Next, longtime Mendicant Jerry Alvin rose to propose a toast. He recalled the fateful meeting between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud, which led Jung to enter his thoughts, dreams and fears in his long-suppressed so-called “Red Book,” which has only been recently published, apparently with the help of the benefactor of the Red-Headed League, the late Ezekiah Hopkins, the American millionaire from Lebanon, Penn.

During such a celebratory evening, it seemed only natural that the society’s other highest award, the annual Beggar’s Cup (which honors the best Sherlockian monograph presented at a meeting during the preceding year) was presented to Richard Jeryan, who is both the Club Lascar and the co-editor of the society’s long-awaited newsletter. Jeryan’s paper, which narrowly edged out the other contenders, concerned the history of the real lascars, which had nothing to do with newsletters.

Following that, Gasogene Kramb ignored some good-natured heckling to briefly elucidate the discussion points in the evening’s story, “The Missing Three-Quarter,” which concerns the mysterious disappearance of a rugby star. That fact alone cleared up the mystery about why the AMS officers and several audience members had donned rugby shirts for the evening.

Baker Street Irregular members Regina Stinson and Scott Monty, along with Mendicant Michael Ellis, briefly recapped the festivities at the recent annual BSI weekend in New York, all of which seemed to involve good food, fine company and modest amounts of alcohol.

In a break from tradition, the evening did not include the presentation of a learned paper by one of the club’s many scholars. Instead, members participated in an “open mic” night, offering jokes, poems and limericks about Holmes, Watson and their adventures.

Several Mendicants and guests came forward to read their selections but Michael Jones took top honors for a spirited rendition, complete with several quick changes of hats, of an incident involving our dynamic duo, a car crash, an English bobby and a monkey.

The evening’s raffle, of a rare umbrella imprinted with scenes of Victorian London, was won by member Jim Conway.

Throughout the evening, Mendicants and guests also visited the swap meet table, buying and selling a wide assortment of excess Sherlockiana, from the usual books, pamphlets and DVDs to a rare brick purported to be from the actual site of 221-B Baker Street.

As the meeting drew to a close, Commissionaire Chris Music asked all to save the date of the society’s next meeting, set for May 23 at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club.

With that, Anne Musial and Dr. David Mohan led the traditional singing of “God Save the Queen,” Lascar Jeryan offered the benediction with a spirited recitation of the poem, “221B” and the meeting adjourned at 9:37 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial,
Tantalus

Winter Meeting

2009-12-31T11:02:00.004-05:00

"There is so much red tape in these matters."
- Sherlock Holmes in "The Adventure of the Missing Three-Quarter"

We cordially invite you to help us cut through the red tape for an enjoyable evening at the Winter meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Saturday, January 30, 2010 at 7 p.m.
British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd. Warren, MI (between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club Phone: (586) 751-9560

The assigned reading and brief Canonical discussion will concern "The Missing Three-Quarter", an adventure involving a missing rugby star, a miserly uncle, and a shadowy doctor with a secret.

Instead of the traditional presentation, audience participation is on the bill as Mendicants and guests are invited to create (or borrow) and then present their favorite Sherlockian jokes, limericks, and so forth. If shy, bring yours anyway and we'll con someone into reading it for you.

We'll also award the annual Beggar's Cup for the Best Presentation of 2009 and hold a Sherlockian Swap Meet to help refine your collection - or dispose of any excess Christmas gifts you may have received.

There will also be the usual toasts - including a birthday salute to The Master - plus prizes and more. We look forward to seeing you on January 30. Libations begin at 6:30 p.m. with a tasty buffet dinner at 7 p.m.

To join us that evening, please mail your check for $27 per person by MONDAY, January 25th to:

Edward F. Stein, AMS
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The buffet includes Roast Beef, Chicken Cordon Bleu, tossed salad, mashed & au gratin potatoes, vegetable medley, rolls and dessert. Coffee/Tea is included. As always, there will be a cash bar.

Respectfully submitted,

Rob Musial
Tantalus

"Come at once if convenient... if inconvenient, come all the same."

Sherlock Holmes Movie Outing - Dec 27th

2009-12-23T09:51:00.006-05:00

Greetings Amateur Mendicants --

We will be having an informal gathering on Sunday December 27th to see the new "Sherlock Holmes" movie starring Robert Downey, Jr. We will meet at the Palladium Theatre in Birmingham for the 1:00 showing. The theatre is located in Downtown Birmingham at 250 Old North Woodward (just north of Maple Road).

Please arrive early in order to buy your tickets. Or you can by them online and be eligible for a prize here (courtesy of Scott Monty, BSI and the Baker Street Blog)

Wishing you the Compliments of the Season. Hope to see you all on the 27th!

Chris

Next Meeting

2009-10-30T15:35:00.006-04:00

Mark your calendars... the next meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit will be on Saturday evening January 30, 2010 at the Commonwealth Club in Warren, MI. Check back soon for more details.

-Chris

October Meeting Report

2009-10-11T13:18:00.002-04:00

To take advantage of a lascar-themed evening, the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit traveled to the Indian sub-continent on October 3, 2009, for its quarterly meeting.
Or rather, traveled to the Indian restaurant, Ruchi Cuisine located on the Northwestern Highway along the frontier of Southfield, Mich.

At 6:17 p.m., the society’s esteemed Gasogene, John Kramb, called the assemblage to order and welcomed members, various dignitaries and invited guests. Following a brief recitation of club business and various Sherlockian news, the 46 members and guests strolled to the other side of Ruchi’s to partake from chafing dishes loaded with tasty Indian fare, ranging from the mild to the mildly volcanic.

During the appetizers and meal, glasses were hoisted and the standard toasts were offered to Watson’s Second Wife (by Jim Conway), Mrs. Hudson (by Chris Music), Mycroft Holmes (by Frank Hostnik) and, to the musical accompaniment of temple bells, The Woman (by the dynamic duo of Bev and Michael Ellis). Longtime Mendicant Jerry Alvin also recalled that the composer Vivaldi had red hair and so offered his additional toast to the benefactor of the famed Red-Headed League, that American millionaire from Lebanon, Penn., the late Ezekiah Hopkins.

Next, your Tantalus briefly elucidated the key points in the evening’s assigned reading, “The Man with the Twisted Lip,” which involved a lascar, a mysterious disappearance and a professional mendicant – not to mention several suppositions on why, in the story, Watson’s own wife called him “James” instead of “John.”

Following that discussion, the evening’s program began as the club officers briefly illuminated what their job titles (Gasogene, Commissionaire, Tantalus and Tidewaiter) meant. For some strange reason, most had some connection to drinking. This led into the evening’s PowerPoint presentation featuring club Lascar Richard Jeryan, who left no stone unturned explaining his title, which, in the end, came down to Lascar the Sailor Man – a sailor that is in service to the British Navy and the English East India Company.

Drawing on help from the crowd, Anne Musial then revealed the evening’s free raffle winners, Ann LaFond, who took home a book detailing a tale Watson only mentioned (Holmes’ encounter with the Amateur Mendicant Society) and Eddie Stein, who scored a book containing several short Holmes exploits not scribed by Watson at all.

The evening’s $1 raffle raised $48 for club coffers as Michael Jones won a two-volume set of Leslie Klinger’s annotated Sherlock Holmes stories, graciously donated by noted vagabond Phil Jones.

As the evening wore down, Commissionaire Chris Music reminded members and guests to mark their calendars for the society’s winter meeting on January 30, 2010 in more familiar digs, the British Commonwealth Club in scenic Warren, Mich.

With that, Anne Musial, Gayle Conway and Gasogene Kramb led the traditional singing of “God Save The Queen” and Tidewaiter Eddie Stein offered the nightcap by reading the poem “221B.”
Meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m.

Fulsomely submitted,

Robert Musial
Tantalus

2009-09-06T08:38:00.002-04:00

“It is, of course, a trifle but there is nothing so important as trifles.”
— Sherlock Holmes in “The Man with the Twisted Lip”

Instead of something trifling, we forthwith tender this invitation for you to attend the special fall meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Saturday, October 3, 2009 at 6 p.m.
Ruchi Indian Cuisine, 29555 Northwestern Hwy., Southfield
(between 12 Mile & Inkster roads)
Restaurant phone: (248) 352-3200

As befits our first Indian-themed evening, our brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Man with the Twisted Lip,” an adventure that concerns Neville St. Clair, an opium den and a rascally lascar.

For the main course, AMS veteran (and club Lascar) Richard Jeryan will present “Lascarly Yours: An Imperfect Yet Scholarly Investigation.” There will also be brief etymological examinations of the other mysterious job titles of the AMS officers (Gasogene, Commissionaire, Tantalus and Tidewaiter).

We’ll also have the usual toasts, a drawing for a Holmes-related prize and other such doings. We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 3. Libations begin at 6 p.m. with a tasty buffet dinner at 6:30 p.m.

And don’t worry, old chap, the food offerings will range from very mild to spicy, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. After all, the restaurant’s name – Ruchi – is an Indian word for “tasty.”

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

To join us that evening, please mail your check for $25 per person by MONDAY, SEPT. 28th to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The dinner includes a selection of mild to spicy appetizers and vegetarian or chicken entrees, rice dishes, side entrees and dessert. Coffee/tea is included. As always, there will be a cash bar.

“Come at once if convenient … if inconvenient, come all the same.”

Sherlock Holmes Film Posters

2009-08-03T21:39:00.008-04:00

Thought you all would be interested in seeing the posters for the new Sherlock Holmes film which will be opening on Christmas Day. Looks interesting! You can also visit the website for the film here.

- Chris

Summer Meeting Report

2009-08-03T15:54:00.002-04:00

SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2009

The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit returned to familiar digs for its summer 2009 meeting – the British Commonwealth Club in suburban Warren, Mich.

The gathering was called to order at 7:17 p.m. on Saturday, July 18 by the society’s esteemed Gasogene John Kramb, who welcomed members and guests and introduced the AMS board members and notables in attendance.

Following announcements of Sherlockian news and upcoming events, the 39 attendees dug into a tasty buffet dinner of roast beef, chicken, potatoes and fixings.

During the meal, glasses were raised and the standard toasts were offered to The Woman (by Patience Nauta), Watson’s Second Wife (by Joyce Hostnik), Mrs. Hudson (by Ray Mandziuk) and Mycroft Holmes (by Regina Stinson). Longtime AMS member Jerry Alvin also offered a special toast to the benefactor of the Red-Headed League, the late Ezekiah Hopkins, the American millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania.

Next, AMS Commissionaire Chris Music briefly enumerated the key discussion points in the evening’s assigned reading, “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client.”

Among the points were the possible identity of said Client and the background of said case, which first bubbled to the surface in a Turkish bath on Sept. 3, 1902, but didn’t appear in Collier’s magazine until 1924, due no doubt in part to some procrastination on Watson’s part.

Following the story discussion, AMS Tidewaiter Walter Young revealed the discovery of a previously-unknown and uncatalogued 71-year-old research paper that referenced Holmes and stressed how often the detective fiction of the day (and the actions of the detectives) defied actual law. Young graciously provided copies of the paper, written in 1928 by the mysterious author W.L. Johnston, so that these questions could be studied further.

Then, it was time for the main course of the evening’s program – an investigation by attorney Michael Ellis on that very point: How Holmes solved cases, nabbed the malefactors and what (likely) would have happened to them next.

Weaving in Sally Jesse Raphael, the so-called “poison tree” of admissible evidence and several of his own cases including a gruesome bow-and-arrow death in which a father was supposedly mistaken for an opossum, Ellis offered his astute legal perspectives and profound insights into the Master’s methods and their likely outcomes.

Following Ellis, Gasogene Kramb and Commissionaire Music ran the evening’s raffle which Lois Krawczyk won, taking home a copy of the pastiche ‘The Adventure of the Amateur Mendicant Society’ graciously donated by Phil Jones.

In quick succession, Commissionaire Music highlighted the society’s next meeting at an Indian restaurant on October 3. Amid other merriment at that meeting, AMS Lascar Richard Jeryan will reveal just what a lascar is and the society’s other officers will detail the meanings of their Odd Jobs, none of which involves throwing a steel-rimmed top hat at a certain British secret agent.

Speaking of Britain, the meeting concluded with the traditional singing of “God Save The Queen” and the reading of the poem “221B” by Dr. David Mohan.

Belatedly submitted,

Robert Musial, Tantalus

Summer Meeting

2009-06-07T17:06:00.004-04:00

“It may be some fussy, self-important fool; it may be a matter of life or death.”

— Sherlock Holmes in “The Adventure of The Illustrious Client”

Actually, it’s neither. Instead, it’s merely the summer meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, to which you are most cordially and heartily invited.

Saturday, July 18, 2009 at 7 p.m.
British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd., Warren
(between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club phone: (586) 751-9560

Our brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Adventure of the Illustrious Client” in which a woman’s honor is saved and the evil Baron Gruner meets his match – by a surprising hand.

Following that, Tidewaiter Walter Young will introduce a previously unknown monograph dating to 1928 that investigates how “Detective Fiction Defies the Law.” The plot will then thicken as Mendicant Michael Ellis will offer his keen legal insights into the very same question.

There will also be the usual toasts, a drawing for a Holmes-related prize and other doings.

We look forward to seeing you July 18. Libations begin at 6:30 p.m. with a tasty buffet at 7 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

To attend this capital event, please mail your check for $27 per person by FRIDAY, JULY 10th to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The buffet dinner will be roast beef and chicken, potatoes, vegetables and a tossed salad. Rolls, dessert, coffee/tea included. As always, there will be a cash bar.

“Come at once if convenient … if inconvenient, come all the same.”

Spring Meeting Report

2009-04-20T18:19:00.011-04:00

A 98-year-old private hunt club tucked discreetly near the mansions of Grosse Pointe provided the setting for the 2009 annual spring meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.
Held at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, the meeting was called to order at 1:12 p.m. on Sunday, April 19 by John Kramb, the society’s esteemed Gasogene.

Standing before the clubhouse’s large fireplace and several original oil paintings of English hunting scenes, Gasogene Kramb introduced various AMS board members as well as several new attendees.

A tasty repast of seared salmon, flank steak or chicken-and-mushroom crepes was soon on its way to the 48 members and guests who had come from far and wide, braving freeway construction, vague MapQuest directions and other hazards of the open road.

Their fortitude was amply rewarded by the menu and the program, not to mention the standard honorary toasts offered up during the afternoon. Among those singled out by the hoisted glass were The Woman (offered by Fritzi Roth), Mrs. Hudson (by AMS Commissionaire Chris Music), Mycroft Holmes (by Jim Conway) and Watson’s Second Wife (by Terri Roth).

Befitting the special location were two special toasts, the first to the late Natasha Richardson, who got her acting start as Violet Hunter with Jeremy Brett in the 1985 Granada TV episode of “The Copper Beeches” (offered by AMS Tantalus Rob Musial) and finally, to Ezekiah Hopkins, the late millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania who bequeathed a fortune for the propagation of red heads and, apparently, the Detroit Red Wings (by Jerry Alvin).

Gasogene Kramb then briefly enumerated both the many Detroit-area clubs the AMS has gathered in over the years as well as the clubs mentioned in The Canon. Phil Jones next touched on his exhaustive work, cataloging the many Holmesian pastiches done over the years.

With the luncheon concluded, it was on to the meat-and-potatoes of the program, a scholarly dissertation by Sam Stinson of “The Brook Street Horror,” his story-behind-the-story of the meeting’s assigned reading, “The Adventure of The Resident Patient.”

Stinson noted the discrepancies in the both the tale and the adventure itself, foremost among them what happened to the purported 7,000 pounds that Blessington had kept in his trunk. It was Stinson’s view that Dr. Percy Trevelyan and Arthur Conan Doyle (Dr. Watson’s literary agent) were likely linked to the money by their shadowy ties to Freemasonry, which also points to a suspicious footnote in the Jack the Ripper murders.

With that line of reasoning fresh in their minds, the room turned to a 24-answer quiz on “The Resident Patient,” with several attendees earning high accolades as consulting investigators. Bobbie Gorevitz got 23 correct answers; hot on her trail were Tom Biblewski (22) and Frank Hostnik (20) – enough to earn all three the society’s beribboned medals of honor.

The raffles were next with David Gorevitz taking home the current edition of the Baker Street Journal, Eddie Stein winning the Sherlock Holmes action figure and newcomer Mel Rourk scoring the Sherlock Holmes English pewter pocket magnifier. Proceeds from the $1 raffle for the magnifier totaled $41, a princely sum that the society has decided not to invest with Bernie Madoff.

In closing, Anne Musial and Dr. David Mohan led the assembled multitude in a rousing chorus of “God Save the Queen” and Tantalus Musial concluded the event by reading the traditional poem, “221-B” by Vincent Starrett. A brief comment before the reading also cleared up a strange phrase in the poem dealing with a “view hal-loo.”

With that, we bid you a “view goo-bye.”

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
AMS Tantalus

Sherlockian Events

2009-04-17T15:40:00.002-04:00

Gasogene Emeritus Roy Pilot, BSI brings our attention to the following Sherlockian events taking place this year. All are within easy driving distance of Detroit, and will be worth the trip.

Sherlock Holmes/Arthur Conan Doyle Symposium in Dayton, Ohio, May 15-17, 2009. Contact Cathy Gill Phone: 513-681-5507 or email: chipsworth@fuse.net

"The Remarkable Characters of Arthur Conan Doyle" A symposium and exhibition celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the Birth of Arthur Conan Doyle will be held at The Lilly Library at the Indiana University September 26, 2009. Capacity. limited to 75 people. To receive further information and be on the mailing list send your name, mailing address, phone number to: lillylibraryconference@yahoo.com

The 40th Bouchercon World Mystery Convention is being held in Indianapolis Oct. 15-18, 2009. Visit: www.bouchercon2009.com for information

(and of course don't forget the Summer Meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit which will take place on Saturday July 18th at the Commonwealth Club in Warren)

Spring Meeting Announcement - April 19

2009-03-14T19:37:00.006-04:00

"Appreciation of nature found no place among his many gifts..."
- Dr. Watson on Sherlock Holmes in "The Resident Patient"

Unlike Holmes, we hope that you will be able to appreciate nature in a unique equestrian setting at the Spring meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, to which you are most cordially invited.

Sunday April 19, 2009 at 1 PM
The Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, 655 Cook Road, Grosse Pointe Woods
(east of Mack Avenue between Moross and Vernier Roads)
Club Phone: (313) 884-9090

Our brief canonical discussion will concern "The Resident Patient" in which Holmes and Watson investigate a strange patient and an apparent suicide, though many things may not be what they seem.

Following that, Mendicant member Sam Stinson will offer a brief monograph on the same story. There will be a quiz on said "Patient" with prizes plus the usual toasts, a raffle for a Sherlock Holmes pewter pocket magnifier and other doings.

Note: Because this is a private, members-only club, reservations and menu choices must be made by Friday April 10. We will be unable to take your reservation after that date so please saddle up and act now - and indicate your entree selection with your check.

We look forward to seeing you April 19. Libations begin at 12:30 PM with a sumptuous repast at 1:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Rob Musial - Tantalus

Meeting Notices

2009-02-28T19:15:00.003-05:00

Mark your calendars...
The next Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit events will be as follows:

Spring Meeting:
Sunday April 19th - Brunch 1:00 PM
Grosse Pointe Hunt Club, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
'The Resident Patient'
(Details forthcoming)

Summer Meeting:
Saturday July 18th - Dinner 6:30 PM
British Commonwealth Club, Warren, MI
'The Illustrious Client'

Hope to see you all soon
Thanks!
-Chris

Winter Meeting

2009-02-07T13:02:00.009-05:00

Winter’s chill could not deter 48 members and guests from attending the January 31, 2009 meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit at the Commonwealth Club in Warren, Mich.

After a warm welcome, various Mendicants illumined fellow club members with all sorts of Sherlockian miscellany, including word of a new Sherlock Holmes movie coming in the fall and starring Robert Downey, Jr. Unfortunately, based on the lengthy clipping enumerated by longtime Mendicant Ed Stein, it seems that Downey will be playing the Master as an action hero, a sort of “Indiana Holmes.” This characterization of course is much the antithesis of the World’s First Consulting Detective and Stein reminded those in attendance that deerstalker-clad Mendicants had locally picketed a movie in the 1970s that took ridiculous liberties with our hero. Let Hollywood be forewarned!

Mendicants doing what we do best - eating.

During a fine buffet dinner of English-style roast beef, savory chicken and suitable accompaniments, glasses were raised for the traditional toasts. They were made by Carey Black (to Mrs. Hudson); Michael Smith (to The Woman); Gloria Longueuil (to Dr. Watson’s Second Wife, the lovely Violet Hunter); Patience Nauta (to Mycroft Holmes) and finally, by Jerry Alvin (to one Ezekiah Hopkins, the American millionaire from Lebanon, Pa., who so munificently provided for the propagation of redheads).

That business done with, Gasogene Kramb and Commissionaire Chris Music next surprised your correspondent with the award of the annual Beggar’s Cup, given yearly to the member making a significant contribution to Sherlockian scholarship (i.e. writing and presenting a monograph on an arcane topic in The Canon). The award, a shiny tin cup emblazoned with an engraved nameplate, is one of the most revered in literary criticism, at least in some circles.

Recipient of the 2009 Beggar's Cup - Tantalus Rob Musial

Next, Gasogene Kramb raised several interesting discussion points in the evening’s story, “The Boscombe Valley Mystery,” including the fact that it was the first case of murder in The Canon, the first short story involving Inspector Lestrade and the first case in which Holmes did not remand the killer to the constabulary.

Following that thoughtful exposition, Gasogene Emeritus Roy Pilot regaled the multitude by playing two amusing recordings from “The Songs of Baker Street,” an $18.95 CD available from The Wessex Press. The two tunes, an “Irregular Song” and “We Never Mentioned Aunt Clara,” were originally recorded at a meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society in the 1950s.

After that, your correspondent presented the evening’s monograph, “The Original Musgrave Riddle: An English Village Mystery.” Dating back to the 1400s, the riddle involved an older branch of the Musgraves and the last wild boar in England and was accidentally uncovered by my wife and me while hiking in the north of England in 2007.

Organized by Anne Musial, the traditional AMS drawing was then held and saw Sherlock Holmes books go to Chuck Longueuil, Jim Conway, Anthony Armor and your correspondent. The final raffle of the last of four Sherlock Holmes’ marble tiles (this one bearing a Sidney Paget drawing from “The Musgrave Ritual”) was won by Gloria Longueuil.

Members stand for the reading of '221B'

Commissionaire Music then reminded the group that the next meeting of the AMS would be a Sunday brunch on April 19 at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club. Details to come but save the date.
As the evening drew to a close, Dr. David Mohan, Gayle Conway and Anne Musial led the group in the singing of “God Save the Queen” and the Lascar, Richard Jeryan, read the traditional closing poem, “221-B,” after which the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

Former Gasogene Ed Stein negotiates the final bill with Chef George.

Winter Meeting Announcement

2009-01-01T14:43:00.004-05:00

There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact.”
— Sherlock Holmes in “The Boscombe Valley Mystery”

We mean no deception to start off the New Year, just the obvious fact that soon, it will be time for the winter meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, to which you are most cordially invited.

Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 7 p.m.
The British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd., Warren
(between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club phone: (586) 751-9560

Our brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Boscombe Valley Mystery” in which Holmes, Watson and Inspector Lestrade investigate possible patricide in the countryside involving one Charlie McCarthy, though he’s no dummy.

The meeting, which celebrates Holmes’ 155th birthday, will also feature the usual toasts, a prize drawing and other merriment.

As part of the evening, there will be a learned presentation about The Original Musgrave Mystery – one that predates that famous family’s “ritual – which two Mendicants uncovered while hiking in England.

We look forward to seeing you on January 31. Libations begin at 6:30 p.m. with a hearty dinner at 7 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

To attend this festive event, please mail your check for $27 per person by Monday, Jan. 26 to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The dinner includes English-style roast beef, savory chicken, au gratin & whipped potatoes, a vegetable medley plus dessert, coffee and tea. As always, a cash bar will be available.

Compliments of the Season

2008-12-14T18:58:00.006-05:00

Mark your calendars. The Winter Meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit will take place on Saturday evening, January 31, 2009 at the British Commonwealth Club in Warren. 2009 marks the 63rd anniversary of the AMS.

An official meeting notice will be coming soon, so keep an eye on your email and keep checking the website.

Wishing you the Compliments of the Season...

Thanks
Chris

From the Gasogene

2008-11-10T18:49:00.003-05:00

Greetings Amateur Mendicants:

As I write this, I’ve recently returned from the Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, held over the Labor Day weekend (Editors note: OK, so I'm a little late posting this). It was dedicated to LeMans - series sports and closed wheel racing cars and was quite entertaining.

Now, astute readers may recognize that “Detroit”, “Belle Isle”, “grand prix”, and “LeMans" are all French words. Which also might remind us, of course, that Sherlock Holmes was of French origin. In “The Greek Interpreter”, Holmes claimed that, “My ancestors were country squires…my grandmother…was the sister of Vernet, the French artist.”

It should be of little surprise, then, that Holmes’ quirky and, occasional, moody behavior, might reflect the French temperament.
But I digress.

With a change in seasonal moods, we’ve set our fall meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society (the fourth of this calendar year) at a new venue, the historic Dakota Inn in Detroit.

Rather than write a narrative recap of the Mendicant year, let me offer you a brief summary of our 2008 so far:

By the Numbers:

Meetings held: 4 (Feb. 2, May 4, Aug. 2, Oct. 11)
Venues: 3 (Commonwealth Club, Detroit Yacht Club, Dakota Inn)
Papers presented: 4; Winter (Roy Pilot – Narcotics in the Canon); Spring (Rob Musial - Bruce Partington submarines); Summer (Regina Stinson - Holmes in Film); Fall (David Mohan - Irene Adler)
AMS attendees at meetings: 213
Toasts given: 18
Lascars appointed: 1 (Richard Jeryan)
Beggar's Cap newsletters published: 2 (May and September)
Beers consumed at meetings: 527 (good grief!)
Lifetime achievement awards given: 3 (Jerry Alvin and Edward Stein and one in process)
Stories Discussed: “Second Stain” (winter), “Naval Treaty” (spring), “Reigate Squires” (summer), “Copper Beeches” (fall)
Number of words in “The Naval Treaty”: 12,631
Planning meetings conducted: 6 (all at the Commonwealth Club on “fish and chips” night)
Beggar's Cup writing awards presented: 2 (Michael Ellis and David Mohan)
Sherlockian porcelain tiles (with S. Paget portraits of Holmes) auctioned: 4

“God Save the Queen” sung (out of tune): 4 times
Steak pies consumed: 93 (gasp!)
Tributes to Ezekiah Hopkins, founder of the Red Headed League: 2 (given by Jerry Alvin)
AMS Website updates: 12 YTD; 16 by year end
Quizzes administered: Only 1 so far (Spring meeting; winners: Regina Stinson 1st, Chris Jeryan 2nd)
Announcements made by Ray Mandzuik - 27 (just kidding, Ray)

So, by most any measure, we have had a fun and successful year.

As an aside, precautions must be taken to insure our little scion is not infiltrated with (ahem ) “undesirables.”

At the summer meeting, a new person attended, a “W. Scott Monty”, an alias name if I ever heard one.

Then, in the most recent edition of the “Jib Sheet”, the newsletter of the Detroit Yacht Club (issued just after our meeting at the club), I found the following “new member” announcement:

“The Membership Committee would like to Welcome the following new members to the Detroit Yacht Club.

Kathleen Vandelaare & James Moriarty (!)”

So, beware, and remember – “Loose lips sink ships”.

In conclusion, dear friends, I thank you for your active support and participation in 2008.
And I assure you that, looking forward, we are planning a series of meetings for 2009 that will be fun and entertaining for the membership along with paying homage to our mentors, Sherlock Holmes and Dr James Watson.

Yours in Holmes,

John Kramb, Gasogene.

Fall Meeting Minutes

2008-11-10T18:47:00.002-05:00

Some 37 members and guests enjoyed their own version of Oktoberfest at the Fall 2008 meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Gasogene John Kramb called the Saturday afternoon luncheon meeting to order at 1:29 p.m. Oct. 11 inside a Detroit landmark, the Dakota Inn Rathskeller.

Gasogene Emeritus Roy Pilot briefly enumerated some of the big Holmesian events coming up in 2009 but these will be recapped at a later date.

Next, longtime Mendicant Bobbi Gorevitz received the club’s special framed award, complete with an English tuppence, from Gasogene Kramb in honor of her long and faithful service and cheerful demeanor.

The usual toasts were offered to The Woman (by Rob Musial); Mrs. Hudson (Phil Jones); brother Mycroft (Frank Hostnik) and Watson’s Second Wife (not sure who).

Also toasted was a strange ursine creature, Bearlock Holmes (Bev Sobolewski). It seems this diminutive Inverness-clad creature has been attending meetings for some time now, but without paying dues since the club has, at present, no membership category for teddy bears.

As for the repast, it consisted of the best of the wurst, including bratwurst and knackwurst plus schnitzel, German potato salad and yah, some strudel along with the appropriate beverages.

As for the meat of the program, Commissionaire Chris Music provided discussion points on the story of the day, “The Adventure of the Copper Beeches,” which raised eyebrows in some circles by alluding to Violet Hunter’s secret crush on Holmes. It was enough to give one a case of the vapors.

Next, palates were whetted by Tantalus Musial who offered a brief monograph on “The Armament Question or Germans in the Canon,” a paper that deftly recounted the appearances of Germans in the Sherlock stories, not to mention in British royalty. Musial also managed to link that classic Canonical adventure, “A Scandal in Bohemia” to Detroit’s own Stroh’s Bohemian Beer.

All of which, of course, merely set the stage for the main course, a scholarly investigation by Dr. David Mohan on Holmes’ view of the fairer sex plus the identity of the real-life personage who served as the model for Irene Adler.

Contrary to the commonly-accepted wisdom of Holmes as a misogynist, Dr. Mohan was able to show that The Master had quite an understanding of and sympathy for women. Following the slenderest of threads, Mohan next categorically proved that the real model for Adler was none other than the famed chanteuse Lola Montez (cue the tambourine). Among the other facts marshaled by Mohan was the singular one that Ms. Montez had carried on with the model for the Bavarian count in the story, King Ludwig of Bavaria.

After the assemblage had time to digest that supposition, the door prize of a Sherlock Holmes pub towel was won and taken home by none other than member Cary Black.

Commissionaire Music then informed the group that the next meeting of the AMS would take place on January 31, 2009 at the club’s home base, the Commonwealth Club in suburban Warren. Details will be forthcoming.

Because of the location, there was one more song besides the club’s traditional coda, the singing of “God Save the Queen.” That occurred when a dirndl-clad waitress led the gathering in a rousing rendition of the Inn’s famous “Yah, dis ist mein Schnitzelbank” song.

With that, Gasogene Kramb adjourned the meeting at 4:31 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
Tantalus

Fall Meeting Notice

2008-09-03T08:13:00.006-04:00

“There was but one woman to him, and that woman was the late Irene Adler…”
— Sherlock Holmes, in “A Scandal in Bohemia”

And what better place to consider the mystery behind this woman and this story than at the fall afternoon meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, to which you are most cordially invited.

Saturday, October 11, 2008 at 1 p.m.
Dakota Inn Rathskeller, 17324 John R Steet, Detroit
just north of McNichols (Six Mile) Road
Phone: (313) 867-9722

Our brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Adventure of the Copper Beeches,” in which Holmes’ client, Violet Hunter, is asked to do some very odd things by her employer Jephro Rucastle. There will also be the usual toasts, a prize drawing and raffle for an exciting piece of Sherlockian memorabilia.

Then, since we are meeting at Detroit’s only authentic German bar and restaurant, Mendicant member Dr. David Mohan will present his investigation into just who was the real Irene Adler of “A Scandal in Bohemia” – and he’ll also offer a brief analysis of how Holmes’ viewed women and why.

The Dakota Inn has been offering foamy suds, German food and gemutlichkeit (a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy friends) since 1933. Secure parking is provided. For more, visit: http://www.dakota-inn.com/ on the Web.

We look forward to seeing you on Oct. 11th. Libations begin at 1 p.m. with a hearty lunch at 1:30 p.m.

To attend this festive event, please mail your check for $25 per person by Monday, Oct. 6 to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The hearty lunch includes bratwurst, knackwurst, schnitzel, German potato salad, vegetables and, ya, strudel plus rolls and coffee and or tea. As always, there will be a cash bar.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rob Musial, Tantalus

Summer Meeting Minutes

2008-08-03T09:52:00.010-04:00

A total of 57 members and guests attended the summer 2008 meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, tying the club’s record for best attendance at one of its meetings.
The Aug. 2 dinner meeting at the veddy British Commonwealth Club in suburban Warren was called to order at 7:06 p.m. by the club Gasogene, John Kramb.

Our home for the evening - the British Commonwealth Club of Michigan.

Among the noted guests in attendance was W. Scott Monty II, a member of the Baker Street Irregulars (“Corporal Henry Wood,” 2001) and the Speckled Band of Boston. Among other duties, Monty oversees advertising and inquiries for the Baker Street Journal, writes the Baker Street Blog (which catalogs current events in the Sherlockian world) and operates “I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere,” the only podcast aimed at devotees of The Master. Also attending their first meeting (and hopefully, not the last) were Dennis and Linda Ward.

Before a tasty buffet repast of chicken and/or steak pie and assorted side dishes, the society was informed of the latest Good News / Bad News situation, depending on one’s view. The Good News came with word of a new Sherlock Holmes movie, scheduled to begin shooting in October in London. Starring Robert Downey, Jr., the movie, said to be based on Dr. Watson’s stories and a comic book (!), will be directed by Mr. Madonna, Guy Ritchie.

Following on those heels, the Bad News presented itself with word that another Holmes’ picture is also in production, this one starring Sacha Baron Cohen as the title character and that esteemed Shakespearean stage presence, Will Ferrell, as the good doctor. As Holmes himself might say, “Good God, Watson, it’s worse than we thought!”

Fortunately, members were able to drown those sorrows with the evening’s usual toasts, to Watson’s Second Wife (presented by Ray Mandziuk), Mrs. Hudson (offered by Patience Nauta), Mycroft Holmes (given by Mark Diehl) and finally, The Woman (recalled by Rob Musial). Mandziuk also hoisted an extra one for Holmes.

Amateur Mendicants debating many fine points of Sherlockian Scholarship (and enjoying a few cocktails)

The Gasogene also recognized the salutary service and meritorious ministrations of longtime Mendicant, Dr. Edward Stein, who was presented with a special life membership certificate, emblazoned with an actual English tuppence.

Dr. Edward F. Stein, AMS receiving an award for his 30+ years of loyal service to the Society.

Recently-anointed club Lascar, Richard Jeryan, then led the assembly through the finer points of the assigned story, “The Reigate Squire(s)/Puzzle,” foremost among them, how that adventure came to be known under three titles.

The meat of the evening came with the presentation of a scholarly investigation, “The Moving Sherlock: A Study in Pictures,” by Mendicant and BSI Regina Stinson, who is also a co-founder of the Ribston-Pippins scion of Royal Oak, Mich.

Amply illustrated with clips from more than a dozen movies, Stinson’s monograph showed how the cinematic portrayal of Holmes has changed over the years, from William Gillette and John Barrymore to Jeremy Brett and Rupert Everett, not to mention Larry Hagman and Charlton Heston. Oh yes, and some guy named Basil Rathbone, too.

Regina Stinson, BSI delivering the evenings main event - a study of Holmes as depicted in film.

A raffle of the third commemorative marble tile, this one depicting a deerstalker-and-Inverness cape-clad Holmes as pictured by Sydney Paget in “The Silver Blaze,” brought $59 to the club’s coffers and was awarded to Pat Drzinski. A DVD, “The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes” was won by Anthony Armour while Gayle Conway took home the “Blue Carbuncle” CD.

As the meeting wound down, Commissionaire Chris Music informed the gathering that the next meeting of the Society would take place on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 11. The location will be the historic Dakota Inn Rathskeller in Detroit, which has been pouring out beer and camaraderie since 1933. More details will be forthcoming, after Labor Day.

Finally, Anne Musial and Gayle Conway led the group in the traditional singing of “God Save the Queen” and Rob Musial read Vincent Starrett’s poem “221-B” and the meeting drew to a close at 10:04 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial Tantalus

Summer Meeting

2008-06-17T16:24:00.004-04:00

“These are much deeper waters than I had thought.”
— Sherlock Holmes, in “The Reigate Squire(s)” or “The Reigate Puzzle”

Deep waters they are indeed since this mystery is actually known by one of three titles. But have no fear. All will be made clear, at the annual Summer Meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit – to which you are most cordially invited.

Saturday, August 2, 2008 at 7 p.m.
British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd., Warren
(between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club phone: (586) 751-9560

Our brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Reigate Squires,” in which Holmes, while recuperating in the Surrey countryside, plumbs the depth of those deep waters and manages to solve a murder case as part of his therapy. There will also be the usual toasts, a prize drawing and raffle for the third of four commemorative Canonical marble tiles imprinted with a classic illustration by Sidney Paget.

In keeping with the summer blockbuster season, Regina Stinson, a Baker Street Irregular and AMS member as well as the Gasogene of the Ribston-Pippins scion, will present “The Moving Sherlock: A Study in Pictures,” illuminating how the cinematic portrayal of Holmes has changed over the years, from silent films to Basil Rathbone and on through Jeremy Brett.

We look forward to seeing you on August 2nd. Libations begin at 6:30 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m.

To attend this festive event, please mail your check for $25 per person by Monday, July 28 to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.
25015 Oakbrooke
Southfield, MI 48033

The buffet dinner will be roasted chicken and English steak pie, potatoes, vegetables and a tossed salad. Rolls, dessert, coffee/tea included. As always, there will be a cash bar.

Respectfully Submitted,

Rob Musial

Tantalus

Notice

2008-05-23T08:36:00.001-04:00

From Andrew Gulli, Managing Editor of The Strand Magazine:

Bestselling Writer and Artist Jonathan Santlofer lectures on crime, art, and Sherlock Holmes.The bestselling author of The Anatomy Fear will be in Birmingham, Michigan on June 18 at 7pm in the Baldwin Library (300 W Merrill, Birmingham Michigan). Santlofer will give a lecture about writing, crime, art, and of course one of his favorite fictional characters, Sherlock Holmes. In addition to being a world famous author, his works have been exhibited in museums worldwide including the DIA. We look forward to having Mendicants listen to this entertaining and enlightening speaker. Five limited editions prints will be given in a raffle for those attending the event and those who purchase his most recent novel The Murder Notebook.

Spring Meeting Report

2008-05-04T19:19:00.011-04:00

The spring meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit was held on Sunday May 4, 2008 at the Detroit Yacht Club on Belle Isle, the historic city park in the middle of the Detroit River.

Our home for the afternoon - the venerable Detroit Yacht Club

Perhaps allowing for the perfect, sunny May weather (or to allow a few extra minutes for stragglers to make their way upstairs from the bar), Gasogene John Kramb called the meeting to order at 1:07 p.m.

After the requisite bits of club business, a tasty luncheon was served, consisting of either chicken breasts in a white wine and lemon sauce; marinated flank steak with a mushroom Bordelaise sauce or Michigan whitefish in a chardonnay cream sauce.

The meal was punctuated by the standard toasts to The Woman (by John and Ann LaFond, marking what is believed to be the first dual toast in the club's 62-year history), Watson's Second Wife (by club Tidewaiter Walter Young), Mrs. Hudson (by Jim Conway, with an inspired piece of doggerel) and Mycroft Holmes (by Glen Harbaugh). In keeping with club tradition, longtime AMS stalwart Jerry Alvin also called for glasses to be raised to one Ezekiah Hopkins, the late millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, who so encouraged book learning and also the propagation of redheads.

A view of the Detroit skyline from the DYC terrace

After the repast, Gasogene Kramb surprised the flock by announcing the special lifetime appointment of member Richard Jeryan to the highly honorary post of club Lascar, thereby correcting a serious gap in the leadership structure of the AMS, and one that had hitherto escaped notice, though it had been required by club bylaws.

Next, Commissionaire Chris Music led a discerning discussion of both the singular and the finer points found in the meeting's discussion story, "The Naval Treaty," the longest short story in The Canon, and one that has nothing to do with a particular type of orange.

Quizmistress Bobbi Gorevitz next guided the 49 gathered members and guests in an seven question quiz on "The Naval Treaty," with a bonus question for extra points. Scoring at the top of the class, with 11 1/2 points on the difficult 16-point exam, was member Regina Stinson, a founding member of the Ribston-Pippins scion of Royal Oak, Michigan. She was followed closely by Chris Jeryan with 9 1/2 points, no doubt inspired by the great honor that had just been bestowed on her husband, the newly-minted Lascar. For their efforts, both scholars were awarded beribboned bronzed medallions, suitable for engraving.

Mendicants congratulate our new 'Lascar' - Richard Jeryan (center)

In the prize raffle drawing, the honors continued to pour in as Lascar Jeryan's name was drawn and the new officer (and co-editor of the club's irregular newsletter, The Beggar's Cap) earned the second of four commemorative hand-cut and tumbled marble tiles, inscribed with a Sidney Paget illustration from another of the Master's nautical adventures, "The Gloria Scott." This raffle also enriched the club's coffers by $46.

In the everyone-gets-a-chance attendance drawing, member Patience Nauta's name was randomly drawn, enabling her to take home a sumptuously-bound, pocket-sized version of "The Hound of the Baskervilles," generously donated by Bev Sobolewski, perhaps out of a sense of fairness since she most often seems to capture the loot in this category.

Mendicants enjoying lunch in the 'Trophy Room' at the DYC

Next came a scholarly treatise on the history of the England's three most famous submarines, an insightful monograph that, thanks to research on two continents and PowerPoint legerdemain, managed to definitively link the Bruce-Partington submarine detailed (or barely detailed) in the Canon to the special underwater Lotus driven by Roger Moore in "The Spy Who Loved Me" and to a certain Yellow Submarine crewed by the Fab Four from that English port of Liverpool. This presentation, by yours truly, also managed to weave in the USS Cero, a vintage World War II submarine that somehow, in the 1960s, ended up docked in the Detroit River across from the location of the gathering.

Finally, when that topic was exhausted, Commissionaire Music detailed the upcoming summer meeting, set for Aug. 2 at the Commonwealth Club in Warren, Michigan, and the gathering was adjourned, following the traditional singing of "God Save The Queen" and the reading of the poetic classic, "221-B."

Anne Musial and Dr. David Mohan lead us in singing 'God Save the Queen'

Respectfully submitted,

Robert MusialTantalus

May Meeting Announcement

2008-04-01T08:28:00.005-04:00

“You noticed, of course, that his boots had been resoled”
— Sherlock Holmes, in “The Naval Treaty”

And while Sole won’t be on the menu, Michigan Whitefish and two other entrees will, at the annual Spring Meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit – to which you are most cordially invited.

Sunday, May 4, 2008 at 1 p.m.
Detroit Yacht Club, 1 Riverbank Road, Belle Isle, Detroit
Club phone: (313) 824-1200

As part of the afternoon’s festivities, the brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Naval Treaty,” in which Holmes, with considerable panache, helps recover an important document for an old schoolmate of Watson’s. There will be a story quiz with prizes, toasts and a raffle for the second of four commemorative Canonical marble tiles, this one depicting a Sidney Paget illustration from “The ‘Gloria Scott’.”

In keeping with our location and theme, AMS member Robert Musial will detail his investigation into another nautical story from the Canon, “The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans,” which concerns the least well-known of England’s three most famous submarines.

Please be sure to designate your entrée selection on the form below and return it with your remittance.

We look forward to seeing you on May 4th. Libations begin at 1 p.m. with dinner at 2 p.m.
Choices (pick one in advance):

Chicken Piccata, Roast Flank Steak, or Michigan Whitefish

(Chicken Breast w/ Lemon, Capers, White Wine and Artichoke Hearts OR Marinated Flank Steak, Sliced, w/ Mushroom Bordelaise Sauce OR Fish Fillet w/ Chardonnay Cream Sauce.)

All entrees include house salad, vegetables, fresh rolls, coffee, tea or iced tea and cake.
There will also be a cash bar.

- Respectfully Submitted, Rob Musial, Tanatalus

From the Gasogene

2008-03-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

Greetings Amateur Mendicants. As I write this brief message, I have just returned from a live telecast of the 6 Nations Cup rugby matches. The England national team thoroughly beat Ireland, 33 – 10, and finished second overall in the cup standings this year to undefeated Wales.

Now, some of you may be wondering if Holmes and Watson ever conducted a case in Wales. Most of you have read The Adventure of the Missing Three Quarter (a player position in rugby). This case, of course, reminds us that Cyril Overton played rugby for England against Wales. But, as for cases in Wales, there is no published account of any conducted there. But I digress.

We are about to enter the 62nd year since the formation of the Amateur Mendicant Society. Last year, we held four dinner meetings at various Detroit area venues. All the meetings were well attended, and I speculate that most everyone enjoyed themselves. You might wonder why we do the things we do. Let me explain.

For all our meetings, we attempt to select a venue (i.e., a club or a restaurant) with some ambiance, decent food, a well-stocked bar, and an affordable price. You may recall that last year, we had meetings at the British Commonwealth Club, at the (late, great) Fox and Hounds Restaurant, and at the Rochester Mills Brewing Company. Our plans for this year include the Commonwealth Club, the Detroit Yacht Club, and another as-yet underdetermined venue.

The agendas for our meetings have a familiar pattern to them. We make introductions and announcements, we have several toasts to famous characters in the Canon, we eat, we discuss a story, and we have a presenter offer a ‘scholarly paper’. On occasion, we impose a ‘quiz’ on the membership. We award prizes and auction items of Sherlockian provenance, we hail The Queen in song, we read a poem, and we adjourn.

The formula seems to work as we have been able to find the proper balance between scholarship and irreverence, between tradition and ad hoc happenings, and between general social interaction and focus on Holmes and Watson. You should expect more of the same, perhaps with a few twists, in 2008, not because we are lazy planners or unwilling to try new ideas. We just have a certain comfort level with the program format, and based on the attendance at meetings, so do you.

I was asked not long ago, why we always make the same four toasts at our meetings. Toasts are part of our tradition, and out or respect for our traditions, we always toast The Women, Mrs. Hudson, Watson’s Second Wife, and Mycroft Holmes.

Why? Because these toasts were offered at the AMS Resurrection Dinner on 15 Dec 1975 at The Sixpence Restaurant in Warren, MI. We have made the same toasts ever since. On occasion, other toasts have made the program as well. Bob Harris always made a toast to “The Queen” and Jerry “Red” Alvin usually offers a toast to Ezekiah Hopkins (said to have made his fortune in America and founded the Red Headed League). We have toasted the Hound, young Stamford, Murray, Holmes’ birthday, and some of our deceased AMS members. Apparently, we are not restricted by our traditions, we merely embrace them.

So, I welcome you to another year with your friends, with Holmes and Watson, to frivolous entertainment, to Sherlockian scholarship, and to camaraderie. Although we have much to look forward to in 2008, when we gather three of four times a year to celebrate the cases of Holmes and Watson, a respectful glance at our traditions might remind us, in the words of Vincent Starrett:

“Here, though the world explode, these two survive,
And it is always 1895.”

John Kramb, Gasogene.

Redford Theatre

2008-03-27T10:49:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to make you aware that the Redford Theatre will be showing the 1944 Basil Rathbone/Nigel Bruce film "The Scarlet Claw" the weekend of August 22/23.

For those of you who have never been, the Redford Theatre is a classic, neighborhood movie theatre originally opened in 1928. Definately worth the trip!

- Chris

Winter Meeting Report

2008-02-03T12:55:00.002-05:00

Braving snowdrifts and freezing temperatures, 58 Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit members and their guests convened at the British Commonwealth Club in Warren, Michigan on February 2, 2008.

The annual winter dinner meeting of the AMS was called to order at 6:50 p.m. by Gasogene John Kramb, who briefly illuminated the evening’s action-packed agenda.

A roomfull of happy Sherlockians!

First, Tantalus Emeritus Ray Mandziuk shared information on two new publications, “The Quintessential Sherlock Holmes” by Richard Lewis Boyer and “The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes” by Andrew Lycett plus “Sherlock Holmes – Classic Radio Shows” from Nostalgia Ventures. He also endorsed the BBC TV series now out on DVD about another detective, “Prime Suspect,” starring Helen Mirren.

Mandziuk also informed the gathering about another Holmesian gathering – this year’s Dayton Symposium entitled “The Year of the Yard” being held in that Ohio city March 7-9. For info, call Cathy Gill @ 513-681-5507 or e-mail her at: chirpsworth@fuse.net.

Gasogene Emeritus Roy Pilot, the evening’s speaker, also reminded the audience that Vincent Starrett’s “The Private of Lives of Sherlock Holmes” had recently been reprinted as had a book containing essays about that master Sherlockian collector, Richard Lancelyn Green.

As an Oscars-month surprise, the Beggar’s Cup awards for Sherlockian scholarship were awarded to authors of the best papers presented at an AMS meeting in the previous year. For the inaugural year, the handsome tin cups with engraved plates honored local scholars Michael Ellis, Esq., and Dr. David Mohan.

Recipients of this year's 'Beggar's Cup' awards for outstanding Sherlockian Scholarship - Michael Ellis and David Mohan

The awards serve as a reminder of the sterling rewards awaiting those whose serious study of the Canon result in papers presented at future meetings. So crack those books and get cracking.

As always, a series of toasts enlivened the evening, with salutes to Mycroft Holmes (by Michael Smith), Mrs. Hudson (Penny Griffin), Watson’s Second Wife (Sam Stinson), The Woman (Ray Mandziuk) and to Ezekiah Hopkins, the late millionaire from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, who left his fortune to establish The Red-Headed League for the propagation of redheads everywhere (Jerry Alvin).

Jerry Alvin describes the tenuous link between John L. Sullivan and Ezekiah Hopkins of Lebanon, Pennsylvania - founder of the Red Headed League.

Gasogene Kramb then recognized Alvin with another surprise inaugural award, a framed and matted certificate bearing an authentic English coin, honoring former redhead Alvin for his years of meritorious service to the AMS.

Next, Kramb and Tantalus Robert Musial quizzed the assembled multitude on key points in the evening’s story, “The Second Stain,” which contained such Canonical conundrums as the location of Sussex Downs, how Eduardo Lucas came to be fingered in the case and why a certain lady didn’t just slip the letter back in the dispatch box and save everyone a lot of trouble.

That settled, attendees next enjoyed a hearty repast of roasted chicken, English steak pie, salad and more.

The highlight of an Amateur Mendicant Society event.... FOOD!

The meat of the evening came next as Gasogene Emeritus Pilot presented a learned paper on narcotics use in Victorian times. Drawing on years of research as a pharmacist, Pilot dissected the pharmacopeia of the times, from the famed seven-percent solution of cocaine to morphine and opium. As an added fillip, diners also got to munch on cookies baked by Anne Musial and dubbed “Opi-yums” for their poppy seed content.

Gasogene-emeritus Roy Pilot gives his excellent presentation on the use of narcotics in the 19th century.

With the presentation concluded, Al Calderini won the drawing for the first of four Sherlock Holmes marble tiles imprinted with a drawing by Sidney Paget.

The meeting concluded at 9:41 p.m. after Anne Musial and Dr. Mohan led the group in a rousing chorus of “God Save The Queen” and Commissionaire Chris Music read the famous poem, “221-B.”

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial
Tantalus

February 2008 Meeting

2007-11-30T13:20:00.000-05:00

“Watson – I perceive you’ve spilled something on your waistcoat again.”
— something Sherlock Holmes does not say in “The Adventure of the Second Stain”

This is to spill the beans about the Winter 2008 meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit – to which you are most cordially invited.

Saturday, February 2, 2008 6:30 PM
British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd., Warren
(between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club phone: (586) 751-9560

As part of the evening’s festivities, the brief Canonical discussion will concern “The Adventure of Second Stain,” a case brought to Holmes’ attention by the Prime Minister. It concerns a murder, a missing document of vital importance and a bloodstained carpet. Extra credit to those who actually read the story.

After the usual toasts and a fine buffet of English fare, the main course will be a presentation by Baker Street Irregular and Gasogene Emeritus Roy Pilot on the use (and misuse) of various drugs during the Victorian era. Pilot’s monograph is entitled “Why A Seven-Percent Solution?” Find out how Watson was mistaken (as usual) when, in “A Study in Scarlet,” he observed of Holmes:

“…I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion.”

For the Mendicant meal & merriment, mail a check for $25 per person by Tuesday, Jan. 29 to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.

The buffet dinner will consist of roast chicken, potatoes and a tossed salad or English steak pie, potatoes and a tossed salad. Rolls, dessert, coffee/tea are included. There will also be a cash bar.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

Fall Meeting Report

2007-10-30T16:19:00.000-04:00

MENDICANTS, GUESTS ENJOY DINNER, SHOW

Under London-like leaden skies, fifty members and guests of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit journeyed to Rochester, Michigan on October 14, 2007 for the fall meeting of the society.

While partaking of potables at the Rochester Mills Beer Company, a brew pub restaurant housed in a former knitting mill, the group (barely) heard Gasogene John Kramb offer illumination on several key points in the story, “The Adventure of the Three Students.” While the Gasogene’s dissection of the story was brilliant, the acoustics were less so, due to the hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and the competition from several large screen TVs blaring Sunday football games.

In spite of that, the Gasogene also managed to warmly welcome several guests who had traveled from as far away as Michigan’s Thumb and Dayton, Ohio, specifically for this meeting. Also joining the group was Meadow Brook Theatre artistic director David Regal, which was appropriate since, after the meal, the merry Mendicants were heading to his playhouse to catch MBT’s production of “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” in its Michigan debut.

During the repast, the usual toasts were offered to The Woman by Mary Louise Kramp; Watson’s Second Wife by Phil Jones; Mrs. Hudson by Al Calderini and Mycroft Holmes by John Zemonski.

Due to the theater outing, no monographs were read during the meeting but the post-prandial raffle of a Sherlock Holmes “Pub in a Box” set raised $44 for club coffers and was won by Beverly Sobolewski.

As the end of the meeting drew near, Anne Musial joined church choristers Jim and Gayle Conway to lead the crowd in a chorus of “God Save the Queen” and Tantalus Rob Musial gave a dramatic reading of the immortal poem “A Long Evening with Holmes” to adjourn the dinner portion of the festivities.

Then, it was off to the theater to see the opening weekend performance of the play, recently written by Steven Dietz and based on earlier theatrical works crafted by the legendary actor William Gillette and the literary agent Arthur Conan Doyle.

Dietz’ play was a successful adaptation and blend of two of the Master’s adventures, “A Scandal in Bohemia” and “The Final Problem.” MBT’s version starred Richard Marlatt as Holmes, Chip DuFord as Dr. Watson, Sarab Kamoo as Irene Adler, Aaron T. Moore as the King of Bohemia and Thomas D. Mahard as Prof. Moriarty. Billing should also be given to a ghostly presence on-stage who managed to get in on the act, at one point knocking off the horn of a Victorian Victrola when no one was nearby. Perhaps it was merely one of Conan Doyle’s spirit friends.

After the play, the cast and director Regal returned to the stage in street clothes to hold a “talk back” about the play with AMS members and MBT patrons.

The session lasted nearly an hour as the cast, director and audience asked and answered questions about the play, the characters and various points of Sherlockiana, though leaving unspoken why Mahard did not oscillate his head in a reptilian manner as part of his portrayal of Moriarty.

All in all, the unique combination of a dinner-and-a-play went down in the annals as one of the most unique outings in the history of the 61-year-old society.

It is likely that even Holmes himself would have enjoyed the evening, for as he explained in “The Valley of Fear” adventure, “Watson insists that I am the dramatist in real life.”

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial, Tantalus

AMS/Meadowbrook Theatre Press Release

2007-10-09T11:15:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOCAL SHERLOCKIANS TO VISIT MEADOW BROOK THEATRE FOR PLAY

Nearly 50 metro Detroit Sherlock Holmes buffs will attend the Meadow Brook Theatre production of “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” on Sunday, Oct. 14.

Known as The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, the group was founded in 1946 to discuss the exploits of the famed Victorian-era detective and his associate, Dr. John H. Watson, as detailed in the 60 stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. "

"We are attending the play at the Meadow Brook Theatre to make sure that undo liberties have not been taken with the characters of Holmes and Watson. After all, we collectively are rather protective of Watson and Holmes,” said John Kramb, the president (or Gasogene) of the Amateur Mendicants.

Known as “the Canon", the original Holmes’ adventures continue to enjoy an enthusiastic following among readers young and old. Members of clubs such as the Amateur Mendicants take their appreciation one step further, by participating in what is called “The Game", the gentle belief that Holmes and Watson were real people, that Watson actually wrote the stories, and that Doyle was merely Watson’s literary agent.

Part of this fellowship requires members of such clubs to read and discuss the original stories and attempt to explain or clear up their occasional inaccuracies. “Reading the stories and discussing the nuances and inconsistencies of the Holmes mysteries is like getting a free passport to the Victorian Age," said Kramb. "In our quarterly meetings, we enjoy the camaraderie, the debate on fine points of the stories, a nice meal and a few toasts to The Queen and other characters of renown in the Holmes’ adventures,” he said.

Though most of Doyle’s stories were written more than 100 years ago, the character of Sherlock Holmes (and his trusted doctor friend) continues to fascinate readers and theater-goers, as evidenced by this new Meadow Brook play, which opens Oct. 10 and runs through Nov. 4.

As for the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, what draws the group together is the thrill of Holmes solving the cases with Watson while readers and fans are carried along on the adventure. On Oct. 14, the Mendicants, almost fifty strong, will attend Meadow Brook Theatre to cheer on their hero – and to help make sure that Holmes solves the adventure one more time.

For more information on the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit, please contact: amateurmendicantsociety@hotmail.com

Fall Meeting

2007-08-21T18:01:00.001-04:00

“Come, friend Watson – the curtain rings up for the last act.”
— Sherlock Holmes, “The Adventure of the Second Stain”

You are cordially invited to the Fall 2007 meeting of The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit – a rare double bill that will feature a meal-and-meeting PLUS (if desired) an outing to Meadow Brook Theatre to see the play “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” by Stephen Dietz.

Sunday October 14, 2007
Rochester Mills Beer Company
400 Water Street, Rochester, MI
(2 blocks east of downtown Rochester)
Restaurant phone: (248) 650-5080
Libations: 3:30 p.m.; dinner 4 p.m.

Meadowbrook Theatre
207 Wilson Hall, Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
Box Office: (248) 377-3300
Performance at 6:30 PM

$18 per person for the meeting – OR $30 per person for the meeting AND special theater package!

To commemorate our visit to Oakland University, the brief Canonical story discussion will concern “The Adventure of the Three Students,” with its tale of lecturer Hilton Soames and a possible cheating scandal.

The Meadow Brook production marks the first Michigan performance of this award-winning play. Based on plays by Arthur Conan Doyle and actor William Gillette, this classic mystery mixes Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, Irene Adler, Professor Moriarty AND a climax at the Reichenbach Falls – all on one stage!

Payment deadline for the $30 per person meeting-and-theater package is Friday, Sept. 21.
Dinner includes your choice on Oct. 14 of Scallop & Shrimp Pasta, Beer Battered Fish & Chips, Sesame Crusted Chicken, Brewmaster’s Shepherd’s Pie OR Honey-Peppered Salmon. Dessert will be provided. There will be a cash bar.

Summer Meeting Report

2007-07-30T19:12:00.000-04:00

Forty-seven members and guests convened at the Fox & Hounds restaurant in Bloomfield Hills on July 22, 2007 for the summer meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Along with the chef-carved prime rib and broiled salmon, the buffet lunch included the usual accompaniments and a well-researched presentation in which Dr. David Mohan dissected a mystery from the most famous and popular of the Master’s tales, “The Hound of the Baskervilles.”

Dr. Mohan’s monograph, titled “Three Knights Upon the Moor,” examined the history and homes of the two families which are the most likely candidates for the story of that large and rather disagreeable hound.

Dr. David Mohan

Backed up with heraldry, maps, drawings and photographs, the presentation examined how both families – the Cabells of Dartmoor and Norfolk and the Baskerville-Mynors and their ancestors, the Vaughns – had histories that included sightings of evil black dogs. Just as intriguing were the links both families had to the “literary agent,” Arthur Conan Doyle.

Before all of that however, Gasogene John Kramb and Tantalus Robert Musial attempted to shed light on a few of the Canonical conundrums in the assigned reading, “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire.”

Tantalus Musial and Gasogene Kramb

Among them was how a firm specializing in assessing machinery became involved with a tea broker who was also mixed up with the importation of nitrates? What of this giant rat and what exactly was a yeggman? When did Sherlock Holmes’ practice become “an agency”? And was Holmes’ rather casual advice at the end of the case enough to put all aright?

Along the way were the usual toasts. Introduced by Tidewaiter Walter Young, the toastees included Gloria Longueuil, Sam Stinson, Dennis Petroni and Young himself, all of whom raised a glass to publicly recognize the singular attributes of Mrs. Hudson, Watson’s Second Wife, The Woman and Mycroft Holmes. Longtime Mendicant Jerry Alvin also rose to recognize the efforts of one Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pa., who left a fortune to make life easier for certain men with red hair.

"Red" Alvin

Winning the summer 2007 door prize, a DVD that detailed “The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes,” was Joyce Hostnick.

Before business was adjourned, Gasogene Emeritus Roy Pilot read the poem “A Long Evening with Holmes” and Anne Musial and Dr. Mohan led the multitude in a chorus of “God Save the Queen.”

While the afternoon was most convivial, there was also sadness in the air since the site of this gathering, an English Tudor-style landmark in the northern Detroit suburbs since 1928, will close at the end of August – to be torn down and replaced by some modern development.

Fox & Hounds (1928-2007)

Sadder still since several knowledgeable Sherlockians report that the Fox & Hounds was patterned in part as a Stateside recreation of two famed hotels in the charming Cotswold village of Broadway in the United Kingdom – the Lygon Arms and the Broadway Hotel.

Though there is no record in the existing canon of Holmes and Watson staying at the Lygon or the Broadway, there are several cases for which the world is not yet prepared so one never knows what may turn up.

Respectfully submitted,

Robert Musial, Tantalus

AMS at the Sterling Heights Public Library

2007-07-29T14:09:00.001-04:00

Members of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit have been busy this Summer hosting a variety of programs at the Sterling Heights Public Library. The report below from Ray Mandziuk gives an overview of the events. Thanks Ray!

June 28
Ray Mandziuk met with 18 teens and a few adults and presented a program that involved discussion on the topic, “Get A Clue”, that led to defining examples, observation in identifying clues towards solving a crime. The main theme of our discussion quickly shifted to detectives, Sir, Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes.

Ray devised an approach to identifying clues for the guests while they viewed A Scandal in Bohemia by simply calling out ‘clue’ as each one appeared.

At the conclusion of the video we reviewed the clues noted, assigned two points to each correct answer, with the highest six receiving a choice of Sherlockian items displayed as prizes.

Our young friends were earnestly involved, attentive and responsive to the discussion. The library provided refreshments, a small gift to the attendees and support in the presence of Mary Newton, a staff member, and the assistance of Ray's wife, Pat.

Before leaving, the young adults received a ‘badge’ as a memento of their introduction to ACD and SH along with an invitation to return on Thursday, July 26, at 2:00 PM to meet The Hound of the Baskervilles.

July 9
Roy Pilot conducted an informative, relaxed conversation with eight adults on a steamy, Monday evening. Roy’s approach was novel in that he used a book bag in presenting items from a complete Sherlock Holmes book of 60 stores, followed by an enlarged picture of the Beeton’s Christmas edition (the first Sherlock Holmes story), A Study In Scarlet, an issue of the Strand Magazine, The Problem of Thor Bridge, two copies of B.S.I. publications, and other items.

Roy’s comments on each of the items from his bag was very interesting, leading to stimulating responses and numerous questions from his ‘class’ to which he responded without much effort giving additional information with names, years and places exhibiting his vast knowledge of Sherlockiana and Doylean material. He impressed me as a professor setting a foundation for freshmen students.

July 29
At 2:00 PM, the Sterling Heights Library Auditorium was the site of the second session for young adults and those of us 'young at heart' (adults).

With 21 people in attendance, Ray Mandziuk, member of the Amateur Mendicants and Tantalus Emeritus, led a program that touched on the meaning of clues, detection and the means by which detectives approach dealing with criminals in assimilating evidence toward proving guilt.

The main part of the program was viewing the video, Hound of the Baskervilles, starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson, after opening comments regarding Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author.

Participants were asked to use pad and pencil in identifying "clues" as they appear in the movie, with Ray indicating when a clue appeared, but not telling what the clue was, although most were obvious.

The children were responsive to the film, interested and somewhat competitive in identifying clues, asking questions as the story developed and moved on to conclusion with Sherlock Holmes commenting on the clues that led him to disclose that Stapleton was guilty of murder and attempted murder with the use of a large dog as the hound, while Watson watched.

Participants with most clues identified earned points and received a variety of Sherlockian prizes for their new skills in detection.

It was most satisfactory for Ray to interact with the youth present who had their first experience with Sherlock Holmes in reacting positively with comments like--"I enjoyed the show", "it was cool", and "when do we see another one?"

- Submitted by Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus Emeritus

Also - for a report on this event from our Sister Scion, The Ribston-Pippins, please click here

Summer Meeting Notice

2007-06-11T12:07:00.000-04:00

“It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but you are a conductor of light.”
— Sherlock Holmes to Dr. Watson, “The Hound of the Baskervilles”

You are cordially invited to the Summer 2007 meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit at which Dr. David Mohan will attempt to shed light on a little-known scandal of Baskerville Hall.

Sunday, July 22, 2007
Fox & Hounds, 39560 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
(just south of Long Lake Road)
Restaurant phone: (248) 644-4800
Libations at 12:30 p.m.; buffet lunch at 1 p.m.

For the main course, Dr. David Mohan will dissect the most famous and most popular Holmes’ story penned by Dr. Watson, examining the clues of another chilling mystery arising from the tale (tail?) of the Giant Hound. Called “Three Knights Upon the Moor: The Secret of Baskerville Hall Revealed,” this presentation is definitely not for the faint of heart.

Also, the afternoon’s brief Canonical discussion concerns the case of tea broker Bob Ferguson, who was alarmed at the behavior of his wife – and with good reason – in “The Adventure of the Sussex Vampire.”

All in all, this meeting of the Mendicants is sure to bring a welcome chill to the summer’s sultry swelter.

For the Mendicant meal & merriment, send a check for $25 per person by Monday, July 16 to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.

The buffet lunch will include the house specialty: Chef-carved prime rib, broiled salmon filet, soup or salad and potatoes. Rolls, dessert, coffee/tea are included. There will also be a cash bar.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

"Come at once if convenient. If inconvenient, come all the same"

From the Gasogene

2007-06-05T12:15:00.000-04:00

From the Gasogene:

I recently traveled to London on business. My stay was a brief one, only four days, and business took me to a non-descript office complex on the outskirts of Heathrow Airport. But one must eat (and drink) after work, and one evening, my travel companion (i.e., a non-Holmesian) and I traveled to the small city of Windsor. Some of you may recall that a castle may be found in Windsor often occupied by The Queen and her progeny. As we walked the main street, a winding, meandering lane, the 1200 foot wall of the castle towered on our left. On the right, a variety of shops, pubs, and restaurants. And, about midway down the street, we found the Royal Windsor Theatre. On the marquee, “The Hound of the Baskervilles” starring Peter Egan and Phillip Franks (!) no less. The advertisement poster suggested that it was “Sherlock Holmes Greatest Adventure”. Further, we were informed, the play was “The theatrical event of the year”. Certainly, I would not challenge either statement.

Two days later, after our business was concluded, we traveled by fast train to central London. A brief Tube ride took us to Piccadilly Square. And there is was…The Criterion (Bar). We, of course, entered and enjoyed a drink at the bar. I was not allowed to take pictures of the interior as the unique mosaic ceiling has been copied from (unauthorized) photographs in the past. However, I did copy the words on the famous plaque near the front of the restaurant:

Here, New Years Day, 1881
At The Criterion Long Bar
Stamford, Dresser at Barts
Met
Dr. John H. Waston
And Led Him to Immortality
And
Sherlock Holmes

Properly inspired (and lubricated), I convinced my friend to travel cross-town to The Sherlock Holmes Public House and Restaurant. I’ve described the pub in past articles, so I won’t bore you with the details again. It is a joy to visit the eclectic pub, and on this Friday, it was jammed with patrons. My travel companion and I had a sandwich and a pint. The atmosphere was vibrant, certainly reflective of the energy and fame of the pub’s namesake, Sherlock Holmes. I highly recommend the ale named after him and served only at this establishment.

Finally, may I recognize our former Tantalus, Ray Mandziuk. Ray recently resigned from the position so he may more fully enjoy other aspects of his busy life. Ray was one of four inspired people (i.e., the others are Roy Pilot, Walter Young, and Ed Stein) that resurrected the Amateur Mendicant Society from its last hiatus. Our scion had been dormant for some time, and Ray helped breath life into our little organization. Further, he served as Tantalus (i.e., secretary) for seven years. His articles, presentations, and letters were distinguished by style, wit, and reverence. Ray will continue to attend meetings as Tantalus Emeritus. The mantle has been passed to Rob Musial, a professional writer by trade, and we have high expectations for Rob.

Yours in Holmes,

John Kramb, Gasogene.

May Meeting Minutes

2007-05-07T12:47:00.000-04:00

On May 5, 2007, forty-four Amateur Mendicants and guests gathered at the British Commonwealth Club in Warren, Michigan for another evening of convivial conversation and cuisine.

Gasogene John Kramb presided and led the group in a brief discussion of this session’s story, “The Red-Headed League,” illuminating some of the story’s singular points and conundrums. These included the problem of the adventure’s timing, who were the “four smartest men in London” and finally, what a speedy scribbler Jabez Wilson would have to have been to hand-copy most of the first volume of the Encyclopedia Britannica in eight short weeks.

Walter Young introduced the toastmasters Joyce Hostnik (to The Woman); Beverly Sobolewski (to Watson’s Second Wife); Phil Jones (to Mrs. Hudson) and Patience Nauta (to Mycroft Holmes).

Also toasting characters from the reading with his own awards was Leslie Brudne, a member of another local scion, the Ribston-Pippins, which had met at the Commonwealth before the Mendicants and who, like several of their group, stayed for dinner.

A short quiz on the reading, organized by Bobbi Gorevitz and Commissionaire Chris Music, was also given, seeking such answers as what was dangling from pawnbroker Wilson’s watch chain, where master thief John Clay was educated and which two stores were located next to the bank with the French gold stored in its underground vault.

When one quiz question read “how does one go from here to the Strand” and a kibitzer loudly volunteered that “first, you’d have to cross the Atlantic,” that kibitzer was ruled out of order.

Nonetheless, for having the most correct responses to the seven-question quiz, Frank Hostnik earned a large tin of Sherlock Holmes tea. Coming in second with 4 ½ correct answers was Tantalus Robert Musial who earned a shiny Victorian-era coin.

After the dinner of chicken and steak pie, member Beverly Sobolewski gave a learned paper, aided by a Power Point presentation, on “The Merry Wives of Watson.” In it, she attempted to answer the nagging canonical question of just how many wives the good doctor had, examining all of the theories, ranging from one wife to seven.

Following the presentation, a raffle prize of an authentic Sherlock Holmes pub chalkboard was won by Beverly Sobolewski while the raffle itself earned the club $48.

Dr. David Mohan also presented Robert and Anne Musial with a long-sought-after, framed copy of the original Musgrave Ritual for assisting his presentation about said ritual at an earlier meeting.

Finally, as the shadows lengthened, Anne Musial and Dr. David Mohan led the assemblage in a rousing chorus of “God Save The Queen,” Commissionaire Chris Music read the closing poem “221-B” and the meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

Spring Meeting Notice

2007-04-05T16:57:00.000-04:00

“ … the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to.”
— Sherlock Holmes, “The Red-Headed League”

You are cordially invited to another singular event, the Spring 2007 meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit.

Saturday, May 5, 2007
British Commonwealth Club, 30088 Dequindre Rd., Warren
(between 12 & 13 Mile Roads)
Club phone: (586) 751-9560
Libations 6:30 p.m.; buffet dinner 7 p.m.

The brief Canonical discussion that night concerns the case of one Jabez Wilson, he of “the fiery red hair” and his strange duties with the Encyclopedia Britannica and the afore-mentioned “Red-Headed League.”

Member Beverly Sobolewski will then present her short monograph on “Watson’s Wives.”

Also, our sister scion, the Ribston-Pippins of Royal Oak, will be meeting in the club’s library from 5-7 p.m. that night to cogitate over “The Stock-Broker’s Clerk” and they have invited interested Mendicants to join them. They will then join us for dinner. Please RSVP to (248) 589-3563 for that separate event.

Confirm your reservation for the dinner meeting by sending a check for $25 per person before Wednesday, May 2 to:
Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.

"Come at once if convenient... in inconvenient, come all the same"

Respectfully submitted,
Robert Musial, Tantalus

Report from the 26th Dayton Symposium

2007-03-11T11:31:00.000-04:00

Six Amateur Mendicants were among the crowd of 75+ attending the 26th Sherlock Holmes/ACD Symposium in Dayton, Ohio. This year's event was held the weekend of March 9-11, 2007 at the Holiday Inn in nearby Miamisburg.

The weekend began Friday night with a Reception hosted by the Agra Treasurers of Dayton. The main event Saturday featured ten excellent presentations along the theme of "Food & Drink in the Canon", and included presentations from by Bill Cochran, Steve Doyle, Cathy Gill, and others including our own Roy Pilot.

Roy Pilot entertained the crowd with his own presentation on Holmes' cocaine use - the seven (or was that ten?) percent solution.

Attendees also had plenty of opportunities on Saturday to part with their money at the many fine dealer tables.

Saturday evening featured a Cocktail Hour and delicious Buffet dinner, and ended with a delightful Readers' Theatre Presentation of "The Noble Bachelor"

Those who stayed through Sunday morning "Sprang Forward" with breakfast, coffee, and a challenging "Brain Buster" quiz - with many prizes rewarded to experts and novices alike.

It was a wonderful weekend enjoyed by all - especially enjoyed by those handsome Sherlockians pictured below:

AMS Members (left to right): Chris Music, Walter Young, Ray Mandziuk, Roy Pilot, Regina and Sam Stinson.

For a more in-depth report on the 2007 Dayton Symposium click here.

-- Chris

Discovering Sherlock Holmes

2007-02-14T20:33:00.000-05:00

Stanford University is once again presenting its great 'Discovering Sherlock Holmes' series. Visit their website here to view (or order) facsmile copies of Sherlock Holmes stories, as originally published in The Strand magazine.

Stories to be featured this year include: "The Empty House", "Silver Blaze," "The Musgrave Ritual," "The Reigate Squires," "The Greek Interpreter," "Charles Augustus Milverton," "The Abbey Grange," "The Second Stain," "The Bruce-Partington Plans," "The Devil's Foot," "The Dying Detective," and "His Last Bow."

Winter Meeting Minutes

2007-01-27T17:35:00.000-05:00

It was noon on a brisk, cold, clear Saturday when 42 Amateur Mendicants and friends gathered at the Station 885 Neighborhood Grill in Plymouth.

Gasogene John Kramb opened the meeting at 12:42, after introducing the Board members present, Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus, Walter Young, Tidewaiter and Chris Music, Commissionaire. Guests present were Chris Johnson the Mayor of Northville, Michael Jones, and Penny Griffin.

John reminded members that the new year indicates the need for opening our wallets and purses to free up $12.00 for the annual dues, “a paltry sum of $1.00 per month”.

Ray Mandziuk has requested a “hiatus” from the role of Tantalus after serving in that capacity for 8 years and will now be known as Tantalus Emeritus. John selected Rob Musial as the new Tantalus and the torch was passed.

Passing the torch. Tantalus Emiritus Ray Mandziuk and new Tantalus Rob Musial

Ray shared the following information:
The Sterling Heights Public Library has requested a repeat and expansion of the display the Mendicants presented last year. The library is planning a summer-long program focusing on detective fiction theme titled, “Get A Clue”. The Amateur Mendicant Society has been invited to participate in a Sherlock Holmes program for adults, young adults and children. More information to follow.
The Agra Treasurers of Dayton have invited us to participate in their annual symposium. March 9-11 are the dates for the meeting at the Holiday Inn at Miamisburg, Ohio. Information has been sent by email to our membership and copies of the registration form were displayed and made available.
New scion badges are still available for ordering at a cost of $9.00 each and will replace the old nametags. Contact Ray Mandziuk to order.

Gloria Longueuil made a brief presentation regarding items of clothing available through her for purchase: T-shirts and sweatshirts with faces of the many actors who played the role of Sherlock Holmes, along with a short and long sleeve shirt that Richard Jeryan makes available with the scion symbol of the mendicant. Information for purchasing the items was available.

Toasts during lunch were introduced by Chris Music and rendered by:
v Donna Wisely – Irena Adler, The Woman
v Jim Conway -- Watson’s second wife – “whoever you think”
v Sam Stinson -- Mrs. Hudson
v Michael Ellis -- Mycroft Holmes

Following a lunch of chicken piccata, broiled fish or Cobb salad, John Kramb announced that B.S.I. Regina Stinson received the Jan Whimsey Award for a canonical poem printed in the Serpentine Muse, vol. #22.

Regina shared some information regarding a play, “Sherlock’s Veiled Secret”, would be shown at the Broadway On Stage Live Theatre April 20-May 19.

A discussion of the canonical story of the day, Silver Blaze, was directed by John Kramb who stirred response from the attendees by questioning whether he was the only one who read the _ _ _ _ story. The intricacies of dissecting some of the aspects of story, such as S.H. measuring the speed of the train while passing the rail pole markers along with the attire of our hero as seen in the train car drawings that render Holmes in clothing from head to foot (deerstalker, spats, Watson’s cigar) left little time to discern the real murderer.

The response from the audience mentioned six possibilities for committing the dastardly deed, including the horse reacting in self-defense while the dog did not bark.

Truly a humorous, spirited, interaction reflecting the complete pleasure of those attending to the whimsical lead of the Gasogene.

Michael Ellis gives his presentation - "Sherlock Holmes in Plymouth"

Michael Ellis gave a presentation with his wife, Bev’s assistance that focused on developing a tale to include fact and fiction blended together in exhibiting his canonical knowledge, historical sites and experiences with vivid, carefully assimilated data and imagination. Drawing from historical material from the library, information was expertly woven to coincide with dates and places to meld with the goal of his premise that Sherlock Holmes did indeed visit Plymouth and surroundings in 1910.

Proving his theses, Michael laboriously sought out information to support his argument by presenting articles, pictures and information carefully knit to prove his declaration. The presentation included slides that pictured the involvement of many members of the local Holmes family, along with citizens from industry and renown leaders of the Plymouth Community, plus illustrious and profound Amateur Mendicants.

Mike did a great job, as the warm applause indicated. He made us all followers on the tracks of the visit of Sherlock Holmes to Plymouth.

Drawing names from the Mendicant’s hat produced two winners. Guest and new member, Michael Jones, won the Baker Street Station ceramic sign, while Richard Jeryan won the small edition of the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes from the Classic Series

The raffle prize - Baker Street sign

Chris Music informed us that the next meeting would be held at the Commonwealth Club on Saturday evening,
May 5.

Following the ritual singing of God Save The Queen led by Anne Musial, Ray Mandziuk closed the meeting at 3:43 by reading “221b”

Submitted by
Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus

Winter Meeting Announcement

2006-12-22T07:25:00.000-05:00

‘Tis the season to be jolly’
Good tidings to all!

Another year is quickly ending with this message of the Amateur Mendicant Society’s next meeting, as we welcome in 2007.

When: Saturday afternoon on January 27, gather at 12:00 noon
Where: Downtown Plymouth at the Station 885 Restaurant located at
885 Starkweather. (for directions call 734-459-0885)
The restaurant is south of Six Mile, west of Haggerty Road.
What: Opening of the New Year with Michael Ellis presenting Sherlock Holmes
Adventure in Plymouth.

Canonical reading for the day . . .”There was but one problem before the public which could challenge his power of analysis, and that was the singular disappearance of the favourite for the Wessex Cup and the tragic murder of his trainer.” The title is “S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ E” (You figure it out.) If you successfully filled in the missing letters, you have completed the quiz for the afternoon. But – prepare for a stimulating discussion directed by our esteemed Gasogene, John Kramb.

Please select an entrée in advance from the choices below and confirm your reservation for the dinner meeting by sending a check for $25/person to arrive by Wednesday, January 24, to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.

Chicken Piccata w/linguini and house salad
Broiled Whitefish w/rice pilaf and house salad
Cobb salad w/soup de jour

A full cash bar is available for those who wish to carry on the New Year glow.
Ray Mandziuk
Tantalus

October 21 Meeting Minutes

2006-10-31T10:36:00.000-05:00

Amateur Mendicant Society
Minutes of Dinner Meeting
Grosse Pointe War Memorial
21 October, 2006

Gasogene, John Kramb, called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM.

As the Tigers played the first game of the World Series in Detroit since 1984, 42 Amateur Mendicants and friends attended the October meeting in Grosse Pointe. New members/attendees were Chuck and Claudia Tonner, Frank and Joyce Hostnik and Donna Hicks.

Gasogene Kramb outlined the procedure for both the live and silent auctions indicating that $4.00 would be the minimum bid. Other business shared by Tantalus Mandziuk: membership dues of $12.00 paid today would cover 2006-2007, and information from the B.S.I. Journal on their B.S.I. blog.

Toasts for the evening were organized by Eddie Stein and rendered by:
v David Mohan -- The Woman
v Gloria Longueuil -- Watson’s second wife
v Barbara Koeppen -- Mrs. Hudson
v Cary Black -- Mycroft Holmes

Dinner was served at 7:30 and consisted of: Chicken Marsala with mushrooms on a bed of Capellini Pasta, Green Beans Almandine, Romaine Salad, Key Lime or Pumpkin Pie, coffee or tea and wine (compliments of Gasogene Kramb). A vegetarian entrée was also available.

Following dinner, John Kramb began the discussion of this evenings’ story, The Adventure of Black Peter with focus on the nautical theme, our host site on Lake St. Clair. In this story, there is mention of the Ribston Pippins (apple Victorian dessert) and a tantalus (wood or leather framework that holds decanters of wine in place generally found on ships).

Points of discussion:
Ø Why was Peter murdered and how
Ø Innocent young man, cleared by Sherlock Holmes
Ø Why after many years did two people appear from the past within two days
Ø Why were Sherlock Holmes and Watson going to Norway

It was additionally interesting to note that our Gasogene Emeritus, Roy Pilot, Commissionaire, Chris Music, and Chris and Richard Jeryan were in absence---hmm, were they en route to Norway too???

Following the discussion, the live auction directed by Walter Young, Rob Musial and Ray Mandziuk began in earnest. Numerous Sherlockian items from two catalogues, previously distributed, were bid on and appreciatively purchased with spirited and competitive bidding. Within 75 minutes most of the items put up for auction were dispensed. A preliminary tabulation of approximately $500 was added to the A.M.S. coffers through this vigorous and exciting experience. Many thanks. Enjoy your new memorabilia.

We will meet in January, probably in Plymouth where Michael Ellis will offer a paper and related activities. More information to follow.

The meeting closed at 9:47 PM with the singing of “God Save the Queen”.

Submitted by

Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus

Auction Catalogue

2006-09-20T15:02:00.000-04:00

AMATEUR MENDICANT SOCIETY OF DETROIT
AUCTION CATALOGUE
GROSSE POINTE WAR MEMORIAL
OCTOBER 21, 2006

1. The Baker Street Journal. Vol. 1 #1: b. AMS; Vol. 2 #1; Russell McLauchlin; p. AMS

2. Brass and Marble Figurine of a Bee – Made By Former Mendicant Aubrey Roberts. Inscribed as “Sherlock Holmes – he has retired and betaken himself to bee farming on the Sussex Downs… Dr. Watson of the Second Stain”

3. Calabash Pipe. Plastic.

4. The Classic Illustrated Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. featuring the original artwork by Sydney Paget. Longmeadow Press, 1987

5. “The Game is afoot” (New Grey Sweatshirt) and magnifying glass on left front. Size L.

6. “The Game is afoot” (New White T-Shirt) and magnifying glass on left front. Size L.

7. Holmes Pewter money clip. Cast by The UK A. E. Williams pewter Company.

8. “His Last Bow” – Soft cover Book. Sherlock Holmes Reference Library/Leslie Klinger, ed. Gasogene Books.

9. “The Hound of the Baskervilles” – Soft cover Book. Sherlock Holmes Reference Library/Leslie Klinger, ed. Gasogene Books.

10. “The Hound of the Baskervilles”. DVD Starring Peter Cushing; Andre Morell and Christopher Lee.. First Sherlock Holmes mystery in color. Other features.

11. Literary Houses: Ten Famous Houses in Fiction. By Rosalind Ashe. Contains art work on Baskerville Hall.

12. “The Many Faces of Sherlock Holmes” – DVD

13. Murder in Baker Street. New Tales of Sherlock Holmes. Edited by Martin H. Greenberg; Jon L. Lellenberg, and Daniel Stashower. New York: Carroll & Graf, 2001

14. Murder to Go – The Murder Mystery Participation Game. New.

15. “The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes” by Vincent Starrett – Hardcover Book

16. “The Red-Headed League” and the “A Scandal in Bohemia” oversized coffee mugs

17. The Return of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Edited and annotated by Leslie S. Klinger. Gasogene Books.

18. Sheerluck Holmes and the Golden Ruler. A Lesson in Friendship. Sheer-luck Holmes and the Hounds of Baker Street. By Doug Peterson. Zonder-kids. The children’s group of Zondervan, 2005.. Based on the book Sherlock Holmes and the Golden Ruler (DVD)

19. Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking, with Press release and mailer.

20. Sherlock Holmes Dressed Doll (12” tall; in Travelling Cape and Overcoat, with Deerstalker and curved pipe in mouth.

21. Sherlock Holmes Dressed Doll (18”tall; in Travelling Cape and Overcoat; with Deerstalker and curved Pipe (Limited Edition #700/4,470)

22. Sherlock Holmes Drinking Glasses. The profile of Holmes faces left.

23. Sherlock Holmes Encyclopedia. By Orlando Park. 1981 first paper

24. Sherlock Holmes hand cast pewter magnifying Glass of the finest make. Created by A. E. Williams in the U.K. The handle consists of Holmes in his tweed travelling gear of Deerstalker; Calabash; Glass, 221B Kilts.

25. Sherlock Holmes Handkerchief

26. Sherlock Holmes Lamp Statue sans bulb, shade and dome hardware.

27. Sherlock Holmes Mystery Jigsaw Puzzle. New.

28. Sherlock Holmes VHS Tapes starring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce including: “Dressed to Kill”, “Terror by Night”, “The Woman in Green”, and “Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon”

29. Sherlock Holmes’s London. By Tsukasa Kobayashi, et al. SF: Chronicle Books, 86.

30. Sherman’s Lagoon. By Jim Toomey. A collage of newspaper strips of a Sherlockian nature. Suitably framed for home or office. Collected from the newspaper and a special strip from the author (black & white).
31. Strand Magazines and Covers from 1901-1904, Various.

October 21 Meeting Notice

2006-09-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

Dear Amateur Mendicants & Friends,

Sherlockian Greetings!

Our Fall meeting will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 6:30 (dinner at 7:15) at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, located at 32 Lakeshore Drive (between Cadieux and Moross) in GPF.

The menu for the evening is Chicken Marsala with mushrooms on a bed of Capellini Pasta, green beans almandine, romaine salad, key lime or pumpkin pie, coffee or tea and wine. The cost is $27, which includes the food, tax, gratuity and use of the facility. Vegetarian dinner selection is available upon advance request. As always, please confirm your attendance for the dinner meeting by sending your check to arrive no later than Monday, October 16, to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.

The canon reading for discussion is The Adventure Of Black Peter
… “He was pinned like a beetle on a card.”
…“Yes there was a tantalus containing brandy and whisky on the sea-chest”
…“One should always look for a possible alternative and provide against it.
It is the first rule of criminal investigation”
…“Basil. That’s my name in those parts.”

The main event of the evening will be the Auction. We will have a ‘live’ auction on about 30 items and a ‘silent’ auction on items that guests can write their bids on before dinner.

Much planning has gone into this dinner meeting and we look forward to another special evening of congeniality, good food and an outstanding program. Until the 21st — be on your guard, for the game's afoot.

"Come at once if convenient... if inconvenient come all the same."

Sherlockian regards,
Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus

August 5th Meeting Report

2006-08-06T12:29:00.000-04:00

Fifty-seven Amateur Mendicants gathered at the Commonwealth Club on a warm summer Saturday.

Our home for the evening (and many others) - The Commonwealth Club

Gasogene John Kramb opened the meeting at 7:07 by greeting the attendees and the following guests: Matt Daly, Anita Sane, Lois Krawczyk, Patricia Drzinski, Len Harbaugh, Karen Murdock from Minnesota, Jerry Kolpacke, Stuart Stein, Jim O’Keefe, Danielle Smith, Pat Ward, Debbie Davis, Frank and Joyce Hostnik, and Barbara Koeppen.

Officers present were: Roy Pilot (Gasogene Emeritus), Ray Mandziuk (Tantalus), Eddie Stein (Tidewaiter and past Gasogene), Chris Music (Commissionaire), Walter Young (Tidewaiter), Chris and Richard Jeryan (newsletter editors), Roberta Gorevitz, ‘quizzer’ and Anne and Rob Musial (program coordinators).

Another evening full of lively Sherlockian discussion and debate.

Tantalus report
- An impressive A.M.S. display at the Sterling Heights Public Library in June with picture and newspaper article on display. The items displayed were from the collections of John Kramb, Walter Young and Ray Mandziuk
- New white and blue name badges with magnets or clips are available to the membership.
- Reminder of the auction to be held at the next meeting on October 21 at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Walter Young, Rob Musial and Ray Mandziuk will conduct the auction.
- The current AMS roster consists of 67 members and interested guests.

Toasts were organized by Walter Young and rendered throughout the evening by:
- Sam Stinson to The Woman
- Patience Nauta to Watson’s second wife
- Donna Wisely to Mrs. Hudson
- Philip Jones to Mycroft Holmes

Philip Jones giving one of the traditional toasts to Mycroft Holmes - "older brother, role model, counterfoil and an anvil upon which The Master was forged"

Our hosts presented an excellent dinner of steak pie, chicken cordon blue, roasted and au gratin potatoes, salad, missed vegetables, rolls, butter, assorted desserts and beverages.

After dinner, John Kramb began the discussion of the designated canon story, The Engineers Thumb in a ”dissecting” manner (the thumb), that led to active participation of those present with amusing, escalated comments covering the discernment of which thumb was severed, how, and its treatment. With three doctors in attendance, we learned more than we expected. A quiz on the story followed and the winners were Karen Murdock, Bev Sobolewski and Philip Jones.

Ray Flood aplogizing to a roomfull of hungry Mendicants. He later broke out into song.

Roy Pilot introduced the speaker of the evening, Steven Doyle, BSI, member of the Illustrious Clients of Indianapolis, writer of the scion newsletter, Publisher of Wessex and Gasogene Press, and video producer at Purdue University.

Steve refers to his presentation as an autobiographic experience—A SHERLOCKIAN LIFE. Because of the coincidence of
his last name with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, he says their relationship is based on being Irish and descendants of Adam and Eve.

A series of projected pictures (slightly altered) exhibited by Steve traced his companionship with “Uncle Arthur”, Dr. Bell, Sidney Paget, along with a kaleidoscope of many of the stage and movie stars that played Sherlock Holmes. He was “viewed” in the pictures as a creative consultant for the Grenada Series with Brett and Hardwicke, pictured with Gillette, Rathbone, Christopher Morley, Rex Stout and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. The presentation was remarkable, humorous, extremely well done leading to standing applause.

A period of questions and answers touched on who his favorite Sherlock Holmes actor is (Brett), Dr. Watson (Robert Duvall – David Burke). Steve revealed that he does not care for pastiches.

This was an outstanding program and presentation with great response from the audience that thoroughly enjoyed the casual, but focused aspects of this evening’s experiences--one of those nights when you just want things to continue. Kudos to all who planned and executed a truly memorable meeting. Regretfully however, time goes on and the meeting ended at 10:09 with the singing of God Save the Queen and Roy Pilot closing with “221b”.

The next dinner meeting is scheduled for Saturday, October 21, at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. We promise no snow on this date.

Submitted by
Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus

60th Anniversary

2006-07-15T09:32:00.000-04:00

Greetings Amateur Mendicants.

It is the 60th year since the formation of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit. We’ve enjoyed two splendid meetings already this year, and the Summer and Fall meetings have been planned. Some of you may know that I am the custodian of files and memorabilia from one of the founding members, the late Raymond Donovan. Raymond served as secretary of the scion (a position later re-named to Tantalus). Raymond was both an enthusiast of Holmes, and also a prolific collector. His files contain newspaper clippings, magazine articles, pamphlets, cartoons and caricatures, meeting announcements, minutes, quizzes, and his handwritten notes. I also have several books from his library.

Some of the material will appear, from time to time, in The Beggar’s Cap, as I’ve shared one, large file with Richard and Chris Jeryan. But, a review of the material offers a glimpse of a social club somewhat different from the Amateur Mendicant Society of today. In Raymond’s day, sixty years ago, the membership was all men. They were, to a person, all professional people (e.g., lawyers, newspaper writers, teachers, a doctor or two, business executives and managers). The meetings were conducted on an irregular basis and all of them were held in restaurants in Detroit. There is one reference to a meeting at a furniture warehouse, the John F. Ivory warehouse at Woodward and Tuxedo. Scholarship of the Holmes’ stories was valued, and quizzes (and discussion points) were administered at each meeting. On occasion, a meal was part of the proceedings, but it was apparent that drinking and smoking were regular and accepted practices at the meetings.

Our club today, has a broader and more diverse membership. At some dinner meetings the women outnumber the men. We always offer a meal at our meetings, and usually, a cash bar is available. We have a recurring schedule of four meeting a year that follow the seasonal cycle. While we value scholarship, as evidenced by the number of learned papers that have been presented, only recently have we re-introduced quizzes into the meeting format. We use a variety of restaurants and clubs in the Detroit metro area. We enjoy the camaraderie and the social interaction, as did the membership in Raymond’s time. So, while some things have changed, for the better I think, the Amateur Mendicant Society continues to flourish. It is you, our active and engaged membership, that makes the difference. And, of course, we continue to meet because of the compelling attraction and timeless beauty of the Holmes’ stories. Happy Anniversary to all of us.

John Kramb, Gasogene.

August 5 Meeting Notice

2006-06-27T10:27:00.000-04:00

30 July 2006

Dear Amateur Mendicants & Friends,

I am sure you are enjoying a beautiful summer outdoors in various activities, especially watching those Tigers.

This notice will require a brief respite from the elements, as the next Amateur Mendicant Society meeting will return to our friendly ‘home’ at the Commonwealth Club for a dinner meeting on Saturday, August 5. The Club is located on Dequindre Road north of 12 Mile Road. We are to gather there at 6:30, dinner will be served at 7 PM. The menu will consist of salad, English steak pie, chicken cordon bleu, au gratin and oven baked potatoes, mixed vegetables, rolls, assorted desserts, coffee and tea at a cost of $24 per person.

The story for discussion and quiz for the evening is The Adventure of the Engineers Thumb.

As always, please confirm your attendance for the August meeting by sending your check to arrive no later than Wednesday, August 2, to:

Edward F. Stein, A.M.S.

Our speaker for the evening is Steven Doyle, B.S.I. (rumored cousin of A.C.D.) and a member of the Illustrious Clients of Indianapolis and Wessex Press. He played a major role in the 2003 symposium “From Gillette to Brett. Steven is an author, speaker and friend whose presentations reflect his superlative Sherlockian knowledge.

Members are asked to bring an item to this meeting for auction at the fall meeting to be held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial on Saturday, October 21. Your item for auction will be listed in the catalogue and the website prior to the Fall meeting and day of auction.

If you have been derelict in paying the $12 membership fee for 2006, please discuss this important matter with Walter Young who keeps track of this matter.

Sherlockian regards,
Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus

From the Vault

2006-06-11T16:54:00.000-04:00

Not sure how I missed this, but the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit was featued prominently in a 2005 Oakland Press article written by member Rob Musial. The article does a great job of introducing readers to the Amateur Mendicants, Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and "The Game". Read the article here

- Chris

AMS Library Display

2006-06-08T20:01:00.000-04:00

Greetings Mendicants,

I am calling your attention to our current Amateur Mendicant Society display at the Sterling Heights Public Library during the month of June. The library is located on Utica Road just south of 18 Mile Rd (aka Long Lake Rd) in the City Center. If you have an opportunity, please visit it.

- Ray

***

The AMS library display was also featured briefly in the Detroit Free Press on Sunday June 10. Read the artlcle here (about half-way down the page).

- Chris

Spring Meeting Report

2006-05-07T16:38:00.000-04:00

By Chris Music, Commissionaire

The Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit held their Spring Meeting on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in May. Thirty four members and guests gathered at Sheila Teas-- a traditional British tearoom located in historic Downtown Rochester, Michigan. Given the location, members found it appropriate to forsake their traditional pints of beer for a few nice cups of tea instead.

A beautiful Sunday afternoon at Sheila Teas

Gasogene John Kramb began the festivities by welcoming everyone to the meeting and introducing the board members in attendance (Tidewaiters Eddie Stein and Walter Young, Commissionaire Chris Music, Planning Committee Members Rob and Ann Musial, and Newsletter Editors Richard and Chris Jeryan). Soon afterwards a delicious lunch of Salmon Cakes and Shepherd’s Pie was served by our gracious hosts.

During lunch Walter Young introduced the following members who gave our Traditional Toasts:
- Dennis Petroni (The Woman)
- Walter Young (Watson’s 2nd Wife)
- Jim Conway (Mrs. Hudson)
- Michael Ellis (Mycroft Holmes)

In addition, Rob Musial gave a toast to ‘Young’ Stamford, and Gerry Alvin offered a toast to Ezekiah Hopkins of Lebanon, Pennsylvania – founder of the Red Headed League.

Gerry Alvin giving one of his famous toasts to Ezekiah Hopkins

Following lunch the members discussed the featured story for the afternoon – The Adventure of the Devil’s Foot. Gasogene Kramb led us in a lively historical and geographical discussion of Cornwall – home to the Pirates of Penzance, site of the first transatlantic radio transmission, and setting for our exciting story.

Rob and Ann Musial then facilitated another challenging quiz – this time won by member Michael Ellis. Michael was rewarded for his scholarship with a very handsome reproduction of the Baker Street Underground station sign – complete with Sherlock Holmes silhouette.

Our featured speaker for the afternoon was Dr. David Mohan. David gave a fascinating and learned paper on the derivation of the Devil’s Foot poison – “its effects compared with those in the mystery, and the region in Africa from whence these poisons come-along with the method in which they are employed in witch trials”. It was yet another example of the fine scholarship coming recently from our members.

Strychos nux-vomica (aka Strychnine)

Ann Musial, David Mohan, and John Kramb led us in the singing of ‘God Save the Queen’, and Eddie Stein closed the meeting with a reading of Vincent Starrett’s ‘221B’.

Ann Musial, David Mohan, and John Kramb sing 'God Save the Queen'

All-in-all, another wonderful meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit. See you all August 5th at the Summer meeting!

A room full of Happy Menicants!

May 7 Meeting Notice

2006-04-21T08:11:00.000-04:00

Greetings,

As the day’s light grows increasingly longer, the sounds of bird greetings of the morning, along with new growth of spring flowers that brighten the days, nature is preparing you for the Spring dinner meeting of the Amateur Mendicant Society.

When: Sunday, May 7, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Where: Sheila Teas, 115 E. 4th Street in Rochester (248-601-0648)
The restaurant is one block east of Main (Rochester Rd.). It is recognizable by its British and Welsh flags in front of the building. Additional parking is available east of the building.

Why: To gather in friendship and further our knowledge of Sherlockiana

Who: Dr. David Mohan will present a paper on his study regarding the Devil's Foot.

Wow: Mendicants are asked to bring an item to offer for the AUCTION that is planned for a future meeting.

Win: A Sherlockian item will be awarded to the winner of the quiz on the Devil’s Foot.

Wallet Wound: The lunch of 1) Salmon Cakes, or 2) Sheppards Pie, mixed greens or veggies, rhubarb pie for dessert, and tea will lighten the purse by $22.00 per person.

Sherlockian regards,
Ray Mandziuk, Tantalus

2006-04-20T18:05:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Web Page for the Amateur Mendicant Society of Detroit! We are the largest and oldest Sherlock Holmes Club in Detroit. We currently meet quarterly at various locations throughout Metro Detroit.