AN A‑MUSEing YEAR

Sherlockians are great believers in tradition, and the editors of The Serpentine Muse are no exception. Last year, we (co‑editors Susan Diamond and Marilynne McKay) published a birthday edition to thank our contributors for their efforts and to celebrate the Muse’s return from a brief hiatus. This year’s special edition continues that tradition.

Holmes would have been lost without his Boswell, and we would be equally at a loss without the New York‑based “publication staff.” Evelyn Herzog keeps our subscription list current, manages the exchequer, and coordinates the printing. Then four times a year, Adventuresses gather to share laughter and wine while stuffing and labeling envelopes. Our sincerest thanks to those who ensure that the Muse goes out on time!

1997‑98 saw the ranks of Muse contributors increase. Old friends returned to our pages with new ideas, and the Muse welcomed many new contributors.

The entire Sherlockian world grieved over the loss of “a certain gracious lady,” Dame Jean Conan Doyle. Our own Jean Upton gave us a unique insight into the woman behind the public persona. Regrettably this was not the only time we stood upon the terrace. A much‑loved Adventuress, Dr. Eileen Hartsoe Katz, died this past June. Her close friend and fellow Adventuress, Sherry Rose‑Bond, shared her memories of Eileen with us.

As always, the SPRING DINNER was a highlight of the Adventuress year. Warren Randall received the “Baker Street (B.S.) Bowl” for his highly imaginative response to Ann Onymous’ “What’s This?” challenge. Muse readers also enjoyed Sandy Kozinn’s excellent runner‑up entry in the competition, as well as dinner toasts by Nora Myers, Marina Stajic, and Susan Diamond. Special thanks go to the mysterious Ms. Onymous for sponsoring the competition and providing a most impressive inscribed silver bowl for Warren.

The year had a decidedly nautical bent as a tattered oil‑skin packet revealed writings from Sherlockian voyages past and present. Peter Horrocks proved what most Sherlockians suspected: Moriarty sank the Titanic. In the previous issue, he’d informed Muse readers that Moran was a double-glazer in India. We understand from Peter’s physician that he is resting comfortably and now only needs medication infrequently.

The oil‑skin packet also gave us George Hubbard’s and Shirley Purves’ radically different views on Watson’s return to Australia. While Marilynne McKay hitched Lord St. Simon to Annie Oakley, Ben Vizoskie found Flo Ziegfield a more fitting partner for the noble bachelor. Finally Susan Diamond sent Moran to his maker via a double‑berylled tiger cub. By then, most Muse readers must have concluded that the cruising Sherlockians had consumed more than their fair share of a local Bermudian beverage -- a potent potion of rum and ginger beer aptly titled a “dark-and-stormy.”

Other contributors provided a somewhat more scholarly perspective. Jeanne Thelwell gave us a Masterly reconstruction of Lucy Hebron’s life, while Sue Vizoskie introduced us to the woman behind Mary Sutherland’s hat -- the Duchess of Devonshire. Chicagoans weighed in with opinions pro and con on Watson. Fred Levin accused him of telling “The Whopper of All Time,” while Don Izban defended Watson in the matter of the blue carbuncle.

Several regular Muse contributors returned to our pages. Dorothy Belle Pollack continued to delight readers with her verse. Francine Kitts gave us an intriguing e‑mail quiz, as well as some lyrical thoughts. Philip Shreffler, now wed to Adventuress M.E. Rich, took time to prove the provenance of Camden House.

A CHALLENGE FOR OUR READERS...

Another Muse tradition is our annual Birthday competition. Last year’s winner was Sue Vizoskie with the aforementioned piece on the Duchess of Devonshire. Admittedly the Muse editors are not altogether altruistic in sponsoring these little contests. Our goals are, of course, to generate copy and to encourage new subscribers. On the other hand, those of you who are not already Muse subscribers will benefit by receiving four informative and enjoyable issues for a mere pittance ‑ ten dollars, to be exact. As in the past, this contest is FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY. Of course, you may subscribe at the same time you enter the contest.

Your task is simple. Write 200 words or less on the following topic:

While much has been made in Canonical scholarship over women named Violet, in fact, there are far more “Mary”s than “Violet”s (Cushing, Fraser-Brackenstall, Holder, Maberley, Sutherland and, of course, Morstan). Which Mary either most or least exemplifies the Adventuress spirit? That’s right, you have a choice: those of you who, like Kitty Winter, are partial to vitriol may go on the attack.

Of course, the winning entry and runners‑up as appropriate will appear in The Muse. In addition, the winner will receive a $30 gift certificate for the bookstore of his or her choice.

The Serpentine Muse is copyrighted by the Adventuresses of Sherlock Holmes, and written permission must be obtained for reproduction of an article in another publication or website. Contact the Webmaster at mmckayATL@comcast.net