MUSE-INGS PAST AND PRESENT

Once again it’s time for us (Muse co-editors Susan Diamond and Marilynne McKay) to recognize and thank everyone who contributed to the past four issues. First as always, our thanks go to managing editor Evelyn Herzog, now Baltimore based, for handling our growing list of subscribers and ensuring that the Muse goes out on time.

New Adventuress

At the 2004 Autumn Members Meeting, we were delighted to welcome Lynn E. Walker to our ranks as The Head of a Private School at Walsall. A long time Sherlockian and Muse contributor, Lynn’s BSI investiture is The Long Island Cave Mystery.

Adventuress Honors

At the 2005 BSI dinner, Julia Carlson Rosenblatt received the coveted two-shilling award for her many contributions to the BSI including a key role in organizing the Valley of Fear trip. That same weekend, Myrtle Robinson, along with Dr. Twyla Tutin and the Hansom Wheels of South Carolina, received the Beacon Society’s annual award for excellence in Sherlockian outreach. Muse readers had already read about Myrtle’s activities in this area in previous issues and on the ASH website, www.ASH-NYC.com.

“Stand with me here upon the terrace…”

Three Adventuresses crossed the Reichenbach during the year spanned by Volume 21 of the Muse, and one more shortly thereafter. Barbara Brandes (Edith Presbury) died after a long and valiant struggle against both cancer and Parkinson’s Disease. Kate Karlson wrote poignantly about her friend and inspiration, Helen Heinrich (Lady Hilda Trelawney Hope), in the Muse. Maggie Walsh (The Third Cab) delighted all who knew her with her wit and zest for life. Dorothy Stix and Susan Rice shared their memories of Maggie with our readers.

The Jan WHIMSEY (“Whimsical Humour Is My Speciality. Enjoy Yourself!”) Award

Our final loss occurred shortly after the end of the Muse year. Jan Stauber (Hotel du Louvre, Paris) was a frequent contributor to our pages and had inspired us all with her positive attitude and her unquenchable humor. We are most grateful to her husband, Alexian Gregory, for establishing The Jan WHIMSEY Award in her honor.

The annual award, consisting of a very handsome certificate and $221, will be presented to the Muse author who has written the most whimsical piece during the Muse volume year (i.e., from the December to September issues). The first award will be presented at the January 2007 birthday weekend at one of the ASH events and announced in next year’s “birthday edition” of the Muse.

To quote Al, “Articles are to be judged solely on basic of whimsicality. Scholarship, erudition, logical argumentation, historical discoveries, clever puzzles, etc., are irrelevant. ASH-ness and BSI-ness are irrelevant.” All articles, verse, etc., appearing in the Muse will be eligible for the award except the entries in the annual Birthday Challenge. In addition to the Muse editorial staff of Susan Diamond, Evelyn Herzog, and Marilynne McKay, Jan’s friends Francine Kitts and Sue Vizoskie will serve as judges. Judges, of course, are not eligible to win.

Dubious and Questionable Memory

Nothing gladdens your editors’ hearts more than a bit of controversy, and one of our founders, M.E. Rich, provided just that with her reflections on the role of Adventuresses—past, present, and future—in the Sherlockian world. And the responses were equally thought-provoking. Judith Freeman argued that more male Sherlockians should be invested in ASH. Laurie Fraser Manifold agreed, recommending the candidates be young, attractive, and charming. She graciously volunteered to evaluate all contenders. “The Donald” Izban said that this controversy was all much ado about nothing and “who cares?”

New Contributors

The Muse has always welcomed new contributors, and this past year was no exception. David L. Hammer, one of the Sherlockian world’s most renowned authors, demonstrated that he is as adept at verse as prose with a tribute to the Master. Canadian Sherlockian Carole Logan also found verse and Holmes to be a compatible combination.

Robert J. Bousquet, a New Jersey professor with a passion for opera and all things Sherlockian, enlightened us as which operatic roles Irene Adler was likely to have performed. Bob Katz’s approach was somewhat more whimsical as he managed to link the Master and the head of the Confederate secret service in a tale that must be read to be comprehended. And John Baesch answered the question that has perplexed many an ASH: what is a whiffenpoof? Finally, in a toast to the Literary Agent, Bev Wolov introduced us to the real terror of the moor—the sheep of the Baskervilles.

Old Friends

As editors, we are most grateful to those authors who, year after year, supply us with stellar copy. In addition to her aforementioned letter, Judith Freeman addressed the provenance of the blue carbuncle, linked Roy Chapman Andrew and ACD, and showed her humorous side in Silver Blaze’s session with his therapist. Karen Murdoch argued that Kitty Winter was the most “dangerous pet” in the Canon, and we suspect a certain Austrian baron would agree. Philip Shreffler found “commedia” aplenty in an unlikely place—“The Bruce-Partington Plans.”

Adventuresses have always debated the identity of the “real” Irene Adler. In the past year, Myrtle Robinson argued cogently for opera singer Adelina Patti, while Peter Blau took a more traditional approach in a toast to Lily Langtry.

Jan Stauber and Al Gregory toasted the much-loved Adventuress Edith Meiser at the Baskerville Bash, while Catalina Hannan reported on all the doings that night. Another frequent contributor to our pages, Sue Vizoskie, reported on our Autumn Members Meeting and toasted both Mesdames Adler and Hudson.

Mickey Fromkin toasted the good doctor in verse and reminded us that “ASH Was Born to Boogie.” Another talented Sherlockian poet, Warren Randall, proved the Master was indeed “A Man for All Seasons.”

Violets are near and dear to the hearts of ASH. Carl Heifetz, a Florida Sherlockian, raised a glass to Violet Smith, while Margaret Fleesak identified with Violet Hunter.

Finally, the Muse editors also found time for contributions. Marilynne McKay found the women behind the great hiatus and reported on the Spring Dinner, while Susan Diamond reviewed David Hammer’s final collection of pastiches.

The Puzzled Muse

In the past year, Canonical and non-Canonical conundrums intrigued our authors and our readers. In addition to her usual witty and erudite verse, Dorothy Belle Pollack challenged our readers with two innovative word puzzle competitions—won by subscribers Elaine Coppola (both puzzles!) and Carol Russell. And Francine Kitts provided another one of her Canonical “word searches.”

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