I Am Exceedingly Obliged to You for Your Co-Operation

D S o F June 2010 n Volume 14 Number 2 e t 100 Years Ago...Continued from Page 2 i H R e

and was intrigued at once. According by the Eminent Surgeon he must indeed of reader to author, where the former, F to G.J. Cubitt years later, “The album have seen it as coincidence. (Cubitt hu- gleefully alert, clutches at any chance to gave birth to the idea and he left many morously sent to Cornelius Helling an cry, ‘Now I’ve caught you!’ and rejoices drawings about, evidently working out “autograph” composed of stick figures in the author’s supposed discomfiture.” his code and messages.” And, of course, who form letters with the poses of their “To assume for a moment,” said she, when he wrote his story Doyle not only bodies. These do not much resemble ei- “that a man who has invented hun- used “dancing men” inspired by G.J.’s ther Doyle’s dancing men or the restless dreds of original plots for stories would work, but indirectly credited the Cubitts imps/fays, whereas the latter do resem- need to appropriate, stealthily and with Sherlock Holmes for their inspiration by borrowing their ble each other very much. But it is not criminal intent, an idea from a child’s c o l l e c t i o n s name for the central characters, and at all clear that Cubitt’s 1950s figures magazine, is ludicrous.” “As to the ‘curt modeling the name of “Ridling Thorpe were intended to reflect the dancing tone’ of Sir Arthur’s reply to the ‘courte- “Your merits should be publicly recognized” (STUD) Manor” on Ridlington and Edingthorpe, men of the old autograph album, nor ous’ letter of warning (!) [emphasis and way-stations in Norfolk on the way to that after the lapse of more than half a exclamation point in original], if readers Happisburgh. century Cubitt would have remembered knew the number of letters of warning, in detail the cipher used by him at the criticism, flattery, advice and request C o n t e n t s “I am exceedingly obliged to Cubitt pointed out to Helling that he age of seven.) that such eminent authors as Sir A. you for your co-operation” himself “did not invent secret writing.” Conan Doyle receive, they would won- “I am exceedingly It is most unlikely that he would have Actually, the restless imps/fays themselves der that they are answered at all.” “An obliged to you...” (“The Illustrious Client”) seen the American St. Nicholas, but it were not particularly original. Others author has no more time to give away to by Kris Kiesling and Timothy Johnson seems wholly plausible that he would have noticed in an 1874 encyclopedia strangers than any other working-man, 1 Kris Kiesling have seen the “Restless Fays” in Boy’s of Freemasonry a “tree alphabet” that and it is therefore in a spirit of righteous Own and modeled his dancing men somewhat resembled them (and the danc- indignation that I object to the eminent The Adventure of the Veiled Lodger” opens with these words from Dr. Watson: on them – and then Doyle modeled ing men), and an “alphabet of Hermes” surgeon’s objection to the curtness of 100 Years Ago “When one considers that Mr. Sherlock Holmes was in active practice for twenty- his own dancing men on Cubitt’s. It is that resembled them more closely; and a the message he received. His apparent 2 three years, and that during seventeen of these I was allowed to co-operate with also thoroughly plausible to think that cipher composed of “little figures of men” doubt of its truth is uninteresting.” “ him and to keep notes of his doings, it will be clear that I have a mass of material Cubitt did not recall where his seven- appears in the 1866 edition of the U.S. “Also, as an anatomist, he should at my command.” Twenty-first century research libraries, it is equally clear, have year-old self had gotten the idea. In Army’s “Manual of Signals.” surely see that the Restless Imps and the 50 Years Ago a mass of material, although how much of it is at their command might be a matter of any event, neither Doyle himself nor Dancing Men, though similar, are not 3 discussion or debate. Certainly, over the last decade or so, there has been quite a bit of young Cubitt had any reason to think In defense of The Bookman itself, it must identical.” discussion around the topic of uncovering hidden collections. Those discussions have that their cipher might be derived from be said that the magazine seems to have led to concerted actions by research libraries toward streamlining acquisition proce- an American magazine of thirty years regretted giving a platform to Lyndon It seems appropriate to allow Miss From the President dures, “more product and less process” archival arrangement and description processing, before. So while the dancing men may Orr and the Eminent Surgeon to vent Wells, who herself was to publish more 4 increased digitization programs, and other activities that make more materials available to very well have been rooted ultimately in their nastiness. In its July 1910 issue than 70 mysteries and 100 other books, students, faculty, and interested researchers. the restless imps, there was no way for it printed a letter from the American to have the last word. Doyle to know this; and when the rest- author Carolyn Wells, who wrote “to An Update from While many of these projects and programs have taken place within individual institu- less imps were brought to his attention protest that most objectionable attitude tions, other cooperative activities between two or more institutions are becoming more the Collections apparent. Some of these cooperative ventures are driven by an economy of size while 4 others relate to the interrelationships of collections. An example of the first type might be the Research Collections and Preservation Consortium (ReCAP), an off-site library storage Remembrances For any inquiries contact: Continued on page 6 In supporting the Sherlock Holmes Collections, many donors have made Timothy J. Johnson, Curator Musings contributions either in honor or in memory of special persons. 612-624-3552 or [email protected] 5 “TO STRENGTHEN OUR RESOURCES…” (“The Red-Headed League”) In Honor Of From John Bergquist Michael Kean Sherlock Holmes Collections Cooperation is the key to our future success. Within the Doylean/Sherlockian uni- Bob & Lucy Brusic Michael Kean Suite 111, Elmer L. Andersen Library Using the Collections verse a rich landscape of collections exist, each inviting exploration, and each often Timothy Johnson, Curator Richard Sveum University of Minnesota 7 looking for ways to strengthen their resource base for future research, publication, Vivian Mae McKuras Mike and Julie McKuras 222 21st Ave. S. and enlightenment into the world of Conan Doyle and Sherlock Holmes. Minneapolis, MN 55455 Greta Ann Reich Mike and Julie McKuras Telephone: 612-626-9166 Acquisitions We’re extremely thankful to our friends at the Baker Street Irregulars Trust who send FAX: 612-625-5525 In Memory Of From 7 us material that fits in with our collecting mission. In the spirit of cooperation, we Howard & Edna Hong Philip H. Swiggum Mailing list corrections requested— hope to gather material more appropriate for the BSI Archives and offer it to them Allen Mackler Richard Sveum Because of the high cost of returned newsletters, in the near future. We would encourage donors who have Baker Street Irregular Dr. Alvin E. Rodin Jack D. Key we would appreciate being informed of changes Remembrances materials to contact Tom Francis, Chairman of the Trust, for additional information. of address or other corrections. 8 (E-mail .) Working together we can add to this rich landscape and keep forever green the memory of the Master. Timothy J. Johnson, Curator 8 Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections 1 The Adventure of the Media Buzz... Continued from Page 6 sibility that other aged material might by sending him a one-cent postcard” be palmed off on him.” with some crude sarcastic doggerel ending “But having tried all other What might collaboration look like within COLLECTIONS Now, Mr. Orr’s powers of observa- things to justify your acts, / Im-’pure this “irregular” group of scholars, teachers, tion were clearly rudimentary. He said coincidence’ alone remains — and fits students and readers? Here are the web addresses for the institu- 100 that the cipher in Poe’s The Gold Bug the facts!” tions cited, as listed on the Sherlock Hol- mes Collections webpage (http://special.lib. y e ars ag o “consist[s] of arithmetic numbers,” These and other questions about col- The Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections when in fact it consists of numbers Now, if the Eminent Surgeon had umn.edu/rare/ is a quarterly newsletter published by the laboration will be one of the main items holmes.phtml). and of punctuation marks. He said couched his original letter in courteous Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections by Thaddeus Holt under discussion during our “Spirits of which seek to promote the activities, inter- that no “ciphers were employed” in tones, without doubt he would have Sherlock Holmes” conference in August. The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection at the ests and needs of the Special Collections “The Dancing Men,” evidently think- received from Doyle an equally polite Toronto Public Library — and Rare Books Department, University of In its issue for April 1910, The Book- A pre-conference breakfast meeting with ing “cipher” meant only “number.” He reply setting forth the true origin of the http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uni_ Minnesota Libraries. man, an American magazine (there representatives from many of the major stated flatly that the restless imps were dancing men as far as he was con- spe_conan_doyle.jsp Mail editorial correspondence c/o: was a British one of the same name), collections will allow curators, archivists, “precisely the ‘dancing men’ of Sir A. cerned. The story was first dug out in published a remarkably snide little and associated Friends leadership to begin The Arthur Conan Doyle Lancelyn Green Editor Conan Doyle’s story ... The alphabet the early 1950s by the great Sherlock- piece entitled “A Case of Coincidence exploring the topic. The panel discussion Bequest at Portsmouth — Julie McKuras has been transposed in most cases, but ian Gavin Brend, and further fleshed http://www.conandoylecollection.co.uk/# 13512 Granada Ave. Relating to Sir A. Conan Doyle,” in during the conference will move the topic the ‘dancing men’ are the same.” This out by the Dutch Sherlockian Corne- Apple Valley, MN 55124 which one Lyndon Orr, whose only further along and allow for additional 952-431-1934 is simply not so, as a few seconds’ in- lius Helling, who got it from the very The Baker Street Irregulars Trust, Houghton known claim to fame is as the author input. This is an exciting time to work Library, Harvard University — http://www. [email protected] spection should have shown; the stick- individual who inspired Doyle. of a four-volume potboiler on notable with special materials such as the Holmes bsitrust.org/ figures are much the same, but their Editorial Board love affairs of history, accused Doyle Collections. It is our hope that this discus- John Bergquist, Timothy Johnson, poses are quite different. Similarly, To begin with, St. Nicholas was a New The Kittle Collection of Doyleana, New- of un-admitted plagiarism, deliberate sion will provide new insights, ideas, Jon Lellenberg, Richard J. Sveum, M.D. Mr. Orr seems — or pretended — not York publication; it seems not to have berry Library, Chicago — rudeness, and outright lying. and avenues of discovery for everyone to have perceived that the Eminent occurred to the Eminent Surgeon http://www.newberry.org/programs/ACD- who appreciates Holmes and his creator. bio.html Surgeon’s letter to Doyle was in fact that Doyle was not likely to have seen In 1904, said Orr, Doyle “tried to re- At a minimum, we hope this focus and a sarcastic accusation of plagiarism, an American children’s magazine of Sherlock Holmes Collection, Marylebone Copyright © 2006 peat the extraordinary success” of ear- discussion on collaboration will give us University of Minnesota Library a Gotcha! — or, in any case, would thirty years before. In fact, evidently Information Service, London — http:// lier Holmes stories by publishing some clarity and a point from which to move probably be read by Doyle as such. unknown to the Eminent Surgeon, www.westminster.gov.uk/services/libraries/ new stories “for which a heavy price forward. As Holmes observed in “The The University of Minnesota is an Equal if there was any plagiarism it was special/sherlock/ was paid.” One of these stories was Adventure of Silver Blaze”: “At least I have Opportunity Educator and Employer. committed by the British magazine “The Adventure of the Dancing Men,” got a grip of the essential facts of the case. The Sub-Librarians Scion of the the Baker The Boy’s Own Paper, which in 1881 which, sneered Orr, “was considered I shall enumerate them to you, for nothing Street Irregulars in the American Library reprinted, without acknowledgment, Association, list, “Libraries with Sherlock a fairly good one compared with the clears up a case so much as stating it to the St. Nicholas item substantially ver- Holmes or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Collec- other stories in the same book.” The another person, and I can hardly expect batim, only changing “Restless Imps” tions” — http://elisanonline.com/sublibrar- Acquisitions story, of course, deals with Holmes’s your co-operation if I do not show you the to “Restless Fays.” ians/libraries.html solving a cipher in which each letter of position from which we start.” erham Groves sent his the alphabet is represented by a differ- publications Murderous Mel- It will be recalled that “The Adven- ent little stick-figure or “dancing man.” bourne and There’s No Place ture of the Dancing Men” tells of one (Technically this is called a simple Like Holmes. Hilton Cubitt of Ridling Thorpe Manor D substitution cipher.) “Some credit,” Scan courtesy of the Sherlock Holmes Collections in Norfolk, whose wife is threatened said Orr, without citing any authority, Barbara McKuras donated a copy of by the villain through messages in “was given to Sir A. Conan Doyle for Using the Collections the article “Arthur Conan Doyle, the Doyle clearly so read it and, being the dancing men cipher. In the early Scot Who Created Sherlock Holmes,” the ingenuity of his cryptogram.” rian McCuskey is spending Doyle, responded not with the annoy- 1900s Doyle frequently visited his which ran in the May/June 2010 issue ance that he must have felt, but with a sister Connie and her husband E.W. many hours in the Sher- However, crowed Orr (you can almost of The Highlander, The Magazine of Scot- light-hearted brushoff, sending to the Hornung, the creator of Raffles, who lock Holmes Collections, hear him saying “Aha!”), an unidenti- tish Heritage. Eminent Surgeon a postcard that sim- lived near Cromer on the Norfolk surrounded by books and fied “eminent surgeon of this city” B periodicals. A member of ply said: “Dear Sir: Pure Coincidence. coast. He would stay not far away at — presumably New York — had stum- Among the many newsletters received Yours try., A. Conan Doyle.” “This was the Hill House Hotel in Happisburgh, the English Department at Utah State bled across an item in an 1874 issue were the latest issues of Foolscap Docu- not a very satisfactory answer when which was run by a family named University, Brian specializes in Victo- of St. Nicholas, a children’s magazine, ment, Canadian Holmes, The Moor, The sent to an eminent member of Sir A. Cubitt. One day Mrs. Cubitt asked rian Literature and Literary Theory. featuring a cipher called “the Restless Police Gazette, The Footprints & Lens of Conan Doyle’s own profession,” sniffed Doyle to write something in her niece’s He is currently researching Sherlock Imps,” little stick-figures very similar the Ribston-Pippins, Communication No. Lyndon Orr. “It was curt in tone and autograph album. Some years before, Holmes and the history of the Baker to the dancing men. The Eminent Sur- 298, The District Messenger, Ineffable was not even provided with sufficient when he was about seven years old, Street Irregulars. geon then took it upon himself to write Photo by Julie McKuras Twaddle, Camden House Journal, and postage ... Naturally, [the Eminent Mrs. Cubitt’s son G.J. Cubitt had writ- Tim Johnson and Brian McCuskey to Doyle, “pointing out to him that his Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press. Surgeon] was somewhat incensed. ten his name and address in the album cryptogram was really three decades Therefore, he countered on Sir Arthur in “dancing men.” Doyle spotted this old and warning him against the pos- Continued on page 8 2 Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections 7 “I am exceedingly obliged”... Continued from Page 1 facility operated jointly between Co- • Academic research libraries will the Holmes Collections (like all of Seminar, History of Medicine Lecture ment chair and delivered the address, lumbia University, Princeton Univer- continue to develop comprehensive our collections) will be guided by the on December 2, 1964. “Arthur Conan “Logan Clendening” at the 1958 Logan sity, and the New York Public Library. collections in all formats priorities set by the University. For the Doyle, Detective – Doctor” (revised and Clendening Lecture in the History and An example of the second type might • Collections will seek to align with Libraries, this means greater attention enlarged) was published in April 1965 Philosophy of Medicine at the medi- be the Center for Research Libraries university academic priorities and to discovery and delivery services, issue of the University of Minnesota cal school. Major was a mentor of Dr. (CRL), an international consortium of funding realities scholarly communication and publish- 5y e ars0 ag o Medical Bulletin, Official Publication of Kittle at a time Kittle was beginning his university, college, and independent • Coordination of collection ing, content and collections, electronic University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minne- interest in Conan Doyle scholarship research libraries that acquires and development across the research education and learning support, and sota Medical Foundation and the Minne- and building his own collection while preserves newspapers, journals, docu- library community will remain electronic scholarship. For Holmes this In January 1960, the Journal of the sota Medical Alumni Association. serving as a surgery resident at the ments, archives, and other traditional marginalized will mean making more material avail- Kansas Medical Society published “Ar- University of Kansas Medical Center and digital resources from a global • Academic research libraries will able through the Web (through finding thur Conan Doyle: Doctor and Writer Dr. Kittle admits that he got a lot out in the mid-1950s. At this time, Dr. network of sources and makes this ma- increasingly focus on distinctive and aids and our new Media Repository), (1859-1930)” written by C. Frederick of the basic article that he rewrote and Kittle acquired the 19-page handwrit- terial available to students, faculty and unique collections in service to assuring high preservation standards Kittle, M.D., Kansas City. The article changed over the ensuing fifty years. It ten manuscript of “The Romance of other researchers through interlibrary regional and national scholarly and treatment of materials, seeking begins, “One hundred years ago – on has appeared, as noted by Ronald De- Medicine,” written by Arthur Conan loan and electronic delivery. audiences out new opportunities for teaching, May 22 to be exact – Arthur Conan Waal as “slightly changed” as “The Case Doyle in 1910. It was this manuscript, • Academic research libraries will research and scholarship, and looking Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes of the Versatile A. Conan Doyle” in The a lecture about the nature of medicine The University of Minnesota Librar- build innovative bi-lateral and for other avenues of outreach and col- was born.” The six page article covers University of Chicago Magazine in 1969 and his reflection on his experiences as ies is actively engaged in both types of tri-lateral partnerships to expand laboration. the life of Conan Doyle, concluding: and as “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Phy- a physician, that Conan Doyle gave at activities. Internally, for example, we content access and delivery “He was a combination of many differ- sician and Detective” in The Proceedings London’s St. Mary’s Hospital Medical have streamlined acquisition processes, • Preservation and archiving of the Within our planning documents, as ent entities blended into one: the phy- of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago in School, which sparked Kittle’s collect- allowing us to quickly move books and cultural and scientific record will they apply to content and collections, sician, the sportsman, the champion of 1981. Not listed in DeWaal is the ar- ing passion in Dr. Doyle. periodicals out to researchers. Exter- remain balkanized and episodic there is one point that is particularly the undertrod, the historian, the orator ticle, “There’s More to Doyle than Hol- nally, we are now scanning about one • National and global information inviting: “Explore and develop partner- and the author.” At that time Dr. Kittle mes!” that was published in The Pharos, The Kittle Collection of Doyleana was million items for the Google Books policies will not facilitate the deep ships and collaborations with other was a member of the Department of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical donated to the Newberry Library in Project. In Andersen Library, home to collection collaboration needed institutions and commercial partners in Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Society’s quarterly journal in 1997. The Chicago in 2003. To commemorate our archival and special collections, • Work of collection building will order to better serve users….” This is School, Kansas City, Kansas. Caxton Club of Chicago has the article the establishment of the collection we continue to digitize portions of our require new approach to professional especially exciting given the network of on their website at http://www.caxton- Donald J. Terras, BSI published Sir collections for web accessibility, have staffing and organization Doyle and Holmes collections that has The Sherlock Holmes Collections at club.org/reading/doyle.html. Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Hol- mounted over 4,000 electronic finding • Collections will need to align more developed over the years. And it invites the University of Minnesota has a re- mes: Essays and Art on The Doctor and aids for our archival collections, and intimately with teaching and learning the question “What partnerships and printed copy of the article that was sent The Detective. The Newberry Library cooperate with other departments and processes collaborations might be developed and to Nathan Bengis by Dr. Kittle in 1962. While we enjoy the Kittle to Bengis to has the “Biography of a Collector” on institutions on exhibits, instruction, • User communities will create their strengthened between Minnesota, The Included was a cover letter, typed on Shaw to Minnesota connection, there their website at http://www.newberry. collection development, and program- own tools for discovering, BSI Trust at Harvard, the Doyle Col- University of Kansas Medical Center is an equally interesting relationship org/programs/ACDbio.html. ming. All of these actions point to the disseminating and managing content lection at Toronto, the Lancelyn Green stationery, thanking Bengis for his predating Dr. Kittle’s article. Dr. Logan Dr. Kittle recently reflected on the fifty importance of cooperation. Coopera- • Academic research libraries will Bequest at Portsmouth, the Holmes letter to Dr. Kittle. After John Bennett Clendening (1884-1945) was the years since he published his original tion, both internally and externally, will assume expanded roles as new Collection at Marylebone Library in Shaw acquired the article and accom- founder and chair of the Department of article. He still pursues his collecting be a key to our future success. scholarly communication business London, the Kittle Collection at the panying correspondence, he affixed the History and Philosophy of Medicine passion and told me that he contin- models are implemented Newberry Library in Chicago, and his “The Library of John Bennett Shaw, at the University of Kansas Medical ues to acquire and read books about In January, as part of the Libraries’ • More focus will be placed on data other places where Holmes or Doyle B.S.I.” bookplate to the bottom of the School and is known to us for his Sher- Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock planning process, James Neal, Vice capture and analysis to support materials are found?” Are there ways, letter. The Kittle to Bengis to Shaw to lockian writings, and as a “friend and Holmes. Like the subject of his article President for Information Services collection development decisions building on these strong relationships, Minnesota connection is an interest- benefactor of Vincent Starrett,” (Jon written fifty years ago, we celebrate Dr. and University Librarian at Columbia that collections or services might be ing provenance. Another connection Lellenberg, “Logan Clendening: Canon- Kittle as a doctor and writer. University, presented a talk entitled To bring this all down to our immedi- enhanced to better serve the Doylean/ to Minnesota occurred when Dr. Kittle izing an Irregular Saint,” Baker Street “Defensive Diversification Versus Radi- ate level of interest, what might the Sherlockian communities? Is there ex- delivered the University of Minnesota Journal, December 1992). Dr. Ralph H. Richard J. Sveum, MD, BSI cal Collaboration: the Strategic Context future look like for the Sherlock Hol- pertise among curators, archivists, and Medical School Quarterly Surgical Major succeeded Clendening as depart- and Directions for Content and Collec- mes Collections in terms of collection other staff that could be shared across tion in the Academic Research Library.” development and collaboration? First, the community that might benefit col- That’s a long title for a complex subject, a new collection development policy is lections and users? Might collection but there were a number of impor- being drafted for the Holmes Collec- development policies be shared across tant “takeaways” that might guide our tions that will provide future direction institutions to gain a better insight future thinking and planning. Neal in developing a comprehensive col- into who is collecting what and avoid made a number of assumptions about lection. Both the DeWaal bibliography unnecessary duplication? And what research libraries, collection develop- and its supplement will continue to be of Friends groups? Are there ways for ment, and collaboration. They were: used as tools in this regard. Second, them to interact in collaborative ways? Continued on page 7 6 Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections 3 From the President Musings Special Collections and Assistant Uni- Minnesota Libraries. he Annual Membership t’s always an exciting time when we (Joseph C. Goulden in the April 23, 2005 and Destiny / Logan Clendening (University versity Librarian for Special Collections I look forward to seeing everyone and Meeting of the Friends of the welcome a new writer to the pages Washington Times). In the February 20, of Kansas Press, 1958). Advancement. The membership meet- personally thanking you for being a Sherlock Holmes Collections of this newsletter, and with this is- 2010 Wall Street Journal Nicholas Rankin ing will be held on the first day ofThe Friend. I hope that you will consider T will take place on August 6, sue, we welcome two. Kris Kiesling, listed The Deceivers as one of the five best The 50 Years Ago column in our Decem- 2010 at the Elmer L. An- Spirits of Sherlock Holmes international making a donation of material, money I the Elmer L. Andersen Director books written about British Military Intel- ber 2009 issue contained an article titled conference and I encourage all Friends or volunteering your time. Together we dersen Library. I am pleased to report of Archives and Special Collections and ligence. He wrote “This scholarly yet en- “The Gardner-Shaw Connection.” It was to attend both. Our triennial confer- can make the Sherlock Holmes Col- that the endowed E.W. McDiarmid Assistant University Librarian for Special tertaining magnum opus is the definitive written by Dana Richards about Martin ences are sponsored by the Friends, lections one of the best centers for the Curatorship of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Advancement, worked with account of all the stratagems used by the Gardner and the appearance of his puzzle the Norwegian Explorers of Minnesota study of all things Sherlockian. Collections will be presented to Timo- Curator Tim Johnson on our lead article Allies against the Axis in World War II.” “The Mysterious Tracks” in the 1959 and the Special Collections and Rare thy J. Johnson by Kris Kiesling, Elmer about library cooperation and the future The Barnes and Noble site synopsis states: Arrow Book of Brain Teasers. Mr. Gardner Richard J. Sveum, M.D., B.S.I. L. Andersen Director of Archives and Books division of the University of for the Sherlock Holmes Collections. Kris kindly contributed “Remembering John is always an interesting and discerning Secret codes, ciphers, strategic misdirec- Bennett Shaw” to run with Dana’s article. contributor at our quarterly Friends of the tion, and more: Deception was one of I’m sorry to report that Mr. Gardner An Update from the Collections Sherlock Holmes Collections meetings the most powerful weapons utilized by passed away May 23rd at the age of 95. n April 1st I had a real treat: Doing a live radio show is always a little arrived early to set up and had the chance and we appreciate her insight. the Allies in World War II. Here are some Reporting on his death, the Associate Press I was a guest on Kerri Miller’s unnerving; you don’t want to make any to meet Orrin Ausen, the library director at of the amazing tricks and leaked misin- release noted that Gardner was “known “Midmorning” show on Min- missteps or put your foot in your mouth. Bethany who was setting up items for the For our 100 Years Ago article, we chose formation— many revealed for the first for popularizing recreational mathematics nesota Public Radio. (You’ll But in the end there were no worries. I felt silent auction, and to chat with some of the to highlight the 1910 article “A Case of time— that helped lure the Axis powers and debunking paranormal claims” and O Coincidence Relating to Sir A. Conan into false, even dangerous, positions. The quoted Gardner’s son, who described his find the show on MPR’s web site; I was well-prepared and Kerri quickly put me guests. Maybe the biggest delight for me on the second hour, 10-11am.) I’m a big at ease. Minnesota Public Radio is a great that evening was to reconnect with Dayle Doyle,” that case being the code of “The collection of incredible codes, surreptitious father as “a renaissance man who built fan of public radio. I listen to it when I get radio operation and they do things at a Zelenka, executive director of the Traverse Dancing Men.” Reflecting on the need for spies, and false battle plans is made all the new ideas through words, numbers and up in the morning and its the last thing high level of excellence. I have to admit to des Sioux Library System and the director an author to pen the piece, Jon Lellenberg more enjoyable by Thaddeus Holt’s mas- puzzles.” Gardner’s obituary in the May 23 I hear when going to bed. I don’t always the thrill of seeing some of the behind the of SMILE, and his wife Gena. Dayle and noted the number of past members of terful writing, as well as the accompanying New York Times described him as a man get to hear Kerri’s show because it falls in scenes operation, and I really enjoyed the I overlapped our careers for a few years the BSI community with backgrounds photos. His novel-like storytelling includes “who indulged his own restless curiosity the middle of my work day, but I try to time in the control room before going into together on the library staff at North Park in this area. Fletcher Pratt’s 1939 book many illuminating profiles of the war’s by writing more than 70 books on topics check her program’s web page as often as the studio for my segment of the show. It in Chicago. Secret and Urgent covered cryptography so central figures and the roles they played in as diverse as magic, philosophy and the possible. was a great time and a good conversation. extensively that its 1942 second edition specific deceptive operations. nuances of Alice in Wonderland.” We The added bonus for me was the chance The evening proceeded from a delightful was quickly withdrawn from circulation are all very appreciative that we had the Earlier on I was contacted by Chris Dall, to talk more with Kerri after the show dinner to a silent auction and then to my at the War Department’s request during Thaddeus Holt generously agreed to write opportunity to feature him and learn more who helps produce “Midmorning,” won- was over. We stayed in the studio after the presentation. I had a chance to talk about World War II. Edward F. Clark, Jr. served our 100 Years Ago piece. We believe he about his friendship with Shaw. dering if I could join the program to talk show talking more about Holmes, Doyle, the foundation of the Norwegian Explorers in one of the most sensitive parts of U.S. was an excellent choice. about Sherlock Holmes, the Collections, and the U’s collection. I hope she has the and the Holmes Collections at the Univer- military intelligence at the Pentagon dur- In his March 3, 1957 column “Books and anything else Sherlockian that might chance to visit us for a tour. She may bring sity. Along the way I introduced the audi- ing the war, and Basil Davenport in Army Tim Johnson keeps us informed about Alive,” which ran in the Chicago Tribune, come our way. The main guest for this seg- me back a couple of weeks before our ence to the wider Sherlockian world, the Counterintelligence overseas. There are his busy schedule in his “Update from Vincent Starrett wrote “Sherlockians will ment of the show was David Grann, a staff conference for a chance to plug that event Baker Street Irregulars, some of the actors present-day Sherlockians with similar the Collections.” Dick Sveum updates us be dazzled by the summer plans of the writer at the New Yorker, who was going and talk more about Holmes. I’m looking who’ve portrayed Holmes, and Holmes in backgrounds, and one man suggested for in his column “From the President,” and Norwegian Explorers [of Minnesota], a sci- to talk about his new book The Devil and forward to the opportunity. My thanks to popular culture. By all accounts the eve- our 100 Years Ago by Jon was Thaddeus wrote our 50 Years Ago article about Dr. on society of the Baker Street Irregulars.” Sherlock Holmes. I jumped at the chance. Kerri, Chris, and the other folks at MPR for ning was a success, and I’m glad I could Holt. Fred Kittle’s “Arthur Conan Doyle: Doctor He was writing about the planned pilgrim- The timing was perfect as only two nights the invitation to talk about the Collections do my little bit to help promote libraries and Writer (1859-1930)” and the number age to Reichenbach Falls but we hope his earlier I’d watched an interview with and about a great Sherlockian, Richard and National Library Week. My thanks to Thad, described by Jon as a “deep-dyed of publications in which Dr. Kittle’s article words also apply to the 2010 summer David on the “Charlie Rose” show. I was Lancelyn Green. Dayle and Orrin for arranging the evening, Holmesian,” has contributed to the has appeared. Dr. Logan Clendening plans. In conjunction with The Spirits of ready to go out and buy the book and the and my special thanks to Leslie Peterson, Baker Street Journal and is a Master-Cop- (1884-1945) mentioned in the article Sherlock Holmes conference to be held Aug. invitation from Chris just sealed the deal. I Another pleasant event, also in April, was assistant to the Dean of the Library at per-Beech-Smith of the Sons of the was the author of medical books and a 6-8, there will be two wonderful exhibits did have some concerns about appearing the invitation from the South-central Min- Minnesota State University, for facilitating Copper Beeches. He has been a lawyer newspaper column, a noted bibliophile on display. Visitors will be pleased to see on the show with David, because of his nesota Inter-Library Exchange (SMILE) my visit. Leslie was my initial contact and for over fifty years and served as the and Holmesian, and a strong memory at our late friend Allen Mackler’s replica of article, “Mysterious Circumstances” (also to be their guest speaker on April 15 for extremely helpful in all the details related Deputy Under-Secretary of the Army from the University of Kansas Medical Center Sherlock Holmes’s sitting room at the the first chapter in his book), on the death National Library Week. The chosen topic to the evening and my appearance. I hope 1965-1967. Holt’s “You Have Been in when Dr. Kittle was a resident there ten Wilson Library from June 1 – August 29, of Richard Lancelyn Green, and how it for the evening? What else, but Sherlock our paths cross again! Afghanistan, I Perceive” appeared in the years after Clendening’s death. Dr. Ralph and the conference display at the Elmer was received by the Sherlockian com- Holmes. Winter 1994 MHQ: The Quarterly Journal Major described him as “one of the most L. Andersen Library will be available from munity. I won’t detail those concerns here, I look forward to seeing many of you at of Military History. His book The Deceivers: colorful and picturesque figures from July 12 – October 15. We look forward to but you’ll find them on my blog, “Special The theme for the evening was “Sleuthing our conference in August. I trust, wher- Allied Military Deception in the Second World American medicine” (Bulletin of the History seeing many of our readers this summer. & Rare On A Stick.” I do want to thank @ Your Library with Sherlock Holmes” ever you are, that you’ll have a delightful War came out in 2004, and one reviewer of Medicine, July 1945, pp. 199-206) and those friends whose advice and guidance I and the event was held in Meyer Hall at summer. noted that it “deserves a five-cloak rating” his cited lecture about him is in Disease Julie McKuras, ASH, BSI sought in preparing for the program. Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. I Timothy Johnson

4 Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections 5 From the President Musings Special Collections and Assistant Uni- Minnesota Libraries. he Annual Membership t’s always an exciting time when we (Joseph C. Goulden in the April 23, 2005 and Destiny / Logan Clendening (University versity Librarian for Special Collections I look forward to seeing everyone and Meeting of the Friends of the welcome a new writer to the pages Washington Times). In the February 20, of Kansas Press, 1958). Advancement. The membership meet- personally thanking you for being a Sherlock Holmes Collections of this newsletter, and with this is- 2010 Wall Street Journal Nicholas Rankin ing will be held on the first day ofThe Friend. I hope that you will consider T will take place on August 6, sue, we welcome two. Kris Kiesling, listed The Deceivers as one of the five best The 50 Years Ago column in our Decem- 2010 at the Elmer L. An- Spirits of Sherlock Holmes international making a donation of material, money I the Elmer L. Andersen Director books written about British Military Intel- ber 2009 issue contained an article titled conference and I encourage all Friends or volunteering your time. Together we dersen Library. I am pleased to report of Archives and Special Collections and ligence. He wrote “This scholarly yet en- “The Gardner-Shaw Connection.” It was to attend both. Our triennial confer- can make the Sherlock Holmes Col- that the endowed E.W. McDiarmid Assistant University Librarian for Special tertaining magnum opus is the definitive written by Dana Richards about Martin ences are sponsored by the Friends, lections one of the best centers for the Curatorship of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Advancement, worked with account of all the stratagems used by the Gardner and the appearance of his puzzle the Norwegian Explorers of Minnesota study of all things Sherlockian. Collections will be presented to Timo- Curator Tim Johnson on our lead article Allies against the Axis in World War II.” “The Mysterious Tracks” in the 1959 and the Special Collections and Rare thy J. Johnson by Kris Kiesling, Elmer about library cooperation and the future The Barnes and Noble site synopsis states: Arrow Book of Brain Teasers. Mr. Gardner Richard J. Sveum, M.D., B.S.I. L. Andersen Director of Archives and Books division of the University of for the Sherlock Holmes Collections. Kris kindly contributed “Remembering John is always an interesting and discerning Secret codes, ciphers, strategic misdirec- Bennett Shaw” to run with Dana’s article. contributor at our quarterly Friends of the tion, and more: Deception was one of I’m sorry to report that Mr. Gardner An Update from the Collections Sherlock Holmes Collections meetings the most powerful weapons utilized by passed away May 23rd at the age of 95. n April 1st I had a real treat: Doing a live radio show is always a little arrived early to set up and had the chance and we appreciate her insight. the Allies in World War II. Here are some Reporting on his death, the Associate Press I was a guest on Kerri Miller’s unnerving; you don’t want to make any to meet Orrin Ausen, the library director at of the amazing tricks and leaked misin- release noted that Gardner was “known “Midmorning” show on Min- missteps or put your foot in your mouth. Bethany who was setting up items for the For our 100 Years Ago article, we chose formation— many revealed for the first for popularizing recreational mathematics nesota Public Radio. (You’ll But in the end there were no worries. I felt silent auction, and to chat with some of the to highlight the 1910 article “A Case of time— that helped lure the Axis powers and debunking paranormal claims” and O Coincidence Relating to Sir A. Conan into false, even dangerous, positions. The quoted Gardner’s son, who described his find the show on MPR’s web site; I was well-prepared and Kerri quickly put me guests. Maybe the biggest delight for me on the second hour, 10-11am.) I’m a big at ease. Minnesota Public Radio is a great that evening was to reconnect with Dayle Doyle,” that case being the code of “The collection of incredible codes, surreptitious father as “a renaissance man who built fan of public radio. I listen to it when I get radio operation and they do things at a Zelenka, executive director of the Traverse Dancing Men.” Reflecting on the need for spies, and false battle plans is made all the new ideas through words, numbers and up in the morning and its the last thing high level of excellence. I have to admit to des Sioux Library System and the director an author to pen the piece, Jon Lellenberg more enjoyable by Thaddeus Holt’s mas- puzzles.” Gardner’s obituary in the May 23 I hear when going to bed. I don’t always the thrill of seeing some of the behind the of SMILE, and his wife Gena. Dayle and noted the number of past members of terful writing, as well as the accompanying New York Times described him as a man get to hear Kerri’s show because it falls in scenes operation, and I really enjoyed the I overlapped our careers for a few years the BSI community with backgrounds photos. His novel-like storytelling includes “who indulged his own restless curiosity the middle of my work day, but I try to time in the control room before going into together on the library staff at North Park in this area. Fletcher Pratt’s 1939 book many illuminating profiles of the war’s by writing more than 70 books on topics check her program’s web page as often as the studio for my segment of the show. It in Chicago. Secret and Urgent covered cryptography so central figures and the roles they played in as diverse as magic, philosophy and the possible. was a great time and a good conversation. extensively that its 1942 second edition specific deceptive operations. nuances of Alice in Wonderland.” We The added bonus for me was the chance The evening proceeded from a delightful was quickly withdrawn from circulation are all very appreciative that we had the Earlier on I was contacted by Chris Dall, to talk more with Kerri after the show dinner to a silent auction and then to my at the War Department’s request during Thaddeus Holt generously agreed to write opportunity to feature him and learn more who helps produce “Midmorning,” won- was over. We stayed in the studio after the presentation. I had a chance to talk about World War II. Edward F. Clark, Jr. served our 100 Years Ago piece. We believe he about his friendship with Shaw. dering if I could join the program to talk show talking more about Holmes, Doyle, the foundation of the Norwegian Explorers in one of the most sensitive parts of U.S. was an excellent choice. about Sherlock Holmes, the Collections, and the U’s collection. I hope she has the and the Holmes Collections at the Univer- military intelligence at the Pentagon dur- In his March 3, 1957 column “Books and anything else Sherlockian that might chance to visit us for a tour. She may bring sity. Along the way I introduced the audi- ing the war, and Basil Davenport in Army Tim Johnson keeps us informed about Alive,” which ran in the Chicago Tribune, come our way. The main guest for this seg- me back a couple of weeks before our ence to the wider Sherlockian world, the Counterintelligence overseas. There are his busy schedule in his “Update from Vincent Starrett wrote “Sherlockians will ment of the show was David Grann, a staff conference for a chance to plug that event Baker Street Irregulars, some of the actors present-day Sherlockians with similar the Collections.” Dick Sveum updates us be dazzled by the summer plans of the writer at the New Yorker, who was going and talk more about Holmes. I’m looking who’ve portrayed Holmes, and Holmes in backgrounds, and one man suggested for in his column “From the President,” and Norwegian Explorers [of Minnesota], a sci- to talk about his new book The Devil and forward to the opportunity. My thanks to popular culture. By all accounts the eve- our 100 Years Ago by Jon was Thaddeus wrote our 50 Years Ago article about Dr. on society of the Baker Street Irregulars.” Sherlock Holmes. I jumped at the chance. Kerri, Chris, and the other folks at MPR for ning was a success, and I’m glad I could Holt. Fred Kittle’s “Arthur Conan Doyle: Doctor He was writing about the planned pilgrim- The timing was perfect as only two nights the invitation to talk about the Collections do my little bit to help promote libraries and Writer (1859-1930)” and the number age to Reichenbach Falls but we hope his earlier I’d watched an interview with and about a great Sherlockian, Richard and National Library Week. My thanks to Thad, described by Jon as a “deep-dyed of publications in which Dr. Kittle’s article words also apply to the 2010 summer David on the “Charlie Rose” show. I was Lancelyn Green. Dayle and Orrin for arranging the evening, Holmesian,” has contributed to the has appeared. Dr. Logan Clendening plans. In conjunction with The Spirits of ready to go out and buy the book and the and my special thanks to Leslie Peterson, Baker Street Journal and is a Master-Cop- (1884-1945) mentioned in the article Sherlock Holmes conference to be held Aug. invitation from Chris just sealed the deal. I Another pleasant event, also in April, was assistant to the Dean of the Library at per-Beech-Smith of the Sons of the was the author of medical books and a 6-8, there will be two wonderful exhibits did have some concerns about appearing the invitation from the South-central Min- Minnesota State University, for facilitating Copper Beeches. He has been a lawyer newspaper column, a noted bibliophile on display. Visitors will be pleased to see on the show with David, because of his nesota Inter-Library Exchange (SMILE) my visit. Leslie was my initial contact and for over fifty years and served as the and Holmesian, and a strong memory at our late friend Allen Mackler’s replica of article, “Mysterious Circumstances” (also to be their guest speaker on April 15 for extremely helpful in all the details related Deputy Under-Secretary of the Army from the University of Kansas Medical Center Sherlock Holmes’s sitting room at the the first chapter in his book), on the death National Library Week. The chosen topic to the evening and my appearance. I hope 1965-1967. Holt’s “You Have Been in when Dr. Kittle was a resident there ten Wilson Library from June 1 – August 29, of Richard Lancelyn Green, and how it for the evening? What else, but Sherlock our paths cross again! Afghanistan, I Perceive” appeared in the years after Clendening’s death. Dr. Ralph and the conference display at the Elmer was received by the Sherlockian com- Holmes. Winter 1994 MHQ: The Quarterly Journal Major described him as “one of the most L. Andersen Library will be available from munity. I won’t detail those concerns here, I look forward to seeing many of you at of Military History. His book The Deceivers: colorful and picturesque figures from July 12 – October 15. We look forward to but you’ll find them on my blog, “Special The theme for the evening was “Sleuthing our conference in August. I trust, wher- Allied Military Deception in the Second World American medicine” (Bulletin of the History seeing many of our readers this summer. & Rare On A Stick.” I do want to thank @ Your Library with Sherlock Holmes” ever you are, that you’ll have a delightful War came out in 2004, and one reviewer of Medicine, July 1945, pp. 199-206) and those friends whose advice and guidance I and the event was held in Meyer Hall at summer. noted that it “deserves a five-cloak rating” his cited lecture about him is in Disease Julie McKuras, ASH, BSI sought in preparing for the program. Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. I Timothy Johnson

4 Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections 5 “I am exceedingly obliged”... Continued from Page 1 facility operated jointly between Co- • Academic research libraries will the Holmes Collections (like all of Seminar, History of Medicine Lecture ment chair and delivered the address, lumbia University, Princeton Univer- continue to develop comprehensive our collections) will be guided by the on December 2, 1964. “Arthur Conan “Logan Clendening” at the 1958 Logan sity, and the New York Public Library. collections in all formats priorities set by the University. For the Doyle, Detective – Doctor” (revised and Clendening Lecture in the History and An example of the second type might • Collections will seek to align with Libraries, this means greater attention enlarged) was published in April 1965 Philosophy of Medicine at the medi- be the Center for Research Libraries university academic priorities and to discovery and delivery services, issue of the University of Minnesota cal school. Major was a mentor of Dr. (CRL), an international consortium of funding realities scholarly communication and publish- 5y e ars0 ag o Medical Bulletin, Official Publication of Kittle at a time Kittle was beginning his university, college, and independent • Coordination of collection ing, content and collections, electronic University of Minnesota Hospitals, Minne- interest in Conan Doyle scholarship research libraries that acquires and development across the research education and learning support, and sota Medical Foundation and the Minne- and building his own collection while preserves newspapers, journals, docu- library community will remain electronic scholarship. For Holmes this In January 1960, the Journal of the sota Medical Alumni Association. serving as a surgery resident at the ments, archives, and other traditional marginalized will mean making more material avail- Kansas Medical Society published “Ar- University of Kansas Medical Center and digital resources from a global • Academic research libraries will able through the Web (through finding thur Conan Doyle: Doctor and Writer Dr. Kittle admits that he got a lot out in the mid-1950s. At this time, Dr. network of sources and makes this ma- increasingly focus on distinctive and aids and our new Media Repository), (1859-1930)” written by C. Frederick of the basic article that he rewrote and Kittle acquired the 19-page handwrit- terial available to students, faculty and unique collections in service to assuring high preservation standards Kittle, M.D., Kansas City. The article changed over the ensuing fifty years. It ten manuscript of “The Romance of other researchers through interlibrary regional and national scholarly and treatment of materials, seeking begins, “One hundred years ago – on has appeared, as noted by Ronald De- Medicine,” written by Arthur Conan loan and electronic delivery. audiences out new opportunities for teaching, May 22 to be exact – Arthur Conan Waal as “slightly changed” as “The Case Doyle in 1910. It was this manuscript, • Academic research libraries will research and scholarship, and looking Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes of the Versatile A. Conan Doyle” in The a lecture about the nature of medicine The University of Minnesota Librar- build innovative bi-lateral and for other avenues of outreach and col- was born.” The six page article covers University of Chicago Magazine in 1969 and his reflection on his experiences as ies is actively engaged in both types of tri-lateral partnerships to expand laboration. the life of Conan Doyle, concluding: and as “Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – Phy- a physician, that Conan Doyle gave at activities. Internally, for example, we content access and delivery “He was a combination of many differ- sician and Detective” in The Proceedings London’s St. Mary’s Hospital Medical have streamlined acquisition processes, • Preservation and archiving of the Within our planning documents, as ent entities blended into one: the phy- of the Institute of Medicine of Chicago in School, which sparked Kittle’s collect- allowing us to quickly move books and cultural and scientific record will they apply to content and collections, sician, the sportsman, the champion of 1981. Not listed in DeWaal is the ar- ing passion in Dr. Doyle. periodicals out to researchers. Exter- remain balkanized and episodic there is one point that is particularly the undertrod, the historian, the orator ticle, “There’s More to Doyle than Hol- nally, we are now scanning about one • National and global information inviting: “Explore and develop partner- and the author.” At that time Dr. Kittle mes!” that was published in The Pharos, The Kittle Collection of Doyleana was million items for the Google Books policies will not facilitate the deep ships and collaborations with other was a member of the Department of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical donated to the Newberry Library in Project. In Andersen Library, home to collection collaboration needed institutions and commercial partners in Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Society’s quarterly journal in 1997. The Chicago in 2003. To commemorate our archival and special collections, • Work of collection building will order to better serve users….” This is School, Kansas City, Kansas. Caxton Club of Chicago has the article the establishment of the collection we continue to digitize portions of our require new approach to professional especially exciting given the network of on their website at http://www.caxton- Donald J. Terras, BSI published Sir collections for web accessibility, have staffing and organization Doyle and Holmes collections that has The Sherlock Holmes Collections at club.org/reading/doyle.html. Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock Hol- mounted over 4,000 electronic finding • Collections will need to align more developed over the years. And it invites the University of Minnesota has a re- mes: Essays and Art on The Doctor and aids for our archival collections, and intimately with teaching and learning the question “What partnerships and printed copy of the article that was sent The Detective. The Newberry Library cooperate with other departments and processes collaborations might be developed and to Nathan Bengis by Dr. Kittle in 1962. While we enjoy the Kittle to Bengis to has the “Biography of a Collector” on institutions on exhibits, instruction, • User communities will create their strengthened between Minnesota, The Included was a cover letter, typed on Shaw to Minnesota connection, there their website at http://www.newberry. collection development, and program- own tools for discovering, BSI Trust at Harvard, the Doyle Col- University of Kansas Medical Center is an equally interesting relationship org/programs/ACDbio.html. ming. All of these actions point to the disseminating and managing content lection at Toronto, the Lancelyn Green stationery, thanking Bengis for his predating Dr. Kittle’s article. Dr. Logan Dr. Kittle recently reflected on the fifty importance of cooperation. Coopera- • Academic research libraries will Bequest at Portsmouth, the Holmes letter to Dr. Kittle. After John Bennett Clendening (1884-1945) was the years since he published his original tion, both internally and externally, will assume expanded roles as new Collection at Marylebone Library in Shaw acquired the article and accom- founder and chair of the Department of article. He still pursues his collecting be a key to our future success. scholarly communication business London, the Kittle Collection at the panying correspondence, he affixed the History and Philosophy of Medicine passion and told me that he contin- models are implemented Newberry Library in Chicago, and his “The Library of John Bennett Shaw, at the University of Kansas Medical ues to acquire and read books about In January, as part of the Libraries’ • More focus will be placed on data other places where Holmes or Doyle B.S.I.” bookplate to the bottom of the School and is known to us for his Sher- Arthur Conan Doyle and Sherlock planning process, James Neal, Vice capture and analysis to support materials are found?” Are there ways, letter. The Kittle to Bengis to Shaw to lockian writings, and as a “friend and Holmes. Like the subject of his article President for Information Services collection development decisions building on these strong relationships, Minnesota connection is an interest- benefactor of Vincent Starrett,” (Jon written fifty years ago, we celebrate Dr. and University Librarian at Columbia that collections or services might be ing provenance. Another connection Lellenberg, “Logan Clendening: Canon- Kittle as a doctor and writer. University, presented a talk entitled To bring this all down to our immedi- enhanced to better serve the Doylean/ to Minnesota occurred when Dr. Kittle izing an Irregular Saint,” Baker Street “Defensive Diversification Versus Radi- ate level of interest, what might the Sherlockian communities? Is there ex- delivered the University of Minnesota Journal, December 1992). Dr. Ralph H. Richard J. Sveum, MD, BSI cal Collaboration: the Strategic Context future look like for the Sherlock Hol- pertise among curators, archivists, and Medical School Quarterly Surgical Major succeeded Clendening as depart- and Directions for Content and Collec- mes Collections in terms of collection other staff that could be shared across tion in the Academic Research Library.” development and collaboration? First, the community that might benefit col- That’s a long title for a complex subject, a new collection development policy is lections and users? Might collection but there were a number of impor- being drafted for the Holmes Collec- development policies be shared across tant “takeaways” that might guide our tions that will provide future direction institutions to gain a better insight future thinking and planning. Neal in developing a comprehensive col- into who is collecting what and avoid made a number of assumptions about lection. Both the DeWaal bibliography unnecessary duplication? And what research libraries, collection develop- and its supplement will continue to be of Friends groups? Are there ways for ment, and collaboration. They were: used as tools in this regard. Second, them to interact in collaborative ways? Continued on page 7 6 Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections 3 The Adventure of the Media Buzz... Continued from Page 6 sibility that other aged material might by sending him a one-cent postcard” be palmed off on him.” with some crude sarcastic doggerel ending “But having tried all other What might collaboration look like within COLLECTIONS Now, Mr. Orr’s powers of observa- things to justify your acts, / Im-’pure this “irregular” group of scholars, teachers, tion were clearly rudimentary. He said coincidence’ alone remains — and fits students and readers? Here are the web addresses for the institu- 100 that the cipher in Poe’s The Gold Bug the facts!” tions cited, as listed on the Sherlock Hol- mes Collections webpage (http://special.lib. y e ars ag o “consist[s] of arithmetic numbers,” These and other questions about col- The Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections when in fact it consists of numbers Now, if the Eminent Surgeon had umn.edu/rare/ is a quarterly newsletter published by the laboration will be one of the main items holmes.phtml). and of punctuation marks. He said couched his original letter in courteous Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections by Thaddeus Holt under discussion during our “Spirits of which seek to promote the activities, inter- that no “ciphers were employed” in tones, without doubt he would have Sherlock Holmes” conference in August. The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection at the ests and needs of the Special Collections “The Dancing Men,” evidently think- received from Doyle an equally polite Toronto Public Library — and Rare Books Department, University of In its issue for April 1910, The Book- A pre-conference breakfast meeting with ing “cipher” meant only “number.” He reply setting forth the true origin of the http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/uni_ Minnesota Libraries. man, an American magazine (there representatives from many of the major stated flatly that the restless imps were dancing men as far as he was con- spe_conan_doyle.jsp Mail editorial correspondence c/o: was a British one of the same name), collections will allow curators, archivists, “precisely the ‘dancing men’ of Sir A. cerned. The story was first dug out in published a remarkably snide little and associated Friends leadership to begin The Arthur Conan Doyle Lancelyn Green Editor Conan Doyle’s story ... The alphabet the early 1950s by the great Sherlock- piece entitled “A Case of Coincidence exploring the topic. The panel discussion Bequest at Portsmouth — Julie McKuras has been transposed in most cases, but ian Gavin Brend, and further fleshed http://www.conandoylecollection.co.uk/# 13512 Granada Ave. Relating to Sir A. Conan Doyle,” in during the conference will move the topic the ‘dancing men’ are the same.” This out by the Dutch Sherlockian Corne- Apple Valley, MN 55124 which one Lyndon Orr, whose only further along and allow for additional 952-431-1934 is simply not so, as a few seconds’ in- lius Helling, who got it from the very The Baker Street Irregulars Trust, Houghton known claim to fame is as the author input. This is an exciting time to work Library, Harvard University — http://www. [email protected] spection should have shown; the stick- individual who inspired Doyle. of a four-volume potboiler on notable with special materials such as the Holmes bsitrust.org/ figures are much the same, but their Editorial Board love affairs of history, accused Doyle Collections. It is our hope that this discus- John Bergquist, Timothy Johnson, poses are quite different. Similarly, To begin with, St. Nicholas was a New The Kittle Collection of Doyleana, New- of un-admitted plagiarism, deliberate sion will provide new insights, ideas, Jon Lellenberg, Richard J. Sveum, M.D. Mr. Orr seems — or pretended — not York publication; it seems not to have berry Library, Chicago — rudeness, and outright lying. and avenues of discovery for everyone to have perceived that the Eminent occurred to the Eminent Surgeon http://www.newberry.org/programs/ACD- who appreciates Holmes and his creator. bio.html Surgeon’s letter to Doyle was in fact that Doyle was not likely to have seen In 1904, said Orr, Doyle “tried to re- At a minimum, we hope this focus and a sarcastic accusation of plagiarism, an American children’s magazine of Sherlock Holmes Collection, Marylebone Copyright © 2006 peat the extraordinary success” of ear- discussion on collaboration will give us University of Minnesota Library a Gotcha! — or, in any case, would thirty years before. In fact, evidently Information Service, London — http:// lier Holmes stories by publishing some clarity and a point from which to move probably be read by Doyle as such. unknown to the Eminent Surgeon, www.westminster.gov.uk/services/libraries/ new stories “for which a heavy price forward. As Holmes observed in “The The University of Minnesota is an Equal if there was any plagiarism it was special/sherlock/ was paid.” One of these stories was Adventure of Silver Blaze”: “At least I have Opportunity Educator and Employer. committed by the British magazine “The Adventure of the Dancing Men,” got a grip of the essential facts of the case. The Sub-Librarians Scion of the the Baker The Boy’s Own Paper, which in 1881 which, sneered Orr, “was considered I shall enumerate them to you, for nothing Street Irregulars in the American Library reprinted, without acknowledgment, Association, list, “Libraries with Sherlock a fairly good one compared with the clears up a case so much as stating it to the St. Nicholas item substantially ver- Holmes or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Collec- other stories in the same book.” The another person, and I can hardly expect batim, only changing “Restless Imps” tions” — http://elisanonline.com/sublibrar- Acquisitions story, of course, deals with Holmes’s your co-operation if I do not show you the to “Restless Fays.” ians/libraries.html solving a cipher in which each letter of position from which we start.” erham Groves sent his the alphabet is represented by a differ- publications Murderous Mel- It will be recalled that “The Adven- ent little stick-figure or “dancing man.” bourne and There’s No Place ture of the Dancing Men” tells of one (Technically this is called a simple Like Holmes. Hilton Cubitt of Ridling Thorpe Manor D substitution cipher.) “Some credit,” Scan courtesy of the Sherlock Holmes Collections in Norfolk, whose wife is threatened said Orr, without citing any authority, Barbara McKuras donated a copy of by the villain through messages in “was given to Sir A. Conan Doyle for Using the Collections the article “Arthur Conan Doyle, the Doyle clearly so read it and, being the dancing men cipher. In the early Scot Who Created Sherlock Holmes,” the ingenuity of his cryptogram.” rian McCuskey is spending Doyle, responded not with the annoy- 1900s Doyle frequently visited his which ran in the May/June 2010 issue ance that he must have felt, but with a sister Connie and her husband E.W. many hours in the Sher- However, crowed Orr (you can almost of The Highlander, The Magazine of Scot- light-hearted brushoff, sending to the Hornung, the creator of Raffles, who lock Holmes Collections, hear him saying “Aha!”), an unidenti- tish Heritage. Eminent Surgeon a postcard that sim- lived near Cromer on the Norfolk surrounded by books and fied “eminent surgeon of this city” B periodicals. A member of ply said: “Dear Sir: Pure Coincidence. coast. He would stay not far away at — presumably New York — had stum- Among the many newsletters received Yours try., A. Conan Doyle.” “This was the Hill House Hotel in Happisburgh, the English Department at Utah State bled across an item in an 1874 issue were the latest issues of Foolscap Docu- not a very satisfactory answer when which was run by a family named University, Brian specializes in Victo- of St. Nicholas, a children’s magazine, ment, Canadian Holmes, The Moor, The sent to an eminent member of Sir A. Cubitt. One day Mrs. Cubitt asked rian Literature and Literary Theory. featuring a cipher called “the Restless Police Gazette, The Footprints & Lens of Conan Doyle’s own profession,” sniffed Doyle to write something in her niece’s He is currently researching Sherlock Imps,” little stick-figures very similar the Ribston-Pippins, Communication No. Lyndon Orr. “It was curt in tone and autograph album. Some years before, Holmes and the history of the Baker to the dancing men. The Eminent Sur- 298, The District Messenger, Ineffable was not even provided with sufficient when he was about seven years old, Street Irregulars. geon then took it upon himself to write Photo by Julie McKuras Twaddle, Camden House Journal, and postage ... Naturally, [the Eminent Mrs. Cubitt’s son G.J. Cubitt had writ- Tim Johnson and Brian McCuskey to Doyle, “pointing out to him that his Scuttlebutt from the Spermaceti Press. Surgeon] was somewhat incensed. ten his name and address in the album cryptogram was really three decades Therefore, he countered on Sir Arthur in “dancing men.” Doyle spotted this old and warning him against the pos- Continued on page 8 2 Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections Friends of the Sherlock Holmes Collections 7 D S o F June 2010 n Volume 14 Number 2 e t 100 Years Ago...Continued from Page 2 i H R e