[John Clayton]

Although imminent male Sherlockians do come under discussion on Sherlockian message boards, it is high time that the contributions of women were recognized - especially Edith Meiser.

Here is a link for those of you who may be unfamiliar with her:
http://www.theatrewo...ms/oral_history

It was my good fortune to meet her at a Sherlock Homes Birthday Weekend in New York in 1990. She attended the William Gillette Memorial Luncheon and spoke to us about seeing William Gillette live in the radio studio for a broadcast and recording of an adaptation of his famous stage play. She was charming, modest and easily endeared herself to us without even trying. She was surprised and pleased when I told her that I had enjoyed her work.

At that luncheon, I asked Bob Thomalen, Tom Stix's right hand man with the Baker Street Irregulars, if there was a chance that the BSI would invest some of the ladies, such as Edith Meiser. Bob, who's as nice a guy as you would ever want to meet, simply lowered his head and shook it negatively in no uncertain terms. Thinking that discretion was the better part of valor, I dropped the matter.

The following day at the Reception for All Sherlockians, Tom Stix in his capacity as Wiggens, announced a new set of investitures - beginning with DAME JEAN CONAN DOYLE! Tom went on to include Edith Meiser, among other deserving ladies! Tom emphasized that these were full investitures and carried with them all rights and privileges of the BSI! And high time it was, if I say so myself!

Several days later, I called Bob Thomalen and asked if he was putting me on at the luncheon. Bob said, "YES," in the most gregarious and delightful manner. We howled with laughter! I told him that I was glad he didn't spoil the surprise. Then I asked Bob if he knew the line in Terence Rattigan's play, THE WINSLOW BOY, "Let right be done" Indeed he did, and then he asked me if I remembered the "nose" scene in Rostand's CYRANO DE BERJERAC. We laughed even more!


Edith Meiser richly deserved her investiture, as did the other ladies. She had the distinction of having written radio scripts for Rathbone & Bruce, as well as the Sherlock Holmes newspaper comic strip. Hopefully, more Sherlockians will share their memories of Edith on this thread!