It’s elementary Dr. Watson. As a kid Sherlock Holmes was my favorite detective, first in book form and then on TV. I remember in the mid-1950s watching “The Hound of the Baskervilles” on a small black and white TV at a cottage in Paradise Michigan. It was rainy and all the adults were playing cards. I was hooked for life. All I wanted was a deerstalker. Never got one. It’s not too late. Today, an exhibit opens at the University of Michigan library featuring the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle the creator of Sherlock Holmes.

The exhibit “Clues Beyond Sherlock Holmes: The Arthur Conan Doyle Collection at Michigan” will showcase rare books, photographs and other material relating to Sherlock Holmes and Doyle. The exhibit will be in the Hatcher Library on the seventh floor. The items are from the family collection of Dr. Phillip Parker of Bloomfield Hills Michigan. Parker who is a modern day “mentalist” expanded his father’s collection to include Doyle’s dalliances into spiritualism. Doyle and Houdini were often at odds about this movement.

Be sure to set aside some time for the opening reception which takes place May 17 where guests are being encouraged to dress as their favorite (or infamous) character from Doyle’s stories. The reception will include food which is featured in Doyle’s writings. The reception is open to the public, but the library would appreciate RSVPs. Read more about the exhibit and the event and where to RSVP in an on-line article in the Ann Arbor Chronicle by clicking here.

One last story. Bill Rabe who was the Detroit dean of PR professionals in the 1960s was a great fan and and a member of The Baker Street Irregulars. Learn more about that group by clicking here. When Rabe moved to the Upper Peninsuala to take over duties as public relations director for Lake Superior State College and later the Grand Hotel he recreated Holme’s office in his home and for fun put in a secret staircase. Going to the event as an irregular -now that’s and idea. For more information on the event e-mail LibraryDevelopment@umich.edu .