Episode 14: Michael Whelan, Wiggins of the Baker Street Irregulars (Part 1)

In this episode of the only Sherlockian podcast, we begin our interview the head of the Baker Street Irregulars - the internationally renowned literary society that remains at the forefront of the study of Sherlock Holmes. Michael Whelan has been "Wiggins" of the BSI for the last decade, and here he shares some thoughts on his own personal history, the organization, the annual gathering known as the BSI Weekend, and more.The Baker Street Irregulars is the umbrella organization for a host of so-called scion societies around the world and has been in existence since 1934.Show Notes1:15 Introduction & welcome5:10 Mike's first experience with Sherlock Holmes9:50 A Rotary-like element to being a Sherlockian10:15 Mike's first Sherlockian dinner, 1969 - Hugo's Companions11:18 Mike's first BSI dinner, 197313:16 The Montgomery tradition begins and other Irregularities15:36 Mike gets his investiture and discussion of the "wait list"17:54 How Mike became the head of the BSI22:59 That's a lot of dinners!23:26 The BSI's style - informal, no dues, no requirements25:29 Tom Stix changed some things, Mike's vision for the organization30:48 The BSI re-enters the publishing business38:38 Archiving this podcast and other BSI-related material42:21 Show wrap-up and highlights from next week's conclusionLinksThe Baker Street Irregulars (Wikipedia)The Baker Street JournalThe BSI Manuscript SeriesThe BSI International SeriesThe BSJ Christmas AnnualThe BSI History SeriesThe BSI Trust