Episode 322: The Scourers of Dancing Men

 “‘Why, Holmes, it is a child’s drawing,’ I cried.” [DANC] Just when you thought everything about Sherlock Holmes and popular culture was known, a new mystery emerges from dusty U.S. newspaper archives. Join us as we interview the remarkable Ross E. Davies, BSI ("The Temple"), organizer of "The Scourers of the Dancing Men," a fascinating research project that dives deep into a 1903 advertising campaign for the publication of "The Adventure of the Dancing Men" in Collier’s magazine. They've discovered dozens of unique advertisements — including a particularly intriguing “third format" whose cryptic figures bear a striking, unexplained resemblance to the original drawings that inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.You’ll hear about the ongoing, national hunt for missing ads and the perplexing questions these newly found "Collier’s dancing men" pose. You can even join the search to gather the data and help solve this curious, 120-year-old mystery.Once again, we give you a glimpse of Sherlockian society activities, this time in the first half of January in "The Learned Societies" segment. Madeline Quinones is back with "A Chance of Listening," and the Canonical Couplet quiz tests your Sherlock Holmes knowledge, with a copy of a prize from the IHOSE vaults for the winner. Send your answer to comment @ihearofsherlock.com by November 29, 2025 at 11:59 a.m. EST. All listeners are eligible to play.As a reminder, our supporters can listen to the show ad-free and have access to occasional bonus material. Join us on the platform of your choice (Patreon | Substack).Bonus material for this episode includes images of the Dancing Men advertising, the current map of found newspapers, Strand and Colliers errors, and the original inspiration for the Dancing Men code.Download [Save As] | File size: 70.2 MB, 1:12:11Leave I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts and Spotify; listen to us wherever you listen to podcasts.LinksThe ACD SocietyThe Stranger's Room (Facebook)Canadian HolmesEpisodes mentioned in this show:Episode 137: Boxes From RoyaltyEpisode 175: Building an ArchiveEpisode 212: All Things ACDEpisode 219: The Baker Street AlmanacEpisode 234: A Masterpiece of VillainyEpisode 302: A Year in ReviewOther links:A Chance of Listening: Fawx & StallionThe Learned Societies: Sherlockian CalendarOUR NEW MERCH PAGEFind all of our relevant links and social accounts at linktr.ee/ihearofsherlock.And would you consider leaving us a rating and or a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Goodpods? It would help other Sherlockians find us.Your thoughts on the show? Leave a comment below, send us an email (comment AT ihearofsherlock DOT com), call us at 5-1895-221B-5. That's (518) 952-2125.