On May18th, 2010, sixteen members of the Greek Interpreters met at Hershey's Steak and Seafood restaurant in East Lansing for our Spring meeting. The story on which the evening's quiz and discussion focussed was "The Adventure of The Blanched Soldier". the meeting opened with the customary Canonical Toasts to Mrs. Hudson, Mycroft Holmes, the second Mrs. Watson and The Woman. Members then enjoyed an excellent dinner of prime rib or grilled whitefish accompanied by spirited conversation. A resolution of the quiz was carried out by Bill Reusch (the chemist).
| | |
|---|
The discussion following the quiz was limited due to the paucity of descriptive features in this short story. It is one of only two stories in the canon in which Watson does not appear. Mrs. Hudson is also absent. The narrative is provided by Holmes himself, and we soon realize how important Watson's romantic style is in these written accounts. Indeed, Holmes is compelled to admit that, having taken my pen in hand, "I do begin to realize that the matter must be presented in such a way as may interest the reader". Although Holmes refers to this case as "among the strangest happenings in my collection", it does not seem to display his investigative and deductive talents as well as numerous others in the canon.
The Greek Interpreters were saddened by the March 20th death of General Miller Perrry, aka Colonel Ross. We "stood together on the terrace", as his friend Will Maples remembered our oldest member in a final toast.
|
The meeting concluded with the reading of Vincent Starrett's "221B" poem, followed by our singing of The Anthem.
Born June 13, 1907 to the late Horace E. and Lulu M. Perry of Susquehanna, PA, Miller "Moppy" Osborne Perry died March 20, 2010 just prior to the age of 102. He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Pauline Moss Perry in 1985; a son David Miller Perry in 1963; and three sisters, Mildred Gridley, Ina Getter, and Frances Kane. General Perry is survived by his daughter Susan Moss Perry, St. Charles, MO; daughter-in-law Joan Perry Cooper, grandson Mark David Perry, granddaughter Debra (Steve) Pinedo, great-grandson Colin Pinedo, all of California; and a host of nieces and nephews. He attended Pennsylvania State College and graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, class of 1931. His military schooling included the Artillery School, the Command and General Staff College, the Army and Air War Colleges, and he was an instructor at three of those schools. Upon graduation from West Point in 1931, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Field Artillery. His military career included twenty different stations in the United States, the Far East and Europe. Miller served with the First Army in England and France during World War II; and as Commanding Officer, 52nd Field Artillery, 24th Infantry Division, he was part of Task Force Smith, the first U.S. combat unit to fight in the Korean War. His awards during his 30 year career included: Distinguished Service Cross, two Legions of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, a Purple Heart and numerous others. Upon retiring in 1961, he completed the course classes for a Master's Degree in Public Administration at Michigan State University, and was an assistant to the Dean of International Studies and Programs until 1975. He was an active member of American Legion Post #86, and many other organizations. He also volunteered at local nursing homes and with the American Red Cross. Since his retirement he continued to receive recognition from various military groups: one from the Korean Veterans Association- a certificate of Grand Meritorious Service Medal; a Special Certificate of Valor-Task Force Smith-Korea, and a medal in 2004 from the Regional Council of Normandy, France for his service during WWII.