Hello Sherlockians,

While The Mini Tonga Society has a center theme of the Canon, the
surrounding details incorporated into the "world" of 1895 are
embodied in something more physical. That Society offers a level of
participation which appeals to other senses of the Sherlockian
Aficionado rather than purely intellectual examination of the
literary merits, errors, foibles, and related psycho-babble so
common to the Sherlockian World. Although there is nothing wrong
with this level of interest and participation, the inspection of
ACD's writings have been going on for over a hundred years. I
believe the fresh (relative) approach offered by the world of
miniature recreations offers everyone a chance to participate and
have fun. As a side note........my wife was very amused at the Mini
Tonga Society and she thought it was a wonderful idea to pursue.

As to the Mini Tonga Society....look at the membership and the
diversity of people, and also that the sharing of interest and fun
are the most common tie, we see people equalized by the fact that
they just want to be part of something greater.

As to the often cited rumor in the Sherlockian world, that there are
or is a secret SH society within the societies, sort of
an "underground" SH society monitoring the other societies......I
dont think that really exists anymore. Supposedly they had been
sending messages by some secret code or such, for purposes of
amusement and "testing" each others wits.......all too much ado
about nothing I think............because if we knew about it, it
wouldnt be secret anymore. So the only way it can exist is if we are
unaware and never seek to look for hidden messages in the posts on
various sites and in some recent SH "enthusiast" books.

When I began to examine the available items on eBay, I was shocked
at the lack of availability, and more dissapointed with the quality.
Like most Sherlockians, I have a chess set featuring our consulting
detective and the plethora of characters. However to acquire more
than that for pursuit of the Mini Tonga aspect, there is a definate
market for quality items as related to the Canon, after
all......there are only so many shoddy movie poster recreations one
can tolerate to look at. So to involve oneself in the participation
of a miniature recreation, the key is fun and enjoyment......

As to the Baker Street Builders....they are a group that attempts to
recreate the SH 221B as close as possible. I feel this is somewhat
beyond my financial means, so I will limit myself for now to the
miniature aspects, but hope to recreate in full scale (possibly) the
desk and fireplace of 221B....along with the necessary accoutrements.

I hope others will see the value and fun, that can be had with the
miniatures version....and specially if you have children..this may
peak an interest for SH and help to carry on the tradition.

My surprise at the eBay prices for recent original art...featuring
an artist I never heard of and the prices for that art. And although
I am not an art expert...that art did not look that good. I am sure
there must be an artist or two in the SHSI....just a thought

Hope this post answered the question somewhat.

I still would like to find a list..the complete list of every book
and movie ever made on SH. Just because.........

Regards to all........

James27Word