Tryon has declared July 23 as William Gillette Day. The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. with Mrs. Hudson’s breakfast in Columbus and a presentation by Henry Zecher, author of the just-published “William Gillette, America’s Sherlock Holmes,” a  biography of the life of one of the world’s premier actors and playwrights for half a century.
Gillette, who had a summer home in Tryon for years, created, with permission from his collaborator, Sir Authur Conan Doyle, the stage presentation of Sherlock Holmes in England and America.
For more than 12 years Henry Zecher has given a slide program on William Gillette to Sherlock Holmes fans. The program has been a popular event in the Sherlockian world, with some fans proclaiming it the best presentation ever given at a Sherlockian event. Now, Zecher has a book to go with it. More than 700 pages, the book includes numerous graphics and photos, many collected by author Zecher and not previously published.
Zecher will sign books at the breakfast. The Book Shelf in Tryon will sponsor an additional book signing from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on July 23.
The Polk County Historical Museum (featuring a large collection of William Gillette material) will be open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours of Gillette memorabilia, including the pipe and slippers he wore in stage presentations of his play, “Sherlock Holmes,” are available.
Tickets are limited. If you plan to attend contact Robert Reynolds at boblo1@windstream.net or Phyllis Martin at 828-863-2643.
– article submitted