A place to explore all things surrounding Detective Charlie Chan, his creator Earl Derr Biggers, and their connection with Hawaii, Ohio and mystery fiction. – LOU ARMAGNO
Buried deep within the annals of mystery fiction, it is written Detective Charlie Chan was once as recognized a fictional character as Superman, Tarzan, or Mickey Mouse. Within literature he emerged as one of America's first, new breed of detectives--on par with S. S. Van Dine's Detective Philo Vance, Dashiell Hammett's The Continental Op, Sam … Continue reading Charlie Chan's trip to China – March 22, 1936!
Having grown up in the Midwest (Ohio) I vividly recall the harsh winters of my youth, standing outside in the ice and snow shivering as I waited for the school bus to arrive. Following that, 19 more years of snow, boots, jackets and gloves in Upstate New York and Central Germany. So it was exhilarating … Continue reading PUNAHAO, home to the night-blooming Cereus Flower!
Chang Apana's grave site at the Manoa Chinese Cemetary What's that you ask, "a REAL Detective Chan?" Yes, there was actually a living, breathing person, who inspired Author Earl Derr Biggers and served as the "spark" for his fictional Detective Charlie Chan. Now I realize "most of you" reading this already knew that! However, take … Continue reading Will the REAL Charlie Chan please step forward.
Ah November-December, the year's end approaches and dining-out at festive gatherings abounds! Why not step away from the customary turkey or ham that will no doubt be proffered you this holiday, and get a little adventurous! There still exists a few Charlie Chan establishments in operation! Here are those I could find open and some … Continue reading Those Charlie Chan Eateries!
I have a confession…I’m a philatelist. There I said it! Yes, I collect stamps. More specific, for a while I was hell bent on making my own cachet envelopes (that’s an envelope with a picture that's stamped, printed, or embossed below the return address). I made them to have first day postmarks cancelled on them … Continue reading Charlie Chan at the Museum! Not the movie; Cleveland and Honolulu Police Museums.
“Mr. Chan, allow me introduce Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley, who also holds title as 8th Earle of Asherton. Lord Lynley, meet our guest Inspector Charlie Chan of the Honolulu police.” “Hello Inspector Chan,” said Lynley. “Your reputation precedes you. I’ve heard many accounts of your accolades from our mutual friend, Inspector … Continue reading Two World-Class Sleuths: One Small Burg – Warren, Ohio
Most of us familiar with the fictional sleuth Charlie Chan are aware he was created by Author Earl Derr Biggers, born Warren, Ohio, August 26, 1884. To my great surprise, while glancing through the Warren-Trumbull County Library’s website I saw under their “One Book/One Community” program, their title book for March 2018 was none other than … Continue reading Warren, Ohio’s month-long celebration of Author Earl Derr Biggers, March 2018
The Postman on Holiday 