I would like to echo John Bird's sentiments about the success of the Elmira
Conference.  The people attending were ample testimony that the Twain
scholars are indeed a lively and congenial group as opposed, say, to the
Kafka society.

As John pointed out, especially memorable was the first great Twain
smokeout, which took place on the original site of the octagonal study.
It was truly a spiritual experience, replete with accompanying thunder
and lightening, with Twain (it was believed by some) making a guest
appearance.  So moved were we by the experience, that we were left choked
up.

Joe McCullough