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The First Fandom Report 2 Scienti Fiction Autumn. 1997 Autumn, 1997 ScientiFiction 3

NEW FIRST FANDOM SAM MOSKOWITZ: Table o! Contents AWARD AN OBITUARY TO HONOR SAM MOSKOWITZ by

There will be a new award John L. Coker, III within First Fandom beginning next NEW AWARD ...... 3 year. The award, the “Sam Moskowitz Archive Award,” will be SAM MOSKOWITZ; AN OBITUARY by John I. Coker, III...... 3 Sam Moskowitz, widely given for excellence in science fiction NEWS & NOTICES...... 5 regarded as the leading authority on collecting. REVENGE OF THE SCI-FAN the editor goes on and on ...... 6 Science Fiction and Fantasy, died DINOSAUR DROPPINGS coproliths from our readers...... 8 April 15, 1997, at the age of The award will have PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Ray has his revenge ...... 16 seventy-six. During his lifetime, he nominations and voting during the witnessed the evolution of modern same frame as the Hall of Fame Science Fiction, and significantly award, and will be presented at the influenced its development for seven annual First Fandom reunion. decades. Sam’s exhaustive interdisciplinary approach to the The suggestion for this genre led him to earn a unique award was made by Joseph P. reputation as fan, collector, Martino and Julie Schwartz. These correspondent, conventioneer, worthies put their heads together at author, biographer, reviewer, literary Marcon and developed the idea agent, critic, researcher, publisher, which they then presented to the editor, anthologist, archivist, scholar, officers, who agreed that the time and historian. was right for it. Cover showing Sam Moskowitz at Sercon 3, Louisville, Kentucky, Spring 1988. Photo courtesy of John L. Coker, III. Born June 30, 1920 in New Sam Moskowitz was one of Jersey, Sam lived his entire life in those remarkable people who Newark or the surrounding area. helped create both science fiction His parents were Russian fandom and its passion for collecting. immigrants, and as a youth, Sam It is only fitting that he be helped in the family businesses and remembered in such a way. enjoyed boxing, soccer and baseball. He discovered Science Fiction in the The name “First Fandom", the title ScientiFiction, the term “dinosaurs of science fiction”, and the First Fandom logo are all Trade Marks of First Fandom and may not be used without express pages of Astounding Science Fiction permission of the organization. ScientiFiction^ the First Fandom Report is an official publication of and Amazing Stories in the early First Fandom™, and is published four times a year by President Ray Beam. 2209 S. Webster, 1930’s, but it was several years Kokomo, IN 46902. The Editor is Secretary-Treasurer Mark Schulzinger, 4 Nevada Grcle, Gallup, before he could afford to begin NM 87301-5469 ([email protected]). Subscriptions are $6 00 per year and should be sent to buying magazines. It is estimated Mark. Comments can be sent to either Ray or Mark. that when he began in fandom in the 4 ScientiFiction Autumn, 1997 Autumn, 1997 ScientiFiction 5

mid-1930s, there were history of Science Fiction fandom vacuum that simply cannot not be Bob Silverberg approximately one hundred active from its earliest days through 1939, filled. In spite of his many Box 13160, Station E fans in the entire world, and at that is considered by many to be Sam’s publications, it is the staggering loss Oakland, CA 94661 time Sam knew every one of them, most important book. Included in of his first-hand knowledge and the either by correspondence or his non-fiction works are the well- sheer volume of information which Welcome Dinosaur! reputation. known “Explorers of the Infinite” he possessed and was willing to (1963) and “Seekers of Tomorrow” share that is so tragic. His overall Sam was a pioneer with (1966), both of which are collections contribution to the field is almost many first-time accomplishments. In of essays profiling the influences of impossible to estimate, but it would DEADLINES May 1935, he co-founded the literary figures on Science Fiction. be accurate to state that without Newark Science Fiction League, and Among the dozens of anthologies Sam Moskowitz, Science Fiction The deadlines for First Fandom in the Fall of 1936 began his first fan edited by Sam are “Editor’s Choice might never have flourished to reach events and StF are as follows: correspondence with Julius in Science Fiction” (1954), its present state. Sam is survived by Schwartz, the editor of Fantasy “Exploring Other Worlds” (1963), his wife of nearly forty years, Dr. First Fandom: Magazine. A charter member of the “The Coming of the Robots” (1963), Christine Haycock, a surgeon Fantasy Amateur Press Association in “Masterpieces of Science Fiction” specializing in women’s sports May 31,1998 — last date for 1937, he remained active for the (1967), “Futures to Infinity” (1970), medicine. nominations for 1999 Hall of Fame rest of his life. Sam chaired the First and “Out of The Storm (1975). award. Last date for nominations World Science Fiction Convention These always featured worthwhile for 1999 first Sam Moskowitz (NYCON I) in New York City in stories which typically had not been NECROLOGY award. July 1939. He founded the Eastern reprinted, accompanied by Sam’s Science Fiction Association in 1946, extensive introductions and heavily- ScientiFiction: and remained active for more than researched background information. forty years. In the early 1950’s, Fred Cook October 18, 1997 - Closing date after serving as Hugo Gemsback's Sam's personal collection of for Winter, 1997 ish. managing editor for Science Fiction Science Fiction is one of the world’s Plus, Sam edited several prominent largest, and is designed specially for January 17, 1998 - Closing date for trade journals in the field of frozen research. It features a complete set Spring, 1998 ish. foods. He has been credited with of every Science Fiction magazine APPLICATIONS teaching the first college level published in English as well as most April 18, 1998 — Closing date for course in creative Science Fiction of the Fantasy, Supernatural and The following has applied for Summer, 1998 ish. writing in 1953 at City College, New associational magazines. It also associate membership: York. includes nearly every fan publication July 18, 1998 — Closing date for from 1930-1950, more than 6,000 • Everett Slosman Autumn, 1998 ish. Sam had more than sixty hardcover books, thousands of hardcover books published, and sold photographs, original art, articles and stories to many of the manuscripts, and all written DUES Science Fiction magazines. His correspondence that he received NEW MEMBERS books on the history of Science since 1936. Fiction can be found in the reference Dues in First Fandom are sections of every major library in the The passing of Sam The following has been made an now $6.00 per year. The number United States. “The Immortal Moskowitz marks the close of an on your mailing label will tell you to Storm” (1954), an incredibly detailed extraordinary career, leaving a Associate Member: Autumn, 1997 Scienti Fiction 7 6 Scienti Fiction Autumn, 1997

they came. This is a game that is vastly the end of which year your dues are current crop of collectors just isn’t different from any I’ve played, and a paid. Please keep your dues current interested in complete sets of And if one does not know lot more enjoyable, as well. The if you possibly can. Startling Stories, Amazing Stories, or from whence he came he cannot theme is simple: Artris has the ability even Clayton Astoundings. know who he is. to create different worlds just by writing about them. He has This was Good News in a REVENGE OF THE SCI- disappeared. By reading his books way for Ray. He had spent so much A hearty thanks goes to and solving puzzles the player can FAN time and effort putting his collection Charles Hornig who sent me a copy visit Artris’ worlds and find out what together that he was delighted he of the state of California resident happened to him. could have his cake and eat it, too. income tax return, but thoughtfully Why Collect? How many of us can be that ecksed it out both front and back. Woah! Here’s a game with fortunate? Perhaps he thought I would no aliens out to zap you, no half- visible demonic heads that eat your Two very interesting things But the bad news is that inadvertently fill it out. No chance, lunch, and no hand-held Howitzers happened recently that gave me the origins of science fiction are Charles, I had a bout of filling out four separate income tax forms a with which to frag everything in cause to pause and reflect on from being forgotten. The pulps, which few years ago and vowed never to sight. This is a leisurely game with whence we came and whither we gobbled up so many cheap words do so again. It’s interesting, though, no time limits and no death traps. are going. and gave so much in the way of to note that Californians have 12 How novel. escapist entertainment, are being separate contributions of one dollar The first was the suggestion forgotten or ignored by the or more they can make on their The entire game is a from Julie Schwartz and Joe Martino collectors. The fora in which so returns. A few more and they pleasure to play. The graphics were that we create a new award, the many dinosaurs had their letters wouldn't be paying income taxes at designed and executed on Macintosh Same Moskowitz Archive Award the printed almost immediately after all, just earmarking dollars the way computers, machines that are be given for excellence in science they were hatched are being some folks do for the United Way acknowledged as the best graphics fiction collecting. I liked the idea, so ignored, the pages in which they campaigns. stations around. The musical score did Ray; it gives us yet another essayed their first stories are being is simple, yet has a haunting quality opportunity to recognize an lost. individual who has enhanced the I don’t often get a chance to it. Each world has its own feel, to play computer games, and when I its own ambience. Playing the game hobby by creating a collection of the We have already seen how do I tend to like something that’s is the closest I’ve ever come to genre. the ed-bus., the university over quickly since I tend to forget reading a book. And at the price I establishment, has co-opted science what I’ve been doing in between paid, it cost less than a book. The second was Ray’s fiction as an area about which it can playing sessions. But when I found decision to sell his collection. Since Publish (as opposed to Perish), and out that Wal-Mart in my area was If you take my advice and reaching completion he found it did we have been appalled by the lack selling “Myst” for less than $15 1 get a copy of “Myst,” and manage to not really hold that much interest for of veracity which has accompanied dashed out and got a copy. For complete it, do yourself another him. The fun, it seems, was in the this move. Now I dread that we those who don’t know what this title favor and get a copy of “Pyst,” a chase and not in the contemplation can look forward to a time when is, it’s been one of the hottest parody of the game. It’s not as of the completed assemblage. our roots are truly forgotten, when fantasy games around for the past much fun, but it is cute. It’s also a Imagine his surprise when he all that remains is a hoard of several years. I couldn’t resist the lot cheaper. discovered that it was the collectors who proudly display their opportunity to see what all the afterthoughts of his collection, the “limited edition” Star Trek plates, shouting was about. Sally and I went to Spicy the horror, the outre, that and leather-bound Asimov volumes, Albuquerque the other week. It would bring in the Big Bucks. The but who do not know from whence Scienti Fiction Autumn, 1997 Autumn, 1997 ScientiFiction

was an expensive trip. I discovered, your dues letter indicates that you {Catherine, I'm sorry if the spelling of and was surprised to discover that she only 10 minutes before the stores owe money when you’re paid up, or your name does not conform to the has a very broad N.Z. accent. — closed the day before, that I both, please realize that the way in which my computer wants to Mark} desperately needed a new set of correction has probably already been spell it; I am barely responsible for my tires. The next morning found me made and will show up on your next own spelling as it is — Mark} camped out in front of Pep Boys mailing label. Dear Mark, awaiting their opening. For $200 they kindly replaced my worn-out Dear Mark: Very interesting ish this tires with nice new ones. Then, time. I still recognize names of after Sally and I had shopped the day DINOSAUR I’ve a vague recollection of some of the old timers coming in, but most of them I’ve never heard away I expressed my interest in a DROPPINGS having informed you of this before, new hard drive, but I was concerned but there is a term for dinosaur of. However, I do know Robert because of all the money I had droppings that have petrified. Any Silverberg and support him already spent. that didn’t petrify are longgggg gone. wholeheartedly. He’s been a long Dear Mark, The word is coproliths. time fan, FAPA member and is now “Go ahead,” she advised, fully established as a pro author. I was much interested to “you might get lucky.” I enjoy watching both read Joseph Martino’s obituary for Hercules and Xena on the b-tube Re mention of all the spin Roy Wood. He and I exchanged a So, as luck would have it, and quite often videotape the latter. off cons, I’m surprised there is so few letters, and he corresponded Egghead had a 2.1 gigabyte Western There are times I think Xena’s little interest in Richard Hoagland’s with other friends of mine, but I did Digital Caviar drive for $199.97. sidekick Gabrielle comes close to battle with NASA re the pictures not know too much about him other Yeah, I bought it. After all, my 340 purloining the show. I assume you taken by various probes. To me than he had been a fan for a long megger had cost me $300. It’s hard saw the writeup on Ms. Lawless that that area seems a more likely time and had joined the N3F soon to believe that three years ago I appeared on page 144 of the May, “science fiction” filed than the TV spent $100 per megabyte of storage; after it was founded. 1997 issue of Playboy? Hollywood stuff mentioned. All today I spend only $100 per “fiction” but no “science.” I Being a Philadelphian, I gigabyte. It boggles the mind, it One assumes there will be managed a couple of glimpses of the enjoyed Robert Madle’s letter does. a more extensive obit for Sam Hale-Bopp comet but Seattle skies nominating Rothman, Baitadonis and Moskowitz in a forthcoming issue. are usually too cloudy for star Agnew for the First Fandom Hall of gazing. However, listening to the NOTICE Fame, and he is right, it is a good With cordial best regards, Art Bell late night radio is almost like year in which to honor them. Dean A. Grennell listening to a bunch of SF at times.

One minor quibble: that’s a {Dean, I alius that they was called Cheers, Dues checks continue to “z” at the end of my name, not an "crusty creations of a craven creature G.M. Carr come in even as I put this issue to “s.” It sounds very similar -- no that crept into the crypt and bed. I am trying to make the peppermints jokes, please! — but not crapped." You are just stuck on {Hmm, I seem to remember that Bob necessary changes to dues letters quite the same. Gabrielle because you can now see her has written a little stf here and there. and mailing labels as I go along, but pupik, a costume change that I — Mark} it is entirely possible that I will miss heartily approve of. Sorry. I haven’t someone. Sincerely, read Playboy in more years than I Catherine Mintz, Sustaining Patron care to think about. I did see an Dear Mark and Ray, If you see that your interview of the much-corseted Lucy, expiration date is incorrect, or if 10 Scienti Fiction Autumn, 1997 Autumn, 1997 ScientiFiction II

Thank you very much for fought fascism while they were still pressure-dressing on, I went to successful First Fandom party accepting me as an Associate rooting for Hitler. And the history KEYCON anyway. Of course I was (Thanks to Marjii) at LA Con III. Member of this August body. I was of the world since 1944 is evidence forced to be cautious. That lousy The few of us at INTERSECTION thrilled to tears to receive such an that they’ve never forgiven us for vein did it to me twice to me last saw one another only intermittently honor. It is no secret that I already the war we had them fight in 1941. . year. Although it does improve the -- usually at the convention itself. medically qualify with my arthritis circulation it’s messy, expensive and We were housed across a fair-sized and my hearing aid. Clifton Amsbury hazardous. spread of Glasgow. Party going was not very convenient. Anyway, I had I was in KC over the {Sorry, Clifton, but have you seen the To turn to someone with a lovely three-week stay in dear old memorial day weekend and spent a current crop of fen? - Mark} Glasgow. The middle week was at good deal of time with Tucker and REAL health trouble, I am glad to the convention. There were many John and Jim Tibbetts. We all went learn that you are doing so well. I new changes in the city since my to Jim Tibbetts’s for the afternoon guess you’ll never kid Ray about his Dear Mark, visit in 1978. Rutherglen had to play with the awesome collection surgery again, though, I trust that become part of Metropolitan he has amassed over the years and he’s holding his own, too. By the My correspondence is all way, if Ray thinks that he’s in need Glasgow, rather than just part of to talk books and baseball and eat way behind. Things have been of a move to a place with milder Greater Glasgow, and my father’s and eat. It was a most enjoyable drifting. My blood is thick and day. weather, let him consider how much school there has become a high sluggish, and consequently I have a more desperate is the wintry fate of school only. Many businessmen had tendency to be sluggish, too. And vanished from Argyle Street and Jonie Knappenberger us up here in Manitoba, North my blood pressure is all over the lot Dakota and Minnesota. And we get Union Street. The pedestrian in response to my medication for floods, too! I was displaced to the precinct on Buchanan street had {Good to have you aboard, Jonie! — hypertension and Raynaud’s University of Manitoba for over a been much enlarged, and a good Mark} Syndrome and to the decrease in week when our area, St. Norbert, part of Sauchiehall Street had blood volume when I have a was evacuated. become a pedestrian precinct as phlebotomy. But I’m not due for well. I have no quarrel with that. Dear Editor: another one until the end of August. While my travel Of course, the “Dirty Old Town,” But four days after my last one (very misadventures are beyond most along with Edinburgh and London, Thanks for the honorable successful at 500 ml on May 12th) I isn’t so dirty any more. Gas instead mention in our summer ish. But, persons, I modestly admit you beat had an involuntary one, for about of coal makes a great difference. then on the next page I see “where me hands-down chum. I am quite the same amount, while preparing to But it was strange to have a heat the fen are judiciously separated happy to be No. 2. depart for KEYCON 14. While I wave, and blue skies, in Glasgow. In from the real people.” was alone in the house a weak spot ' We are losing our members a city lacking much air conditioning (low on my left leg) in a varicose at a steady stream, it seems. And so much heat caused great hardship. Odd. All this time I’d vein gave way, and blood was now we have lost SaM. I saw him On the morning of departure for thought we were real people, had spurting all over the place. After an last at L.A. Con III where he arrived Toronto it was raining cats and dogs cons so we could for a while ambulance trip to, and a stay at, our late and left early. He was the usual (and maybe pitchforks and guns, separate our values from the community hospital, I returned enthusiastic Sam — full of plans. In too). The good thing about bad mundanes. home. After a while I reconsidered his busy lifetime of not quite 77 weather when leaving is that one is my hasty decision to cancel going to years he accomplished two or three not so sad about going. Even so, I As to the “other the convention — with the times as much as most persons do — was sad enough. organization," I suppose you know observation that I damned-well the military brass called us at least. AVE! wasn’t going to be bullied by a This letter will be collected premature antifascists” because we stupid vein. So, with a bloody-great Well, at least we had a tomorrow morning, and tomorrow I 12 Scienti Fiction Autumn, 1997 Autumn, 1997 ScientiFiction 13

shall be 74 years old. And think of Regarding the letter from me, Donald Wollheim, John B. world science fiction meeting. The Sam on the 30th; he would have Bob Madle nominating three Michel, Fred Pohl, Herb Goodket, person collecting admission fees at been 77 then. members of the Philadelphia Science George Hahn, Walter Kubilius and a the door wouldn’t let us in and Fiction Society, Rothman, Baitadonis few others. I loved the meetings, called Sam who rushed over. Sam This year at least, KEYCON and Agnew for the 1998 First and they were fun for us teenagers decided not to admit Wollheim, will have some competition as a Fandom Hall of Fame award I would and for the few who were in their Michel and Pohl. This is a public Winnipeg convention. CONQUEST like to add that when I joined they early twenties. Differences meeting, Wollheim argued, and we will be held in October. Forty will along with Madle and Train made up developed between Wollheim and have the money to pay for be there, and so he'll be able to visit over half the membership. I have Sykora that became so biter that admission. Sam said he didn’t want Chester again. (You're still spelling about 25 or 30 Fan magazines this one day Sykora barred everyone any fans there who might disrupt the “Winnipeg” as “Winnepeg”!) group made and published and have from his home and ended the club. meeting. Wollheim, Michel and Pohl photocopies the covers of three of But we fans had enjoyed being were forced to leave. It will be quite a while them. Most were in color. together, so Wollheim decided to before I attend another Worldcon. I form a new club and call it the But there I was, standing often feel that they've outlived Sincerely, Futurians. Most of the people who mouth open in shock, my admission whatever usefulness they may have John Newton had met in Sykora’s basement fee in my hand, awaiting Sam’s had. Anyway, they're just too big. decided to join. We found a place judgement. He looked at me and They try to be all things to all men, in Brooklyn that let us use their thought for a moment. and they too often end up being Dear Mark, headquarters for meetings when nothing to anybody. A good they weren’t using it. Even though we were Regional is far more fun. As I was looking through supposed to be on opposite sides, I the pages of the New Jersey Star The Futurians has a left admired Sam from the moment I Regards, Ledger on April 17, 1997, I wing connotation and fans like saw him. He was handsome, broad David Blair happened to see, on the obituary Moskowitz, Taurasi, Sykora and shouldered, confident and “alive” in page which I seldom look at, the others considered them to be both action and appearance. He headline in large letters, “Sam enemies of famdom. When seemed to be everywhere at once, {David, don't you think a jar of Moskowitz, 76, top historian of sci- Wollheim conceived of the idea that and was called upon repeatedly to leaches would be a lot cheaper? I am. fi.” It was a big two-column writeup it would be nice to have a solve problems and make decisions. however, sorry that your bandages by Russell Ben-Ali of the Star-Ledger worldwide gathering of fans in Sam was in charge and everyone kept you from shimmying like your staff. I was both shocked and conjunction with the 1939 World’s knew it. sister Kate. Those leaches would have saddened to learn that Sam had Fair it sort of languished until, under had you up and dancing a jig, I bet. — died. Sam’s leadership, the notion came to Now he was called upon to Mark} fruition. Sam had the unique ability decide whether I could attend or I first met Sam at the first to get John W. Campbell and other not. World Science Fiction Conference in science fiction editors and writers to Dear Mark: Manhattan in 1939. To explain the offer suggestions and help agree to As he stared at me his face circumstances of our meeting, I must attend the conference, meet fans relaxed. “Go ahead,” he gestured It was quite a shock to get go back in time to when an and even speak. with a toss of his head. “Let him my copy of The First Fandom organization, the ISA (I believe it was in,” He instructed the one collecting Report and read about Sam called the International Scientific Wollheim, Michel, Pohl, admission fees. Moskowitz. Knowing Sam for many Association), met monthly in the myself, and one or two other years I missed seeing him these last home of Bill Sykora in Queens. Futurians climbed up the steps of I don't know what made two Philcons. Among the members were, besides the rented hall to attend this first him admit me. After all, I had come 14 ScientiFiction Autumn, 1997 Autumn, 1997 ScientiFiction 15

with Wollheim and the others. I interesting person. We spent some was known to be a member of the variety of featured articles makes it Mark} minutes together. Futurian club and he considered the especially entertaining and Futurians to be his enemies. Yet he informative. The convention reports The last time I saw Sam let me in. always offer the next best alternative Mark, m’bhoy — was at a Lunacon meeting. We to actually attending, which I highly were talking to Elsie Wollheim, and appreciate since I don't attend many Free advice: always keep a Years later, when I met she told us that Donald had had a Sam at a science fiction convention myself. dog or cat in your automobile so stroke and was in a hospital. Sam in Manhattan, I told him that if he that if your feet get dirty you can insisted upon visiting Donald even had not had charge of the 1939 Mr. Tibbett’s t-shirt, if it wipe them on your car pet. though Elsie warned him that says what I think it says, reminded convention, even though Wollheim Donald’s voice had been affected had plugged for it, the convention me that I may have a photo suitable I’m presently doing and his speech could hardly be would not have taken place. That for a future StF cover. A few Years volunteer work with the National understood. But Sam did go, and was my opinion. Wollheim was ago, Sam Moskowitz helped me Child Search Foundation. We put what transpired between two good with ideas, but Sam was the track down A. Merritt’s grave. The pictures of missing children on people whose voices had become kind of person who could get things cemetery isn't far from my home, so semis, in truck stops, store windows impaired I do not know. done. The 1939 convention was I drove right over the day Sam’s and wherever else we can. Other Sam s baby all the way through. letter arrived and took the enclosed projects are fingerprinting and Sam urged me to write photo. If there are any loyal Merritt videotaping children for parents’ about my science fiction experiences From time to time I would fans around, the probably belong to records and publishing a Drug and send them to him for his meet Sam at conventions and we First Fandom. So if anyone would Education Manual which is given to records. I started but have not would spend a few minutes have any interest in seeing where public and private schools for devoted enough time to finish them. together. He told me he stopped the master is laid to rest, they distribution. And like every other Now I don’t have Sam to send them considering Futurians enemies after probably read your fine magazine. charity in the country we’re in to when I finish. he visited their shared lodging (I trouble. So if any FFer has donation wasn’t part of the group that lived at A grave may be a rather money to spare it would be warmly Of the former Futurians, that apartment which they called morbid subject for a photo. Last received at NCSF, 26-A Jefferson the only ones whom I know may still “The Ivory Tower”) and found year, though, you ran John Coker’s Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101. be alive are Fred Pohl, Robert nothing in the refrigerator except photo of Poe’s grave, so I don’t Tell ’em Hal sent ya. Lowndes and myself. some moldy cheese. He realized think this photo would be too that the fans living there were inappropriate. Now that Silverberg has Sincerely yours, applied for membership can Ellison virtually starving. Sam felt so sorry Jack Robins for them he just couldn’t ever again Very best regards, be very far behind? Maybe one of condemn them. Sean Donnelly, Sustaining Patron them will tell us the dinner competition stories when they {Jack, thanks for sharing some history {Sean, many thanks for the photo, treated (?) One another during visits. I saw Sam at the 1990 from a Futurian standpoint with us. - Philcon, the last one that Isaac which I promise to run soon. I think I always enjoyed the versions from Mark} Asimov attended. Sam had to touch you’re right in your assessment of Harlan. something on his throat every time where Merritt fans hang out, although he spoke and his voice came out I don't know how many of them And Ray, have not yet seen Dear Mark, without inflection, like a robot’s. I actually read this mag. As far as a Playmate pictorial where she did never asked why; I simple accepted morbidity is concerned. I would rather not have a nice spread. The Summer issue is up to him as he was, a warm and run a photo of a grave than watch your usual high standard. The Alice Cooper perform "Cold Ethyl." — Re the give-aways 16 ScientiFiction Autumn, 1997

mentioned by Ev Bleiler: yes, I those people that I know. The only entered everything I could that did First Fan that I saw there was Mel not cost more than a penny Schmidt. , postcard or three-cent stamp. The only results were offers to buy or I am getting ready to go to sell magazine subscriptions and, on Pulpcon at the end of July. Paul three or four occasions, shipments McCall will be going with me. This of salve that companies wanted me may be my las time since many of to send money for and sell (in that the people I used to see there are order). I gave the salve to my no longer with us. Also, the pulp mother and ignored the follow-up material is much more sparse that it letters. used to be, plus the fact that I need very little to complete my collection. CU whenever, Hal Shapiro I recently talked on the phone with Bob Madle and Julie {Hal, will you please stop doing good Schwartz. Julie is recovering at deeds; it sets a bad example for the home from surgery. Last Saturday rest of us. — Mark} ■ morning I received a call from Roy Lavender. Roy was the first fan that I met as a teenager when I started PRESIDENT’S attending conventions. It was good MESSAGE to hear from him. Several months ago I received a visit from an old fan that I Mark is telling me that the had not seen or been in contact deadline approaches again. It has with for over 30 years. Out of the been a slow summer. I made time blue Sandy Cutrell appeared on my to attend Midwestcon. It was the doorstep. That is a name some of usual relaxacon. The new hotel was you will not remember, and those of an improvement over the well-worn you who do may not want to. Norwood Quality Inn. First Fans in Sandy was from the hippie attendance were Margaret Keifer, generation and hasn’t changed much Roger Sims, Mike Lalor, Dal Coger, I did enjoy the afternoon of Bill Bowers, Bill Cavin, Fred Jackson, conversation with him. Howard DeVore, Joel Zakem, Frank Johnson, Larry Smith and Bob That is about all I have for T ucker. now. Till next time...

I managed to get to Ray Inconjunction on the last day. I spent about two hours talking to