Second Eastern States Science Fiction Convention

Science Fiction Convention
Name:	Second Eastern States Science Fiction Convention (Second Eastern)
Dates:	February 21, 1937
Frequency:	Once
Location:	Long Island, New York
Type:	fan-run
Focus:	Science Fiction
Organization:	New York Branch of the International Scientific Association (NYBISA)
Founder:	International Scientific Association
Founding Date:	1936
URL:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

The Second Eastern was a con held in New York on February 21, 1937. It was the second such gathering in the United States, following on the heels of the First Convention in October 1936. The International Scientific Association planned it, with a committee consisting of Donald A. Wollheim (chairman), John B. Michel, Frederik Pohl and David A. Kyle. William S. Sykora, president of the International Scientific Association, delivered the welcome speech.

A planning committee was appointed there for the first Worldcon, which was to coincide with the World's Fair. Wollheim was to have been the chairman, but by the time of the Newark Convention in 1938, he and Sykora were no longer friends: Sykora had resigned as president of the ISA and Wollheim had then dissolved the organization as the only remaining officer. During an argument with David A. Kyle at the Newark Convention, Sykora tried to appoint a completely new Worldcon committee consisting of his current friends, drawing protest from other fans who remembered the Second Eastern.

Program

• Convention business
• Speech of welcome by William S. Sykora, President, ISA
• Speeches, "by prominent men of the Science Fiction World"
• Motion Pictures
  • Talk on the proposed NYBISA Science Fiction Motion Picture
  • Buck Rogers Cartoon
  • NYBISA Activities motion picture -- Herbert E. Goudket, commentator. (This included film of some of their rocketry experiments.)
• Songs by NYBISA Quartet -- Skits by Stf fans.
• General discussion -- Buffet supper
• Adjournment

Attendees

Attendees included: John Baltadonis, Philip Jacques Bartel, Otto Binder, James Blish, John D. Clark, Willis Conover, Harry Dockweiler, Herbert E. Goudket, George Hahn, Charles D. Hornig, Milton Kaletsky, Otis Adelbert Kline, Allen Kline, David A. Kyle, Arthur Leeds, Robert W. Lowndes, Bob Madle, John B. Michel, William H. Miller, Jr., Frederik G. Pohl, Milton Rothman, Jack Rubinson, Charles Schneeman, Julius Schwartz, William S. Sykora, Robert G. Thompson, Mort Weisinger, John J. Weir, Donald A. Wollheim.

Reports

Alex Osheroff

The Science Fiction Convention was highly successful. Ironically enough the I.S.A who sponsored it plans to do away with most activities in the I.O. and cater largely to the purely scientific fan. Over fifty were present. Among them, Otis and Allen S. Adelbert Kline, Hornig, Weisinger, Schwartz, Conover (all the way from Maryland) Wollheim, etc.

George R. Hahn (Fantasia Fame) who is 14, entertained himself by shooting spitballs at Jim Blish and Wm. H. Miller amidst the gurgling of Science Fiction Specials (Ice cream sodas to you). Jim Blish lived in continuous worry. The economical chap had spent 95c. 5 cents more than his estimate. (He came all the way from East Orange, N.J., to Long Island, N.Y.) Our guess is ice cream sodas. What say? Two little ducky twelve year olds who insisted on nosing in everyone's business, had a grand time playing grand canyon between the taller members' legs.

Dick Wilson (Atom Ed.) who boldly asked for informality in his first editorial, soundly tch tched every breach of etiquette at the convention. Willis Conover dazzled everyone by his radiant personality. Doc Lowndes proved himself quite an amiable chap; isn't there a Robert W. Loundes who resides in Canada?

Our Newark gang apologizes for non representation. The car broke down (good excuse anyway).

Alex Osheroff in Helios #1 pg. 4 (June 1937)

Other

• The Second Eastern Convention: February 1937 by David Ritter of First Fandom Experience. Features the official program booklet, plus a rare copy of Phantastique signed by some attendees.