Inside the Old House/Issues 11-20

Issues 01-10 · Issues 11-20 · Issues 21-30 · Issues 31-40 · Issues 41-50 · Issues 51-65

Issue 11

Inside the Old House 11 was published in September/October 1980 and contains 26 pages.

front cover of issue #11

back cover of issue #11, Barbara Fister-Liltz

• Fan Directory, DS fan addresses
• My Conscience, My Prisoner, fiction by Dale Clark
• Who's Who in Collinsport: Jossette du Pres by Geoffrey Hamell
• Maggie, poem by Dianne Keith Borsenik
• The Oblong Box, poem by Terri Cogliano
• some publicity stills
• a long con report for ShadowCon #4 by Marcy Robin (includes 2 photos)
• From the Cellar, LoCs

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 11

I have my first issue (#11) of I.T.O.H. and I am ready to let you know my opinion of it-which is very favorable. On a purely technical level, your printing is excellent including the photo reproductions. As for the contents, your short story

was good (I had always wondered about that certain scene you mentioned, too). I think you caught the characters very well.

Geoffrey Hamell's piece on Josette whetted my appetite for more. I'd have to say the highlight of the issue was Marcy Robin's report on the Shadowcon IV. It sounds like it was quite a weekend and the article really filled in us non-attendees. Also, I'd like to thank you for question 2 in the Q/A column. I always wondered how many episodes there were and now I know.

Number 11 was a great issue as usual. Marcy did a great job of covering the con, didn't she? She has a good mind for organization. Glad to hear DS is in syndication. It's very encouraging. As a matter of fact, I'm going to write Channel 8 in this area about its programming tomorrow. They're showing a new Canadian soap which looks pretty authentic, but is dismal and painful to watch. Channel 8 is a weird station - - sometimes I wonder if it exists as I've written them about 4 times now about 4 different things, at least 2 which needed responses. Did Warner-Amex get the shows from Worldvision? This could help me give the area stations some concrete information.

"My Conscience, My Prisoner" -- I was really curious to see what in the summary in PARADOX inspired you, and

you didn't let me down--great story, and on something I've been wondering about myself. Nice character study of Julia as she rationalizes her motivations. Your writing is getting better all the time--particularly like the line you closed the first section with. Good counterpoint with Barnabas' reflections, and a realistic conversation between them. Julia will never tell, of course. Geoffrey did another excellent character analysis with his "Who's Who In Collinsport". A lot of people seem to share the view that Josette was a shallow and timid person---and I agree, a lot of the evidence was there--but I think her 'unsuspected capacity for hate' revealed more of what was beneath the surface... and that,in another time, another upbringing, she would have turned out quite differently. Social mores are extremely difficult to combat, and only the truly exceptional break through...but just because Josette did not does not make her shallow. Her willingness to go with Barnabas without asking questions, her willingness to give everything up for him shows she did possess great strength. She would have been wiser, of course, to ask a few more questions, and thus not have fallen into Angelique's trap so easily. The poetry you include gets better all the time. My compliments to Dianne Borsenik and Terri Cogliano for creating their two pieces, both different in style, and equally

Again, excellent photos -- like the originality of what you use. And Marcy's con report recaptured the event perfectly.

Again, Geoffrey has another detailed character bio. It goes against some of my own conclusions about Josette, I admit: for example, everyone seems to think she only gradually grew to love Barnabas. Yet she has a distinct line in the 1795 sequence where she mourns for him, crying, "I loved him from the first moment I saw him." Definitely, not your gradual blossoming of affection! I also question his idea that Angelique lived with DuPres in France before coming with them to Martinique…. [much snipped] The poem "Maggie" by Diane Rorsenik is nice--can't blame the poor girl for begging for just simple friendship. "Enough with this crazy Josette stuff already!"- I can just hear her in all her innocence. "The Oblong Box" also was very nice; it establishes the mood well, and I always like works that repeat phrasing or pattern, as Terri Cogliano does with the word beginning each verse, and ending with "ornate oblong box".

Issue 12

Inside the Old House 12 was published in November/December 1980 and contains 34 pages.

front cover of issue #12

back cover of issue #12, Barbara Fister-Liltz

art from issue #12 by Andrea Palencar

• Edith Talks to Herself, fiction by Geoffrey Hamell
• Reflections, fiction by Winifred McBeth
• Spirit on the Wing, poem by Winifred Beth
• Fan Directory, addresses of some DS fans
• On the Way Down, fiction by Adriana Pena
• Night Song, poem by T. Berry
• Josette, poem by Dianne Keith Borsenik
• Barnabas, poem by Dianne Keith Borsenik
• Who's Who in Collinsport: Laura Murdoch by Geoffrey Hamell
• From the Cellar, LoCs
• Vigil, fiction by Marcy Robin
• publicity stills of an aged Barnabas and Angelique
• Q & A
• many flyers for zines
• the centerfold is a publicity still
• art by Andrea Palencar

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 12

My favorite feature in this issue was the biography of Laura. I hope that Geoffrey will continue with these on a regular basis. Believe it or not, I didn't get my copy ot ITOH until January 6. Something has got to be done about the post office. As for your request for reader feelings on the possibility of having to raise the cost of the 'zine, I would like to go on record promptly as saying that I would much prefer you raise the cost of the magazine rather than cutting down on the quality. I would not only be willing to pay $1.25 an issue it necessary, I would even be willing to pay $1.50 an issue.

As far as I am concerned, you can raise the price of your fanzine, as they say, you get what you pay for and if you don't pay very much you are not likely to get very much. Liked the Geoffrey Hamell story. How did he get the idea about the Edith-Quentin affair? Did you tell him of my idea?...Loved the Laura biography, what about a Julia Hoffman?

#12 is another enjoyable issue. Too bad it wasn't the proposed double issue, but I give you credit for simply running the gauntlet of holiday mails with it ! Of course, it's sad to hear inflation is threatening the zine, but that seems to be a fact of life. Hopefully, any potential increases in price won't hurt your subscribers-- or the quality of the zine. I liked Geoffrey's Edith story; I always enjoy when DS fanzines have stories or poems or art on lesser-known characters. Those folks are the hardest to write about, since they are so unfamiliar or vague! "Reflections" was eerie; I can't quite place whether it is a real spirit speaking--"myself gone away", or just the speaker hallucinating. The descriptions in "Spirit on the Wing" are very nice. Always like seeing new-and old--names in the Fan Directory, and I'm glad to see you have some artvork. such as Andrea Palencar's on page 8. I won't argue with Geoffrey'e Laura bio, okay? I didn't mean to attack his Josette bio! Just offered my own opinions, based on my reaearch of the era and location. Just noticed you have no creative works in the zine. It's great you've got that many submissions, but I miss your good stuff, too.

"Edith Talks to Herself" - excellent resolution of my pet DS paradox — and what a bitter realization for the both of her. Self deception certainly runs deep. Geoffrey has an excellent way of using a few words to say a lot -- those one line insinuations about Edith's affairs and that bitchy little exchange… "How horrible to die so young/ be so old" tells us alot about the character in the smallest possible space. Great ending,

"On the Way Down" - DS went by so fast in reality that a lot of characters never got the focus and attention they deserved... and William H. Loomis was one of these. Another good, concise character study in the form of a story — the confrontation and Will's realisation of just what has ruined his life make for a terrific dramatic climax to this story. Dianne Borsenik's "Barnabas" - how neat! Haiku in DS poetry] I frankly don't know enough about the traditional form of this Japanese style of poetry to say whether Dianne's style is traditional or not, but this hardly matters. The poem is quite beautiful, and very much fulfills the haiku intent—to say much in as few words as possible. Lettered: Back to the Angellque's origin controversy; I'm of the opinion that Angelique is the reincarnation of Miranda; not Miranda lived on through the centuries—for the simple reason that the Angelique we first met in 1795 was (I hesitate to use this word too naive to be a person who'd garnered over 100 years worth of experience. She just didn't seem to have the worldly knowledge she should have—she was far too provincial—and she certainly was a terrible judge of character and of people's reactions. And she was so eager--so fiery—so vibrant. If she'd lived that long, I think she'd have been a bit more jaded, a bit less able to love as completely and fully as she did. If she is Miranda reborn, this would explain a good deal.

"Vigil" - very nice. Marcy has an immediacy in her writing which brings the vividness and reality of each scene to the fore. And it's good to see something done on Carlotta and her motivations. As someone once commented, Carlotta was an awfully unselfish person...devoting her entire life to someone else without apparently ever having any thoughts of her own welfare.

Received my latest issue of ITOH yesterday and really enjoyed it… helps me through the dreary winter. Geoff Hamell's "Edith Talks to Herself" was the most thought provoking material in this issue, to me at least. Interesting that Geoff thinks that Barnabas was the cause of Gerard coming to Collinwood... I'd never thought of that; but the story doesn't really explain the Edith paradox. Liked page seven, hope we see more of Winifred McBeth's work. I like the short stories in the zine, but is there any chance of a continued story?

...love the stories; there are such interesting possibilities with such a complex series. Enjoyed "Who's Who" - there's so many things that you tend to forget from the show, it's always nice to have your memory renewed. I really enjoyed the cover of #11. Lara is a special favorite of mine. I got to meet her back in 1969 when she was appearing at the playhouse at Houghton Lake.

Issue 13

Inside the Old House 13 was published in January/February 1981. The front cover originally said "#12" which someone corrected on the scan used here on Fanlore. It contains 34 pages.

front cover of issue #13

back cover of issue #13, Paul Watts

• Friends, fiction by Marcy Robin
• From the Cellar, LoCs
• Phoenix, poem by Rosie Lim
• Adam, poem by Dianne Keith Borsenik
• publicity stills
• Who's Who in Collinsport: People Who Knew Too Much by Geoffrey Hamell
• Victims of the Strangler, fiction by Dale Clark
• Q&A
• ads

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 13

As for issue #13, more good stories from both you and Marcy Robin, and Geoffrey Hamell did an especially good job. I suspect a lot of late-comers to DS wondered who Bill Halloy and Dr. Guthrie were and especially appreciated it. I, myself, am an old hand, having watched DS from the night Victoria Winters took that fateful train ride to Collinsport. You know, I don't think they ever mentioned anyone else taking the train. I guess the line must have discontinued passenger service shortly after June 1966. Probably made Collinsport more isolated than ever.

Issue 13 was just delightful! What an odd coincidence that this issue arrived on Friday March 13th. I really liked Geoffrey's 'Who's Who" on the little known characters of Bill Malloy, Dr. Peter Guthrie and Dr. Dave Woodard. I'm familiar with the character of Dr. Woodard only from the reruns. You either had to have watched DS from the beginning or have total recall to remember these characters. So, Geoffrey's insight into these characters helped alot. The auction is very good idea, though I wouldn't mind paying a little more for the zine. Liked your story, "Victims of the Strangler."

Just receieved ITOH #13 and as usual it was fantastic.

I really enjoyed Marcy Robin's story "Friends. I noticed in "FROM THE CELLER" someone asked about having a continued story . I think that 's a great idea. Your first was excellent and look where that went... On the novel: it was quite interesting how you weaved through time. At first It was a bit sad with so many tragedies, but your ending seemed to solve everything. Except I wish

someone would let Julia find some happiness with Barnabas. Judith Boguslawski's artwork was the greatest! I'd like to see more of it in the zine.

As to the contents of the zine, the auction idea sounds like a novel way of gettinq support, and I sure hope it works. "Phoenix" was nice, but the sentences that ended in the middle of a line threw me a bit. It fit the rhyme, I know, to do it that way, but it took a little getting used to. I had to laugh when I saw the topic of the bios; very good idea! As for your story, good thing you put in the explanatory bit, but I somehow feel it wasn't as polished and fine as some of your other stories. Now, it may be this is your favorite creation of all time--oops; but to me you didn't seem to have as much detail of description or action; there were single words used, some poor punctuation, run-on sentences, etc. I still liked the story, honest, and got quite a jolt when I read Brian Cole as a character name. That's the name of a real man, a former member of the Association singing qroup, who unfortunately died about 1971. But it was weird for me to see it in a DS context, somehow. As I read along, I could see where it was heading, so thouqh I knew the end, I still enjoyed it (mainly cos your brief forward explained it all so well). I especially liked Annette's paragraph on the bottom of page 19, where she tells how Barnabas killed her at the beginning, when he was rough and desperate: "killed me with his hunger instead of his hands." In that simple line, anyone whoever questioned is told why none of Barnabas' victims come back as competitive vampires: they die -cause he strangles them, not because he drains them dry and thus leaves them in the vampire state, to return to life again. Very good!

Another good issue strikes again! You know, I'll really feel betrayed if each issue doesn't get better. Loved Dianne Borsenik's poem on page nine about Adam. Her style is so easy to read and captures so much of the characters mannerisms and feelings - it's incredible. The auction page sounds like a logical way to get support for the line, and I await word if my bid is being accepted. My only real complaint with this issue is that the center was a bit faint, but even so, that picture of Barnabas and Julia more than made up for it. Enjoyed your story - like the idea of a Barnabas story without Barnabas.

Issue 14

front cover of issue #14

back cover of issue #14

Inside the Old House 14 was published in April/May 1981 and contains 34 pages.

• Fan Directory
• Who's Who in Collinsport: Gerard Stiles by Geoffrey Hamell
• From the Cellar, LoCs
• He Who Hesitates, fiction by Marcy Robin
• The Amber Stone, fiction by Dale Clark
• publicity stills
• ads
• no art

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 14

..."The Amber Stone" served its purpose well. It held my attention and left me wanting to read more. Congratulations to Geoffrey, his biographies have helped to clear the murky waters of the plot line.

Issue #14 ITOH was great, even better than #13. I particularly enjoyed the Who's Who and your story. It's mood and setting were most intriguing. I had a sort of "De ja Vu" feeling all the way through it - if that makes any sense to you at all. It's what I like to term a "twilight" story. I felt "warm" and "cold" and "wierd" all at once. I'm really looking forward to the next installment, so keep up the moody work. Great HOUSE centerfold! Good shot of Kathryn.

Received ITOH #14 a couple of days ago, and read it cover-to-cover at one sitting, greedily! "The Amber Stone" ...you've really got me hanging on for the conclusion. Your attention to detail in your descriptions make for an easy flow of thought in the story, and add certain touches that make me want to know/read more. The rest of the zine was excellent, as usual.

...as for your story, it's really excellent. You're back with qreat descriptions, and the mood shifts between the lazy pool and the hungry power of the stone are well-done. The opening paragraph is really super; I must admit that "Jason" as a name threw me a little. Also a giggle from the "Collinsport Chronicle" reference-- sounds just like a newspaper from that town... I found the description of Jason's possession to be very gripping, and his headlong fliqht into death is incredible! Then the stone just sits back and digests ... til part 2. Poor old Maggie caught again, I see. You think she'd get the hint after all these fan DS stories and move out of Collinsport for good!

... too bad that there was no more of it. But then, I shouldn't complain, should be grateful for what I got. I think that Marcy's story is a first. No one had ever published one on that theme before. As for yours, well, it got me intrigued. While I enjoyed Geoffrey's biography of Gerard, I have a quibble. Does he mean that because Julia wasn't there (in the original run of history) the head of Judah Zachery did nothing but sit on its duff? Judah's head coming to Collinsport had nothing to do with Julia's presence or absence, and whatever plans Zachery had, they certainly didn't hinge on meeting a time traveler with the necessary medical skills. But once she was there, Zachery tried to take advantage of it. Maybe he planned a different ritual to restore himself. The particulars might have been different, but I don't doubt that Zachery used Gerard the first time around too, even if it might have been in a different manner.

Even though I'm a recent subscriber, #14 is the finest issue yet. As usual, the photos were lovely but the cover was especially striking.

Geoffrey Hamell successfully unravelled the mystery of Gerard Stiles for me. I think the Barnabas/Julia Gerard/Judah storyline was one of the most exciting periods on DS, particularly the events of 1995. Those two weeks were deliciously nerve-wracking as Barnabas and Julia tried to learn how to prevent the predicted tragedy, their every move seemingly a dead-end. "He Who Hesitates" accurately captured Dave Woodards frenzied thoughts as he learned Barnabas's secret and Julia's attempts to cure him. Though he couldn't believe that his friend would aid in his destruction, he had no idea of the alternative. Barnabas had made it very clear to Julia that he was going to kill Dave and when he threatened to make him like himself, she had little choice but to help him. Either way Dave was doomed but Julia, having no control of Barnabas, at least was able to grant him a painless death, preferable to seeing him join the ranks of the living dead, I suppose. And while this hardly justifies her actions, Julia had done her best to warn Dave chat he was in danger. Marcy's line "And may God damn you for it." struck an ironic note. I took it to suggest that sometime in the future Julia would pay for her deed yet her damnation was immediate. Her damnation was being in love with the man who forced her to be his accomplice to murder. She was torn between her heart and her mind—the love she couldn't ignore or control and the realization and acceptance of her wrongdoing and the ensuing guilt.

I had mixed feelings about "The Amber Stone". The story is Intriguing and certainly mysterious—my complaint is that I have to wait two months for its conclusion! Jason's story was beautifully written and so descriptive I was tempted to plunge my tootsies into that pond! What began as a young boys natural and innocent exploration slowly and skillfully builds to mounting terror.

I'm not certain whether or not I liked the first installment of "The Amber Stone". Had it not been for the last page and a half and the vague references to the Collins family in the previous pages, one wouldn't know for sure if you were reading a Dark Shadows story. Perhaps that is the feeling that you were shooting for - and if so, you suceeded - but it left me wondering what was happening. You do have me wondering who the old man is that popped up in the drawing room of the Old House, so I'll wait and reserve judgement until reading the conclusion. "Who's Who" was as informative as usual and I greatly enjoyed it. I don't know if I agree with his theory that Gerard in the original run of history may not have been possessed by Judah...I guess it's possible, but hardly likely. By the way, hopefully someone can refresh my memory, wasn't the bust that Gerard pushed off the landing and that almost killed Julia in 1995 a bust of Judah Zachery? "He Who Hesitates" brought back that wonderful scene with all the horror that Dave Woodard felt in his final moments. Especially liked the centerfold; an uncommon picture that was cut from the final showing of HOUSE. Looking forward to the next issue.

Issue 15

Inside the Old House 15 was published in June/July 1981 and contains 40 pages.

front cover of issue #15

back cover of issue #15

From the editorial:

I left everyone (someone?) last time with the hint about the DS library, saying that more information would follow. And although I'm not going to get into the particulars right now, here is basically what I have in mind: To form a sort of 'rental' service of the various Dark Shadows items for the reviewing of the fans. I'd have allst of the items that I have in the 'library' and you would say which ones you would want to look at/listen to. There would be a fee for each item which would cover the cost of postage and you would be allowed to borrow them just like a library book. This is a rather simplified version of what I have in mind, but I welcome your comments and suggestions. As I said, I will develop this in the near future if the interest is there.

• Sacrifice, fiction by Marcy Robin
• The Amber Stone (Part II), fiction by Dale Clark
• Hide and Seek, fiction by Winifred McBeth
• Fan Directory
• Dark Tower, column by Bill Hunt, it's a review of Dark Vengeance, see that page
• Looking Glass Faces, poem by Kathy Resch
• report on “An Evening with Humbert Allen Astredo”
• Who’s Who in Collinsport: David Collins by Geoffrey Hamell

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 15

Your story gets more and more intriguing. And of course, you left it on a cliffhanger. I am itching with impatience to see how it ends up. As for Geoff's biography of the little monster: David; it certainly leaves you wondering. For such a short life, it was quite eventful. And, appropriately, Winifred McBeth's story showed us David at play. I agree with Geoff, in the custody battle between Roger and Laura, it should have been both trying to inflict him on the other, not the other way around. But I guess he reformed. Anybody who was not killed off just had to reform in the show.

Imagine my surprise when ITOH #15 arrived here only a few days after I mailed you my long-delayed comments on #14. I decided not to take so long this time, so here I am. To begin with, THE AMBER STONE is really beginning to roll now and the mysterious Mr. Durbin really has me curious. Is he someone we've met before? Bring on the next chapter! I was glad to see Bill Hunt's column return and he looks like he'll make a fine reviewer. Geoffrey Hamell continues to amaze me with the amount and quality of his output for ITOH and other DS zines. His "Who's Who" series is particularly outstanding and this one was no exception. Concerning his question, "...can the world survive David Collins?" - one of my chief regrets about the departure of Dark Shadows was that we didn't get to see David reach adulthood (shudder). As for the Dark Shadows Library, it sounds very worthwhile. I am a librarian and I think I should warn you that your main problem will probably be overdues. Perhaps the fee system will reduce this. In any event it is a good idea and I'll be awaiting the details.

I hope fans like the idea of the library; it sounds good, though one immediately ponders the usual library problems--overdues, lost and/or damaged items, etc. Then again, this isn't your local county branch job, --fans will understand and appreciate the value of these items. I liked the cover photo on the zine--a concerned Barnabas (maybe he was roasting in that fuzzy collar under 120' set lights); I also like your new logo. One sure feels sorry for the two Barnabases in Kathy's piece, Looking Glass Faces. It's the age-old question everyone faces at least mentally: "What if I'd chosen otherwise, just once?" Thanks, Geoffrey, for another one--qood old "Dumb Kid", as we used to call him.... At least David Henesy remembered his lines occasionally, unlike Sharon Smythe or Denise Nickerson... I know, I know, they were younger... Gotta admit the kid has had an "interesting" childhood--did he grow up into someone named Damien--? You have stirred some interesting reactions with THE AMBER STONE. This second installment teases us a little more. It's obviously building up to a huge climax next time. The little interview with Humbert and the accompanying photo were a nice look at a current DS actor.

The return of Bill Hunt's column; well, of course, new to me, but I thought it was good and hope it continues. I think reviews on fan publications is something we need in our decisions on whether or not to order them. Although most publications are ver good, there may be some that deal in characters or themes that my not be of interest to some. Marcy Robin's SACRIFICE - best ever that I've seen by her. I've seen some other by her in TWODS and can't say that I've liked all her work. Geoffrey Hamell's column - excellent as always. Now as for THE AMBER STONE - I had read the first part and decided to skim over part two (thought I'd wait till it concluded and read it all at once) but I got greedy and read it anyway. A very haunting idea that I found myself thinking about days later.

First, I think the idea of a DS library is great! It's a unique way of enjoying all the neat DS items without having to declare bankruptcy. I hope the library becomes a reality. Just as I was about to question the absence of "The Dark Tower", Bill Hunt returns. Fan novel reviews have been sorely needed for a long time. A form to separate the wheat from the chaff. I've read most every fan novel printed which ranged from the sublime to the ridiculous and while my personal opinion differs somewhat from Bill's, I found his straightforward manner refreshing. All the fiction was good this issue but THE AMBER STONE was by far the best. Maggie's walking around Collinwood sucking psyches is horribly fascinating. I laughed at the beginning where Durbin tells Julia, "You are not so easily upset as Mr. Collins." How true!

Your zine is coming along fine. THE AMBER STONE has caught my interest and I can't wait for the conclusion. It's a different kind of story -- sort of a cross between The Twilight Zone and Dark Shadows. I'm especially thankful for "Who's Who In Coliinsport". Not having seen the episodes after the 1795 sequence it helps bring the story and characters together. Isn't it strange the writers dropped the storyline after Vicki returned from the past? I wonder if she came back to the right time or if her path back was crossed and she ended up in a Parallel Time where none of the things prior to her 1795 disappearance happened. Speculation! The delight of any fan.

Liked the cardboard cover on #15; In fact, I liked just about the entire issue. The Dark Tower in this issue was my first 'exposure' to Bill Hunt, and I must say that I'm looking forward to reading more of his columns. I hope he will tackle other things besides just fan products. The topics are endless, they could be related to DS storylines, the actors themselves, we the fans, etc. My favorite part of the issue was Kathy Resch's Looking Glass Faces. I'm not much for poetry, but this certainly hit a responsive chord. Certainly Barnabas must have just wondered what his life would have been like without Angellque. "Who's Who " continues to be enjoyable and is usually the first thing I read. Your story, The Amber Stone, was In my opinion, better this time than tn last issue ... possibly because it dealt with the Collins family.

Issue 16

Inside the Old House 16 was published in 1981 (month not specified) and contains 35 pages.

front cover of issue #16

back cover of issue #16

sample pages from issue #16, the art is by Mike Worley

centerfold from issue #16, Janet Meehan

• the column by Bill Hunt, Dark Tower, reviews the zine Without Makeup, see that page
• From the Cellar, LoCs
• The Coming of Change, fiction by Marcy Robin
• Fan Directory
• an ad for "The Dark Shadows Newspaper Comic Strip Book" (a fan-produced 80-page zine of "26 weeks of daily and Sunday comic strips featuring the first 3 stories, printed from March 14, 1971 thru September 11, 1971.")
• Who's Who in Collinsport: Natalie du Pres by Geoffrey Hamell
• The Amber Stone, part three, fiction by Dale Clark
• an ad for The Night of Dark Shadows, a fan-produced zine of publicity stills

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 16

"The Amber Stone" wound up nicely except for the mysterious Mr. Durbin. He is an interesting character and I'd like to see more of him and know more about him. Bill Hunt's column was excellent and should prove to be a useful buyer's guide to fan publications. Marcy's story was an excellent character piece.

First off, I really enjoyed The Amber Stone. Drawing things out over maybe one or two more issues -- a flashback to get another time period with more direct contact with the Collins family, or more information on Durbin, a little extra conflict between Barnabas and "Quentin possessed" would have put the icing on the cake, but who am I to say?!

The end of The Amber Stone was entertaining, although not quite so much so as the second chapter. There was one line that I especially enjoyed. It happened when Barnabas was explaining to Julia why he didn't run out to her when he saw that she had been stricken by the black evil of the possessed Quentin. The interesting thing here is what Julia sees in Barnabas' eyes. If I may quote you: "She looked up at him then and saw it in his eyes, as plain as it had always been from the very first. There is love there." Now, I'm just guessing at this, and could easily be wrong, but considering how you ended RESOLUTIONS IN TIME I don't think I am. Is it possible that you wrote that where it could be read in two totally different lights? At first reading, it seems that Barnabas does love Julia in a romantic sense, as she loves him. But, if you stop and read closely, it appears to give just the opposite view. When Julia first met Barnabas he was bordering on insanity (if not absolutely toppling into it), a paranoid schizophrenic. After Julia started treatments on him, there was a friendship there, but I believe that then and throughout the remainer of the series, there was nothing more than friendship felt by Barnabas for Julia. Julia wasn't stupid... she realized this from the first and only occasionally hinted of her true feelings for Barnabas. In my opinion, in the passage that I'm talking about, Julia sees that Barnabas doesn't love her the same way she loves him, but rather there the love between them of two very close friends. Am I right? I Enjoyed the "portrait" of Barnabas that Janet Meehan did; hard to believe that anyone is so talented. Geoffrey's bio of course, is always fascinating and informative...makes me realize how much I've forgotten. I do have one comment though to Geoffrey about the bust of Judah Zachery. He mentions that Judah probably wouldn't want to be smashing a likeness of himself, therefore, the ghost of 1995/1970 was probably Gerard, Well, if you stop and remember, the bust was first dropped on Jean Flagler in 1995, killing her...no doubt it was smashed then too. Yet the same bust (unless there were several) almost fell on Julia in 1995, but instead smashed to pieces. Sounds to me as if the ghost (whoever he was) was saying something to the effect of "Judah (or his likeness) will live forever and can never be destroyed. As you can tell, I subscribe to the belief that the ghost of 1995/1970 was that of Judah in the body of Gerard. But it sure is fun to have an open mind about it and listen to other arguments.

Issue 17

Inside the Old House 17 was published in spring 1982 and contains 24 pages.

front cover of issue #17

back cover of issue #17

centerfold from issue #17, Janet Meehan

[From the editorial]: I'll be honest with you. ITOH has been (and still is) in a precarious position. The reasons being numerous and rather hard to control. The first, it'll look at the top of thin page, is very obvious. ITOH is now entering
 its fourth year and as much as I hate to announce it and as hard as I've tried to fight it, we are having to raise the price of the zine starting with the next issue to $1.50. I'm sure I don't have to go into any lengthy discussions
 about the economy and the spiraling cost of living. Quite frankly folks, it was
 either raise the price or ITOH would have to be discontinued. The zine has lost
 money since the first issue, which is the norm for fan publications, but I can no longer keep paying the difference, therefore the price increase.

[Also from the editorial]: Due to a lot of problems I didn't take into account for, the DS library is being abandoned ever before it got off the ground. I was a nice thought, but it just proved to be too impractical. Anyone who sent items [for this proposed library] will probably have them sent back by the time this issue goes to print.

• The Dark Tower, column by Bill Hunt, reviews the movie "The Shining"
• Echoes, fiction by Marcy Robin
• From the Cellar, LoCs
• Who's Who in Collinsport: Elizabeth Collins by Geoffrey Hamell
• the zine, The Night of Dark Shadows has had a title page, and is now "House of Dark Shadows Publicity Still Book" -- it also now has 48 pages rather than 54 and is a dollar more in cost (pre-pub) but two dollars more in total cost ($8). For more on this zine, see that page
• ads

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 17

I don't really mind the price increase; better the increase than to discontinue the zine . I'm really surprised you've gone this far without one. I have to disagree with Bill Hunt when he says that NODS has no supernatural elements. It's obvious that Angelique is a witch, since we see her hung as one. I know! I know! That doesn't prove she was one, but the fact that she shows up at Collinwood 160 years later does! Right? Also, if Angelique is mortal how does he explain her ability to appear and disappear at will? What about the scene in which Claire enters the bedroom and sees Alex in the process of being choked to death by some white "apparition" floating around the room. Also,the scene in which Tracy actually comes face to face with Angelique in a locked room. When Quen and Alex break in they (we) see the same "apparition" floating around the room. What about the fact that the mind and body of Quentin is being overtaken by the spirit of Charles Collins. Now, c'mon Mr. Hunt, what do you mean there's no supernatural elements in NODS?

Go ahead and raise the price! I won't complain. I have seen zines of a far lesser quality go for at least $1.50, and I think I would be willing to pay $2.00 an issue. Elizabeth bio in #17: Interesting point about Vicki being Elizabeth's daughter. It certainly seems to be what they are getting at in some of the earlier episodes. However, we must assume it is not true (or maybe Elizabeth just THOUGHT it was and the real illegitimate daughter is running around somewhere studying witchcraft and all that is nasty to pay 'em all back sometime for dumping her.) since it was not stated in the show. ECHOES, by Marcy Robin: absolutely great. It may have been the only piece of fiction in this issue, but MAN, was it worth it. This deserves an award. Congratulations, Marcy. Everything was right about this piece, so I can't single out any lines or words that I especially liked, but I must tell you that I was moved reading it. Center art: excellent. And I do hope the question and answer column comes back. And about Daniel Steele's letter and the Julia / Barnabas question: WHY NOT? I think male writers have a "Marilyn Monroe" complex when writing about the B/J relationship. Must all the 'sex object' women in the stories be just that: slinky and Farrah-ish and empty-headed? Julia more than deserves Barnabas, so let's see someone in ITOH give a story like this a good honest shot (Hey! How about Marcy?!). Oh, and one last thing about THE AMBER STONE: I noticed an error on the part of the description of the radio station David is listening to while he's stuck in bed with the flu. Here in New England, all our radio stations call-letters are "W" (WHOM, WENH, that sort of thing). It's not until you get down South that the stations begin with "K".

Since you've always professed to enjoy my honesty regarding ITOH I hope you won't take offense if I tell you that this issue (#17) wasn't quite up to par. Not that any of the features were bad, but I did miss the usual mix of fiction which I felt got edged out by the overly long Elizabeth Collins Stoddard bio. Until I read it I hadn't realized how victimized Liz had been; always fighting back against the evils that threat, her family , but never fighting first. Given her strong sense of family Liz could have used a more heroic image rather than the (passive) family matriarch. But that's nitpicking…. I agreed with Daniel Steele's letter from the cellar about the confusion concerning the reference of 'love' between Barnabas and Julia in THE AMBER STONE, except he made such a big deal of it one is inclined to think 'he protests too much'. Perhaps it appeared to some fans as a love between good friends but surely a romance between them would not be so implausible as Barnabas' unrealistic profession of love to Angelique in 1840 - shortly after Angelique murdered his beloved Roxanne and very nearly killed Julia! But from Daniel's letter and others I've read over the years the attitude seems to be that a woman of strength, as Julia obviously was, isn't 'permitted' to love - as if the two were incompatible; that you can either be strong or lovable, but not both. I sense there is less resentment of Barnabas' feelings for her, whatever they may be, than in Julia's failing to "keep her place" - that of staunch friend - nothing more or different.

It's good to see another ITOH after so long. I understand about the price increase; just a sad fact of life nowadays, I fear. Bill's column on OS' storylines was interesting; whenever I read in detail about a part of the plotlines I've forgotten, it always jars my memory. Thanks to all those fans who had the foresight 15 years ago to take notes--or who have photographic memories themselves ( or a combination of both with audio tapes) . Bill's"reality" possible explanation for NODS also is sensible and could very well be true, though WE know, in the Dan Curtis world in which it was created, the story ain't no such realistic thing! I do wish you had given Jo Ann Christy credit for the idea ((on ECHOES)). I believe in sharing what is given to me to use, and I wanted her acknowledged for that, as I want her given credit for "assistance" ...LONELY SPIRIT. No stories by you this time around, huh? I enjoyed reading Daniel Steele's detailed considerations about THE AMBER STONE. It's always interesting when readers really examine a story and then share their interpretations. I enjoyed Geoffrey's bio this time; he had a lot of detail about a major contributing character in OS. Liz never had any supernatural powers of her own (a rare one in THAT town!), yet she tried to understand and accept all the occult that swirled around her whenver she could; unlike her brother Roger who almost invariably pooh-poohed it as he sniffed down his nose at the various curses and creatures meande.ring around. I admit, reading straight through Liz's life in the space of a few pages like this, you sure realize all she went through in a couple of years! I bet there were times when she would've liked to take the key to the deadly basement room and just crawl in there herself for some peace and quiet!

Issue 18/19

Inside the Old House #18/19 was published in July 1982 and contains 68 pages. This issue was co-edited by J. Eric Hibbs, as Mark Etheridge had a prior commitment.

front cover of issue #18/19

back cover of issue #18/19

• Lonely Spirit, fiction by Marcy Robin
• A Different Path, fiction by N. Dale Clark
• Fan Directory
• Widow's Hill, poem by Tonya Berry
• Who's Who in Collinsport: Edith Collins by Geoffrey Hamell
• From the Cellar, LoCs
• Silent are the Dead, fiction by Jean Graham (reprinted in A Gathering of Shadows)
• the first half of the transcript for the very first Dark Shadows episode
• much full-page art by Judith Boguslawski, J. Eric Hibbs, K.J. Kolka, Jean Graham

• 

  inside pages from issue #18/19, Jean Graham

• 

  inside pages from issue #18/19, J. Eric Hibbs

• 

  inside pages from issue #18/19, Judith Boguslawski

• 

  inside page from issue #18/19, K.J. Kolka, note: the faint image on the full moon was not intended by the author as it is bleed through from an ad on the prior page

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 18/19

One of the best issues yet (certainly better than double 6/ 7)! "A Different Path" - excellent, but who is 'N. Dale Clark'?! Nice to see Joe Haskell playa prominent role in a DS fiction oiece for a change. What happened to THE DARK TOWER and the auction page? I missed them both. "Lonely Spirit" was a change from the HODS/NODS follow-ups that seem to be popping up in DS fan fiction all of a sudden. Marcy has a nice feel for DS characters. The first part of the DS script was very interesting and informing -- I'm glad you thought of it. It's the first time I've seen an actual DS script. Sorry, but the art was not up to the usual par of ITOH, and how about a few more photos the next double issue you do? The centerfold, though was very moody and well chosen. "Widows Hill" was very enjoyable and the dialect that Tonya used gave the story an added "feel". That drawing of Chewbacca on page 32 (I think I'll stop there-- you get the message...) "Silent are the Dead" by Jean was also a great piece of fiction, but I wish the writers would do stories on characters other than Barnabas; there are so many that have never been mentioned in a story. Barnabas has just about been written to death! Glad to see the Q&A column back.

Edith bio in #18/19: Geoffrey was right when he said that her life "is a mystery·. Time traveling paradoxes are a strange thing. Geoffrey's 'long note' on alternate universes and his story "Ripples" made a whole lot of sense to me, but of course, when you think about it, it takes a whole lot of common sense to figure it out. Marcy Robin did a really good job on "Lonely Spirit". I loved the descriptions she did; I felt like I was actually there.

I was really pleased and surprised to see another ITOH out so soon after #17, and a double to boot! I was also very happy with Judi's illos for "Lonely Spirit" : her montage drawings are very appropriate and as well done as ever. As for your story, "A Different Path", I admit I had to stop and think about what was happening on DS at the time the story takes place. I get the feeling you hurried through this story in order to get it done in time to make the zine; it seems a little rough, but the message gets across. You figured Bill's time paradox column and comments on NODS would stir up controversy, and the LoC's show that. If you accepted DS, you had to accept the idea of time travel, and Geoffrey tries hard to explain it in simple terms and by example in his column. Fans being fans, they'll always have different viewpoints: everyone entitled to his/her own, I guess! The artwork in the zine is fine, again; I especially like the werewolf by K.J. Kolka on page 32. That's a new artist to the zine, isn't it? I also liked Jeannie's story; the inner agonies suffered by so many DS characters at the decisions and events of their lives must've been hell for them to face. And the day one script is a nice treat, too.

ITOH #18/19 was especially good. The story "Lonely Spirit" was very pictorally written and handled something I had never given much thought to; how Maggie would be affected by what had happened. Marcy Robin Seems to be a very visual writer. I especially enjoyed "A Different Path" because I've only just recently seen the episodes that this was taken from, and because of the way the characters were handled. I had no trouble picturing in my mind everything that went on, and seeing Willie (one of my favorite characters) written so true to his character was a real pleasure. "Widows Hill" was a nice piece with avery melancholy mood to it. I liked the use of the dialect. The "Who's Who" on Edith Collins was interesting, but as I'm not familiar with that part of DS, there was much I didn't understand. After reading the whole article several times along with some other material about those characters and times I'm beginning to comprehend. "Silent are the Dead" was superb, well written and an excellent insight into Barnabas' thoughts. I liked you putting in the first script; I'd wondered how they started the show. Judith Boguslawski's art work was very nice.

Issue 20

Inside the Old House 20 is undated (probably 1983) and contains 42 pages.

front cover of issue #20

back cover of issue #20

• Night Roads, fiction by Jean Graham
• Fan Directory
• Laura's Song, poetry by Meghan Powell-Nivling
• second half of the transcript from the very first Dark Shadows episode
• The Temple in the Shadows, fiction by Geoffrey Hamell
• Wild One, fiction by Marcy Robin
• Rising Star, poem by Tonya Berry
• Haunted, poem by Andred
• a report of a play with some DS actors
• LoCs
• Wolfantasy, poem by Megan Powell-Nivling
• Dark Tower, column by Bill Hunt, chastises Dark Shadow fans for not being more active in writing, editing, and art, instead relying on about 18 BNFs to do all the work ("So far, I've talked about 25% of Dark Shadows fandom: 10% writers and artists, 15% letter writers. What about the other 75%? What the hell do the rest of you do? That's kind of hard to say. If I had to put it into one word, it would be consume. Consume. That's all you people do. You're like an enormous void, a black hole that sucks in material." For more see, Dark Shadows Open Letters.)

Reactions and Reviews: Issue 20

• Many, many fans also commented on Bill Hunt's column: some of their comments are below, and some have been included at Dark Shadows Open Letters

My, Bill Hunt's most recent "Dark Tower" certainly was dark, wasn't it? I felt lucky two of my submissions appeared in #20 just so I could feel exempt from his withering scorn. My only comment, trite as it may sound, is that you catch more flies (or DS fans) with honey than with vinegar. Alienating people and putting them on the defensive may stir up a temporary flurry of angry letters (which may well have been Bill's intention) but won't, I fear, encourage would-be writers and artists on the verge of sharing their creations. On the other hand, maybe DS fans have grown too complacent. I'll be interested to see what happens. As for the rest of issue 20, it was great, and I devoured it in one soul-satisfying gulp. The fiction seemed especially good. My Siamese cat and I particularly enjoyed "The Temple in the Shadows," and the period detail in "Night Roads" was extraordinary. Thanks, as always, for a super fanzine, but I really think you should reconsider Daniel Steele's suggestion about going weekly!

Your issue #20 was very much enjoyed in its diversity. Jean Graham's NIGHT ROADS vividly brought the reader a look into history-that-might-have been...I admired her sensitive treatment in the treatment of Barnabas' emerging manhood and his own private "demons". THE TEMPLE IN THE SHADOWS by Geoffrey Hammel is a real gem of horror alright...it had me shiver..and look over our two cats suspiciously too. I also enjoyed reading Peggy Green's THE PLAY'S THE THING review. I was very curious about what the play concerned and her personal descriptions of her reaction to the play and the little party held afterwards for Humbert helped me to share with her...her experience. Now we come to TOWER…. [See Dark Shadows Open Letters...

Another great issue. I liked Geoffrey Hamell's story. It reminded me of an oriental tale, "The Boy who Liked to Draw Cats". I see that Desmond still can't keep his thumbs out of the occult pie. The second half of the script was nice, but why didn't you finish it? ((Actually, I thought I did. It seems that the last scene is missing from my copy. I believe that the show ends with it being revealed who it was that was entering the door. Anyone out there know who it was? DC) The historical drama concerning Barnabas was a nice change cf pace from the normal supernatural happenings that usually occur. Your choice of pictures is getting better. Why haven't you show any from 1840? ((If someone would like to contribute some clear copies, I'd be very grateful. That goes fcr any time-period. I like to use uncommon pictures, but after six years of printing, my supply needs replenishing. DC))

After being properly admonished by Bill Hunt's "Dark Tower" column, I must agree. I am one of those "consuming black holes that suck in material". Your pages are full of wonderful talent. I especially like the work of Geoffrey Hamell and Judi Boguslawski.

The features in #20 were exceptional. I particularly enjoyed NIGHT ROADS by Jean Graham and WILD ONE by Marcy Robin for their depth. The first DS script and the "centerfold" of Barnabas (these add a very nice touch to each issue by the way). As for Bill Hunt's column … [see Dark Shadows Open Letters]

...I admit I recognized Jean's "in-joke" of the name Fourquet coupled with General Lafayette, but that only heightened my enjoyment of the story. Since so much has been written about 1795, (because it has been seen recently so often in syndication), it always is nice to see a story that works around the events of that period as shown en DS. I'm also glad the publication of the first day's script brought such a good reaction from your readers. Most of us never saw that infamous day, so a script is our only way of "seeing" it. I miss seeing more photos in the zine,' virtually the only artwork/photos you have are the centerfold and some small graphics. You have had excellent appropriate photos and art in the past; I hope that continues, as art and pictures add so much to the fiction, puetry, reports, etc. ((This gives me the chance to mention something that I've been wanting to bring up. If any of you out there have some nice, clear, uncommon pictures you'd like to share, I would certainly welcome them. After running ITOH for six years, my supply is running short. Of course, you'd get a free copy of the zine they were used in...Dale)) I especially liked Meghan Powell-Nivling' s poetry this issue,- she captured some vivid images in a few lines. WOLFANTASY was quite chilling, in view of what happens to this young boy in later years.... Tonya Berry's "Rising Star" and Andred's "Haunted" incorporate more convoluted styles. I also was pleased to see that the LoC's are getting more specific and that there are new names there. I also enjoyed Kynnie McBeth's "Set in the Weave". It offers alternative events and feelings in that key year of 1795, using vivid and consistent imagery. I'm not a seamstress myself, but Wynnie's description is clear and fits what she is talking about. The image of Barnabas and Josette happily married, beginning a family—and the bitter maid fussing over her own needlepoint--it' s just excellently done. Peggy Green's report on Humbert Astredo's play and their dinner with him was interesting; however, I wish she could've told us more about what Humbert is doing now, how he enjoyed doing the part, and so on.

I loved NIGHT ROADS! Definitely not your typical DS tale, and that, quite frankly is why I enjoyed it 50 much. It gave wonderful insight into a very human Barnabas and Joshua. "Laura's Song" was pleasant, as well as WOLFANTASY, each showing us the "history" of the characters they represented. TEMPLE IN THE SHADOWS reminded me of a story I heard in the second grade...it scared the wits out of me then and Geoffrey's version did as complete a job. I did miss WHO'S WHO, however. I'm sure everyone else will roast Bill Hunt (and rightfully so), so I won't waste my time commenting on that except to say, if you don't like what you see (and you evidently don't) why not leave this fandom to the people who do care.

Enjoyed Jean Graham's story. She writes so graphically of other time periods. Her description of the bitterly cold winter froze my feet. Course, the fact that I read it in my car, in a parking lot with cold degree weather with a wind chill factor of 20 below zero didn't help either. It's hard to turn the pages with your mittens! Do you think you could use a heavier grade of paper during the winter months? The DS script was much better with columns doubled (you're welcome!) but it's difficult to reconcile the early Maggie Evans with the character I came to know. Somewhere along the line I think she attended charm school. Or Barnabas siphoned off all her fiesty blood. 'Wolfantasy' was reminiscent of Stephen King's CUJO. I like the use of prophetic dreams or revelations particularly when it involves the characters in their youth. I wonder...was little Julia Hoffman terrorized by nightmares of…Batman? Since Bill Hunt was kind enough to include me among the contributors I feel I can speak my mind freely.... [see Dark Shadows Open Letters]