Philadelphia Science Fiction Conference/1940

Science Fiction Convention
Name:	Phillycon 1940
Dates:	November 10, 1940
Frequency:
Location:	Philadelphia, PA
Type:
Focus:
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:
URL:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Phillycon 1940 was also known as the Fifth Annual. The main event of note was a debate over New Fandom's proposed "Newarkon", which never materialized. Some attendees saw the proposal as an attempt to distract from the upcoming Denvention.

Reports

Fantasy-News reported that the chair was Alexander M. Philips and listed the representatives their branch of the Science Fiction League planned to send as Hyman Tiger, Bob Studley, Dick Crain, Robert G. Thompson, Will Sykora and Frances Alberti Sykora, James V. Taurasi, Rose Alberti, Bill Groveman, Sam Moskowitz, Alex Osheroff, Frank Strouse, and Chris Mulrain.

Bob Studley reported competing for a rare copy of the first Amazing Stories with Milt Rothman, who won. He continued:

The Conference didn't achive a dang thing. It was mainly because of Sykora's fillibuster when they were asked to give a note of approval or dissaproval to the proposed Newark conference. Widner and I were dead against it as it would take much attendance and donation away from the Denvention. The question was tabled by Speer after a hot debate... However, it was never voted on....

Bob Studley, letter in Le Zombie, issue 35 pg. 5 (December 1940)

The Solaroids and Sun Spots have withdrawn all support from the proposed Newarkon, and will offer its support to the Denvention. Our reasons are too numerous to mention, but are entirely justified. JV Taurasi double crossed us. We didn't want to hurt the Denvention, but it seems he does. Forgive us.

Gerry de la Ree, Jr., letter in Le Zombie, issue 35 pg. 5 (December 1940)

This Newark Conference was intended as something for Easterners to attend who couldn't go to the Denvention in 1941. Fandom generally refused to support the idea because it was believed that it would conflict with the Denvention, and Sykora and Moskowitz laid the responsibility for the idea to Taurasi, who wasn't at the Philadelphia meeting. The Newarkon did not take place.

 

PHILCO STINKING SUCCESS

Total absence of Taurasi and N.Y. Futurians responsible

Lackadaisical attitude of audience predominates

Moskowitz pleads with audience to stop this next feud before too late

Sykora explains stand on Newarkon - Promises support of Denvention by Fantasy News and New Fandom --- Also suggested moneys of any future of any future conventions (profits) to be turned over to next convention committee --- So that none of the fan's money should go into private pockets.

Motion to approve Newarkon thrown off floor -- Motion not to approve Newarkon also rejected -- Motion to table all motions about Newarkon accepted and passed by majority vote -- A round of applause greeted this demonstration ...

Art Widner's written speech was read to meeting --- Text explained motives of Denver committee against proposed Newarkon --- Widner himself apologizes for inadequateness of letter written before explanations of Moskowitz and Sykora

Dick Crain states that well known animosity of the CFS Committee toward the New Fandom group has prematurely started this new mess ...

Belated attempt to force Philco meeting to disaprove of Newarkon was again discarded

Unknown reporter in Julius Unger's Fantasy Fiction Field, issue 4 pg. 1 (November 16 1940)