Schuster Star Trek Conventions/1977 (September) New York City Schuster Star Trek Convention

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The Star Trek America convention was held September 2-5, 1977 at the New York Hilton. It may be the first of the Schuster cons to have the title "Star Trek America." It also is sometimes referred to as "AmeriCon."

Admission was $12 for a day pass or $20 for the full three-day weekend.

Guests of Honor

James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, Walter Koenig, Isaac Asimov, Sondra Marshak, Myrna Culbreath, Howard Weinstein, Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Joan Winston, Bruce Hyde, Mark Lenard, Jesco von Puttkamer, Susan Sackett.

Leonard Nimoy was a surprise, unscheduled guest.

The Program Book

cover of the commemorative program book, this one the McCoy one

A set of commemorative 24-page program books were sold at the con, and later through Tristar Industries.

Each one contained the same basic information, but differed in that fans could choose the one with a bio and photo of Shatner and Kirk (v.1), Nimoy and Spock (v.2), and Kelley and McCoy (v.3). An ad in the booklet says the cost for each was $2.

From the Program Book: Contents

Contents of the McCoy version:

• letter from Susan Sackett
• a list of the guest stars
• full-page illos, each of Scotty, Chekov, and Sarek by Monica Miller
• short bios of the guest speakers
• program highlights and schedules
• photos of Joan Winston, Jesco von Puttkamer, and grim one of Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath and their dog
• programming schedule and locations
• The Anniversary Ball Menu
• bio of DeForest Kelley
• publicity photo of McCoy
• list of fanzines for sale (includes only their titles, the addresses to order from, and cost - no descriptions or other information)
• an ad for Tristar Industries LP, Themes from Star Trek and more souvenir books
• trivia contest
• a flyer for "next year's" Schuster con, September 2-4, 1978 at the Statler Hilton Hotel
• a flyer for Star Trek World Expo, February 18-20, 1978 at the Statler Hilton Hotel (includes a blurb for "The Miss Galaxy Beauty Pageant")

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  photos of some guest speaker, including Marshak and Culbreath's dog, Omne

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  the banquet menu: "SOUP VULCANAISE, ROAST TOP SIRLOIN OF BEEF (from EDITH KEELER'S 21st STREET MISSION), SALAD OF THE SEASON (from the GARDENS OF BABEL), BETA III BANANA CREAM (from the KITCHENS OF LANDRU), SAURIAN COFFEE"

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  artist is Monica Miller

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  artist is Monica Miller

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  artist is Monica Miller

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  a vague list of zines for sale

From the Program Book: Comments by Sackett

Dear Star Trek Fans:

Eleven years ago I was an eager new schoolteacher in Miami, wrestling each day with the minds of some 40 or so nine-year-olds, hoping to reach each child in some way, yet unsatisfied with my life as a whole. I had dreams - or were they a form of "deja-vu?" There was a marvelous new television program that I really loved, called STAR TREK, and someday I wanted to work in the magical city which gave birth to such things. Someday...

Two years later, with most of the eagerness worn away, I made the seemingly preordained move to Los Angeles. I was teaching school in California, but I never really gave up my fairy tale dreams of visiting the STAR TREK sets, of meeting the man called Gene Roddenberry - the man responsible' for giving me this and many more dreams - and maybe even landing a job with him. But it was not to be. The studio was a "closed set" and there wasn't even a devil in sight who was interested in buying my disappointed and extremely inexpensive soul, which I would gladly have traded for a peek at my favorite fantasy land.

But I never gave up hoping. A few years later, when STAR TREK had been cancelled, I came closer to my goal than ever before. I actually had an errand to do which brought me to Gene Roddenberry's "office on the Warner Brothers lot. He wasn't in at the time, but I did allow myself to think that secret dream-thought again: "Someday I want to work for this man."

Perhaps I am gifted with a rare kind of ESP which lets each of us glimpse our own future without knowing it. Perhaps I was just lucky. Or, most likely, it may be that I found myself able to apply the hope and optimism of the STAR TREK world to my own life - I just never gave up hoping. And one day, I, a fan just like you, found my dream had come true! Why I should be so fortunate, I do not know, but on Gene Roddenberry's birthday in 1974 I found myself sitting across the desk from him, being interviewed to be his secretary. (In case you didn't know, I got the job!)

Now it is more than three years since that day, and so much has happened that I'd have to use this entire program book to tell about it. One thing is certain - I've met more wonderful people than I ever imagined existed in this world. I have penpals in many foreign countries and nearly every state who all share a common interest in STAR TREK. I have attended over a dozen conventions on both coasts, and have talked to thousands of people of all ages. Sometimes I have to pinch myself to be sure I'm not really dreaming my old dream!

The STAR TREK Dream will continue as long as there are people like those of you here at STAR TREK AMERICA. You are today's dreamers and tomorrow's doers. This promises to be the most exciting Convention ever. But watch out - you might have to fight with me for a place in line at the autograph tables - I still don't have all the stars' autographs, and this could be my chance to make that dream come true!

Live long, prosper, and love! -- Susan Sackett

Tidbits and Anecdotes

A fan produced comic titled Star Trek America -- 1977 -- A Retrospective was published in September 1977.

from a photo in Starlog #11, which mentions Nimoy's "less-than-festive remarks" and that this "convention was up to Tri-Star's usual competency."

Leonard Nimoy was not a scheduled guest of honor, but he took the stage, much to the delight of fans. Among other things, he read a speech addressing the turmoil regarding negotiations and the proposed new Star Trek television series and the first Star Trek feature film. See Leonard Nimoy Addresses the Star Trek America Convention (1977).

Flyers, Badges, Ephemera

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  a flyer

Programming

• Keynote Address
• Panel: Beyond Star Trek Panel
• Panel: Writers Panel by Marshak, Culbreath, Lichtenberg, Winston (includes an autograph session)
• Workshop: Star Trek Artists: P.S. Nim, Amy Harlib, Alice Jones, Monica Miller
• Workshop: Star Trek Fanzine by Shirly Maiewski, Joanna Cantor, Leslye Lilker, Lori Chapek
• Promotional Presentation: Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath Present How to Write for Star Trek: The New Voyages, plus a preview of the second volume of that book
• Promotional Presentation: Star Trek Lives by Jacqueline Lichtenberg
• Promotional Presentation: The Writing of Shatner: Where No Man by Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath
• Promotional Presentation: Letters to Star Trek by Susan Sackett
• Promotional Presentation: Star Trek Committee
• Promotional Presentation: The Kraith Series by Jacqueline Lichtenberg
• Presentation: How to Write Science Fiction by Jacqueline Lichtenberg
• Presentation: Behind the Scenes of Star Trek by Joan Winston
• Presentation: The Future of Science Fiction in Television by Jacqueline Lichtenberg
• Presentation: Making Contacts Workshop by Anna Tornheim Hassan
• Presentation: The Inside & Outside of Star Trek by Joan Winston
• Presentation: Why NBC Cancelled Star Trek by Joan Winston
• Presentation: The Space Shuttle by Jesco Von Puttkamer
• Futuristic Fashion Show
• Masquerade Spectacular
• Disco Trek
• Anniversary Ball (music by "The Nobleman Orchestra")
• Art Auction
• Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath Present Star Trek Fan Music - Omicron Ceti III Plus One, Roberta Rogow
• Bruce Hyde at the Piano
• Rap and Autograph Session: Mark Lenard
• Rap and Autograph Session: Nichelle Nicols
• Rap and Autograph Session: Bruce Hyde
• Rap and Autograph Session: George Takei
• Rap and Autograph Session: James Doohan
• Rap and Autograph Session: Mark Lenard

Meta/Articles

A scrapbook put together by a fan in the 1970s contains a newspaper article about the convention which can be read here.

Con Reports

Also see Fan Comments Regarding These Cons and Profit, Size, Quality.

Star Trek America, held at the Statler Hilton in New York City, was my first convention and, like all cons, I've been told, it was the happiest place for a Star Trek fan to be. Four days of total Star Trek is a great experience for anyone. George Takei, James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, and Walter Koenig were among the guests. Each of them had several talk sessions. I, of course, attended all of George Takei's.

The committee gave George a T-shirt that said Sulu, Swordsman. This brought up a subject that George said happens at every New York con. It seems that they give him a T-shirt every year.

Also, every year the people at the N.Y. cons mention the fact that George sings in the shower. He, of course, sang a few bars from Evergreen, and later he sang a lullaby that he remembered from his childhood.

On Sunday they raffled off George! That's right, there was a contest 
to win some time (about an hour) with George Takei. My friend and I bought 
$5.00 worth of raffle tickets, and we couldn't believe it when we were among
 the winners! We had a little party up in his hotel room. We talked about
everything under the sun. George Takei is the nicest person I ever met.
I really enjoyed it!

Later on that day there was a panel discussion with the crew of the Enterprise (Sulu, Scotty, Uhura, and Chekov). Nichelle brought the house down with her imitation of George's laugh! However, with every crack she had for George, he came up with a better one on her! Lastly, George told us that Mr. Sulu will be promoted in the new series!! Unfortunately, he did not reveal his new rank to us.

Hooray! We were going to Americon and for once, instead of staying with my grandmother we were going to have our own room. My mother, ever generous (and cheap) soul that she is, had agreed to let people have sleeping space on our floor in return for a small portion of the room rent.

Friday: My mother, Anthony and I descended upon the unsuspecting Statler-Hilton hotel. We were driven there by my father, whose main intention was to have as little to do with the Convention as possible. We arrived there, only to discover Mother had forgotten her guitar -- that's right, the one with which she was supposed to perform that night at Dis-Co-Trek. So, after getting our luggage into the hotel. Father (resigned to the inevitable) sped off back to New Jersey, responding to Mother's weak smile with a dirty look. We then stood on line for what seemed like an hour (it was). As we waited to register at the hotel, we said hello to people we recognized from other Cons, took shifts to keep our place in the line, got our tickets for the Con, end finally got our room — #700, very handy for the elevators. After getting the luggage into the room. Mother went off in search of cheese (more about that later), Anthony went out to case the dealers' room, and I was left to wait for other floor-sleepers. Eventually, Joan Mercer and Mike Thompsom arrived, with Mike's friend, Curtis, and some evil-looking electronic gadgets with which they intended to create a costume. Once we were all assembled, we went downstairs to do Con-type things, like seeing the stars talk. I was appalled to notice how small an audience there was for James Doohan.

The fashion show spotlighted a number of shapely women decked out in what they assumed would be the clothes of the future. The whole thing boiled down to a lot of glittering, twinkling, and wolf-whistles. Next on the agenda was Dis-Co-Trek, in which my mother was to be a performer (my father having come to the rescue with the guitar). Mother was, as usual, a smash, and I went through the rest of the con being told what a fantastic voice my mother had. Such is the price of being the daughter of Talent.

Remember the cheese? Well, my mother, having attended many other peoples' parties at assorted Cons, decided it was time to throw one of her own. Never being one to do things by halves, she decided to make it a wine-and-cheese party. Almost immediately following Dis-CO-Trek people started flowing into our tiny room. The party was a success -- even my grandparents dropped in, and were slightly bemused by the general ambiance of the whole thing. A high point was the singing of "Our Con" by the author, T.J. Burnside. My mother indulged in the wine part of the party. By the end of the evening she was pretty smashed (I'd say more, but she IS my mother.) Anthony and Joan had taken refuge outside in the hall in an attempt to escape the smoke-filled, unventilated room. At around 3 AM, people started filtering out.

By the time they were all gone one thing was apparent -- we still had a LOT of cheese left! It would stay with us for the rest of the Convention.

Saturday: Most of us dispersed around the Con. Mike Thompson was still manipulating his strange gadgets in the room; Anthony and I were in the process of blowing all our money in the dealers' room; my mother was holding forth on a panel about Star Trek music. I got myself set up in the balcony and listened to the stars until around 4:30, when I went up to the room to recheck my finances. Faced with the choice of eating cheese or spending some more of my rapidly-diminishing money I decided to go to Burger King. I was, therefore, NOT in the hotel when Leonard Nimoy made a surprise visit.

Arriving back at the hotel, I noticed a large number of people, who, it turned out, were there for their annual convention , the Pan-Icarian Society. This was the night of the Federation Ball -- the only time when the Con members bore some resemblance to the rest of the human race. While my mother and father were dancing the night away, I was attending the Monty Python party, which went on till 5 AM Sunday morning.

When I got back to the room I noticed that the number of people on the floor had increased. Neither Mother nor I had any idea who they were; they simply came to crash for the night.

[...]

[Anthony] wanted to be Obi-Wan Kenobi (of Star Wars). Having no material of his own, he improvised with with nearest cloth available: the hotel sheets. He solved the problem of their color by dying them brown in the bathtub. Joan assisted him with the fitting, so that he had. his shirt off when a maid knocked on the door to change the bedding. To keep her out, Chris (bare chest and all) poked his head out and said,"You can't come in, we're on our honeymoon!"

By the time Anthony and I had finished going into hysterics over the film, the Obi-Wan costume was almost completed, and it was time for me to put on my own costume. This was one of my original ideas: I was Kiawa, the Klingon goddess of Lust. Mother had gotten Amy Harlib to give me a Klingon make-up. Mother had come into the room with bags of Burger King. When we started complaining, Mother threw one of her famous fits. Taking my costume, I beat a hasty retreat to Amy's room. Amy never did get around to doing my make-up — she was busy trying to cover up her own eyebrows -- but she had one of her friends do it for me. Then I noticed a major deficiency in my costume — the top wouldn't stay up! I held it up as best I could, and made my way down to the small Terrace Ballroom. The Greeks were using the Grand Ballroom, so we had to make do with a smaller one. This was the last year I could qualify for Mini-Trek. I went on, and made an absolute fool of myself by hunching over to keep my top up. I still displayed enough to hear someone mutter:" Doesn't she know this is Mini-Trek? Even as I slunk off stage, I knew I had lost again. I shrugged my shoulders (carefully) and sat back to watch the other costumes.

Some of them were spectacular, especially one that represented one of the Cantina patrons from Star Wars. As soon as I saw it I knew it was a winner. In Mini-Trek the winners were two children who went as Bele and Loki. Angelique Trouvere's much-awaited appearance was up to expectations: she put on her clothes, instead of the opposite. The big laugh-getter was my mother, in a costume that was supposed to be a Fanzine. She went onstage, opened it to show a nude Spock center-fold, and uttered one of her famous puns: 'My friends told me to get a Grip on myself, so I did!"

After it was all over, I went through a mad panic. I had left my clothes in Amy's room, and Amywas at a Kraith Affirmation! I shivered nervously until she got out. Once I was back in my clothes, I sped off to another Monty Python party. While we were moving around the hotel, word got back to me that my mother was having a "hissy-fit". I came back to face the wrath of Roberta Rogow, promised her I would quiet down, and went back to the party. Hanging over me and Anthony though the entire Con was the knowledge that Tuesday we had to go back to school.

[...]

General comments; A new S-F movie had opened earlier that year. Banners saying "May the Force be with you" and "Let the Wookie Win" abounded in the dealers' room. Star Wars had come to the Con.

By the last night the number in our room had increased to the point where there was actually someone sleeping in the bathtub. This, plus the still-remaining cheese, made the room rather gamey. We had to leave an ample tip for the chambermaid for what we had done to the place: dyed sheets, a hole in the carpet, and a glowing sink (the result of an experiment with a Cyalume light stick).

While waving goodbye to some Monty Python friends I had made, and watching the rain come down in sheets, my main though was: I can't wait for the next Convention.

It was in New York City, in September 1977, at Townsley's Star Trek AmeriCon, that we saw and heard Leonard Nimoy proclaim, "I am here because my heart is broken. . ."

This is one of those pivotal stories, one of those moments in fandom history that you may always ask, "Where were you when Nimoy showed up at AmeriCon? What were you doing?"

Background: Paramount had been playing games with the revival of Star Trek for several years. They were going to make a feature film. No, they were going to make another TV series. Nope! Back to making a movie, and all of the cast will be in it. Well, maybe not all the cast. Everyone but Shatner and Nimoy. No – we'll do another TV series, but with an all new cast. And on and on and on it went. One popular joke at the time was Bill Shatner's apparent repeated avow that, "I have signed a contract!" There were rumors and scuttlebutt all over the place. But in the months preceding September 1977, one prevalent version took the lead. There was going to be a feature film, and every actor had signed a contract – except Leonard Nimoy. It was further reported that the guilt lay not with Paramount or with Gene Roddenberry, but with Nimoy himself, who, it was said, had refused to sign a contract and wanted no part of the project.

So all of this was swirling around when we went up to New York for AmeriCon. Add to the mix the fact that Leonard was currently appearing on Broadway in "Equus" and the rumors were riff that he would put in a surprise appearance at the con. A group of us had actually gone to see him in his show on Friday evening.

On Saturday afternoon, I think it was around 4 or 5 o'clock, my friends and I had closed up our table and retired to our hotel rooms to just relax and chill out before getting dressed to go out to dinner (I think it was one of our visits to Mama Leone's). We'd all taken off our shoes and propped up our feet and I remember that Bev was counting the money we had taken in that day; she had emptied out the cash box we used at the table. I think I was dozing off for a quick forty winks. There were several other people in our room visiting with us. The phone on the desk rang. It was Martha, from her room in the hotel. A fellow Nimoy fan friend of hers had just called. They had just made an announcement in the main ballroom that Leonard Nimoy would be taking the stage in five minutes.

You never saw such pandemonium in your life as we scrambled for footwear, scooped up the money and stowed it away, falling over each other to get out the door and down the hall to the notoriously slow moving elevators that would take us down to the ballroom. Yet even in our haste, we were being circumspect. What we did not need or want was this wild throng to descend as one on the ballroom. Remember, there were upwards of 15,000 fans at the convention! The ballroom could hold only. . .what? Five thousand at most! So as the elevator doors closed behind us, we surreptitiously glanced at the faces around us, wondering if they knew what we knew. And they, in turn were eyeballing us!

We strolled slowly toward the ballroom, then picked up our pace as we detected others rushing forward. We got into the ballroom, stood in the back as the room continued to fill. I recall seeing Lee J. wheeling Carolyn Venino in her wheelchair, going all the way down to the front where the handicapped were seated. I gave Carolyn a thumbs-up as she passed. The late Mark Lenard (who played Spock's father, Sarek, and who was a frequent convention guest) was on stage and the security force was once again guarding the stage area. In just a few moments after we got there, Nimoy came out from the wings, and amid a roar of applause and the glare of hundreds of flashbulbs, he briefly embraced Mark Lenard, then went to the podium and spoke into the mike.

"I am here because my heart is broken," he began, and a sudden hush fell over the huge assembly. He went on to say that he had been receiving hate mail, threats and accusations from the fans that he found inexplicable. One letter had referred to him as "you Benedict Vulcan." Having always enjoyed a pleasing and satisfactory relationship with his fans and with the fans of Star Trek, he was hurt by this turnaround. He understood that the cause was the rumor about his not wanting to participate in a new film. This, he said, was not the case. As far as he knew, there was no script yet, and no one had ever approached him about being in a film. "If Gene Roddenberry wants me to be in this film, let him come to me and ask." It was not, he declared, the custom for an actor to approach a studio or a producer. The studio or the producer approached the actor. And he had not been approached. Yet meanwhile, the fans were blaming him. He had come to the convention to set the record straight and to elicit the support of the fans.

Well, he had lit the fire and we would carry the torch! That night, while we were throwing the biggest Contact room party yet, with people spilling out into the hall, Carol F. buttonholed Gene Roddenberry's aide, Susan Sackett, who was also a guest at the convention. Susan had been allegedly avoiding Carol since Nimoy had spoken, but late that night the questions were finally put to her and the answers were obvious by her avoidance of the answers. What Nimoy had said was correct: It was Roddenberry and/or Paramount that was holding out.

Within days of our arrival at home, a flyer was ready to be mailed out with every zine order, with stacks sent to every zine ed and otherwise active fan that we knew. The headline on the flyer was the first line that Nimoy had spoken: "I am here because my heart is broken. . ." The flyer went on to urge the recipient to write to Gene Roddenberry and to Paramount Studios. Tell them that we would not accept a film version of Star Trek without Leonard Nimoy, without Spock. Jump on the band wagon. One. More. Time. We were getting good at this now!

The end result of it all was that there was no movie deal in the works, not to any imminent accomplishment, and it would be more than two years before the dream was realized. In the meantime, we continued going up the New Jersey turnpike twice a year, continued putting up with the inadequacies of the Statler Hilton, with a professional "show" of a convention that was all there was, but we joyously enjoyed every minute of it. We started taking in Broadway shows, and some not so close to Broadway.

ST AMERICA was the best convention yet! Blew alot of money, met some other Editors, blabbed alot. What I also noticed was that there was alot of Star Wars stuff. Shudder shudder. I also noticed, alarmingly, that there were alot fewer tables this year.

To one who is attending her first, a Star Trek Convention can be an overwhelming experience. Situated in one of the most well-known and elegant hotels of New York City, the Statler Hilton, this convention was exciting and well—run from the moment I arrived.

Convention registration began at nine in the morning. We were among the first. There didn't seem to be too many who were registering. " But this was Saturday already, and I was told that Friday's line-up extended "around the corner and down the block". We received name tags, a souvenir program book which included the week end time schedule, and a bag with the Star Trek America insignia on it. This last item was useful for carrying the many things to be bought, if the money lasted.

The schedule was so planned, that the days and evenings were totally occupied. Indeed, decisions has to be made as to what would never be seen at all. Then, too, there was the city to see.

Discussions, lectures, and the various exhibitions and the hucksters' room opened at 10:00 a.m. The cinema, however, opened at 9:30 a.m. and I was able to see the Blooper Reel before I got my room. I'm sure you all know about these take-outs. To see security men rushing down a corridor to stop an enemy and then witness one who slid the entire way on his bottom; to see Captain Kirk walk into a room where a Klingon IS searching for something, say, "S—t!", and walk out; to see Dr. McCoy and Captain Kirk so helpless with laughter that they can't get their lines out — all this contributed to the laughter and delight of the audience. In addition, the episodes that appeared were uncut and with- out interruption. It is impossible to describe the feeling one gets while viewing them with others who share the same interest; who cheer and hiss, clap and boo, laugh and grieve with you. You can let yourself go without fear of criticism.

The lecture and discussion sessions enabled us to hear the views and plans of the stars of Star Trek and the authors of many well-known books, including fact books about the show. In particular, Jacqueline Lichtenberg encouraged the young writers of science fiction to continue their efforts. Besides collaborating on Star Trek Lives, she has written the "Zeor" series — including "House of Zeor", which can be found at Coles Book Store.

Dr. Isaac Asimov was also there. He had us laughing in our seats while he talked about his upcoming autobiography and answered any question the audience cared to ask. He was, and is, a very magnetic person.

The exhibition rooms were full of art displays and fanzines of all types. The art work, in particular, was well done and extremely beautiful. Many trekkers are excellent artists. The writing, too, was very good, although I didn't get a chance to read much. It seems that Star Trek IS giving several generations a unique opportunity to express themselves in visuals and in words.

The central room was reserved for the many objects to be sold. It was here that we had to control ourselves, I don't know about the rest of the group, but I could easily have spent three times the amount that I did spend. As it was, I brought back several tribbles and other assorted paraphernalia, I also made many new friends and acquired a recipe for Saurian brandy.

Throughout the three days I was impressed by the great numbers of people there, I some places it was difficult to move; and there were lineups for everything, I was informed that this was nothing compared to last year. It must have been impossible to move then. The Second Anniversary Ball was a lovely affair. The food was good and the band got the Star Trek theme right. There was even a group lesson in dancing, led by the conductor of the band. There was also regular dancing; and later, there were opportunities to get autographs and talk to the stars individually.

The last grand event was Sunday evening — the Masquerade, I took a few pictures and our president took many more. The variety and originality of the costumes was quite a sight. One that impressed my was "Spirit of the Enterprise", a beautiful young woman with dark hair wearing a silver lame gown with a red train, speaking in the soft voice of the ship's computer. There were many costumes from Star Wars also, I remember being told by a "Darth Vader" not to push his buttons, There was no room to sit, and for half an hour before they let us in, I was standing in the longest line I'd ever seen, I stayed until I was too tired to stand, and then went to my room.

The whole experience was one to remember for a long time; or, at least, until the next convention, I think that one a year should keep the memory green. It was truly unique.

Even the trip back was eventful. The thought was brought up that, since Spock was the son of Amanda Grayson, and since she might have been descended from Dick Grayson of Earth; then, Spock could be the descendant of Robin; and, therefore, had the right to go about the Enterprise saying, "Holy spaceships, Captain!"

I guess that most of us at one time or another believe ourselves to be one of a kind — some strange alien creature who must live an Earth- bound life amidst people who can see no further than the little world upon which they walk. Meanwhile, look to the stars, aching somehow to reach out into space and experience the freedom of endless roaming through that vast realm.

Perhaps that is part of the attraction of Star Trek; and why, through all these years, it has continued to survive, not only as reruns on television, but in new adventures in the hearts and minds of millions of people. If, indeed, we are all suffering from some strange affliction, it is obvious that we are not suffering alone — nor in silence.

The New York Star Trek Convention on Labor Day weekend was proof of this. Doubter that I am, I had to see it to believe it; and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. It was, to quote a good friend of mine -- "Fascinating!"

Having never met an actor before; it was, to say the least, strange to meet, face to face, the people who had brought to life the characters whom I had come to know over the past eleven years. Indeed, I do not know James Doohan, Nichelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, George Takei, Mark Lenard or Bruce Hyde on a personal basis; but my familiarity with their faces and their own outgoing and charming personalities took away the strangeness one might feel when meeting someone for the first time, Bruce Hyde, by the way, sings beautifully; and he no doubt charmed many a girl with his voice.

Being a Sci-Fi buff, I was very much looking forward to seeing Isaac Asimov, Initially I was disappointed that he did not intend to speak about science fiction, however he has the great ability to capture an audience and hold their attention even when he is talking about his own personal experiences in life. The man is unbelievable, for he has written 189 books both on science fiction and fact and is planning, as his 200th book, an autobiography which should be worth reading.

As with many fans, one of the things to which I was looking forward was finally being able to view one of those famous "blooper reels". Personally, I was disappointed, as the quality of the film and sound was very poor; and it was extremely difficult to understand at times. I'm sure they could have done better than that. Later, I walked in upon the showing of a slide presentation called "The Star Trek Experience". To the background of music and dialogue, there appeared scenes of the characters in many familiar situations and poses. The purpose: to poke fun at the show and conventions in particular. I found this to be eminently more entertaining than the Bloopers and it is something which could be accomplished in our own club, with hilarious results.

Trekkers are widely known as being extravagant spenders. No price is too high to keep them from adding to their usual collection of trivia — as long as it has something to do with Star Trek. The Huckster's Room was an example of a Trekker's Paradise with everything from bumper stickers quoting, "Caution — I Brake For Tribbles", to real (Well almost) replicas of phasers, posters, records, jewelry, T-shirts and zines, etc., etc.

The prices were rather steep in some cases and someone is certainly living well off of our joint affliction, but I refused to let that concern me as I laid down my precious green bills.

If you are a camera bug, then a Star Trek Convention is the place to go. The Futuristic Fashion Show and the Costume Ball provided fantastic displays of color and workmanship; and often months of hard work went into making some of the amazing and expensive costumes.

How can anyone truly describe the atmosphere of a Convention to someone who has never been witness to one? It is something that has to be seen first hand, for it loses so much in the translation. All I can say is, if you have found yourself to be in any way captured by the beauty of Star Trek, then you must go to a Con and see for yourself...even if you have to steal a shuttlecraft.

The following will attempt to report on the different of the con and present an evaluation. Most of us at QUESTAR are very severe judges of "Star Trek" cons. This is mainly due to the fact that we have attended so many. Without further ado, here are our impressions of the 1978 "Star Trek America" con.

[unidentified fan]: SPEAKERS: An important part of "Star Trek" conventions are the guest speakers. They can be members of the original cast, production crew, science fiction writers or just people who have become popular figures in "Star Trek" fandom. At the convention there were only two members of the original cast; Jimmy Doohan (Mr. Scott) and Walter Koenig (Mr. Chekov). Both have been to many "Star Trek" cons and are very good speakers. In addition they had just come from the set of the new "Star Trek" motion picture. This was a three day convention, however, so convention speakers became stale very quickly. Also speaking was noted science fiction writer Isaac Asimov (who appeared at QUESTAR's mini-con last April). He gave a very funny report on "Battlestar Galactica" (or "Son of Star Wars" depending on how honest you want to be). Among the other speakers were Sondra Marshak and Myrna Culbreath. They spoke on some of their new projects in "Star Trek" fan fiction. The last person I wish to comment on is the mystery guest speaker. The mystery guest turned out to be Arnold Moss (Kodos/Anton Karidian) from the "Star Trek" episode "Con science of the King." Many fans were disappointed because even though Moss spoke well, many were hoping for someone involved with the new movie.

[unidentified fan] FILMS: A favorite part of "Star Trek" cons is the showing of "Star Trek" episodes and science fiction films. Since WPIX (Channel 11), in order to increase commercial time, cuts scenes out of "Star Trek',' attending a convention gives fans a chance to see episodes uncut. In addition to viewing the episodes, there is the "blooper reel", a collection of outtakes made during the filming of the series. Science fiction movies are a popular part of "Star Trek' cons. At the "Star Trek America" convention" Invasion of the Body Snatchers,"was the most popular movie. Leonard Nimoy, who will return to play the role of Spock in the "Star Trek" movie will be starring in the re-make of this 1956 classic. In addition to showing the first "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," a slide show remake of the upcoming re-make was presented at the con. Other science fiction classics shown were "The Day the Earth Stood Still," and "War of the Worlds." In all, the films presented at this convention were some of the better and more enjoyable parts of the weekend.

[unidentified fan]: DEALERS' ROOM: All I can say about the Dealers' Room is that it was basically the same people buying the same old junk, with the exception of the people buying the new junk like "Star Trek--The Motion Picture," t-shirts. Some of the dealers, however, had the gumption to plunge into new areas in which to rip the public off such as Rocky Horror Show and Meat Loaf t-shirts. (Did you know that the price of Meat Loaf is up to $5 these days?) Dealers do such a good job of selling that some of the members of this club won't admit that their buying of Rocky Horror Show slides and lobby cards was a complete waste of time and money. Basically, for those who have never had the misfortune luck to stumble into the Dealers' Room, let me give you a little hint as to what you should expect "Step right up and be the first lucky person to buy William Shatner's favorite candy bar--only 50% off!!" If you want, you could purchase an $800 18 karat gold necklace with all the characters from "Star Wars" dangling from it, but then again, who'd want to? If you decided that [listening to] Arnold Moss (Kodos the Executioner) just wasn't worth an hour wait, you could buy a working $250 hand phaser and gun down John Townsley, the inept infamous organizer of "Star Trek America." So dear hearts, remember the next time you're in the Dealer's Room "sometime, somehow, somewhere. when you least expect it, someone will come up to you and say 'Smile, you're at another "Star Trek" convention.'"

[STELLA'S STELLAR STAR DUST -- STAR TREK AMERICA '78 EXCLUSIVE]: Hello darlings! Just got back from the "Star Trek America" con at the Stabler Hilton and can only say this-- once again QUESTAR had more fun in their rooms than at the con. You wouldn't believe what those raunchy zanies did this time!- I wonder if any hotel manager in his right mind will ever let them even set foot into the lobby of his establishment. So much for small talk, all the gossip is in, and here it is... [much snipped about private matters and in-jokes.

Star Trek America was my first convention and many pleasant things happened as well as some which were not pleasant at all.

By far the most pleasant was meeting and talking to Mark Lenard. Like many others, I had been led to believe that Mr. Lenard was disinterested in his fans and his club. Not so. He spent two hours at his party, in a small room with insufficient air-conditioning to allow for so many people. It was miserably uncomfortable and while WE would have suffered happily just to be in his company, there was no reason for him to stay so long—except perhaps one. He likes and appreciates his fans. He is a charming, gracious man and it was truly delightful to have him with us. I found him to have a marvelous sense of humor and a keen wit. I think we all came away with renewed love, admiration, loyalty, and a deep sense of appreciation for the man himself, as well as the many roles he has portrayed so beautifully.

The second encounter [I had meeting Mark Lenard] was at his talk on Saturday morning. I asked him a question about his perception of Sarek and how it compared to those in the zines.

ML: ”The authors made up the stories about Sarek. (pause) Inside, confidential.”
 (Titters from audience. It looks like he’d read some of the adult zines.)

Me: (a bit nervous ) ”NO!!”

ML: "No, not those.”

Me: ”No, the ones in the Despatch. I know you have read those.”

ML: ”Yeah — Oh, you do?”

Me: ”You said you did!”

ML: "Oh. I did. Do you believe me?”

Me: ”How should I know?”

After answering that question and another (with a liberal assortment of excellent anecdotes), I thanked him and asked to shake his hand. We shook hands, then he suddenly pulled me toward him. I reacted on instinct and pulled back - hard. He then let me go, after which I muttered, "Ugh! You are a Vulcan!" He replied "You bet I am a Vulcan." I only wish I'd had the nerve to ask him where he was hiding when I was having so much trouble with my heavy suitcase!

Star Trek America was a very special convention for me. Because it was at that time that I met Mark Lenard, a most interesting, handsome and fascinating man. I saw him and talked to him several times. One time I was in the autograph line and when my turn came he noticed I was wearing the badge of his club and took the time to chat with me for a while. Later on that day I saw him speak to the fans in the Grand Ballroom auditorium and at the end. Somehow I found myself on the stage getting a hug and kiss from him!! After that, naturally, I couldn’t think straight for some time!...

The next day as I was again watching him speak, a strange thing happened. All of a sudden the auditorium was invaded by a horde, of screaming teeny-boppers who filled up whatever vacant seats there were and who, without the least regard for the speaker, kept up the noise. Mark acted surprised and probably puzzled [Editor: Notes Mark had been informed that Leonard Nimoy was coming unexpectedly to speak to the convention. Knowing the reaction that would surely occur, he opted to stay and hold the crowd.] by this most unpleasant demonstration of inconsiderate behavior, but, being a gentleman, he continued speaking until his time was up.

Later on, my sister Maria and I attended the Anniversary Ball where once again we had the pleasure of talking to Mark Lenard, when he sat at our table for a few minutes - and during that time we had his undivided attention for only Maria and I were sitting at the table at that particular time. Around 1:00 a.m. we left the Ball to attend a small get-together of MLIFC members where the guest of honor was, of course, Mark himself. He talked to each one of us, asking where each came from, and when my turn came he asked me a few questions about Brazil and the Brazilians (he already knew I was from Brazil from previous conversations); I told him about the tropical beauty of Rio de Janeiro and he said it was the place he would like to visit next. Also, we all talked about the roles he had played on TV and in the theater, asked about his future plans, how many ST conventions he had attended (the answer was nine!). I had a wonderful time but...dreams have to come to an end and so the time came to say good night and good bye, for this was Mark’s last day at the convention. I will never forget those two marvelous days and I hope somehow I will be able to see him again in the near future.

Saturday found us in the fanzine room for most of the day.. . Lucy and I attended Mark Lenard's last question and answer session that afternoon. After the anniversary ball that night we attended a MLIFC party in the room of one of the members. About 25 of us spent a most enjoyable two hours with Mark Lenard. Lynda, Lucy and I presented him with a copy of our fanzine "The Ninth Quadrant" which contained a drawing of Sarek accompanied by two paragraphs of a writing contest. To our surprise, Mark Lenard read the paragraphs to all present.

On Monday, Mark Lenard came into the fanzine room to look around. This was a special treat for me as I was able to have my picture taken with him. After a few minutes of conversation, he left. The con ended Monday on a quiet note. We boarded our plane for home, tired, but happy.

Now for tho real point of this letter... meeting Mark Lenard. I saw him twice on Friday, the first day of STA. Got his autograph and a few pictures. My impression of Mr. Lenard, after three hours of observation, is that he is a reserved, intelligent man who has very little idea of what to say to hordes of adoring females. (What can you say, really?) I liked him very much.

I've noticed something at STA which I never really thought about before, and that is the relationship between the stars and the fans. It's very difficult to act natural in the presence of someone you feel is very important. You can’t think straight so you either jabber away and make a fool of yourself, or you confine yourself to monosyllables to avoid making a fool of yourself and then you end up looking dumb, thereby leaving the impression with the important person that you are a Trekkie, a complete blathering idiot, or a stuck-up snob. (By Trekkie I mean tho attitudes of "oh gosh gee willikers, I’m talking to Mark Lenard, or whoever!)

After the club party we went back to our room and managed to find places to bed down. No couldn’t got to sleep right away though. Mr. Lenard had shaken my hand (naturally I wasn’t ever going to wash it again) and he’d autographed one of his pictures that Gail Pittaway had (naturally she was going to have the pen bronzed). We talked for about half an hour. At least Gail talked. I was in hysterics.

On Friday, the first day of the convention, the star escorts were told their assignments, the procedure for picking up the stars, and the route for taking them to the Grand Ballroom or the Gold Ballroom or tho Ivy Suite where they signed autographs. On that first day we escorted our stars up the escalators and through the halls among the fans. No problems. By afternoon, though, it was a different story. The fans knew EXACTLY where to lay in wait in hopes of catching their favorite star. We had a dickens of a time getting past the fans that Friday afternoon. When one autograph is given, it is next to impossible to move. Especially when the object of ones' affection or the autographer is as obliging and patient as Mark Lenard. Miraculously we did get moving again-— I'm not quite sure how.

Tho second day the staff got wise and we traveled the back way. Now, THAT was an experience. If anyone wants to get around the kitchens and the corridors and learn what step to avoid for fear of stepping through it and breaking your neck or discover where the light switches are so you don’t kill yourself in tho dark - just ask. No, on second thought, don’t. Saturday night Mark seemed to enjoy himself at tho Anniversary Ball - but then, look at all the girls he got to kiss. My roommate told me "His lips should be enshrined in the Hall of Lips!" Did I say that there were no problems that first day? Let me add a little something at this point. Tho second time we come up the escalator, one of the security guards on duty at the foot of the escalators tried to stop Mark from going upstairs because he didn’t have a convention badge!

[...]

Saturday afternoon was Mark's last time in the Grand Ballroom and about halfway through tho questions and answers crowds of people came rushing in, very noisily. No, let me change that to mobs. Perhaps even hordes would give you a better picture. To me the word brings to mind Kublai Kahn and the Mongol hordes invading Europe - or Zor Kahn or perhaps Kahn Noonian Singh. At any rate, I’m sure you get the picture. Where was I? Oh, yes, cringing. As far as we could tell we were the only two cadets in the room and what could two people have done anyway? (I’m not sure I’d want to find out! I have visions of my ending up looking like something that’s just been through a trash compactor.) Anyway Heash (the MC) had already told Mark the news that Leonard Nimoy was coming so at least HE understood why what was happening was happening. When Mr. Nimoy arrived, Mark was due to leave the stage, which he did. [Editor Notes: But not until he greeted Leonard with a BIGGGGG HUG. Awwww....]

Many of the MLIFC members have expressed concern about the interruptions which occurred during Mark's last question-and-answer session. Confronted with a pair of malfunctioning microphones, con help stacking (crash) chairs (crash) throughout (crash) every sentence (crash) and finally a request from MC Heash that Mark hold the house until Leonard Nimoy arrived to address the con (no small task, that). Mark himself made the decision to stay, and we must say he came through with flying colors. He chose to stay rather than leave us all to b3 trampled underfoot by a stampede of panicking and unruly Trekkies.

[much snipped]

Despite a half-naked Greek who kept knocking on the door demanding our 'silence, the MLIFC party went over okay. (Aristotle also harassed Walter Koenig's party across the hall - as far as we could tell, we were being as quiet as we could!)