Star Trek Lives! (convention)/1973

Star Trek Lives! (convention) · 1972 · 1973 · 1974 · 1975 · 1976

Star Trek Lives! 1973 was held February 16-19 at the Commodore Hotel in New York City.

cover of the program guide for the 1973 convention

George Takei, Joan Winston (in blue shirt), sitting on Jeff Maynard’s lap; "Patia von Sternberg" (professional name), last row, 4th from the left, Toni Lay, last row 5th from the left; Elyse Pines (Rosenstein), front row, 2nd from the left with the red ribbon badge; and many unidentified fans..

The highlight of the second con, called the International Star Trek Convention, was the unannounced appearance of Leonard Nimoy that Sunday. I was on hand as a helper (unpaid volunteer) and, along with future comics writer Paul Kupperberg, was part of the flying V-formation of security to get Nimoy from the entrance to the stage. We then stood in position to form a human wall between shrieking fans and a smiling actor.

Anticipating between 5,000 to 6,000 fans, the organizers were pleasantly surprised with a total head count of 6,200. That same year, Bjo Trimble organized The Star Trek West Coast Convention as a part of her Equicon event, which she had started two years earlier.

Con Staff

This con was chaired by Al Schuster.

Other staff was Dana Anderson, Tom Anderson, Renee Bodner, Stu Hellinger, Deborah Langsam, Devra Langsam, Elyse Rosenstein, Steve Rosenstein, Joan Winston, Eileen Becker, Maureen Wilson, and Joyce Yasner.

Tidbits and Anecdotes

This was Leonard Nimoy's first convention appearance.

From the program book: "Star Trek Lives -- Again. And I can hear you all mumbling to yourselves - why? Why go through all the stomach-churning, headache-making, planning, calling, writing, meeting, listing, form-revising, envelope-stuffing chaos again? Because we had a ball, that's why! So did the over 3,000 people who attended last year's convention, who became infected with the same lovable lunacy right along with us. Love what it's all about and where it's at -- that loving is not something to be ashamed of -- it's something to shout about."

The fan play, One Cube or Two?, was performed at this con.

Isaac Asimov, a con guest, wrote a piece for the program book about his experiences at this con and at the Schuster Star Trek Conventions in New York City. In 1979, the article was revised and published in the first issue of Starlog Magazine in an article called The Conventions as Asimov Sees Them, an article published in the first issue of Starlog Magazine.

The Program Book

A fan in 1976 said:

This has one humor strip, some blooper stills, a number of b&w photos, an incredibly misplaced ad, and a few other items. Rating 2 stars out of 5 stars.

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  from the program book: "A Star Trek Convention in Philadelphia.? [sic] Who Knows?" -- an early sign of some committee fracture, perhaps...

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  from the program book

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  from the program book

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  from the program book

Badges, Flyers, and Other Ephemera

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  the middle one is Convention progress report ( 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, 16 pages. Mostly information about the then upcoming New York convention held Feb. 16-19, 1973. Has a photo of guest Gene Roddenberry and prints a full page black and white drawing by Gray Morrow of Walter Koenig as Chekov

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  another program book from 1973, possibly a commemorative booklet

Programming

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  programming for the 1973 convention (page 1) click to read

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  programming for the 1973 convention (page 2) click to read

Links to Photos and Videos

• Video footage from the 1973 convention (on YouTube)
• Article discussing the video footage

Articles and Further Reading

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  newspaper article reprinted in the The San Bernardino County Sun on Feb 20, 1973 estimated 7,000 fans attended and memberships were sold for $5 per attendee. Click to read.

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  This letter to the editor of The Bridgeport Post in Feb 1973 talked about the 1973 convention in more global terms: "Daily we hear the cry that the youth of America is mentally unhealthy. The crime rate is up. Sexual promiscuity is the vogue. Morals are at an all-time low. A recent speculative science fiction convention at New York's Commodore Hotel proved that over 7,000 people, predominantly high school and college age have bright hope for the world in the future." Click to read the full text.

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  from the "Asbury Park Press," February 17, 1973, click to read

Con Reports

1973

... the best part of the Con... Trekkies! There were no strangers; we all had a common bond and we were really together. You met someone in an elevator and if they had a Star Trek badge on, you knew you had something to talk about. And talk we did! By Monday, everyone was hoarse, but very happy. No barriers existed; age, race, sex, occupation, education, I.Q. made absolutely no difference. Only one did I hear an "Ohhh! Leonard Nimoy is sooo cute!" I ended that nonsense with a gentle, but firm, "There are many ways to describe Leonard Nimoy, but 'cute' is definitely not one of them." The Trekkiebopper agreed and immediately grew into a Trekkie. The "cute" Trekkieboppers soon found they had two alternatives: grow up, or find something else to be a fan of. Most of them grew up, I am pleased to say.

The quality of conversation was amazing. When two or more Trekkies would meet, the subjects might include genetics, phaser vs laser, psychology, warp drive, botany, Vulcan marriage customs, space-time continuums, literature, synthetic food processing, medicine, electronics, astronomy, computer technology, interplanetary law, archaeology... you name it, we touched on it. The convention itself would close at 2:30 a.m. and many of us would meet in hotel rooms and hold mini-conventions util 4 or 5 a.m. At nine or ten o'clock in the morning, we were back at it.

"Trekkies take care of their own," I told my mother before I left, and I was right. Someone was always offering you something to eat or drink, saving your seat, helping you carry something and generally making sure everyone was well taken care of. Helen Young (of Welcommittee) even gave me a key to her hotel room so I could leave my coat and extra bumperstickers there. She is a beautiful woman who got into Trekdom just 6 months ago while trying to find information for her 2 young sons. She is now a full-fledged Trekkie herself, and the new chairman of Welcommittee, which she runs very well.

New York's ISTC was the second annual convention devoted to Star Trek, Nearly 8000 fans claimed the Commodore Hotel for the Feb. 16-19 weekend and met kindred lunatics by the score.

Many scheduled and surprise appearances by SF/ST tables made it an exciting weekend.

Issac Asimov praised ST as the first "sci-fiventure" to destroy the cliched idea of "monsters with a mad desire to gobble up Tokyo." Oscar Kata discussed Genesis II, and both James Doohan and Georges Takei said they would be interested in working on Trek again should it ever be revived.

Mark Lenord dropped in to view the goings-on tor himself and was cornered into judging costumes for the ISTC costume ball. Several Kirks, Spocks, (most of these were female) crew members of all sizes and shapes, aliens, a turtle (how'd he get in there' I) and "Deer Man" paraded around. Yours truly was even nerved-pinched by a dark-skinned alien Ambassador, who turned out to be Jennifer Reid, artist extraordinaire.

The biggest surprise came when Leonard Nimoy came unexpectedly, interrupting the showing of "Silent Running". Leonard said that "it, was not true that he wished to dis-associate himself from ST and the character of Spock." He said that "it was an honor to portray a man with so much depth of character and such a superb philosophy." He can't distance himself from ST as "Nimoy knows what Spock did for him." Leonard also said he "couldn't believe his eyes or ears" (groans) "that so many or us were there doing our "human little things." (more groans).

The Huckster's Room was again the scene of mad exchange of bill for ST goodies. Everything remotely concerned with ST was sold. TV21's, the ST tracer gun (ho, ho), ST comics. Monster Times, zines, posters, David Gerrold Tribbles and Aurora's overly-green Spock model were snatched, along with 8 x 10's, clips and a magnificent lithograph poster of a Spock portrait done by Matte Willis Beard.

Fanzines old and new were displayed is the Art Room, along with table-top sketches. Enterprises in a bottle, macreame, fan-made idics, and a model of Mr. Spock's head, with teeth and wig yet. Art by fandom greats (and not-so-greats) abounded. Works by Andres, Flanery, etc. kept each other company. My personal favorites were the excellent works done by Jenny Reid (a fore-mentioned pincher) and the colorful acrylic sci-fic paintings hanging in the back of the Art Room. The first sames of creative photography utilizing ST. model ships in space, under attack, etc. were also fascinating.

Across the halls, a full-scale model of a section of the Enterprise bridge was displayed. Kirk's chair, navigation console, library computer, communications, and Scotty's post were on display. One could even have your picture taken while sitting in the command chair!

ISTC was great! I met many fantastic people and had a wonderful time. Here's one ST fan who's looking forward to ISTC '74!

The New York STAR TREK convention, was, to say the least, everything that was expected ofiit. And, in comparison to last year's New York convention, it was an enormous improvement.

Noteworthy guests in attendance at the convention included Isaac Asimov, Betty Ballantine (BALLANTINE BOOKS), Hal Clement, James Doohan, Dorothy C. Fontana, David Gerrold, Mark Lenard, Leonard Nimoy, and George Takei (PRONOUNCED Ta-kay) as with 'o-kay'), and Oscar Katz. (CBS)

The convention really started off Thursday night with the rumors already circulating that Leonard Nimoy was there. Friday will probably be remembered best as the day you waited in line. The registration lines physically did consist of thousands of people all day. One of these days perhaps,the ‘committee will learn to do as the world cons do - send the registration cards to advance members. Mainly the events on Friday consisted of a fantastic light show and films, both STAR TREK, and the 2 MAN FROM UNCLE films that had some of ST's cast in them.

On Saturday GENESIS II, was Oscar Katz (Vice-president, CBS) talking about his involvement with the ST pilot films and now, the new GENESIS II film, including a few slides from the movie. And for those who were wondering, Bill Theiss did design the costumes. George Takei and then James Doohan spoke about STAR TREK, the ecology, and other items of interest.

Hal Clement gave another 22nd century astronomy lesson, and then there was a writers panel on ST consisting of Dorothy Fontana and David Gerrold and a question-and-answer period.

Sunday began with a brunch with most of the guests of honor attending including the lovable Dr. Isaac Asimov, Betty Ballantine, and Hal Clement. The toastmaster was David Gerrold who gave a witty performance. Then the honored guests gave a few short speeches, and STAR TREK was awarded a space ship as the most popular show in West Germany by "BRAVA” (?) magazine which had also sponsored a contest for one person to win a trip to the convention from Germany.

And, at the brunch, the art show awards were announced. A special commendation is in order for STAR member Bert McCumbef for his intricately beautiful miniature tri-dimensional Enterprise bridge which won so many first places. Also, we should mention other multi-award winners such as Maureen Wilson for her many unusual handicrafts, C.L. Healy, and Jennifer Reid for 'best-of-show.'

Sunday afternoon included Isaac Asimov whose brilliant, scintillating speech showed what his favorite subject was.

There was an art auction, and then - Leonard Nimoy. Though Mr. Nimoy's stay was brief, he did make it quite clear that he enjoyed STAR TREK, and that he wouldn't exactly object to doing it again, if ever.

Then there was the costume ball. Now that is a confusing title since the event isn't really a ball at all. What is really is, is a group of people, and I use the term loosely, parading around in strange dress, and the rest of the crowd taking photos. It is fun for all, especially if you are in costume.

But before everything began, Mark Lenard arrived. For those of you who don't recall the name, he was the Romulan Commander, and Spock's papa.

The costumes were incredible from the beautiful to the bizarre. The overall crowd favorite as well as the best sf costume was a costume called "Transporter Malfunction", which Allen Asherman of "THE MONSTER TIMES" called a walking zoo and botanical garden combined Other unusualities included besides the regular armies of Spocks, Kirks, and starfleet officers, a blue tribble, "Mudd's Women after the Pill Wore Off", Klingon Hordes, Rigelian Ambassadors, and even a stand-up STAR TREK comedian.

Monday had a general auction (STAR-BORNE #1 went for $2. We didn't believe it either.)

Then there was David Gerrold, and then at noon, Miss Fontana's speech. After this, there was a panel with George Takei, James Doohan, David Gerrold and Miss Fontana to conclude the con. The highlights of this panel included James Doohan singing a Welsh song and George Take! announcing that he would be the voice of "Jonathan Livingston Seagull" in the movie.

Other highlights of the con included an unbelievably fantastic life-size model of the Enterprise bridge on display. According to David Gerrold photos of the bridge even fooled Gene Roddenberry. Congratulations to its builders ...the Grumann Lunar Landing Module Display... The NASA SKYLAB that never did show up because it was between ALLEGHENY AIRLINES and New Jersey., the beautiful program booklet which had only one flaw -- the color cover pictures were printed backwards... the writers of the trivia quiz who must have earned themselves a bachelor of STAR TREK degree... a fine hotel that had no coffee shop but did have Grand Central Station.. the generally well-behaved audience...

Len Wein and Chris Rush spoke first on Friday. This was followed by a plea from the director of "Warp" (a live SF on Broadway) to attend a performance. A slide show was lost in the shuffle; but the Andromeda Light Show wasn't. For this yours truly is most grateful. The show was psychedelically fantastic!

After spending about an hour (or more) buying Star Trek items and twenty minutes eating — I watched Star Trek films until about 2:00 am. As this letter progresses, you'll see that the weekend wound up as one l—o-n—g "day".

[...]

Saturday started with Hal Clement playing the part of a 25rd century instructor giving a lecture on astronomy. WOW! George Takei was next. In addition to what you already know, he was also impressed with the fans' behavior and numbers (over 5,000).

Slow service; a quick bite; and I was back to listen to James Doohan. Based on what you've said about him, Mr. Doohan handled himself — and the people — exceptionally well.

Oscar Katz used slides to give us an idea what Genesis II will have to offer. Mr. Katz was followed by D.C. Fontana and David Gerrold. Working together, they attempted to answer all of the questions concerning Star Trek that people could dream up. That reminds me. You should have heard some of the technical questions "Scotty" was asked as engineer of the Enterprise.

Another hamburger and coke; and I was back for more films. The films ran from 7:30 pm to 2:00 am; but I somehow managed to make new friends during the course of the day and night.

Sunday started with a brunch at 11:00 am. Everyone who was someone (well almost everyone) had a chance to speak. In addition, a German magazine awarded a prize to Star Trek via a young German girl who won a free trip to the convention.

An art auction was held at 2:00 pm; and the art was definitely worth buying. Unfortunately, I would have been better off being 2 hours early for Dr. Asimov's 4:00 speech instead of just 1. As it was, I got within about 20 feet of Leonard Nimoy. Mr. Nimoy didn't stay very long. He only stayed long enough to show he was fighting mad because some magazine said he didn't like being Mr. Spock or being on Star Trek. Leonard Nimoy's vehement reply was that:

1) He was proud to play Mr. Spock.

2) He was proud that he was able to make the part so believable.

3) He was proud to be a part of Star Trek.

4) He would appear on Star Trek again if asked and if he was not already committed at the time.

How can I tell the rest without it sounding anticlimactic! Dr. Asimov spoke ; and I think I had time for a hamburger. Note: If you are what you eat, I've got problems.

The costume contest was great. I'm still waiting for some film to come back; but when it does, I'll let copies of the best photos describe the contest. I had to leave Monday morning in order to be at work that afternoon. But I plan on using photos of the convention so you can have the feeling of being there.

It was Saturday, February 17. I had just arrived at the Commodore Hotel. I went straight to the ballroom floor where I asked someone to show me the pre-registration line. He did. There were about 150 people on the line. After about 15 minutes, I found out that this was the registration desk. Cursing out everything in sight, I went to the pre-registration desk where I got my badge and bag of goodies.

I then entered the room where the movies were shown. I sat through "A Piece of the Action” and ’’Where No Man Has Gone Before.” These, along with "Journey to Babel,” ’’Amok Time,” "The Trouble with Tribbles,” "City on the Edge of Forever,” "Mirror, Mirror,” and ’’The Cage,” were shown at the con. ’’Silent Running,” also shown, drew so many people that the doors had to be closed. The ’’Star Trek Blooper Reel” was shown, as well as two "Man from Uncle” episodes -- ’’The Strigers Affair” and ’’The Shark Affair."

The best part of the con was its art show. For a bunch of amateurs, these artists did a fantastic job. One item that caught my eye was a scale model of the bridge of the Enterprise. It was so precise, so beautiful, that it overshadowed every other piece of art. It was priced at $15 but the bidding quickly rose to $55 before it was even auctioned. There were also a few oil paintings, silkscreens, pens, ink, pencils, and watercolors. It was a regular museum of art. Now on the the huckster room. STAR TREK balloons, models, buttons, posters, stickers, pictures, pillows , books, T-shirts, -and Spock Wooden Nick-ells were available. The prices were all reasonable, except for the pictures which were very overpriced. You could pay up to $5 for an 9” x 10” color glossy. For 15 cents you could buy the negative and have an 8” x 10” made for much less.

Many people will complain also about the unfair prices of comics. But if you were cheated, it was your own fault. Some places sold comics for 50 cents-75 cents each while, six booths down, you could get the same ones at six for $1. You had to look around. It also helped buying comics on the last day of the con. It was then that the prices were lowered since the sellers wanted to get rid of their merchandise. With two hours left on Monday, I found comics for 10-15 cents instead of the previous 25 cents. For the best buys you had to be a good shopper.

Well, now the con’s over. The sellers packed their wares and pushed them into car trunks and back seats. But they’ll be back next year. Until then, "live long and prosper” and all that jazz.

COSTUME CALL:

With perhaps 1500 to 2000 trekkies seated on the ballroom floor, 75-100 humans, aliens, and other things that go bump in the night passed before their critical gaze and that of such notables as Isaac Asimov, D.C. Fontana, David Gerrold, and Mark Leonard, surprise guest who once played Spock's father on Journey to Babel” and now just dropped in only to be overwhelmed with trekkie enthusiasm so much that he stayed the rest of the night.

Those who watched were treated to a wide-ranging display of creativity in costuming (although if I see another person dressed up as Spock or Kirk, I'll While most of the better known STAR TREK characters were represented, alien ambas- sadores, white/black-faced aliens, and even a live, but gigantic, tribble (some known as Eliot Nesterman) were in abundance.

Deweyite Michael Lazar as middle-earth wizard Radagast drew applause from many (including our Dewey infiltrators). However, the show was stolen by a man who portrayed an alien, a turtle, a deer, and several other lifeforms all caught in a transporter malfunction and united.

LEONARD NIMOY:

Picture a large ballroom, seating comfortably about 1300 people, now filled with over 1500 trekkies enjoying a well-run STAR TREK Con and presently watching SILENT RUNNING. Picture a rumor spreading around the con that, after seeing and hearing two of their idols, George Takei and James Doohan, they are going to see their ultimate idol, that unemotional, logical, pointed-eared Spock for three years, Leonard Nimoy, Now picture the consequences.

People poured out of the huckster room; the area outside the ballroom filled; 500-1000 more people saturated the already-crowded ballroom; and the noise level rose to such a point that the last five minutes of the ending of SILENT RUNNING had to be suspended as Doohan, with Takei assisting, had to try to calm down this incredibly enthusiastic mob of trekkies.

Five to ten minutes were spent in gaining some semblance of order before the master was finally brought out to be greeted by a standing ovation of clapping, yelling, and, in some cases, screaming fans.

They finally quieted down to a point where they could hear most of what Nimoy was saying because of the realization that he could remain only fifteen minutes or so. And then this Nimoy-Spock spoke.

His speech was brief and without any significant announcements. He spoke of the genius of Gene Roddenberry, as well as the many opportunities which were opened to him as a result of the series.

He recalled the reaction of the actors to STAR TREK as a "fresh, meaningful concept" in which the show could be "entertaining, provocative, and uplifting." He was forever grateful for its challenges and the spirit of the STAR TREK crew who exhibited the determination to show that they had something worthwhile to put before the TV audience. But the most important aspect was something left unsaid —

STAR TREK caused enjoyment and meaningfulness which shall never be forgotten.

GEORGE TAKEI AND JAMES DOOHAN:

The main ballroom was completely packed with trekkies waiting for George Takei (better known as Sulu) to make an appearance. When he walked onto the stage, we were shocked. There he was wearing a brown, leather jacket, with long hair, and he was flashing peace signs. Was this our nYes, sir. Course plotted. Captain Kirk” navigator and sometimes swordsman?

As it turned out, it was the same old Sulu we have all learned to know and love. He spoke of the technological advances in the STAR TREK era and how man will learn to live together because of these breakthroughs (hopefully). He also couldn’t believe the size and enthusiasm of the crowd. Although he couldn’t remember too much about the technical aspects of the U.S.S. Enterprise, he was a very gifted speaker with a sense of humor.

On the other hand, James Doohan (Scotty) was a slight disappointment. Without any speech prepared beforehand, he simply held a long question and answer period. The best part of this was when someone asked him to say his famous remark, ’’They will be no tribble at all,” obviously from ’’The Trouble with Tribbles.” This brought down the house with laughter and applause. Towards the end of this session, a man stood up and said, ”I want to thank you personally for being part of a show that brought me deep personal enjoyment.” Likewise, we all thank them with you.

MOVIES, ART, AUCTION, AND HUCKSTER’S ROOM:

In the beginning, Al Schuster said, "Let there be Star Trek Con.” And so it was done. And it was good. And he said, "Let there be guests and panels and art and auctions and movies and hucksters." And it was done. And the following year, it was done again. This is where I come in. I carry a badge, Star Trek Con badge, that is. Dum de dum dum.

ISAAC ASIMOV:

The indomitable Isaac Asimov is a con unto himself. He has probably attended more New York conventions (and perhaps more conventions throughout the country) than any other living author and he certainly has the credentials to make his appearance desirable. Over a period of many years of writing novels and books, starting with his first book publication in 1950 of PEBBLE IN THE SKY, he has published or is in the process of publishing about 140 or 150 books. It's terribly difficult to keep track of the exact number since he may have as many as eleven or more books in the publishing stage at any given time.

[...]

And the crowd of trekkies at the Second International Star Trek Con felt the same way both before and after he spoke. Isaac Asimov had the distinct disadvantage of speaking immediately after the surprise visitor, Leonard Nimoy, had just filled the ballroom and the hall with perhaps with two or three thousand (take or give a few hundred stragglers) trekkies and almost caused a riot. However, despite that, he was not only able to go into his analysis of STAR TREK but the entire science fiction revolution presently taking place. With his sharp and hilarious sense of humor knocking down any possible psychological opposition, he spoke.

The reason that science fiction, and STAR TREK, is becoming so popular and so dynamic is because of the extreme relevancy of it all. In an age when change has become the most important item and when future shock is the result which can come from ignoring the importance of adapting to change, that literature which deals with change is not only an important literature but it is the ONLY relevant literature for that time and science fiction has been dealing with change and the implications of change upon man for half a century.

And that is why STAR TREK and science fiction have garnered so many avid followers. Both of them have examined many of the possibilities which could occur and therefore they are RELEVANT.

Score one more for the Good Doctor.

HAL CLEMENT:

Hal Clement, the pen name for Harry Stubbs, gave a very interesting slide show at this year’s International Star Trek Convention. The subject of the slide show and accompanying discussion was the solar system of Rigel, one of STAR TREK’s favorite star systems. He speculated as to the physical nature of the star itself and showed what its twelve planets would look like, using information derived from various episodes from the show and whatever factual information astronomers have garnered up to the present time as a starting point.

Clement’s discussion was incredibly detailed and was presented with such a straight face that, for awhile, I almost believed I was attending a 23rd century college lecture. His speculation was well thought out and it was obvious he had spent considerable time planning. The presentation was straightforward and believable and it would not surprise me in the least to find out that Hal Clement is a lecturer of much experience.

The slides themselves showed orbits of the twelve planets, possible landscapes, charts showing comparisons of mass diameter, the size of orbit, and other planetary statistics, such as the size of Rigel's radiation sphere, its complicated systems of five suns, and comparison shots of other stars, our own solar system, and distant galaxies.

Although in its entirety I found the slide display and companion analysis to be clever and intriguing, I would make one criticism. Some of the terms used, such as parallax magnitude, and parsec, would be unfamiliar to persons without any background in astronomy. One might expect Star Trek fans to know something about astronomy, but I did notice people who didn't seem to understand what Clement was talking about. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that the talk was interesting, well-planned, and certainly an excellent and clever idea. I look forward to further talks on astronomy, Star Trek, and whatever other interesting topics he can come up with at future cons.

SLIDE SHOW AND ANDROMEDA LIGHT SHOW:

The Slide Show, assembled by Elyse and Steven Rosenstein, consisted of STAR TREK slides with a short narration for each slide. Among the slides were "The Girls of STAR TREK," units of various episodes with the highlight being slides of "The Trouble with Tribbles, combined with a long narrative poem stressing the arranger's humorous interpretation of the story which described the episode. All in all the half-hour slide show was entertaining.

The Andromeda Light Show on Friday night was an entirely different event. While this light show was the official "Welcome to the Second International Star Trek Con“ and while it used slides from STAR TREK, as did the above slide show, it went far beyond it in equipment, scope, and use of different media.

Basically it was a combination of different lighting effects by Jeff Maynard. Slides were combined with films which were both combined with special lighting effects. Using a three-screen effect, films of different NASA launches and other space events were shown on one screen while different slides were shown on the other two screens.

The NASA films showed different launches, especially the Apollo and Gemini flights with such specific events as a space walk. While these were being shown slides from a great variety of STAR TREK episodes were being shown on another screen (or more specifically another area of the same gigantic screen). When these were first shown they were greeted with great applause from the 1500 or so trekkies who had assembled early on that first day. Slides of all their heroes (and arch-enemies) and of all those people and places which they all connect so closely with STAR TREK were shown.

The final element was the use of various lighting effects which were both colorful and hypnotic in their beauty. All of the above effects were accomplished with the use of two slide projectors, several movie projectors, and two color wheels situated in front of the two slide projectors, while various music played in the background. Very good.

WARP:

The first activity of the Star Trek Con was a talk on WARP. Neil Adams, the famous Comic artist and set and costume designer of this play, began with a basic description of this serialized SF play. He then criticized the critics of the play.

[...]

Mr. Klinefeld next spoke about the special effects in WARP. When asked to describe them, he replied with, "Would a trekkie describe STAR TREK to a newcomer or would he tell the newcomer to see the show?!!

[...]

Basically the talk on WARP was an appeal to trekkies to see the play at 10:00 that evening (February 16, 1973) with seats costing $1.00 less than usual. Mr. Klinefeld appealed to the trekkies, "Let the show last two weeks and then we'll put on WARP II. I'll be so grateful that I'll give you that I'll give you the short off my back." He pulled off his torn, yellow t-shirt and flung it into the audience.

BRUNCH:

Ten of us Deweyites crowded into the East Ballroom and took our table which was reserved for us in front of the dais. Each table seated ten and there were perhaps thirty-five of them in the room. After all in the room were seated and rolls and juice were consumed, those who were to sit on the dais filed in. Along with A1 Schuster (con organizer) and other committee members were David Gerrold (toast-master), our beloved Mr. Sulu and Chief Engineer Scott, and the one and only D.C. Fontana.

They all came up in a long line, receiving deafening amounts of applause and blinding flash bulbs. David Gerrold introduced the guests and George Takei, James Doohan, and D.C Fontana all made very brief speeches. After a standing ovation, Takei just said "wow” and, then, to the surprise of most just added "thank you" and sat down. After another standing ovation, Doohan also said "thank you" but in his STAR TREK Scottish accent.

To put it in the words of our toast master, "Now let’s get down to serious business. Let's eat." After the meal David Gerrold delivered a monologue but you have to give him credit because he worked hard, having to compete with Dr. Asimov who was seated with Oscar Katz and Hal Clement at a table directly in front of Gerrold. At times they lashed back and forth their humorous taunts and insults, at least until the plaster began to fall from the ceiling. From what I could gather, we were in the same room as was used in the POSEIDON ADVENTURE and it hasn't been redone yet.

Gerrold was very good as toast-master, introducing the guest, with appropriate humor directed at each, while competing with Dr. A. Awards were then given out for art, trivia contests, exhibits, and alike. There was another award but this one was given to STAR TREK itself. Two girls had flown in from Munich, Germany, where the biggest TV show is STAR TREK. They had come to give an award to the show from a German magazine.

Other distant travellers were introduced, having come from the midwestern states, as well as from Honolulu, simply to come to this convention.

Finally Al Schuster, chairman of the con, brought the brunch which had begun at 11:00 to an end at 1:30 with final thanks to his committee members and assistants.

OSCAR KATZ: GENESIS II:

Oscar Katz, CBS vice president, spoke about Gene Roddenberry's new TV series, GENESIS II, to be broadcast on March 23rd. Through slides, Katz described the plot. Dr. Dylan Hunt, played by Alex Cord, is a scientist doing experiments on suspended animation. His laboratory is in a defense complex in the Carlsbad Caverns and is buried under tons of rock due to an earthquake, leaving Dr. Hunt trapped in a pressure chamber while in suspended animation. He is finally discovered in the year 2133 by people belonging to a secret organization called Pax dedicated to preserving the sum of man’s culture and knowledge and trying to rebuild civilization.

The earth has been split into small, separate societies which will provide the plots for future episodes. Radiation has caused genetic mutations and Lyra-a is the Mata Hari mutant who tries to win over Hunt to the side of the Tyranians.

The slides were interesting, the sets of good quality, and I'm sure some intriguing stories could be created, using the background material. One might aptly rename this series EARTH TREK. Let us hope it will show itself to be worthy of Gene Roddenberry's exceptional talents.

MONDAY PANEL:

The last panel of The 1973 International Star Trek Convention took place on Monday, February 19th, in the afternoon. Although it was scheduled to begin at 2:00, it started a half hour late but it was a small matter; no one minded. The panel members consisted of D.C. Fontana, James Doohan and George Takei. I was slightly disappointed when the discussion was thrown open to questions, instead of possibly a short speech by each, mainly because I knew some morons would ask questions that had been asked and answered at least five times before. Thankfully there were few of these type of people.

Among the fresher and more intelligent questions were, "Is the shuttlecraft capable of being driven by warp drive?" (Doohan: no, only by ion propulsion.)

"Were you interested in science fiction as a result of working on STAR TREK?" (Doohan: he was always interested in science fiction; Takei: he wasn’t much interested in it before working on the show).

When D.C. Fontana was asked what she attributed the popularity of STAR TREK to, she replied "intelligent plots and scripts," not like "LAST" IN SPACE and VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE "SINK." All three felt they could see no reason why the cartoon characters in the forthcoming, animated STAR TREK show would not be drawn in their likenesses.

When someone asked a question about the star dates in the captain's log and why and how they were invented and how exactly they work, she replied that Roddenberry explained it all in THE MAKING OF STAR TREK and whether you agree with it or not, you1re stuck with it "’cause, as we all know. Gene Roddenberry is really god."

One amusing question was why Scotty wore kilts in some of the episodes. After a complicated answer by James Doohan, George Takei replied, "I always thought it was because he had nice legs."

At this point the panel members were handed a roll of toilet paper, stating U.S.S. Enterprise john, having originated from some unknown source. The question following this pinpointed the blame of hiding Leonard Nimoy’s bicycle in the rafters on the stagehands, according to Miss Fontana.

At this point (3:30), D.C. Fontana had to leave but Doohan and Takei remained and, after a rousing hand of applause for Miss Fontana, a few more questions were taken. One of the last was, "How long did it take to film an episode?" The answer, by George Takei, was "Usually six days,'the most, seven." All in all, a great panel.

As a whole the 1973 Star Trek Convention was extremely successful. The movies, panels, brunch, and, oh, yes, the huckster’s room (the only problem was too many dealers), made it a smash. One of the best cons this year and one I will never forget.

FINAL FAREWELL:

Each person who attends a con has his own set of values with which to judge how successful that convention is to him and, through my own set of criteria, I would like to demonstrate how this con was extremely successful. Th§ most important element contributing to a con’s success is its organization. If a con is well organized, most events will start on time, all or almost all speakers will show up prepared for their presentations, the movies advertised will be shown, there will be the least amount of inconvenience for the registrants, as well as the greatest amount of freedom, and all events will show the experience and judgment in being selected. A second criterion relates to the last item. Speakers, movies, and exhibits should all be intellectually intriguing and entertaining. Cons which are directed towards the least level of intellectual interest deserve all the criticism which many cons have earned. Finally, a con should be as diverse as possible within its sphere of interest to keep registrants continually interested.

These are the reasons why I feel this year's Star Trek Con is one of the two best New York cons in the last three years. Thanks, Star Trek Con Committee.

1974

George Takei and James Doohan walking through the halls of the Commodore and the awed and adoring glances that followed them. That was the first day, by Saturday it was George and Jimmy and it was heavenly.

The frantic fluttering in the Art Show as Devra took down the KROYKA sigh (well, it was the only thing that worked!) and the crowds of buyers and browsers streamed inside. David Gerrold trying to tell fans how to make a tribble while eating his way through the biggest pastrami on rye I ever saw. The fan cursing the dead batteries in her tape recorder as Jimmy Doohan strolled by singing a Scottish air. I feel for you, Sharon. The constant cry of "Where's Al?" and the constant answer "At the printers." So, what else is new?

A dozen people crowded into the Convention Suite stuffing all the paraphernalia into the 7,000 give-a-way bags, elbows and knees jabbing and poking various portions of your neighbor's anatomy. Watch that. Buster. The 2:00AM bull sessions in the Convention Suite with D. C, George, Jimmy and Hal. Grand. The 4:00AM bull sessions deciding on the film schedule for the next day. Blech. The changes that somehow always took place the next morning. Double blech.

The Committee's feelings as we stood on the dais ready to lock arms and die in a good cause as Jimmy announced Leonard Nimoy. Have you ever seen 5,000 people surge forward? Towards you? Definitely unsettling. Jimmy saved the day, though. "Take one more step and our guest will leave without saying a word." 5,000 people suddenly looked like Lot's wife. Rah, Jimmy. Leonard Nimoy. That was a surprise. And they say women can't keep secrets. Some friends still haven't forgiven us. "No, dear, you did not see Mr. Spock in the lobby. That was a fignewton of your imagination." After his speech, we spirited Leonard out of the Ballroom, down the back stairs and out of the lobby to get a cab. A host of fans coming out of the Howard Johnson's across the street spotted him and the shriek of "Spooocck" split the 42nd Street air. The cab took off as two trucks and a crosstown bus slewed across the icy street trying not to hit the hysterical fans.

The fans in the hotel would not believe that Leonard had left; they even cased the Ladies Room. Some of them started yelling for "Captain Kirk." We tried to explain that Mr. Shatner was doing a film. They would not take no for an answer. We finally said we were letting him down on a rope from the balcony. 5,000 fans looked up.

What an ovation Mark Lenard received when Dana introduced him at the Costume Call. Little did he know that playing Spock's father would make him immortal.

Monday night it was all over and the committee sprawled over any available surface just catching its collective breaths. What a convention! Yeah. Hey, what are we going to do to top it next year? Next year?

1977

This time we'd be smarter. We'd really plan ahead. We chose a larger hotel, our beloved Commodore, and made arrangements for a six-to-eight-thousand-fan con. We got two of the stars of the show to come, and that was the first con that James Doohan and George Takei attended. Over 7,000 attended that con of 1973 and they got more than they or we bargained for: the legendary "Mr. Spock" made an appearance. He happened to be in town and asked if he could come over and meet the fans. Well, would you have said no?

1995

I have lots of [stories] from the original Febcons, dating back to my first, in 1973 (which was the second con). I arrived at the Commodore hotel with $10 and a return LIRR train ticket in my pocket. Membership at the door was $5. I bought the original Concordance from Bjo for $3.50, and spent the rest on food for the weekend. My friend with the hotel room left Sunday, so I crashed with strangers Sunday night (and it was no problem finding someone). I remember seeing Mike McMasters' full scale bridge, and was disappointed I didn't have the money to get my picture taken sitting in the Captain's chair.

[...]

A bunch of Febcon committee and staff became good friends through the years, and I thank them for putting in the effort that putting on a con entails. I know, I've run my share myself.

By the way, a few years later, after the Commodore went out of business they were holding a sale of the fixtures while I was visiting NYC. I'm the proud owner of a Commodore Hotel Bellman's outfit, a last memory of the Febcons.

2011

I attended my Star Trek convention in 1973 and they were three to four days long over a holiday weekend,...They had a talent show where people got up and read poetry, sang songs and other things. I used to do a Star Trek stand-up routine in all the voices during lunchtime at high school. My friend told me that I should do that same routine.