Star Trek Lives! (convention)/1974

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

Star Trek Lives! 1974 was held February 15-18 at the Americana Hotel in New York City.

front cover of the 1974 digest-sized convention program book. The back of the program book reads: "International Star Trek Convention 1974"

From a November 1973 ad placed by Al Schuster:

This annual event has grown tremendously. Convention attendance in 1973 was more than double that of 1972. In order to serve the thousands of fans who wish to express their devotion to Star Trek, we have booked one of the largest, and certainly one of the best, hotels in New York - the fabulous Americana. Room rates are $21.00 for singles and $29.00 for doubles. Additional beds are $7.00 per night. Room reservation cards will be mailed out 3 months prior to the convention.

Unfortunately, the large fee required to reserve this space, as well as other rising costs, necessitates raising advance convention membership to $4.00 as of June 20, 1973 to January 20, 1974. Convention membership will cost $7.00 after the latter date. The convention has not broken even for two years. We must make our expenses this year or face bankruptcy.

Registration cards will be mailed to those purchasing advance memberships. In addition to serving as an admission ticket, this card must be presented to obtain your registration materials. This will alleviate the lines in the registration area.

From Boldly Writing: "It was reported to have drawn an attendance of 15,000 (estimates would vary between a low of 9,000 and a high of 15,000, either of which was many times larger than an average science fiction convention of the time)."

For the third New York show in 1974, the guest roster grew to include Kelley, Nichols, and Koenig, along with returning visitors Fontana, Gerrold, and Takei. Makeup artist Fred Phillips rounded out the guest list; Al Schuster was turned into a Klingon on stage thanks to Phillips’s ministrations. Needing more room, The Committee moved the convention a little further uptown to the Americana Hotel. When Kelley, Nichols, and Takei arrived on the same plane, luck had it that “All Our Yesterdays” guest star Mariette Hartley was also on the flight. The Committee gave her a ride into Manhattan, which resulted in an impromptu invitation to speak at the con, and she became a well-received surprise guest.

Guests of Honor

• Isaac Asimov
• Hal Clement
• D.C. Fontana
• DeForest Kelley
• Walter Koenig
• Jeff Maynard (Andromeda Light Show)
• Nichelle Nichols
• George Takei
• David Gerrold

Con Staff

• Al Schuster, chairman
• Deborah Langsam, assistant chair at con, hotel liaison
• Dana L.F. Anderson, costume call director, advance registration, fanzine display
• Thom Anderson, treasurer, associate director of registration
• Renee Bodner, registration director
• Devra Langsam, executive secretary, pre-con assistant chair, art show director
• Stuart C. Hellinger, press releases, advertising
• Elyse S. Rosenstein, program director
• Steven J. Rosenstein, operations director
• David A. Simons, personnel coordinator
• Barbara Wenk, art show assistant director
• Joan Winston, publicity and press director, film liaison, program book
• Ben Yalow, official con photographer
• Joyce Yasner, displays, theatrical coordinator

Tidbits and Anecdotes

Connie Faddis in her award winning Romulan Praeter costume lounging on the full size model bridge of the Star Trek Enterprise, third Star Trek convention in New York. Photo has been uploaded with Connie's permission. See more at Media Fandom Oral History Project Interview with Connie Faddis.

The con was dedicated to Gene L. Coon who had recently passed away.

Supposedly, the all fanzines in the public exhibit were stolen on the first day.

D.C. Fontana wrote an essay that was printed in Star-Borne #13 that addressed "a topic discussed" at this con. See The Care and Feeding of Celebrities.

A single act of a longer play by some University of Maryland students was performed. See One Cube or Two?.

Joan Winston summarized her experiences organizing the 1974 convention in her essay So you want to have a "Star Trek" convention: "The 1974 con was much too crowded, and everyone was hassled to some degree. We had between 10,000 to 14,000 attendees, including dealers. The exact total isn't known, as that was the year when the Chairman and the Committee parted company. The person who ran registration went with him, and so did the records."

A few comments about the convention were published in issue #12 of A Piece of the Action: There were 27 STWers in attendance and the newsletter listed them by name; one fan reports that David Gerrold was "his usual obnoxious, but likable self" (something the editor of the newsletter had to apologize for two months later, see A Piece of the Action #14).

David Gerrold himself commented on this con. From 2-5YM Interview with David Gerrold:

Q: You were at the convention in New York this year. What is it like to speak at a convention of over 12,000 enthusiastic Trekkies?

A: Frightening. It is an awesome responsibility. First of all, you have to be outgoing and pleasant. Then, you have to be honest. And tactful in your honesty. There are a lot of things that fans don't want to hear — but they keep asking the questions. There are far too many Trekkies (and I do not hold this against them be cause I understand their feelings) who are so emotionally involved with the show that they do not understand some of the factors behind producing it. For instance, the question, "Is there a chance that the live action show will be brought back?" is asked at every convention. Everyone wants an honest answer to that question, but if you try to explain to an audience that size why it is impossible in terms of today's television production process to bring back the show, you risk being lynched. There are emotional fans who would rather live in fantasy than confront the truth honestly, and I find that frightening because it is (you should pardon the expression) illogical, mostly, though, I found the experience very rewarding. Most of STAR TREK's fans are the politest, most feeling people I have ever met — the audience empathy was terrific, and I found the warmest vibes that I have experienced in a long time at that convention.

Some of DeForest Kelley's scripted comments were taped at the con and run later during reruns on Philadelphia television. The transcripts of these comments were included in Space-Time Continuum #5.

One sample is the one from Tuesday, February 19th:

Hi, this is DeForest Kelley, Star Trek's Dr. McCoy with my special report from one Star Trek convention in New York. Hey, did you ever start up a conversation with Spock and find out he was a made-to-scale dummy? Carol Swoboda from North Carolina has made one so real you're sure he'll open his mouth and say, "Totally illogical. Dr. McCoy." The art show has contained some of the finest work by young and talented people I've ever seen, but would you like to buy a tribble or a picture of Captain Kirk? You can do it all, they've got this and more down in the Dealer's Room. Now if it's related to Star Trek in any way, I'm sure it was somewhere in that room. Professional dealers and 14—yeas old entrepreneurs sit side by side just talking their wares. It's a lot of fun. This is Deforest Kelley, Star Trek's Dr. McCoy and I'll have more news on the Star Trek convention tomorrow night.

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  from Space-Time Continuum #5, DeForest Kelley's taped blurbs

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  from Space-Time Continuum #5, DeForest Kelley's taped blurbs

The Program Book

a page from the program book, "excerpts from the soon to be published "STAR TREK Fan Phenomenon" (the book that was to become Star Trek Lives!) by Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Sondra Marshak, and Joan Winston" -- see the text of this at Star Trek Lives! (convention)/1973#Con Reports.

The program book was created by Joan Winston.

Digest-sized, it contains 22 pages.

Most of the content are black and white stills from the show and from the blooper reel. It also contains the programming schedule, a list of convention staff, a page by Joan Winston called "Flashes from Last Year's Convention" ("excerpts from the soon to be published "STAR TREK Fan Phenomenon" (the book that was to become Star Trek Lives!) by Jacqueline Lichtenberg, Sondra Marshak, and Joan Winston"), short bios of the guests of honor, an ad for Nova Enterprises, an ad for Al Schuster's "Star Trek Stuff," and four pages of "Star Truckin'" ("The Trouble with Beavers") comic by Howski Comix and Productions.

A fan in 1976 said:

Articles: Koenig on Star Trek, William Shatner- Mister Versatility, an article on Nimoy, shots from THE CAGE, ads, other photos and article. This is a rally good zine, and rates 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Badges, Flyers, Other Ephemera

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  pocket program for 1974

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  1974 pamphlet

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  ad for the 1974 convention printed in the back of the Monster Times magazine

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  poster for the 1974 convention designed by Judy Thomasses

Programming

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  page 1 of programming for the 1974 convention (click to read)

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  page 2 of programming for the 1974 convention (click to read)

Links to Photos and Videos

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  Fern Marder's award winning Sehlat costume, used with permission

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  Fern Marder's winning Sehlat costume

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  Cosplay Ensemble - 1974 Star Trek Lives! Convention.

Articles and Further Reading

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  an undated and unattributed newspaper article about a Star Trek convention that took place at the Americana Hotel in New York. it estimated that around 10,000 fans attended. A 4 day membership was said to have cost $10 per person. The article came from a fan's scrapbook. Click to read.

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  This newspaper article reprinted in the The Times Record on Jan 8, 1974 talks about the convention's move to larger convention space. It also discusses the incredible diversity among fans supporting the event. Click to read.

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  This 1974 newspaper article reprinted in the Times Record talks about the "100s of fanzines that have been privately published by fans." Click to read.

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  In this March 1974 letter to the editor of the Lebanon Daily News, a fan gives a brief run down of the history of Star Trek fan conventions after another reader wrote to the 'Action Line" asking for more inf. Click for the larger version.

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  newspaper clipping of the sea of fans at the 1974 convention

Con Reports

From Margaret A. Basta:

[1974]:

Guests in attendance at the INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK STAR TREK CON #3 included Dorothy C. Fontana, David Gerrold, DeForest Kelley, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols, Fred Phillips, Walter Koenig, and Dick Hoagland speaking about NASA, And of course, Dr. Isaac Asimov and Hal Clement. (It wouldn't be a NYSTCON without them.) The charming Mr. James Doohan was sorely missed at this convention, however. . . .

Perhaps the best way to describe this con would be that this was the worst ST convention that I have ever attended. And I have attended every STAR TREK convention ever held, since 1971. But then my opinion of this con has already been concurred with by many other fanzine editors who also attended this disaster. It is about time that ST fans should realize that paying $10 for seeing 25 minutes of Leonard Nimoy does not a convention make . Who was responsible for all of this? The man who must take responsibility is Al Schuster since he called himself "Chairman" of the convention. This con was a fine example of a con committee who 1. ) did not know what they were doing (which I find hard to believe since this was the 3rd time round for most of the committee , or 2. ) did not care enough about the fan attending it as a person to bother with the niceties of a convention such as sending out the hotel reservation cards before the convention, or arranging for the printed matter of the convention to be ready before the convention, or actually arranging for the 10,000 people that they were boasting about would attend rather than just preparing for 2,000 people.

The list of complaints is almost endless. People are not sardines. They have a right to breathe air. If you pay $10.00 you have a right to see all the exhibits, and not be told that the fire marshall closed down everything because there were too many people. . . You have a right to see at least some of the celebrities and not be told that part of the convention program is to go find a tv set and watch STAR TREK.

. . . And the celebrities who have come to the convention have a right to be treated courteously by the con committee. And the people who enter material in the art show have a right to expect their material, if it is for sale, to be placed on public auction. There should not have been sale of some of the artwork to individuals in private without the consent or knowledge of the artist. How any con committee can expect artists to enter their works next year after stuff like this occurring is beyond me.

And if a con committee solicits fanzines, or other materials for display, there should be adequate protection for these loaned materials given. Every fanzine on display at the con was stolen. This does not speak well for the con committee or for New Yorkers for that matter. But this is enough about this disaster.

From Dan Cheney:

[1974]:

I arrived at LaGuardia airport to attend the Federation Council. (For all you people who don't know what 6059.7 means, it means 7:00 on Friday, February 15, 1974. The Federation Council used to be known as the International Star Trek Convention to twentieth century earthers.) My friend and fellow time traveler, Neil Ripston, picked me up and took me to his dwelling according to plan. We later decided not to go into New York City on Saturday. Because Neil was posing as a twentieth century earth dweller in Westport, Connectiuut, we could not betray our origin by using our transporters. Train fare into N.Y.C. was approximately $6.00 round trip, and I could not afford to go to the Council for all of the remaining three days. We decided to just go in on Monday, since Neil, had to go to work at a primitive ice cream parlor on Sunday.

[The next day] I received a phone call from John Fontain, one of Neil's friends. He had gone to the Council that day, and was giving me a data readout. I quickly calculated that the most logical course of action would be to go to the Council without Neil on Sunday. John made me sorely wish that I had gone on Saturday, I made preparation to transport myself and Neil's younger brother. Bob, via train to Grand Central Station Sunday morning.

[The next day] I boarded a commuter train to New York with the destination of the Federation Council, It was a very advanced twentieth century high-speed train. Unfortunately, it did not have warp capability. The trip to Grand Central Station took 1.097 hours. We quickly walked (primitive, yes, but the only comprehensible mode of transportation) to the Americana Hotel, where the Council was being held. I practically ran at warp speed to the hotel. When we arrived, we had a little trouble getting in. Because of a time warp, my order for tickets was sent on February 8, 1974. Neil, to whom I re quested the tickets be sent, had not received them. Mrs. Ripston, Neil's twentieth century mother, called the Council for me Saturday night to be sure I could get in. The response was this: if you have any trouble, ask for Renee. Well, I asked for Renee. We had instant success. We were issued our passes, and we proceeded to the Imperial Ballroom.

There Nichelle Nichols talked about women's lib. I did not have a chance to record her speech, since I didn't carry a tricorder. We left and looked about the dealer's room. I had quite a good time there. Many comic books and sci-fi books were sold. Besides " Star Trek" posters for Planet of the Apes were also existent. There were many different posters for "Star Trek," many with the Enterprise, some with Captain Kirk, and the most with Spock. Color photos and slides were sold, along with T-shirts, tribbles, and myriads of buttons.

During the day, we saw the art room, heard Nichelle, George Takei, and Isaac Asimov, and walked around the dealer's room. Every place was crowded, but the least of all was the art room. It had all sorts of drawings, paintings, and models, from naked Spocks to Enterprises, from Nomads to Jupiter-2's. One of the most impressive was a rewritten passage of the Bible to correspond with the birth of Spock. Imagine a Nativity scene with Kirk, Scotty and Bones as the wise men, Harry Mudd as Herod, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov as the shepards, and Sarek and Amanda as the doting parents. I thought the art room was one of the more fascinating rooms of the Council.

On Sunday, Bob managed to get separated from me. Since he didn't have a communicator, I had some problems locating him among twelve thousand people. I finally found him in the art room. Because there were so many people, we decided to leave the convention early - about 2:00 PM. I had caught a glance of Isaac Asimov in this time, heard a song of Nichelle's, and listened extensively to George. It seemed Mr. Takei had run for a political office in Los Angeles, He talked quite a bit about politics. He also talked a long time about "The Naked Time," one of his favorite shows. During hie hour speech, he gave at least two kisses, if my memory (I repeat, I did not have a tricorder!) serves me correctly.

[snipped]

[The next day], Neil and I boarded the train for a day at the Council. We arrived at the Council slightly earlier than we had before, but it was more crowded than ever. The art room was closed, the dealer's room was jammed, and the auditorium was also crowded. We went to the dealer's room first. There Neil shot a few photos of Nichelle autographing posters at her booth. After mingling with the people, we slipped out and went into the auditorium. We were just in time for the panel discussion with DeForest Kelly, Nichelle, George, and Walter Koenig, with David Gerrold presiding.

A few moments before the panel started, David made a few announcements which I recorded on the miniature tape recorder I had brought. David announced that "the Man" was coming. It could only be Leonard Nimoy! I had half-expected Leonard to materialize on the stage sometime during the Council. David confirmed my suspicions. With the caution of a person carrying nitroglycerin, David told us all the rules concerning the appearance of "the Man." He set a row of small children on the floor in front of the first row of seats. "If one hair on their little heads gets damaged, you know who's going to get it," he warned. David also gave us an amusing note of information: "the Man" would be in the auditorium about 1:00 PM, because he was riding from his house "on the bicycle!" (I am not sure about the truth of that statement, but that was what I remember hearing.)

The panel came on then. The panel decided to leave the full hour open for audience questions,..Neil persuaded me to go up and ask one. I wanted to ask George a political question concerning the foundation of the Federation. I left the camera and tape recorder with Neil and went up. I was within the first twenty there.

[snipped]

I was not able to ask my question. There were about four people ahead of me when Leonard suddenly materialized on stage. The crowd went wild, Neil remarked later, "I have never seen so many flashes on one man in my life." I was almost blinded where I was. I wonder for how many hours Leonard had spots in front of his eyes.

The panel stayed on stage. Applause thundered for several minutes, Leonard received a standing ovation. After everyone sat down, flashes died off, but I could still hear the whirrs and clicks of cameras.

I personally cannot remember much of his speech, but I do know much of it was on identity. He talked about his book of poems and other modern phenomena about iden­tity. Leonard feels there is a universal consciousness, and it is expressed through the arts. Leonard didn’t talk much about "Star-Trek", but he did say it was valuable. He believes that science fiction is coming true today, not just in technology, but in events. Such things as the energy crisis, the Vietnam War, and other current events have been predicted by science fiction, and have come true, according to Leonard. "We read history books to tell us what has happened to us, and those with imagination read good science fiction to find out what will be." After he finished his speech, Leonard opened himself for a few questions. When he finished those, Leonard was smuggled out of the hotel. Just before he went, he received a standing ovation. Making the Vulcan Peace Sign, he was answered by everyone in the auditorium. Then he ducked behind the curtain and was gone.

Neil and I left the convention after that. I stayed several more days with Neil in Westport. I analyzed my tape and pictures. If you would like to hear the tape, contact 2-5YM and I will get it to you (Members and subscribers, only - Ed,) I am returning to the future soon, and must give my report to my superiors there. They should be very interested by the materials I have collected of the third Federation Council, the forerunner and originator of the United Federation of Planets.

This has been Data Readout 42B Computer sequence 00 mark 95.3, memory bank 319, computer 492761. Live long and prosper.

From a fan in William Shatner Appreciation Society Newsletter:

[1974]:

The 1974 International STAR TREK Convention, dedicated to the late Gene Coon, was held at the Americana Hotel, in New York City, February 15-18. Friday afternoon the con opened with registration, and, as usual, the lines were long. After a member was officially checked in, they received an introductory bag, which contained a memory hook, schedule, and trivia quiz. After registering, a person was free to attend any aspect of the convention, including the dealers room and the art show. The Andromeda Light Show was done on Friday and later in the night STAR TREK episodes wore shown until 2:00 A.M.

On Saturday, the exhibits and the dealers area opened at l0:00, as well as registration. Nichelle Nichols and Walter Koenig were frequently in the dealers room, meeting fans, signing autographs and posing for pictures. During the day, there were appearances and speeches by the convention guests including D.C. Fontana, George Takei, Fred Phillips, Isaac Asimov and Hal Clement, and at 3:00, DeForest Kelley spoke to a packed audience, after receiving a standing ovation. His opening line was "I'm a doctor, not a speechmaker," and he brought the house down with it. He spoke about STAR TREK's popularity, and said that the show was now becoming popular in Europe, especially in West Germany and England. He mentioned that while he was recently filming an episode for a series called "The Cowboys", he met an old friend of his who asked him why STAR TREK had been cancelled, because it had been such a successful series. De said he didn't know, and that the decision had been Frank Yablans at Paramount. It turned out that his friend had given Mr. Yablans his first job, so while De waited, he called him in New York to ask him why STAR TREK had been taken off. He mentioned the large volume of fan mail De was receiving, and Yablans said he should see the amount of mail he was getting on the show, and that there was a possibility it might return in some form.

De then spoke briefly about his young life, when he had first come to California, fell in love with the ocean, and stayed. He mentioned that when he was in the Army, he was spotted by a representative of the Navy, and was asked to do a Navy training film. He did, and because of that, when he was discharged, he had contract offers from two major studios. After he finished, he answered questions and again received a loud applause when he left.

The exhibits and dealers rooms closed at 81OO, and STAR TREK films, including "The City on the Edge of Forever", "Balance of Terror", the blooper film and "The Questor Tapes" were shown, until 2:00 A.M. Sunday, the rooms opened up again and more speeches were given, by the guests, and Fred Phillips gave a special demonstration by putting the make-up of a Klingon on one of the committee members. He explained how he was doing it, and answered more questions from the audience. At 7:30, the costume ball began and was judged by Nichelle Nichols, David Gerrold and other convention guests. The categories included costumes for people under 13, talent, STAR TREK and non STAR TREK entries and ended around 11:30. After that, films were shown including STAR TREK, the blooper film and "Genesis II".

On Monday the art from the exhibits was auctioned off, and then at 12:15 a panel with DeForest Kelley, Nlchelle Nichols, George Takei and Walter Koenig began. They were asked questions from the audience, about STAR TREK and the animation and at 1:04, Leonard Nimoy came out. He said he was currently on tour, speaking at college campuses and warmly thanked the audience for the standing ovation he received. He discussed communication, new thought patterns and some of the reasons he thought STAR TREK continues to be so popular. He mentioned some of the campaigning he did for George McGovern, and a film he had produced for a school, around the theme "I Am". He talked about his book and his writing, and how important it was for him to have expressed his feelings through them, and explained that he had just completed another book, and would soon be taking it to the printers.

He read a telegram from Gene Roddenberry, Majel and their new baby, congratulating everyone on the conventions success, and at the end of his speech, he asked if anyone had questions. The first concerned how he was made to look like Spook, and he explained that it was the work of Fred Phillips. When STAR TREK was going into production of "The Gage", the studio had contracted a specific company to do the special effects for the show, including the pointed ears, and Fred Phillips was hired to apply them. The material was of inferior quality, and the ears did not look authentic. Mr. Phillips explained the problem to the studio, but they wanted the company they had hired to do the work, and wouldn't listen to him. In frustration, two days before they were to begin shooting, he risked his job and took Leonard to MGM, and some friends he had there. They did a sketch of what Mr. Phillips wanted and made a cast of Leonard's ears. They worked out the mixture needed to form them, and it was only because of this that Spock looked the way he did. He answered several more questions, and said that on Saturday he would be in Chicago for the opening of a new bookstore. He thanked everyone, and then left after speaking for a half an hour. The rest of the panel left with him, and they all received a standing ovation.

The convention was attended by over 10,000 people, and because of the fire regulations, some had to be turned away because of overcrowding. Because of the growing numbers, for the next convention Leonard predicted "we'll take over New York City."

A local journalist wrote:

[1974]:

An out-of-town businessman who happened to be staying at the Hotel Commodore in New York last month might well have suspected the bartender of slipping him some LSD with his martini.

The elevators, lobby and. meeting rooms were filled for three days with people sporting pointed ears, green skins and other aberrations sufficient to convince an unwary guest that he was on a bad trip.

Even those without exotic attire had in common a wild-eyed look of fanatical enthusiasm and a strange language full of incomprehensible allusions. "Which general order is the noninterference prime directive?" "What type of currency was used by the gamesters on Triskelion?" "Is the Vulcan command for 'stop!' spelled 'Kroykah!' or 'Troykah!'?" "What is Yeoman Rand's room number, and on what deck?" "What did Kirk use against the spores of Omicron Ceti III?" "Was it saving Sarek's life or patching up the Horta that led McCoy to believe he could cure a rainy day?"

No ordinary conventioneers, these were the "Trekkies," fans of television's "Star Trek" series. Though it has not been seen on network TV in almost five years, its band of devotees seems to be multiplying in numbers and enthusiasm at least as fast as the tribbles (which are, of course, those lovable furry little creatures that helped the Federation defend Sherman's Planet against the Klingons, and which also happen to be born pregnant).

The 5,000 or so Trekkies who gathered in New York were an amiable lot, though they did mob actor Leonard Nimoy (beloved "Mr. Spock," the unemotional pointed-eared science officer of the series), who finally escaped with a trenchcoat over his head', shuddering from a sudden confrontation with a 3-foot-high living reproduction of himself, evidently an enterprising young Trekkie out to win the costume competition.

These conventions have been held annually since the death of "Star Trek" as a network series- (It is shown in syndicated reruns in many cities, including Baltimore and Washington.) A cult has grown up around the show, and its members are not just teeny-boppers.

When NBC first threatened to cancel the show in its second season, hundreds of thousands of protests poured in, many from college professors and other seemingly unlikely fans. In the heady network days, when each episode was new, and the fan.1? had not yet memorized every line of every show, notices appeared on the philosophy department bulletin boards at Princeton, Harvard and Yale, urging everyone not to miss that night's episode, entitled "Plato's Stepchildren."

"Star Trek" was no ordinary TV sci-fi show, nothing at all like "Lost in Space" or "Tom Corbett, Space Cadet," shoot-'em up rocketship operas, variants on "Wagon Train" with warp drive. The show was praised for its relatively high degree of literacy, imaginative scripts and, of all things, its social conscience.

TV was determinedly noncontroversial in the mid-Sixties, but in those pre-"All in the Family" days, "Star Trek" was able to mount shows dealing with race relations, the dehumanization of society and even the Vietnam war, all safely set in the Twenty-Third Century, of course.

Today, Isaac Asimov and others of his stature can be seen attending the conventions, and an international string of clubs and organizations has grown up, not unlike the fraternal orders devoted to the Sherlock Holmes canon, endlessly quizzing each other on the most trivial details concerning the fictional characters they have become infatuated with.

From Tim Estiloz:

[1974]:

The Third International Star Trek Convention turned out to be the biggest convention ever, I believe the attendance was close to 15,000. There was a wide variety of guests in attendance: Isaac Asimov, David Gerrold, Dorothy Fontana, Hal Clement, DeForest Kelley, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei, and Fred Phillips. Later in the con, two very unexpected guests appeared: Marietta Hartley, and (you guessed it!) Leonard Nimoy!

The first day of the con was naturally chaotic. The registration and huckster's room were wall-to-wall people. Our very own Helen Young and Alan Andres were there selling patches, bumper stickers, and rubber stamps at the Welcommittee table. The major event of the evening was the "Star Trek Anthology" light show.

The art show had many extra ordinary pieces of art, and they brought some of the artists a good bit of money during the con's auction. In addition to the drawings and paintings, there were several good models, such as the bridge, "Nomad", and space craft. There was apparently a Klingon agent somewhere, because a "Lost in Space" spaceship model was exhibited in the show. Walter Koenig came out to speak and answer questions. He commented on his role as the alien Oro in "Starlost". Marietta Hartley also came out briefly. DeForest Kelley gave us the expected line of "I'm a doctor, not a speechmaker!"

David Gerrold was his usual obnoxious, but likable self, held a mini-auction of two original tribbles for $55 each, "2001: A Space Odyssey" movie draft, and some other items. David also auctioned off an hour of his time to two girls for $65. However, David wasn't feeling up to par, so he made a deal with the girls. Instead of David's time, they got front-row seats when Leonard Nimoy came out.

David said he got a letter from someone saying "Lost in Space" was better than Star Trek. He wrote back, saying they'll discuss it at the next "Lost in Space" convention. Way to go, David!...

Isaac Asimov turned out to be his usual interesting and witty self. Some other highlights from the con were Nichelle Nichols singing a great rendition of "Dark Side of the Moon" (without accompaniment), George Takei giving away kisses, and Fred Phillips making up Al Schuster as a Klingon.

The last day of the convention some guys got hold of several dead squids, and planned to present them to David Gerrold. David, I heard, found out about their plans and dealt with them accordingly.

Some of the films were the ever-popular blooper films, Genesis II, Questor Tapes, The Trouble with Tribbles, The Ultimate Computer,and more.

Sunday, about 30 Welcommittee members crowded into Helen Young's room for a meeting....

The biggest event of the con was Leonard Nimoy's appearance. He came as a complete surprise.' Everyone gave him a standing ovation that lasted nearly ten minutes! He answered questions concerning his book, play Full Circle, and StarTrek. His speech was fantastic. Afterwards, he was rushed out a back exit to a pressing commitment.

The Costume Ball was pretty good. David Gerrold and Nichelle Nichols were part of the judging staff. A Talosian won first place and the costumes ranged from a thing spitting steam to a huge walking starship Enterprise.

I want to thank Lauren Johnson, Amy and a peanut butter sandwich for saving me from starvation on Sunday.

I enjoyed the convention — it was a very good one, although, as always, somewhat disorganized.

By Helen Young:

[1974]:

On Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00, 22 of the 27 STWers at the New York con, plus about 10 guests and interested fans, squeezed into Helen Young's hotel room for a meeting to discuss STW — news, ideas, problems, suggestions, whatever came to mind. Since one-fourth of STW was re presented at the con, it was a great chance to put faces to the names on the Personnel Roster, and finally get to meet someone you had been writing to or hearing about for ages.

Jacqueline Lichtenberg had the covers for her new Doubleday book. House of Zeor. with her to show us. It has an excellent photo of Jacqueline on the back, and in the bit about the author, it mentions that she is "an active member of the Star Trek fandom movement, writing three books about the phenomenon".

Jenny Elson, CM All, held the record for having travelled the longest distance to attend the con — all the way from England. The meeting's liveliest moment came when Shirley Maiewski opened a coke which exploded, showering the authoress and myself. Many STWers had entries in the huge art show, and Bert McCumber managed to score for the second year in a row with one of the top awards: "Best General 3-D" for his magnificent model of the bridge from "The Cage." He also received the "Most Authentic" award for another entry, but the Con Award listing did riot specify whether it was for his excellent model of Nomad, or his beautiful Vulcan Harp.

Alan Andres had a fine tribute paid to his talent when Dorothy Fontana made both written bid and several voice bids on one of his s-f drawings, persisting until she finally purchased it.

Jeanne Haueisen donated a fine drawing of Dr. McCoy to STW, which was sold in the Art Show for $10.00. Our sincere thanks to Jeanne for the donation, and to Janice Scott who has matted and prepared 6 other donated art pieces for us, which will be sold for STW's benefit at future cons.

STW wishes to thank Mr. Al Schuster of the International Star Trek Convention for presenting STW with a table in the Dealer's Room; his courtesy is much appreciated.

The crowds in the Dealers' Room were enormous at all times — they purchased 200 directories (STorg lists), 338 bumper stickers, 503 white patches, 389 blue patches, and 20 photos from STW! Not to mention that we distributed 2,000 free STW flyers and had run out by Saturday evening. Our income at the table was $1,268.50, and after all expenses were paid, STW ended up with a profit of $518.50; which is enough to pay STW's operating expenses for half a year.

Many STWers put in many hours staffing the sales table and deserve a big thanks. [names snipped]

From Lauren Johnson:

[1974]:

This past President's Day weekend, 15,000 STAR TREK fans filled the New York Hotel Americana for the Third Annual International STAR TREK Convention. For four days this record-breaking crowd lived under the motto, "STAR TREK LIVES!" and loved every minute of it. The con was highlighted by panels which featured the actors, actresses, and writers of STAR TREK, as well as general Science Fiction writers. Many questions were asked concerning the hope or the renewed hope of a STAR TREK motion picture. Mo one gave a definite yes to the question, but Paramount seems to be getting more willing every moment. The guests attending the con were Deforest Kelley, George Takei, Michelle Nichols, Walter Koenig, D.C. Fontana, and David Gerrold, Isaac Asimov and Hal Clement were also there. Surprise appearances were made by "THE MAN," Leonard Nimoy, and Marietta Hartley.

Other attractions were the Art Show, Costume Ball, and the Dealer's Room. The Dealer's Room was as packed as a can of sardines. There was just no room to move. The STW table was crunched in between a crabby comic dealer, and the STAR table. It was mostly Helen, her son, and Alan Andres who manned our table in the stuffy room. As usual there was ANYTHING imaginable in the room, only you had to find it. Sometimes one would even stumble across a star signing autographs in a remote corner, if such a corner could be found!

Sunday's Costume Ball was Spectacular. The Judging v/as broken into four groups: 13 years and under, performing groups, non-STAR TREK, and of course, STAR TREK. Costumes ranged from a Saurian Brandy bottle to a Horta. There was also a mixture of STAR TREK uniforms and aliens. STW's Amy Zenick really wowed the press and David Gerrold. She also made the semi-finalists. Regretfully she didn't win.

The Art Show, which opened on Saturday, was really a beautiful example of the talent that exists today. All medias were used, even leather work. (That leather bit is the result of the genius of Russell Young.) Someone even went as far as to make a life-size dummy of Spock! Art auctions were held on Sunday and Monday mornings. Some pieces went for as much as $250.00!

STW held a meeting in Helen's room. It was fun to meet and see all of the people you've either written to or read about in the MR. About 30 workers were at the con.

Would you believe our STW workers in England and Boston are working on cons for their areas? The meeting only lasted about an hour, but several of us hung around and talked.

Evenings were kept busy with the parties and films of the con. Films included the infamous Blooper Reel, several STAR TREK episodes and Gene Roddenberry's QUESTOR and GENESIS II. NASA even sent 2 films to be shown. Movies ran from early evening till about 2 or 3 a.m. The con ended about k p.m. on Monday, but the friendships formed will last much longer. I, personally, was able to meet people from England and Brazil, as well as from all over the U.S.

Although this con is over and done with, there are many others to plan for. Perhaps it will be EQUICON in April, or STAR-CON in July or WORLD-Con or etc.

I also would like to add a note of thanks to our Chairman, Helen Young. Helen's given of herself for STW more times than I can count. If there is anyone who would deserve a medal for performing above and beyond the call of duty, it is Helen. Keep up the good work Helen, we're with ya all the way.

From Sharon Ferraro:

[1974]:

New York, Mecca of millions (as opposed to Ann Arbor, drawing card of dozens) was the locale for the third annual ISTConvention (also known at NYSTCon). By some never to be repeated chain of events, I wound up there under the name of Sharon Ferraro: Gofer Extraordinaire. Only out East they seem to call us Helpers instead. Anyway, I got into Fun City at 7.30 (am) after a 16 hour bus trip (and that was the express) and promptly got lost in the subway. Which was just as well; Greyhound had done the same with my suitcase containing all the stuff I was to hawk at the con. Finally, I came upon the Americana and crashed with the Misses B. for a few hours, till I could get to work stuffing program packets. The first day, Friday, was mostly spent in underground activities—registration desk, assembling giveaways, screaming imprecations at trespassers and being the end of the line of some one thousand people (the pre-registrants) for a while--as well as phoning the Port Authority Terminal to find out when bag-o-mine was coming from Washington, or wherever it was they'd sent it. All of which led me to ask why--why?!?--did I want to 1000 miles to be driven crazy. I mean, we've got facilities for that back home.

However, at next day's dawning, a few reasons presented themselves--like boarding the same elevator as Nichelle Nichols, who is, if possible, five times more beautiful in person than on the tube. I met a few dozen gofers, and others of sympathetic mein, as well as a girl from Florida with whom I reconstructed "Nick Danger, Third Eye" ("He walks again, by night!") about every half hour.

I went to register some jingle bells (Vulcan wind chimes; I still haven't been able to get rid of them) in the art show, and in looking about I wondered, "I didn't think Nimoy was supposed to be here." And he wasn't but it was the most fantastic realistic piece of waxwork I've ever seen--a life size Mister Spock, by Carol Swoboda. It later won the Most Popular Award. Also in the show was Pat Molnar's "Vulcan Nativity" tryptich, which was a--well, cosmic--put on. Done in the style of Renaissance religious paintings, the three oils depicted Chekhov, Uhura and Sulu "watching their tribbles by night" receiving tidings of great joy from an angel of mercy that resembled amazingly Nurse Chapel; the three Wise Men, Kirk, McCoy and Scotty (the latter in an elongated version of his full dress uniform with the tartan) in the court of King Hermudd following the starship they had seen in the Eastern quadrant; and in the main panel, the babe Spock wrapped in synthetic clothes, lying in a shuttlecraft because there was no room at the Star-base, with his mother Mandy and Sarek, as well as the tribbleherds and the Magi who offered their gifts of 3-D chess, tricorder and ditithium.

And on and on. Other high points of the art show were Aldo Spadoni's tempura works, and Dotson's velvets, which fetched good prices. The huckster's foom was packed continually, as ysual. A few of the guests, Koenig and Takei , would wander about in there, but as more and more people showed this became quite dangerous. Finally after three or so fainted from lack of oxygen there was a quota on entry for a while.

The good doctors (Asimov and McCoy) were there, and both had crowd pleasing talks. De Kelley won long and loud applause for--goshwow!--raising his right eyebrow, which gives you an idea of the intellectual content of the speeches. But then, what is there to say to 3,000 people?

Personal giggle department. I had gone with my newfound waterbrother to her fifth floor room and we noticed, a short way down the hall, lights, laughing, and clinking glasses, and so went to investigate. Yes, friends, it was the guest party. What a chance! What a deal!! what clods we'd be to crash!!! So we stayed, showing admirable restraint, in the room, ears glued to the door. The waiter was terribly friendly and gave us a piece of their dessert (angel foodcake with a plum/peach aauce, for the information of those who take notes on that sort of thing) as we encamped in the doorway. Well, they left one by one; Deb and I missed DeForrest, tho Kryila nabbed him, but we all got Dr. Asimov, Koenig and sweet George Takei, who held still long enough for us to talk a while. This was fine for me, since I seem to be one of five Sulu freaks in the continental US.

Sunday was notable for its masked balls and the blooper reel in the convention chairman's room with Lou Rawls. One of the preceding was not open to the public. I forgot who won the masqurade, but there were there a sehlat, a pair of Romulans, a kouple Klingons, an Andorian, and Alan Asherman. Asherman is a Scotty buff who bought Jimmy Doohan's dress shirt, plain uniform shirt, pants and boots from Carol Lee, Mr. Doohan's representative. Asherman is also a noted artist, who, if he has any class at all, should send us a couple nice illos after this plug we're giving him.

Also on Sunday, all the little helpers were whispering one unto another, "Don't say anything, but HE's coming tommorrow sometime." Naturally, the tone of voice let us know just who HE was. And sure enough! Monday about 1 pm He showed up. Nimoy spoke to the most orderly crowd of 5,000 people ever gathered at a Trekcon. Mind boggling. No rush, no crowd, no jamming the aisles. Simply good natured quiet and quick camera work. When he left, bo surge forward, but a Burnham wood of Vulcan high signs. Are we growing up? There may be hope for the world yet.

David Gerrold was, of course, there, but amazingly, he was a (relatively) good boy. There may be hope for him yet.

It was a good convention, for all of its size. 17,500 was a figure tossed about, but Joan Winston (Con chairperson), who ought to know, claimed Sunday a figure of 9,000 different people. More came Monday, so 10,000, a nice round number, is a likely bet.

From the 1975 Star Trek Convention Program book, by Joan Winston:

[1975]:

"When DeForest Kelley, Nichelle Nichols, George Takei and Fred Phillips arrived on the same flight we all heaved a sigh of relief. Now they were able to appear at the Press Party that evening.

Friday, the 13th of February will be burned in our memories forever. Instead of the usual hourly catastrophes, they were occurring every five minutes. Most of them had to do with the looooonng registration lines. One fan told us he was able to finish DUNE while waiting.

Saturday was more of the same. Much more. We had a new ingredient, though. Fire Marshals. One slightly hysterical parent called them when she was unable to find her son in the crowd. "He's being crushed or suffocating, I know it." He was later found on line, munching a Mounds bar and calmly reading STARBORNE. Sigh. But the Fire Marshals were reasonable and intelligent. If we just kept the aisles and the exits clear and limited the daily attendance everything would be fine. That's what they thought; we still had problems. One ever present one was getting the guests in and out of the hotel. The one thing to remember was not to stop for any thing. Step right over the fainting bodies; it's the only way. For all the crowding, the fans were marvelous, as always.

When Leonard Nimoy spoke on Monday, they were quiet and restrained. Perhaps that was because we told them in advance that he was coming and they were able to work off some of their excitement. The security guards with the whips and chairs didn't hurt, either.

By collapse time on Monday, we felt as if we had just gone through the Hundred Years War. Why do we go through this each year? If you know the answer, would you please tell us? No, not that we're crazy; we know that!"

From Noel Levan:

[2020]: On Friday morning, I and a friend heard rumors that the anticipated films could not be shown because the convention hall projector had an issue. Evidently the carbon arc rods, needed to create the intense, far-reaching light the projector needed to function, were burnt out, and no replacements were at hand. Being more-than-familiar with those machines and the mid-town theater district I left the convention hotel to locate, procure and provide replacement rods for that specific projector. As a result of my success, all the films scheduled were shown (though somewhat delayed). I was told by my friend (who returned the next day), that I had been instrumental in the convention's success and that the organizers wanted to gift me with one of the original phasers from the t.v. series. Alas, I was not available to receive it, as I had to work.