Starcon (US convention 3)

See Starcon for similar conventions.

Science Fiction Convention
Name:	Starcon
Dates:	1973-1975
Frequency:
Location:	Detroit, Michigan
Type:
Focus:	Star Trek, comics, science fiction
Organization:
Founder:	David Lillard
Founding Date:
URL:
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Starcon (a flyer for the first one called it "Star-Con") was a series of cons.

The first con was a Star Trek con. The second one was a combination Star Trek and comics con.

The third con was a comics con. The fourth con had some Trek guests, but was much more a comics con.

Who Ran These Cons?

It depends on who you ask.

David Lillard owned and ran them.

David Lillard organized them.

David Lillard started them and tried to get the name "Starcon" trademarked.

While the first con had a heavy S.T.A.R. component, and was heavily advertised in Star-Borne (as were other cons), it was NOT officially sponsored by that organization.

In Jan/Feb 1973, one of the editors of Star-Borne, and a member of S.T.A.R. Central stated:

Since people have been asking... The STAR TREK ASSOCIATION FOR REVIVAL has never officially sponsored any science fiction or STAR TREK convention of any kind. It has been STAR CENTRAL's policy to as it is feasibly possible, to support every STAR TREK convention, or any event concerning STAR TREK. We will try to be physically represented at every convention concerning STAR TREK. We definitely will be at the New York STAR TREK CON #2 and EQUICON. STAR's purpose concerning conventions is to let all STAR TREK fans know about them, and to assist STAR TREK fans in whatever way is possible. See you at the conventions....If you see someone running around wearing a STAR CENTRAL badge, say "Live long and prosper!"

In Sept/Oct 1973, there was another statement in Star-Borne about "Star-Con":

First, gang, let's make one thing perfectly clear, the STAR TREK ASSOCIATION FOR REVIVAL IS NOT sponsoring this convention, in spite of what you may have read or previously heard. About 7 S-B's ago, STAR CENTRAL stated its policy of never sponsoring a ST convention. We still haven't changed this policy. S.T.A.R., Inc. is not responsible for STAR-CON. HOWEVER, several members of S.T.A.R., Inc. including the editor of S-B are involved with this con. But these people are acting as individuals, and are not representative of S.T.A.R., Inc. Now that that's settled... On to business. Who is running this con? Well, like Al Schuster's NYSTCONs, this Detroit Convention is owned and run by Dave Lillard. Mr. Lillard is handling all aspects of this con not covered by his employees or consultants. [see much more at the Star-Borne page]

Despite this (and because of a lot of S.T.A.R. members were involved in the con), some fans remember differently. From a fan in 1977: "The Star Trek Association for Revival — was founded by a group of friends/fans in Detroit, Michigan in the month following the first NY ST Con. It grew with astonishing speed and ended up 2 years later having had up to 5,000 members/subscribers (to Starborne the newsletter) and inadvertently sponsoring a fiasco convention at Cobo Hall [in 1974].

In 1993, Dave Lillard stated:

20 years ago, this October, the 1st STAR-CON was held at Cobo Hall, in Detroit, Michigan. This was, I believe, the 3rd Star Trek Convention *ever* held. (the 1st being Al Schuster's New York Star Trek Convention and the 2nd being James Mule's Vul-Con, in New Orleans)

It is both gratifying and annoying that many people use the name for the series of public shows that I started while President of the *Central* Star Trek Association for Revival (S.T.A.R.) as a generic name for all Trek Shows. (I tried to Trademark it; but got bogged down in red tape and excessive, IMHO, costs - NOTE: anyone using this name does so withOUT my permission)

My apologies to those of you who find the above meaningless. However, for me it was *both* a high and low point in my life; and, I'm certain, it still has *some* meaning for others. For this, and other, reason(s) I make this posting.

FIAWOL, Dave.

Starcon 1973

Starcon October 5-7, 1973 was held in Detroit at Cobo Hall.

front cover of the program book

The celebrity guests were: James Doohan, Harlan Ellison, D.C. Fontana, Frank Kelly Freas, David Gerrold, Walter Koenig, Norman Spinrad, and George Takei. The fan guest of honor was Bjo Trimble.

At one point, Gene Roddenberry and Nichelle Nichols, and DeForest Kelley were advertised, but did not attend.

Todd Bake illustrated a short booklet by John Benson titled "Survival Guide to Detroit." It was mostly about things to see in Detroit, descriptions of places to eat, warnings not to walk alone, and information about the Costume Ball that included this statement:

Generally at sf cons just about everything goes. Unfortunately Detroit is not that liberal of a town so we suggest that if you do walk around outside of the convention area in costume, especially if the costume is negligible in materials that you do wear some sort of covering wrap. The con committee will not allow total nudity in the costume ball. Remember that Cobo Hall is situated over an expressway. We don't want any car accidents or traffic jams caused because of some drivers stopping to look at some costumes... or lack of costume.

• 

  guests of honor -- it portrays another guest of honor, David Gerrold, and is signed by both men. "This is an Auction - You're really supposed to bid AGAINST each other!"

• 

  from the Star-Con Program Book, photos by Dave Hertzberg of "Mr. Trix Enterprises" out of Birmingham, Michigan

• 

  from the Star-Con Program Book, photos by Dave Hertzberg of "Mr. Trix Enterprises" out of Birmingham, Michigan

• 
• 
• 

  from "Survival Guide to Detroit"

• 

  from "Survival Guide to Detroit"

• 

  from "Survival Guide to Detroit"

The tenth issue of Star-Borne included this description:

First, gang, let's make one thing perfectly clear, the STAR TREK ASSOCIATION FOR REVIVAL IS NOT sponsoring this convention, in spite of what you may have read or previously heard. About 7 S-B's ago, STAR CENTRAL stated its policy of never sponsoring a ST convention. We still haven't changed this policy. S.T.A.R., Inc. is not responsible for STAR-CON. HOWEVER, several members of S.T.A.R., Inc. including the editor of S-B are involved with this con. But these people are acting as individuals, and are not representative of S.T.A.R., Inc. Now that that's settled... On to business. Who is running this con? Well, like Al Schuster's NYSTCONs, this Detroit Convention is owned and run by Dave Lillard. Mr. Lillard is handling all aspects of this con not covered by his employees or consultants.

The Con committee is as follows: CHAIRMAN: Mr. Lillard. EMPLOYEES: Mrs. Judy Horwitz, Publicity; Carol Lynn, Program & Films; Laura T. Basta, Dealer's Room; Margaret A. Basta, Registration; Gerry Felipe, Costume Ball; Ken Cramer, Guest Liason; John Benson, Program Book; Margaret A. Basta, Program Book; John Benson, Exhibits; Roberta Brown, Art Show & Exhibits; Mary Brenner, Information Registration; Patti Helmer, Gofers,' Mr. Howard DeVore, Consultant.

The Convention Chairman assumes all responsibilities and liabilities concerning STAR-CON.

Who's going to be there? (Rumors to the contrary) James Doohan, George Takei, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols, David Gerrold, science fiction author Norman Spinrad, science fiction author Harlan Ellison, science fiction's great artist Kelly Freas, and as fan guest of honor, Bjo Trimble. This is not the complete guest list though. There is a very good chance that several other notables from the crew of STAR TREK will be showing up too as well as some of the old ST's favorite guest stars. FILMS: 12 hours of ST perhaps some animation ST too; the BLOOPER FILM, GENESIS II, QUESTOR (hopefully), COLLOSSUS: THE FORBIN PROJECT, MAROONED, some APE movies, NOSFERATU (the original Dracula), MOON PILOT, the movie VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA as well as many many others including some comic sf shorts. Grand total of film time is 56 hours. EXHIBITS: A collection of Kelly Freas art; a display of the HUGO and NEBULA winners including some of the actual awards; ST fanzine display, ST handicraft display; some original ST props.

PROGRAM: Registration starts at 5 pm Thursday night in front of Hall A. The con will officially open at 10 am Friday morning though registration will begin at 9:30 am. On Friday the Dealers will be able to set up from 9-12 am. Dealer's Room will open at Noon. So will the art show. (Please bring all artwork to the Art Show Director before Noon on Friday if possible. ) 8 pm will be the Shore Leave Party with a cash bar. Saturday, after sundown, will be the costume ball. $100 first prize. Throughout the con there will be a ST slide show and auction at various times.

ALL monies raised from this will go to the Gene L. Coon Memorial Fund for the American Cancer Society. STAR-CON WILL BE DONATING MOST OF ITS PROFITS (75% to 2 charities. These charities are MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY because we know of several S.T.A.R. members who are afflicted with this disease, and THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY in memory of Gene L. Coon.

REGISTRATION: $10 at the door for the weekend. $4 per day. Children UNDER 12 free when accompanied by a parent - MAXIMUM 3 per member. There will be a special rate for school groups accompanied by teachers on Friday, October 5 only. Write Mr. Lillard for details. Children coming in FREE with their parents and school groups paying the discount rate will not receive a free program packet.

[...]

There are a few Dealer's Tables left at $25 a piece, which includes 1 free con membership per dealer.

Winners of the Costume Show: 1973

• Planet of the Apes (tie as first place costume and 1st in aliens)
• 24 Hours Virus (tie 1st place best costume and 1st in humorous)
• Martian (2nd place aliens)
• Sysocian (3rd place aliens)
• Burned Man (1st place grotesque costume)
• Derelict (2nd place grotesque costume)
• Klingon Peace Delegation (1st place presentation)
• Calabrian Delegation (2nd place presentation)
• Talos 7 Delegation (honorable mention)
• Star Fleet Uniform (honorable mention)
• Tarcomians (honorable mention)
• Intergalactic Frog (honorable mention)
• Ambassador Admiral Leon Steele (honorable mention)

Con Reports: 1973

Well, I made it to Star Con, It was hard to believe it was now happening. One thing I was glad of and that was we didn't have to stand in line for several hours while trying to register.

The first event I attended was a panel discussion with, James Doohan, David Gerrold, Bjo Trimble, and Norman Spinrad. Mr. Doohan sang the Welsh song he did on [the Star Trek: Animated Series episode] "The Lorelei Signal." He didn't know the tittle or what the words meant, but he will be recording it and several others very soon. He never does less than three voices on any one of the animation shows. The Star Trek animation is in second place with Scooby Doo (doubie YUCK!!) leading. They had to change the beginning theme because Paramount was asking too much for it. So they tried to make the music as close as possible to the original with out infringing on Paramount's rights.

One of the first questions that came up was why Chekov in the animation. "He was transferred to another ship." I'll let you know the real reasons a little later on. For all the Concordance fans, Bjo Trimble will Continue to add on with the animation. David Gerrold urged us 'all to watch the animation next morning because "More Tribbles, More Troubles" was on. (And he didn't chose the shocking pink color for the tribbles.) James Doohan did the voice of Koloth, the Klingon commander. William Cambell was in a different country at the time and they couldn't reach him to record the voice. Stanley Adams did Cyrano Jones. Could you guess who the Klingon sub commander was? It was none other than David Gerrold himself.

I made the usual rrounds of the huskter tables, art show, and up to the room where they were showing the films. I met two very nice people who I stayed with through out the whole convention. Cindy Myer and Ann Marcotte went with me to the Shore Leave Party Friday night. There was a light opera show and a hypnotist. David Gerrold went up and was hypnotised with a bunch of other fans. It was really funny. Ann left for a little while and came running back in. She said Walter Koenig was waiting outside and that he wanted to meet me. Earlier I had told them I was dying to see Walter. I didn’t believe her, but went anyway. I got three steps out the door and froze. Walter is a living doll (for all you who have never met him) and he looked just like Chekov, He had, shaved off his mustache. He smiled and walked over to me and started asking me questions about the club. (Ann had told him I was pres of STFC). I could barely manage to squeak out the answers let alone ask him for his autograph, I also got a picture taken with him.

I got up early Saturday morning and went to Cindy’s and Ann’s room to watch the animation. Then we ran over to the Con again.

We attended the panel on which George Takei, Walter Koenig, and James Doohan were talking. Walter gave a short summary of what he has been doing. He explained why he wasn't on the animation. They didn’t have enough time and money. He was least seniority and so was dropped. He also wouldn't have very many lines and it was said to him that it was beneath his dignity to come in and say, "Yes sir, no sir, and aye aye sir." He was more talented then that and they felt it would be a waist [sic] to have him say those lines. Mr. Koenig will be appearing on five episodes of Star Lost. He finished one episode that he liked. He plays an alien from the planet Assarr. He crashes into the ship and while repairing his own craft, meets a girl who is dying. He can save her if she goes with him to Assarr. Walter has been in several plays and has been busy doing Star Lost episodes.

James Doohan's favorite episode is "The Doomeday Machine". He was a trapper in the movie 'Man in the Wilderness" and he grew the beard for the movie. He said that tests are being run now to see if the animation will fit in prime time.

Georgs Takei talked about pollution, Star Trek, and of his campaign. He lost the position and came in second. George is on a talk show in Los Angeles in animation. His favorite episodes are "Mirror, Mirror," " "The Naked Time." He also was in Kung Fu and if you watch the beginning credits carefully you will see him. His part in the movie "Johnathan Livingston Seagull" was cut. but the character he played closely resembled that of Chang in "Lost Horizon."

After the writers’ panel (Ellison, Fontana, Spinrad, and Gerrold) was a auction of Star Trek stuff and photos for Gene L. Coon. David Gerrold ran the auction selling the various items, plus kisses, and to highlight the auction he sold himself, or I'll say one hour of his time to the highest bidder. Ann, Cindy, and I bought him for $33.00, Yes you read right. David said we could do anything we wanted with him just as long as it was legal. We never thought we’d get him so we were wondering what to do with him. We got together with him and decided to have breakfast with him. David was very nice and considerate.

The costume ball was very nice. I really liked the Commander Kras, a Klingon. I'll list the winning costumes.

Sunday was our day with David Gerrold. I attended the art auction and heard Harlan Ellison talk, Harlan talked about many^ things including his reasons why he is no longer with "Star Lost" David Gerrold auctioned off D.C. Fontana, Margaret Basta bought her. Gene Roddenberry couldn't make it because Majel was sick. Nichele had a night club engagement and DeForest was making a movie.

It was a sad day because everyone knew they were going home in a short while. It was a wonderful convention and I can bet that many of you are disappointed that you didn't go.

I talked with Helen Young at the con and we discussed what can be done about so many clubs having the same name as mine does. She suggested that I perhaps put a 'I' or something else after my club name. She said it is very confusing and some club might say some bad things that I might get blamed for. I was thinking of what I could do and came up with this idea, "Star Trek Fan Club International." If anyone has a better suggestion please let me know.

Over 5500 STAR TREK and sf fans attended Star-Con held the first weekend in October. Though this was not the first ST convention in Detroit, it certainly was the largest ST or sf con ever held in the city.

The con was held in Detroit's huge convention complex known as Cobo Hall. How large it was can best be described by saying that all con attendees walked an awful lot between con activities, and the main speaking room dwarfed the occasional 5000 people that sat in it for some of the lectures. One of the nice aspects of the con area was the ball room where the costume ball and shore leave party were held. This was a beautiful ballroom overlooking the Detroit river and its view of downtown Detroit and Windsor Ontario across the river with 2 walls of solid glass.

The guests of the convention were Dorothy C. Fontana, Jimmy Doohan, George Takei, David Gerrold, Walter Koenig, Harlan Ellison, Norman Spinrad, Frank Kelly Freas, and as fan guest of honor - Bjo Trimble.

The film program for the con included 6 ST episodes, almost 50 hours of sf films, and animated ST episodes, "Yesteryear" and "Beyond the Farthest Star".

All in all it was a very good con for the attendees. And it included several convention firsts. Harlan Ellison spoke at a ST con for the first time mainly discussing why he quit STAR LOST the syndicated television show out of Canada, read a brand new story of his, and discussed ST and gave a synopsis to the original plot of "City on the Edge of Forever". Who would have ever believed it...

The art show for the con was a quiet success featuring many of the beautiful works of the talented Frank Kelly Freas, as well as offering some of his NASA space program posters for sale too. Other notable artists who were in the show included some sketches by the late Tim Courtney, as well as works by such people as Bjo Trimble, Maureen Wilson, Janice Scott, Randy Bathurst and other talented local artists in the Detroit area.

Friday saw the official opening of the con though on Thursday many of the guests had already arrived and were beginning to enjoy the hospitality of Detroit. Friday morning Bjo Trimble gave a speech on the ST/sf fandom and answered questions about both the fandom and her impressions of FILMATION. Friday evening was the shore leave party with most of the guests in attendance.

The entertainment included 2 different rock bands, one of which had a ST light show too, and a hypnotist.

Saturday morning started out with a break for the animation which was David Gerrold's "More Tribbles, More Troubles". (As an aside: those pink tribbles weren't supposed to be pink. It was an error on the part of the artists and not the production staff at FILMATION.) Then there was the S.T.A.R. Meeting that was held through the kindness of the con chairman.

Over 400 people attended this meeting though surprisingly enough, not all were S.T.A.R. members. The problems of S.T.A.R. were discussed and hopefully some good solutions were the outcome of the meeting as S.T,A.R. members got a chance to meet S.T.A.R. Central and vice versa.

Saturday night was the costume ball featuring 190 entries highlighted by many authentic-looking ST uniforms, some 24-hour viruses, a realistic ape, and a gaggle of Klingons. George Takei was the emcee which of course thrilled many. And during the time while the judges were deciding the winners, George Takei answered questions, and James Doohan entertained the audience with several charming songs. What a night.

Sunday morning had a marvelous lecture by Mr. Freas on the life of an sf artist, as well as the speeches on sf by Norman Spinrad, Harlan Ellison and David Gerrold. The final panel consisted of Dorothy Fontana, David Gerrold, Norman Spinrad, George Takei, and Jimmy Doohan. The con closed around 10pm with the movie "Colussus: The Forbin Project".

Also during the convention week, students at Wayne State University's science fiction English class were treated to 2 lectures by David Gerrold and Harlan Ellison. Wayne State may never be the same.

The convention chairman asked us to extend his thanks to the following workers and other people that helped: Patti Helmer, Mary Brennar, John Benson, Paula Smith, Carol Lynn, Scott Decker, Vicky Mandel, Gerry Felipe, Roberta Brown, Gail Brown, Margaret and Laura Basta, Helen Niemic, Helen Young, Janice Scott, Maureen Wilson, Elizabeth Vanier, Doug Essex, Jan Donaldson,Mary Ellen Flynn, Woody Woo, Stuart Chisohlm , Val and Van Condor, Paula Layton, Denise Bozung, Cyndi Dressel, Connie, and all the other gofers and helpers. The con couldn't have happened without you!

Keeping events in their proper perspective our arrival in Detroit in mid afternoon was followed immediately by a nap. Reviving a number of hours later, we walked over to Cobo Hall to register and present ourselves to Patti Helmer as gofers. We got our white registration tags quickly enough and employing subterfuge and direct questions, nearly tripped over Jimmy Doohan on our way to crash into the gofers burrow in the Pontchartrain. From there we were kidnapped in a '72 Javelin to Greek town, where our hostesses, knowing what we needed, recommended we eat some real, good Greek food, little realizing this was to be our last real meal for the remainder of our stay in the big city.

The next morning we scurried over to Cobo to set up our table in the dealer's room. Soon after we were drafted as gofers began their various tasks as beasts of burden, and never again during the con, shook off the yoke. Gofer identification was achieved by the addition of a small drawing of a Vulcan gofer to the white badges we all wore Committee members at whose beck and call we slaved, wore green badges, Security wore red and the quests, whom all attending diligently chased, wore gold, though rarely.

Most oft-heard comments; in the cavernous highways and byways of Cobo Hall He s got a gold badge—-he must be somebody!!"

"David Auberman??"

(Over the PA;) "The movies are now in "

Choose one:"Where's Scotty?!?" "Where's Sulu?"

"Where's Chekov?!?"

"You mean Captain Kirk isn't here!!'"

"GOFER!!!!!" (At top of our lungs!)

The convention offered all-night movies, constantly shifting schedules, panel discussions, inspiring lectures, more movies, the dealer's room, the art show and auction and lots of just plain Strek-talk, all of which were placed two to three parsecs apart and little of which the diligent gofers could find time to attend or participate in.More often a gofer was assigned to stand outside a door to a particular room and its accompanying activity. Sharon's comments on the Shore Leave Party Friday Night: 'What a thrill to challenge David Gerrold and Harlan Ellison's identities, while misidentifying Walter Koenig, listening all the time with one ear to first a rock band and later a droning hypnotist that may have set a new record for putting audiences to sleep. Walter Koenig re-entering the ballroom from the safety of the hallway only to refill his constantly drained glass and Harlan Ellison relying instead on the Pepsi available at the counter.

Being partially incapacitated by a bum ankle, Sharon was assigned Saturday night to watch the costume show and record it for posterity. This included hearing Jimmy Doohan sing (sigh!) and hearing George Takei tell about his recent election campaign. The winners of the contest were an ape from "Planet of the Apes" and four 24 hour viruses. Bjo, George and Jimmy took turns answering questions from the audience as the traditional delays took place backstage. George announced all the costumes and made comments, and arbitrated the short lived dispute between the Klingon Diplomatic Corps and a group of space traders immediately preceding them down the runway. Afterward most of our party adjourned to the door of the movie room to weed out the people trying to get in for free by demanding they show their badges.(How many times might one not recognize David Gerrold and retain hope of reaching heaven?)

What does one do when 500 Trekkies, out for blood and autographs, attack the table at which one stands, heretofore peaceably stuffing programmes, and force one to the glass walls? Luckily, Mssrs. Doohan, Takei, and Koenig appeared shortly thereafter and appeased the mob by falling to with pen and ink, allowing yers truly to beat it, unfortunately sans their autographs. That was the only time I got to be near them, too. So geht das Leben.

Rottenest Movie Shown: The Three Stooges in Outer Space.

Special Citation to: Woody Wu, and all the other projectionists, for their patience in showing the blooper film all 32 times (each day!).

Good Guyhood Awards to: the Frank Kelly Freas's and Bjo Trimble.

Beleaguered Award to: Patti (Godzilla the Brat Eater) Helmer.

Not being followers of the Judaic Tradition ourselves, we nevertheless observed Yom Kippur on Saturday. This came about by being literally too busy to take the time to find something edible and glom it down our throats. None of our merry trio managed to get anything to eat until well after sundown- near midnight to be exact, although we know of some other convention attendees who did not observe the Day of Atonement. This day was perhaps the busiest and none of us were aware of developments on the international scene until someone mentioned it to Harlan Ellison during his lecture and he made up a short story about it on the spot.

Speaking of the "Great One" I shall make a few modest comments. Harlan Ellison, despite what you have heard or read about him is not three feet tall and covered with coarse black hair that reaches his toes. His voice does not echo of its own accord but is clear and frank. He is however a very dynamic individual and disappointed with "Star Lost" (with good reason).

More oft-heard phrases:

He's signing autographs -- he must be somebody!!"

GOFER!!!!!!!

"Where the heck did Gerrold go? He's on in two minutes."

"Who's the good looking guy with the beard?" "When's the next showing of the bloopers?"

"You mean Mr. Spock isn't here?"

"Where's your badge?"

GOFER!!!!

"Ghod, its 3AM and I haven't eaten since yesterday morning?" (Later) "What is food?"

"Can I ride your cart mister?"

GOFER!!!!!

"I'm not signing autographs now, miss."

(With a Russian accent.)

"Where the hell is Lilliard?!?"

"You mean the men's room is on the other end of Cobo?"

GOFER!!!!!

"You're all out of buttons?"

"Mr. Doohan can you sign three dozen autographs on this pad for my son and his friends?"

"What's going on next?"

GOFER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

STAR-Con was supposed to be a "local" convention, but there were many attendees from out of state. I believe the attendance was over 3000, which was good for that time of year.

This was the first Star Trek convention not held in a hotel, but in a municipal convention centre... Cobo Hall, the Detroit convention hall. The gigantic center was directly across the street from the main hotel. The primary auditorium for the movies I'm sure could have accommodated four basketball courts, at least!

[...]

Kelly Freas brought some of his original works of art to share with us. How beautiful they are! The covers of the magazines are fascinating enough, but to see the "real thing"!! One was auctioned for ONLY $200. Helen Young attended the art auction, and says that the Detroit people were the least art-buying attendees of any convention she's seen.

[..]

Dorothy Fontana was asked if writing for the animation is much different than writing for "real people." Ms. Fontana said a big difference is that you cannot write emotional scenes between people for animation; subtle emotions are impossible to convey. The action is faster in animation, and, with more "action" you lose the subtlety of the actor's faces. Ms. Fontana says there's still a possibility of a movie. I wish someone would go into a little more about that "possibility..."

David Gerrold says he receives approximately 500 letters a month -- and he reads them! He made sure to mention that he returns SCRIPTS unopened! David held a special auction of some of the things he personally brought -- proceeds to charity. A dinky toy of Cmdr. Straker's car (U.F.O.) brought $4.00, David's computer script draft for his "BEM" animation brought $15.00, lots of pictures, etc. A high point of the auction was when someone from the audience sent a not asking if she could bid fifty cents for a kiss from him. He thought it over for a minute, and said, "OK, since it's for charity," and two girls rushed up!

Finally, he auctioned off an hour of his time -- minimum gid $25.00. David started the auction with the caution that he is "X-Rated"... the winners were three girls who pooled their money and came up with $33.00.

S.T.A.R. was able represented by Laura and Margaret Basta, who talked their mother into helping, too!

The costume ball, parade, what-have-you -- George Takei moderated. There were the usual ST uniforms, and some usual and unusual outfits. An ape (from "The Planet...") tied for first place with four persons parading as the "24-hour virus." The "virus" looked like two Seseme Street "Big Birds" only black, and two dotted schmoo with legs.

The Shore Leave Party -- the band was loud, the room was huge, the "refreshments available" were packaged sandwiches, and liquids of the alcoholic and non types.

[...]

Star-CON was a "local"convention, with a lot of attendees from out of state. I believe the attendance was over 3,000, which is good for this time of year. Mr. Lillard, the Con Chairman, and his employees are to be congratulated in managing to have only the normal con confusion, seeing as this con was not planned very far in advance. The'bignames'inattendance(in guy. alphabetical order, so my preferences won't show): James Doohan, Harlan Ellison, B.C. Fontana, Frank Kelly Freas, David Gerrold, Walter Koenig, Norman Spinrad, George Takei, and Bjo Trimble. Kelly Freas brought some of his original works of art to share with us. How Beautiful they are! One was auctioned for $200. (ONLY!)

[...]

The animation of Star Trek is said to i be 12th in the Nielsen ratings! And, it is said that NBC is "testing" the animation, with a view of moving it to a night time slot. Who realized the first ST animation was aired exactly 7 years to the day after the original?

There were panels, and question/answer discussions. I was able to attend a couple of them. Harlan Ellison doesn't like Star Lost. He won't go into details.

Dorothy Fontana used the word 'cartoon'. (Whoops!) She was asked if writing tor animation is different from writing for live con was. The hucksters room was full most of the time, and Helen and I lived off of and her daughter Maureen, tor their help in the hucksters room. Mrs. Flynn is from actors. She said a big difference is that you cannot write emotional scenes between people for animation; subtle emotions are impossible to convey. The action is faster in animation, and with more action, you lose the subtlety of the actor's faces.

"Miss Fontana, is it true that people at NASA stop work to watch Star Trek?" "Yes, I guess so, because that's what we've heard."

Dorothy Fontana says there's still a possibility of a movie. Miss Fontana took precious time from her tremendously busy schedule to honor us with her presence. She deserves many thanks.

David Gerrold says he receives approximately 500 letters a month - and he reads them! (He returns scripts unopened!) David appeared in disguise the first day of the con -- but didn't succeed in fooling those who know him. We know he's a nice guy.

David held a special auction of some things he personally, brought - proceeds to charity - a Dinkey toy of Cdr. Straker’s car brought $4.00; David's computer script draft for his "BEM" animation brought $15; a lot of pictures, etc. A high point was when someone from the audience sent a note asking if she could bid 50c for a kiss from him - he said OK, since it's for charity - and two girls got up. Finally, he auctioned an hour of his time - minimum bid $25. The winners were 3 girls who pooled their money and came up with $33.

Some movies shown: The Blooper film; Genesis II; Cyborg; The Trouble with Tribbles; Balance of Terror; (plus more), and two animation episodes: Beyond The Farthest Star, and Yesteryear.

I had a great time - disorganized as the con was. The hucksters room was full most of the time, and Helen and I lived off of cokes! STW owes thanks to Mary Ellen Flynn and her daughter Maureen, tor their help in the hucksters room. Mrs. Flynn is from Space-Time Continuum, in Philadelphia.

S.T.A.R. was ably represented by Laura and Margaret Basta, and their mother, with Jan Donaldson. The Bastas were their usual ebullient selves and were kept busy running registration and the hucksters room.

I haven't yet said a word about the Costume Ball - George Takei moderated. There were the usual ST uniforms, and some usual and unusual outfits. An ape (from "The Planet of...) tied for first place with four persons parading as the "24-hour virus". (The "virus" looked like two "Big Birds' in black, and two dotted schmoo with legs).

Meet you at next ISTC.

Starcon 1974

Starcon 1974 date and location is unknown.

It was not affiliated in any way with S.T.A.R. Central. The con chair, and owner, of the first "Starcon" (Dave Lillard) had been ousted from S.T.A.R. in January 1974 or before. See Certain events have occurred within S.T.A.R. Central for the last 6 months that deserve to be aired..

Con Report: 1974

The two faces of this convention, at least for some attendees, were hard to reconcile. Like a schizoid's two personalities, both were difficult to understand at the same time.

The official program—a single half page backed by a full page ad, listed such events as the opening and closing of the Dealers' Room, Film Room, and Art Room, along with the pre-scheduled costume ball. I arrived Thursday evening and found nothing happening. Friday morning I stood in line for 20 minutes to get my name tag despite the fact that I had been registered since last January.

With the help of the several gofers (mostly the 713 contingent) I got my trunk down from my room and set up a table in a choice spot just inside the door. For nearly an hour after that there was nothing to do. The con officially opened at noon with the simultaneous opening of the dealers' and film rooms.

The episodes of Trek were poor prints and the blooper reel was in black and white. As usual for me at cons, I neither ate nor saw any films thru out the convention. The day wore on, the dealers' room being the most active spot all day. At about 6 pm it was announced that the five Ape movies scheduled for the evening had been waylaid in Cleveland and would not arrive until 1 am. Fortunately for the committee, Jimmy Doohan and George Takei had arrived and did a panel with Kelly Freas and the two apes Paula Kist and Bill Blake.

We arrived half an hour late, but the chairs were not yet set up, so we helped arrange them. Then waited. And waited. And waited. The platform, table, chairs and microphones were not ready for Messrs. Doohan, Takei, and Freas when they arrived. They were kind enough to sign autographs until the equipment was ready.

Mr. Doohan started by introducing his lovely fiancee, Wendy [sic] (currently, as of 12 October, his wife). The discussion went well, only five people allowed in the question line at a time. George recounted some moments on the set and everyone answered questions on their current activities. The apes gave a little insight into their makeup and popular reaction to it on the street. They put the makeup on for a convention and don't take it off for the whole con. Bill Blake said that it's pretty painful for a guy, as his beard grows right into the soft latex appliances, and taking it off after three or four days can be agony.

After the panel ended, we retired to our room (713!) and pre pared for a party. Well, (cough!) Kelly and Polly Freas soon showed up, then George, and later Jimmy and Wendy. Kelly did caricatures of everyone, while we all had a grand time in a thoroly relaxed situation.

Morning was much too soon; and the day wasn't worth it. Evening, the costume show got going. The entire event ran smoothly, if not swiftly, where Jimmy, Wendy, George, Kelly and Gofer Head Sandy Tutro served as judges. Bob Asprin and Lee Stanley served as runners in the guise of Commander Kras and Krok of the Klingon Diplomatic Corps. There were several Vulcans, as usual, a few Klingons, and the same three Uhuras from Star Con I. The best costume, I think, was a young lady as Natira. In the non-Trek category, the drone from Silent Running won. We didn't stay for the dance, but went for dinner and drinks with a bunch of STAR/Central people and Jimmy-and-Wendy-and- Kelly-and-Polly.

Most of Sunday was spent at the art show biddinq fruitlessly on three excellent pieces . I must admit I have seen more impressive art shows before, and as usual, Kelly's works' stood out. Jimmy Doohan did most of the auctioneering and signed autographs for a good two hours afterward. He was still plugging away when I left at 5:30.

Doesn't sound like much of a con report, does it? It was not that much of a con. Go back and take out the two parties and there isn't much left for the average con attended who did not have the organization of the Hole in the Deck Gang behind them...and the Welcommittee! Take out the dealer's room and there is even less. I don't understand how people could be satisfied with as little as was offered without getting upset. There were less than 50 chairs set up for the Friday night panel, and the aforementioned lack of equipment. There was no bulletin board or chalk board to keep people informed of changes in schedule or special events, (alright, but four sheets of paper taped on a pillar is not what I had in mind.) The litter problem from last year at Cobo Hall seemed to still be haunting the convention also. The programming, outside of the episode and movie rooms, relied entirely on the celebrities; and the fan activity, outside of the gofers, was practically non-existent. And the most disconcerting part is the last line of the Program Sheet. "We hope you had a great time! See you next summer!" Not this Trekfan, kiddo.

Starcon 1975 (March)

The third Starcon was held in Detroit March 15-18, 1975. It was a comic book convention, and did not have any sort of a Star Trek focus.

The con chair was Dave Lillard.

It is referred to in the 4th con's program book: "Belated thanks to George Perez for the art he did for STARCON 3." This art was titled "She-Devils."

It may have been held at the Heritage Hotel.

The program book was 16 pages.

The front cover was by Rich Buckler.

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  front cover,program book, 1975

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  from the program book, 1975

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  back cover, program book, 1975

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  ticket stub, 1975

Starcon 1975 (October)

Starcon 1975 was held in Detroit. The program book does not indicate a date (though likely October) or a place.

This was advertised and referred to as "StarCon 4." The program book states it was produced by "The Starcon Corporation."

Guest of honor were Neal Adams, Jim Steranko, Greg Theakston, Carl Lundrgen (all comic illustrators), and George Takei. DeForest Kelley and William Shatner were scheduled to attend and appeared in the program book, but they were not present at the con.

The chairman was Dave Lillard. Other concom members were Ed Reliuga, Pat Rooney, Mike Nasser, Patches Phelps, and Dave Harris.

The program book contains 12 pages.

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  program cover, 1975

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  from the program book, 1975

Con Report: 1975

Starcon 4 was a combination comic book/Star Trek con. Unfortunately, the hotel where the con was to be held went bankrupt approximately three weeks prior to the con date. As a result the organizers of Starcon 4 were unable to have their advance payment refunded, had to find a new location and curtail some of the planned activities.

For the comic book fans there were several well-known illustrators who gave talks and displayed their work—Neal Adams, Greg Theakston and Carl Lundgren. For Star Trek fans there was GEORGE TAKEI!!! George was scheduled to speak three times during the con. He told fans about the progress of the Star Trek movie and then answered questions. Afterwards, he signed autographs and had his picture taken. In between these sessions George was in the dealers room or lobby area, available to talk with fans and sign pictures.

Star Trek films consisted of two blooper reels - both from the first two seasons and both containing almost identical shots, one color and the other black and white. There were also three Star Trek episodes: "Assignment Earth", "For The World Is Hollow and I Have Touched The Sky" and "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield".

The last day of the con, Sunday, the costume contest was held and George was one of the judges here. There were two unusal winners, a couple dressed as Oberon and Titania from "A Midsummer Night's Dream" won the top prize in the Star Trek costume category. When George presented them with the award he commented that he saw no reason why they might not have been possible Star Trek characters. Perhaps he was thinking of "Conscience of the King" or "Shore Leave". The best overall costume was a girl who came as a Chevy V-8 engine (what else for Detroit?). The final attraction was the appearance of "The Hulk" an eight foot, green, heavily muscled character. He was interviewed, commenting that he enjoyed Star Trek.

I had a pleasant, leisurely time at my very first Star Trek con, but it's DEFINITELY not my last!!

We arrived Friday afternoon to what we expected to be a fairly interesting con. Despite the fact it was a combined con - comic book and STAR TREK, the scheduled guests, Shatner, Kelley, and Takei, were a point in its favor. When we registered, we found that unfortunately De Kelley would not be appearing. Ok, so George and Bill were still (so we thought) going to appear, and we wouldn't scream too loudly. After finishing with the formalities, we went to inspect the Dealers' Room. For a comic collector, it was a Paradise, but to the average STAR TREK person, it offered little in the way of anything. We found no fanzines, very little in the way of clips, posters, or any other such memorabilia. We gave Friday night at StarCon up for dead and returned to the TraveLodge. As we approached the door, a TREK-tyoe person who had been standing in the shadows asked us if we'd seen George still standing around the corner. We replied that neither of us had noticed, only to turn around and see George's smile staring us in the face. Finding that all of us were going to the third floor, we rode together on the elevator.

Saturday morning removed any semblance of interest we right still have had as those who went in to get good seats to hear the speakers were met by a notice that Mr. Shatner would not be appearing. Feeling very sorry for poor George, we made an appearance in the Dealers' Room where we found sympathizers in the organizers of STAR TREKtacular (Dec. 12-14, Pittsburgh Hilton) who were able to tell people that they had confirmed De Kelley on Wednesday, and that Leonard Nimoy had also been confirmed. A bit happier, we then wandered over to the welcommittee table to find out just how things were going. From them we found out that the guest had wanted to be paid, but the StarCon committee had thought they were asking a bit much. Consequently --

We left Detroit Saturday shortly after noon, much disillusioned and much disappointed. Maybe someday (StarCon ... ) when there are competent concommittee members in charge, we'll return.

Star Con IV was a very disappointing convention. Problems plagued it almost from the very beginning. Originally scheduled at the Heritage Hotel, the site of the four-day festivities had to be changed to the Sentinel Building, as the hotel went bankrupt a few weeks before the con started.

Because of this change and the fact that the Sentinel Building cost four times as much as the Heritage, Dave Li1lard, the chairman, was unable to obtain William Shatner and DeForrest Kelleyas planned. Also, the attendance was very poor, and at times Star Con IV appeared only slightly larger than what a mini-con would have been. George Takei was the only ST star that attended and was great with all the fans. Signing autographs next to the STW table, Takei did not merely write his name but took time to chat with each individual fan. It was easy to tell by the fans' expressions that they were thrilled to meet him.

The Dealers' Room, uncomfortable and poorly ventilated, contained more tables selling comics than ST items. Other disappointments included: the inability of the con to complete the full-size mock-up of the shuttlecraft and also the inability to obtain per mission from the Writer's Guild to show ST episodes (they wanted more money than the con could afford). The blooper reel and several SF films were shown in the screening room, however. But because a screen was not available, several tablecloths were pieced together in an effort to make a suitable substitute.

Excluding all the major disappointments, however, Star Con was a great place to meet and talk with the fans. Running the STW table was a very enjoyable and worthwhile experience. Many fans who stopped by the table praised the work STW had done, and all were very appreciative of the services it provides. Joan Winston, one the authors of Star Trek Lives!, was also in attendance, and she commented on the great work the organization does.

By far, however, the highlight of the entire con was a contestant in the costume ball held on Sunday. The contestant, entitled Mr. Hulk, was a gigantic (approx. 13' tall) monster which resembled the Jolly Green Giant. So huge was Mr. Hulk that the sliding walls to the room had to be moved completely aside so he could enter. When asked questions, Mr. Hulk did not speak but groaned, to the delight of the audience.

It’s quite possible that he caused some nightmares for those attendees who COULD sleep later that evening.

(Thanks to Star Con IV Chairman Dave Lillard for the free portion of a table for STW's use and to Arlene Boyer for managing the table. Table workers were: Linda Boyer, Mrs. Boyer, Jeff Johnston, and Mandi Schu1tz -- their help is deeply appreciated. The table took in $144.00. Josi Williams of STW also attended the con.