DIY History | Transcribe | Hevelin Fanzines | Fantasy Fictioneer, v. 1, issue 2, January-February 1940

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Fantasy Fictioneer, v. 1, issue 2, January-February 1940

Page 4

	Concluding:  "Some of these suggestions for costumes have been made up more for your amusement than in the expectation that something like them might be worked up. But this idea in itself definitely looks like a hot one. Start planning your characterization now. We might be  able to get Life to come to our party in lieu of Time."-- Jack Speer.
This idea seems to be, as Speer said, a "hot" one. It appealed instantly to the Convention Committe as just the out-of-the-ordinary thing the Chicago Convention needed to make it unique. A contest would only be the beginning of the possibilities. Think of a parade down the city's main streets, the publicity for the Convention and science fiction that would mean!  And the fun for the participants! A Mere fifty different costumes would insure the idea of a great success.
	Moreover it would spice the whole program, and easily be unusual enough for magazines like Life, Look, etc. to feature in the type of article fandom would like to see science fiction represented in. We like the whole idea, and, if fandom voices approval, the Convention will include the costume contest (fashion show--- and perhaps even that gala parade!).  Let's hear from everyone!
	It is possible that the Convention Hall may be in downtown Chicago in a luxurious hotel. The idea seems to be a practical one, for thru the hotel a special rate probably could be made for IFF members   who would like to "live next door" to the Hall. Then too, the Banquet could be held in the big restaurant on the premises. The motive behind this is economy and convenience for the fan as well as the Convention sponsors. Richard I. Meyer, our Corresponding-Secretary & Treasure, is now negotiating for some kind of arrangement with the hotel.
	Meanwhile the publicity drive has continued and the IFF is now concentrating on a larger membership to help support the Convention.  It is interesting to note how completely fandom has rallied around the Chicon, it now being supported by every major group in the country.  Attendance is expected to exceed the Nycon.
	Work on the Convention Program Booklet will start soon, and booster ads will be received in a few months. It is hoped to finance the whole affair thru the advertisements in the booklet, the sale of the booklet as well as donated special fan magazines, and the auction. The IFF is contributing a sizable amount in the preliminary expenses, but the members dues will also lend considerable aid.
	Among those who have announced their intentions of being present since my last Report are: almost the entire Los Angeles group, the Philadelphians, the New Fandomites, the Futurians, many New Yorkers & members of the Queens SFL, all isolated fans and authors in the midwest area, many fans in the southwest, besides most of the authors , editors and artists everywhere.
	The Convention committee would appreciate hearing from fans with your suggestions, inquiries, and items of interest regarding the Chicon in any way. We want to know how many intend coming; what date would be the best for the majority of Convention-goers; and what can be done to make the program more interesting. Only by hearing from YOU can we feel sure we are doing everything possible toward making the Chicago 1940 World S-F Convention an event of significance to the world outside of science fiction!

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Concluding: "Some of these suggestions for costumes have been made up more for your amusement than in the expectation that something like them might be worked up. But this idea in itself definitely looks like a hot one. Start planning your characterization now. We might be able to get Life to come to our party in lieu of Time."-- Jack Speer. This idea seems to be, as Speer said, a "hot" one. It appealed instantly to the Convention Committe as just the out-of-the-ordinary thing the Chicago Convention needed to make it unique. A contest would only be the beginning of the possibilities. Think of a parade down the city's main streets, the publicity for the Convention and science fiction that would mean! And the fun for the participants! A Mere fifty different costumes would insure the idea of a great success. Moreover it would spice the whole program, and easily be unusual enough for magazines like Life, Look, etc. to feature in the type of article fandom would like to see science fiction represented in. We like the whole idea, and, if fandom voices approval, the Convention will include the costume contest (fashion show--- and perhaps even that gala parade!). Let's hear from everyone! It is possible that the Convention Hall may be in downtown Chicago in a luxurious hotel. The idea seems to be a practical one, for thru the hotel a special rate probably could be made for IFF members who would like to "live next door" to the Hall. Then too, the Banquet could be held in the big restaurant on the premises. The motive behind this is economy and convenience for the fan as well as the Convention sponsors. Richard I. Meyer, our Corresponding-Secretary & Treasure, is now negotiating for some kind of arrangement with the hotel. Meanwhile the publicity drive has continued and the IFF is now concentrating on a larger membership to help support the Convention. It is interesting to note how completely fandom has rallied around the Chicon, it now being supported by every major group in the country. Attendance is expected to exceed the Nycon. Work on the Convention Program Booklet will start soon, and booster ads will be received in a few months. It is hoped to finance the whole affair thru the advertisements in the booklet, the sale of the booklet as well as donated special fan magazines, and the auction. The IFF is contributing a sizable amount in the preliminary expenses, but the members dues will also lend considerable aid. Among those who have announced their intentions of being present since my last Report are: almost the entire Los Angeles group, the Philadelphians, the New Fandomites, the Futurians, many New Yorkers & members of the Queens SFL, all isolated fans and authors in the midwest area, many fans in the southwest, besides most of the authors , editors and artists everywhere. The Convention committee would appreciate hearing from fans with your suggestions, inquiries, and items of interest regarding the Chicon in any way. We want to know how many intend coming; what date would be the best for the majority of Convention-goers; and what can be done to make the program more interesting. Only by hearing from YOU can we feel sure we are doing everything possible toward making the Chicago 1940 World S-F Convention an event of significance to the world outside of science fiction! ##