16th World Science Fiction Convention
| Solacon, the 16th World Science Fiction Convention | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Venue | Alexandria Hotel |
| Location(s) | Los Angeles, California |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | August 29-September 1, 1958 |
| Attendance | 322 |
The 16th World Science Fiction Convention, also known as Solacon, was held August 29–September 1, 1958, at the Alexandria Hotel in Los Angeles, California, United States.[1][2][3] Solacon was physically in Los Angeles, but (by mayoral proclamation) technically in South Gate, California, to fulfill their longtime bid slogan (since 1948) of "South Gate in '58."[4]
Superfan Rick Sneary had a cardboard sign at this convention that read "We'll do it again in 2010" that he carried to numerous future Worldcons. His death in 1990 laid that dream to rest and the 2010 Worldcon happened in Melbourne, Australia.
Solacon's chair was Anne S. Moffatt. The guest of honor was Richard Matheson. The toastmaster was Anthony Boucher. Total attendance was 322.
Awards
The Hugo Awards, named after Hugo Gernsback, are presented every year at the annual World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon) for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous calendar year. For the 1958 Hugos, Solacon presented engraved Hugo Award plaques instead of the nickel-plated Hugo rockets mounted on wooden bases, like those presented at the previous Worldcons in 1953, 1955, 1956, and 1957 (no awards were given in 1954).[5] Results are based on the ballots submitted by members of the World Science Fiction Society.[6]
- Best Novel/Novelette: The Big Time by Fritz Leiber
- Best Short Story: "Or All the Seas with Oysters" by Avram Davidson
- Best Professional Magazine: The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction edited by Anthony Boucher and Robert P. Mills
- Outstanding Movie: The Incredible Shrinking Man directed by Jack Arnold; screenplay by Richard Matheson
- Outstanding Artist: Frank Kelly Freas
- Outstanding Actifan: Walt Willis
See also
References
- ↑ "Planetarium's Moon Show Run Extended". Los Angeles Times. August 27, 1958. p. B2. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
Paintings and drawings of fantasy subjects will be displayed during the 10th World Science Fiction Convention Friday through Monday in the Alexandria.
- ↑ "Mars-Style Fashions Shown to Space Fans: World Science-Fiction Society Ends Its Convention Here With Apparel Parade". Los Angeles Times. September 2, 1958. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
- ↑ Ryon, Art (September 3, 1958). "Ham on Ryon". Los Angeles Times. p. B5. Retrieved March 6, 2011.
At the final sessions of the World Science Fiction Society convention here this week the members must have been delighted when Guy Giftord exhibited detailed plans for a Space Hut.
- ↑ "Notes on the Long List of Worldcons". nesfa.org. Archived from the original on 9 February 2007. Retrieved 3 March 2007.
- ↑ "1958 Hugo Awards". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
- ↑ "Hugo Award FAQ". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
External links
| Preceded by 15th World Science Fiction Convention Loncon I in London, UK (1957) |
List of Worldcons 16th World Science Fiction Convention Solacon in Los Angeles, United States (1958) |
Succeeded by 17th World Science Fiction Convention Detention in Detroit, United States (1959) |