| Solacon, the 16th World Science Fiction Convention | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Dates | 29 August–1 September 1958 |
| Venue | Alexandria Hotel |
| Location(s) | Los Angeles, California |
| Country | United States |
| Attendance | 322 |
The 16th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), also known as Solacon, was held on 29 August–1 September 1958 at the Alexandria Hotel in Los Angeles, California, United States.[1][2][3]
Solacon's chair was Anne S. Moffatt.
Participants
[edit]Attendance was 322.
Guests of Honor
[edit]- Richard Matheson
- Anthony Boucher (toastmaster)
Awards
[edit]The World Science Fiction Society administers and presents the Hugo Awards,[4] the oldest and most noteworthy award for science fiction. Selection of the recipients is by vote of the Worldcon members. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fandom activities.[4][5]
Other awards may be presented at Worldcon at the discretion of the individual convention committee. This has often included the national SF awards of the host country, such as the Japanese Seiun Awards as part of Nippon 2007,[6] and the Prix Aurora Awards as part of Anticipation in 2009. The Astounding Award for Best New Writer and the Sidewise Award, though not sponsored by the Worldcon, are usually presented, as well as the Chesley Awards, the Prometheus Award, and others.[6]
1958 Hugo Awards
[edit]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).
The winners were:[7]
- 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
Notes
[edit]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."[8]
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 took place in Melbourne, Australia.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Planetarium's Moon Show Run Extended". Los Angeles Times. 1958-08-27. p. B2. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
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. 1958-09-02. Archived from the original on 2012-11-05. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
- ^ Ryon, Art (1958-09-03). "Ham on Ryon". Los Angeles Times. p. B5. Archived from the original on 2011-06-29. Retrieved 2011-03-06.
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.
- ^ a b "Article 3: Hugo Awards". WSFS Constitution. World Science Fiction Society. 2008. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
- ^ Franklin, Jon (October 30, 1977). "Star roars: this year's champs in science fiction". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, MD. p. D5. Archived from the original on March 8, 2013. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
- ^ a b "Awards". Nippon2007: 65th World Science Fiction Convention. Archived from the original on August 2, 2018. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
- ^ "1958 Hugo Awards". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. 2007-07-26. Retrieved 2011-03-05.
- ^ "Notes on the Long List of Worldcons". nesfa.org. Archived from the original on 2007-02-09. Retrieved 2007-03-03.
External links
[edit]- NESFA.org: 1958 convention notes Archived 2007-02-09 at the Wayback Machine
