New Orleans Science Fiction Association
The New Orleans Science Fiction Association (also known as the Greater New Orleans Science Fiction Association) was formed on June 25th 1967. The first year or so it existed as a social group without officers or dues. In July 1968 their first election was held. Its first president was Don Walsh. Charter members of the group were John Guidry, Don Markstein, Rick Norwood, Don Walsh, Justin Winston and Doug Wirth. Its main interaction with the rest of fandom was through its fanzine Nola-zine which was first published in August 1967.
Other publications of the club included George (an APA) oe Rick Norwood and NOSFAn a newsletter edited by Don Markstein, Guy Lillian, Dennis Dolbear, and various other Shadows of New Orleans fandom over the year.
Actually NOSFA existed as an unnamed social group starting as early as 1965. With the bid for the 1968 DSC and in light of the New Orleans in '73 World-Con bid, it was felt that a more organized face to fandom at large was needed. Leading to its "founding" in 1967 and later election of officers in July 1968.
Rick Norwood, Guy Lillian, and Lynne Nelson at July 1969 NOSFA election meeting.
Members included:
- Dennis Dolbear
- John Guidry
- Ken Hafer
- Don Markstein
- Lynne Nelson
- Rick Norwood
- Don Walsh
- Justin Winston
- Doug Wirth
NOSFA Fan Quet[edit]
Proposals have been made dating back to the New Orleans Science Fiction Association era for things to do when out of town Pros / fen stopped in to visit New Orleans. One such was the NOSFA Fan-quet. A pro-active outreach and fund-raiser held between the 2nd Vul-Con and NO-Con in 1975. By this time New Orleans Fandom had split up into several fiefdoms ranging from the Sons of the Sand (mainly interested in fanzines, Apas and fannish cons ), the Vul-Con group (mainly interested in producing their own multi-media event) and NOSFA (that still held on to the idea that there should be a unified group that could embrace all of the aspects that Fandom offered.)
As proposed the Fan Quet was to be an irregular event held whenever a visiting Pro or Fan turned up in the city. To throw a party / picnic / BBQ or some such in the visitor's honor. Food was bought by the club and cooked on site or the night before by NOSFA members with an admission fee paid ($1.00 food was cheap then) by all that attended save the guest(s).
At the time many members had large back yards or should there be a large gathering one of the City Park shelters (with grills, picnic tables and rest-rooms handy) could be pressed into service. Members that provided food-stuffs not provided by the club were to have their admission waved.
It's a shame that it didn't take hold. It could have been a bridge building function of the club in local and general fandom at large.
| Club | 1967— |
| This is a club page. Please extend it by adding information about when and where the club met, when and by whom it was founded, how long it was active, notable accomplishments, well-known members, clubzines, any conventions it ran, external links to the club's website, other club pages, etc.
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