Difference between revisions of "Chicon"

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* [[Chicon I Reminiscence (Ackerman)]].
 
* [[Chicon I Reminiscence (Ackerman)]].
 
* {{conpubs|series=Worldcon|con=Chicon I}}.
 
* {{conpubs|series=Worldcon|con=Chicon I}}.
 +
* ''[[1940 Chicon Scrapbook and Everyfan's Guide]]''.
 
* [https://fanac.org/conpubs/Worldcon/Chicon%20I/Tau%20Ceti%20Reprints%20no.%202%20re-recognized.pdf The Time Machine: Chicon.]
 
* [https://fanac.org/conpubs/Worldcon/Chicon%20I/Tau%20Ceti%20Reprints%20no.%202%20re-recognized.pdf The Time Machine: Chicon.]
  
 
{{fancy2|text=
 
{{fancy2|text=
−
from '''[[Convention]]''' ChiCon I was in [[Chicago]] about Labor Day 1940 under the auspices of the [[Illinois Fantasy Fictioneers]] (a [[con]]-promoting [[organization]] specially organized by [[Mark Reinsberg|Reinsberg]], [[Tucker]], and others for the event; it later merged with the [[MWFFF]]). The ChiCon I was significant of the new harmony in [[fandom]] resulting from the suppression of [[feuding]], and took place in the plushest surroundings yet.  A suggestion by [[Speer]] and [[Rothman]] led to institution of the [[Costume Party]] at this con; [[Dave Kyle]] won it as [[Ming the Merciless]].
+
from '''[[Convention]]''' ChiCon I was in [[Chicago]] about Labor Day 1940 under the auspices of the [[Illinois Fantasy Fictioneers]] (a [[con]]-promoting [[organization]] specially organized by [[Mark Reinsberg|Reinsburg]], [[Tucker]], and others for the event; it later merged with the [[MWFFF]]). The ChiCon I was significant of the new harmony in [[fandom]] resulting from the suppression of [[feuding]], and took place in the plushest surroundings yet.  A suggestion by [[Jack Speer|Speer]] and [[Milt Rothman|Rothman]] led to institution of the [[Costume Party]] at this con; [[Dave Kyle]] won it as [[Ming the Merciless]].
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
{{fancy1|text=
 
{{fancy1|text=
−
([[Ackerman]]) - The [[Chicago]] 1940 [[World Science-Fiction Convention]]  
+
([[4E|Ackerman]]) - The [[Chicago]] 1940 [[World Science-Fiction Convention]]  
 
}}
 
}}
  
  
−
==[[Program]]==
+
=[[Program]]=
 
[[File:WessoAd.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.5|Ad for ''[[TWS]], [[Startling Stories]]'' and ''[[Captain Future]]'' featuring [[Hans Wesso]] [[art]] from the Chicon [[program book]]. ]]
 
[[File:WessoAd.jpeg|thumb|upright=1.5|Ad for ''[[TWS]], [[Startling Stories]]'' and ''[[Captain Future]]'' featuring [[Hans Wesso]] [[art]] from the Chicon [[program book]]. ]]
  
−
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
+
===SUNDAY, SEPT. 1===
  
 
* MORNING SESSION: 10:00 A.M to 12:00 Noon.
 
* MORNING SESSION: 10:00 A.M to 12:00 Noon.
Line 60: Line 61:
  
 
* EVENING SESSION: 8:00 P.M. to Midnight.
 
* EVENING SESSION: 8:00 P.M. to Midnight.
−
# The Science Fiction [[Masquerade]] Party: [[Speer]] & [[Rothman]], co-Masters of Ceremony.
+
# The Science Fiction [[Masquerade]] Party: [[Jack Speer|Speer]] & [[Milt Rothman|Rothman]], co-Masters of Ceremony.
 
# The Science Fiction [[Auction]]: [[Erle Korshak]], Auctioneer.
 
# The Science Fiction [[Auction]]: [[Erle Korshak]], Auctioneer.
 
# Adjournment to Monday Sept. 2nd.
 
# Adjournment to Monday Sept. 2nd.
  
−
MONDAY, SEPT. 2nd.
+
===MONDAY, SEPT. 2nd.===
 
* MORNING SESSION: 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. (Closed)
 
* MORNING SESSION: 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. (Closed)
 
# Business Meeting of the ''[[Illini Fantasy Fictioneers]]''-[[IFF]] members only.
 
# Business Meeting of the ''[[Illini Fantasy Fictioneers]]''-[[IFF]] members only.
Line 87: Line 88:
 
# General Tours of [[Chicago]]. Escorted trips to Chicago's points of interest, in and out of the [[fan]] world.
 
# General Tours of [[Chicago]]. Escorted trips to Chicago's points of interest, in and out of the [[fan]] world.
  
−
== Hotel Chicagoan ==
+
= Hotel Chicagoan =
 
Located at 67 W. Madison Street in [[Chicago]] and built in 1932 as an addition to the adjacent [[Hotel Morrison]] (site of [[Chicon 2]]), this hotel featured 450 rooms. The site of both hotels is now taken up by the Chase Tower.
 
Located at 67 W. Madison Street in [[Chicago]] and built in 1932 as an addition to the adjacent [[Hotel Morrison]] (site of [[Chicon 2]]), this hotel featured 450 rooms. The site of both hotels is now taken up by the Chase Tower.
  
−
==List of Chicon Members==
+
=List of Chicon Members=
  
 
This list of members, labeled “Fantasy Fictioneers,” was taken from the [[program book]], so it includes only those who signed up in advance. A number of names are obviously fakes, several fans are listed more than once under [[pseudonyms]], and the [[goh]] and some [[committee]] members are missing. In short, it can’t be relied on as a list of who actually attended.  
 
This list of members, labeled “Fantasy Fictioneers,” was taken from the [[program book]], so it includes only those who signed up in advance. A number of names are obviously fakes, several fans are listed more than once under [[pseudonyms]], and the [[goh]] and some [[committee]] members are missing. In short, it can’t be relied on as a list of who actually attended.  
  
 
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
 
<div style="column-count:3;-moz-column-count:3;-webkit-column-count:3">
−
*[[4sJ]]<ref>Also listed as [[Forrest J Ackerman]], [[Erdstelulov]], [[Jack Erman]], [[Mirta Forsto]], [[Claire Voyant]] and [[Weaver Wright]].</ref>
+
*[[4sJ]]<ref name="4E">[[Forrest J Ackerman]] registered under a slew of pseudonyms, including [[4sJ]], [[Erdstelulov]], [[Jack Erman]], [[Mirta Forsto]], [[Claire Voyant]] and [[Weaver Wright]].</ref>
−
*[[Forrest J Ackerman]] <ref>Also listed as [[4sJ]], [[Erdstelulov]], [[Jack Erman]], [[Mirta Forsto]], [[Claire Voyant]] and [[Weaver Wright]].</ref>
+
*[[Forrest J Ackerman]]<ref name="4E"></ref>
 
*Alaska, the Gnome  
 
*Alaska, the Gnome  
−
*[[Lupe Amador]]
+
*[[Lupe Amador]]<ref>Probably another [[4sJ|Forrynym]].</ref>
 
*[[Arthur K. Barnes]]
 
*[[Arthur K. Barnes]]
 
*[[Ray Bradbury]]
 
*[[Ray Bradbury]]
Line 114: Line 115:
 
*[[Ted Dikty]]
 
*[[Ted Dikty]]
 
*[[Phil Douglas]]
 
*[[Phil Douglas]]
−
*[[Erdstelulov]]<ref>Also listed as [[4sJ]], [[Forrest J Ackerman]], [[Mirta Forsto]], [[Claire Voyant]] and [[Weaver Wright]].</ref>
+
*[[Erdstelulov]]<ref name="4E"></ref>
−
*[[Jack Erman]]<ref>Also listed as [[4sJ]], [[Forrest J Ackerman]], [[Erdstelulov]], [[Mirta Forsto]], [[Claire Voyant]] and [[Weaver Wright]].</ref>
+
*[[Jack Erman]]<ref name="4E"></ref>
 
*[[Emrys Evans]]
 
*[[Emrys Evans]]
−
*[[Mirta Forsto]]<ref>[[Morojo]] and [[Forrest J Ackerman]] also listed separately.</ref>
+
*[[Mirta Forsto]]<ref>[[Morojo]] and [[Forrest J Ackerman]], also listed separately.</ref>
 
*[[Joe Fortier]]
 
*[[Joe Fortier]]
 
*[[Paul Freehafer]]
 
*[[Paul Freehafer]]
Line 125: Line 126:
 
*[[Henry D. Goldman]]
 
*[[Henry D. Goldman]]
 
*Prof. Gooseberry<ref>This ''might'' be [[Lynn Hickman]], who [[published]] a [[fanzine]] called ''[[Gooseberries]]''.</ref>
 
*Prof. Gooseberry<ref>This ''might'' be [[Lynn Hickman]], who [[published]] a [[fanzine]] called ''[[Gooseberries]]''.</ref>
−
*[[Samuel D. Gottesman|Samson Delilah Gottesman]]<ref>Also listed as [[Cyril Kornbluth]] and [[Ivar Towers]].</ref>
+
*[[Samuel D. Gottesman|Samson Delilah Gottesman]]<ref>Also listed as [[Cyril Kornbluth]] and [[Ivar Towers]].</ref>
 
*[[Edmond Hamilton]]
 
*[[Edmond Hamilton]]
 
*[[Charles Ford Hansen]]
 
*[[Charles Ford Hansen]]
Line 140: Line 141:
 
*[[Cyril Kornbluth]]<ref>Also listed as [[Samuel D. Gottesman|Samson Delilah Gottesman]] and [[Ivar Towers]].</ref>
 
*[[Cyril Kornbluth]]<ref>Also listed as [[Samuel D. Gottesman|Samson Delilah Gottesman]] and [[Ivar Towers]].</ref>
 
*[[Erle Korshak]]<ref>Also listed as [[Melvin Korshak]].</ref>
 
*[[Erle Korshak]]<ref>Also listed as [[Melvin Korshak]].</ref>
−
*[[Melvin Korshak]] <ref>Also listed as [[Erle Korshak]].</ref>
+
*[[Melvin Korshak]]<ref>Also listed as [[Erle Korshak]].</ref>
−
*Mr. and Mrs. [[Sam Korshak]]
+
*Mr. and Mrs. [[Sam Korshak]]<ref>[[Erle Korshak]]’s parents. </ref>
 
*[[Gertrude Kuslan]]
 
*[[Gertrude Kuslan]]
 
*[[Louis Kuslan]]
 
*[[Louis Kuslan]]
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*Benito Mussolini
 
*Benito Mussolini
 
*[[Eleanor O'Brien]]
 
*[[Eleanor O'Brien]]
−
*[[Bob Olsen]]<ref>Was this old-time [[L.A.]] [[pro]], a friend of [[Ackerman]]’s, really a member or just another [[4sJ]] [[pseudonym]]?</ref>
+
*[[Bob Olsen]]<ref>Was this old-time [[L.A.]] [[pro]], a friend of [[Forry Ackerman]]’s, really a member or just another [[4sJ]] [[pseudonym]]?</ref>
 
*[[Maurice Paul]]
 
*[[Maurice Paul]]
 
*[[Jo Perew]]
 
*[[Jo Perew]]
 
*[[Leslie Perri]]
 
*[[Leslie Perri]]
−
*[[Pogo]]
+
*[[Pogo (CA)]]
 
*[[Hoy Ping Pong]]<ref>Also listed as [[Bob Tucker]].</ref>
 
*[[Hoy Ping Pong]]<ref>Also listed as [[Bob Tucker]].</ref>
 
*[[Mario Racic, Jr.]]
 
*[[Mario Racic, Jr.]]
Line 186: Line 187:
 
*[[George Tullis]]
 
*[[George Tullis]]
 
*[[Mary Ellen Tyrrell]]
 
*[[Mary Ellen Tyrrell]]
−
*[[Sophia Van Doorne]]
+
*[[Sophia van Doorn|Sophia Van Doorne]]
 
*[[Vodoso]]
 
*[[Vodoso]]
−
*[[Claire Voyant]]<ref>Also listed as [[4sJ]], [[Forrest J Ackerman]], [[Erdstelulov]], [[Jack Erman]], [[Mirta Forsto]] and [[Weaver Wright]].</ref>
+
*[[Claire Voyant]]<ref name="4E"></ref>
 
*[[John Wasso, Jr.]]
 
*[[John Wasso, Jr.]]
 
*[[Braxton Wells]]<ref>Also listed as [[Donald A. Wollheim]].</ref>
 
*[[Braxton Wells]]<ref>Also listed as [[Donald A. Wollheim]].</ref>
Line 197: Line 198:
 
*[[Donald A. Wollheim]]<ref>Also listed as [[Braxton Wells]].</ref>
 
*[[Donald A. Wollheim]]<ref>Also listed as [[Braxton Wells]].</ref>
 
*[[Tom Wright]]
 
*[[Tom Wright]]
−
*[[Weaver Wright]]<ref>Also listed as [[4sJ]], [[Forrest J Ackerman]], [[Erdstelulov]], [[Jack Erman]], [[Mirta Forsto]] and [[Claire Voyant]].</ref>
+
*[[Weaver Wright]]<ref name="4E"></ref>
 
*[[Dirk Wylie]]
 
*[[Dirk Wylie]]
−
*[[Belle Wyman]]<ref>[[Forrest J Ackerman]]’s grandmother &mdash; was she really a member or did he use her name as yet another [[pseudonym]]?</ref>
+
*[[Belle Wyman]]<ref>[[Forrest J Ackerman]]’s grandmother — was she really a member or did he use her name as yet another [[pseudonym]]?</ref>
 
*[[Bruce Yerke]]
 
*[[Bruce Yerke]]
 
*[[Anton Yoike]]
 
*[[Anton Yoike]]
Line 205: Line 206:
  
  
−
===A second List===
+
==Other Lists==
−
In 1965, [[Bob Tucker]] did a [https://fanac.org/conpubs/Worldcon/Chicon%20I/Tau%20Ceti%20Reprints%20no.%202%20re-recognized.pdf retrospective on the Chicon] which included an analysis of the membership records:
+
In 1965, [[Bob Tucker]] did a [https://fanac.org/conpubs/Worldcon/Chicon%20I/Tau%20Ceti%20Reprints%20no.%202%20re-recognized.pdf retrospective on the Chicon] which included an analysis of the membership records.
  
−
'''Members of the Illini Fantasy Fictioneers, 1939-40 (in order of registration)
+
=== Illini Fantasy Fictioneers===
 +
The '''Illini Fantasy Fictioneers''' were organized to put on the [[Chicon]].  It was an [[Illinois]] group, but accepted members nationally.  It was organized in mid-1939 in [[Bloomington, IL]].  [[Bob Tucker]] was [[Director]], [[Richard Meyer]] was [[Secretary]]-[[Treasurer]], [[Erle Korshak]] was Adviser, [[Mark Reinsberg]] was [[Chairman]] of the convention, and [[Sully Roberds]] was [[Publicity]] Director.  (Most of them were still in High School.  Tucker, at 25, was the Old Man.)
 +
 
 +
[[Sully Roberds]] published the ''[[Fantasy Fictioneer]]'' as their [[Official Organ]], and they organized meetings (calling them the [[Chicago Conference]]s.)
 +
 
 +
{{fancy1|text=
 +
'''IFF''' – The '''Illini Fantasy Fictioneers''', formed by [[Mark Reinsberg|Reinsberg]], [[Bob Tucker|Tucker]], ''et al'', as the [[publicity]] [[organization]] for [[the Chicon]]; afterwards continued as a state [[organization]], finally joining the [[Mid-West Fantasy Fan Federation]].
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
'''Members of the Illini Fantasy Fictioneers, 1939–40 (in order of registration)
 
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 
<div style="column-count:2;-moz-column-count:2;-webkit-column-count:2">
 
* [[Bob Tucker]], [[Bloomington, IL|Bloomington, Ill]]
 
* [[Bob Tucker]], [[Bloomington, IL|Bloomington, Ill]]
Line 215: Line 225:
 
* [[Erle Korshak]], Chicago
 
* [[Erle Korshak]], Chicago
 
* [[Sully Roberds]], Formal, Ill<ref>[[Typo]] for [[Bloomington, IL|Normal, IL]].</ref>
 
* [[Sully Roberds]], Formal, Ill<ref>[[Typo]] for [[Bloomington, IL|Normal, IL]].</ref>
−
* [[Forrest J Ackerman]], [[Los Angeles]]
+
* [[Forrest J Ackerman]], [[Los Angeles]]<ref name="4E"></ref>
 
* [[Ray Bradbury]], Los Angeles
 
* [[Ray Bradbury]], Los Angeles
 
* [[Morojo]], Los Angeles
 
* [[Morojo]], Los Angeles
−
* [[Pogo]], Los Angeles
+
* [[Pogo (CA)]], Los Angeles
 
* [[Nancy Featherstone|Fancy Featherstone]], Los Angeles
 
* [[Nancy Featherstone|Fancy Featherstone]], Los Angeles
 
* [[Paul Freehafer]], [[Pasadena, CA|Pasadena, Cal]].
 
* [[Paul Freehafer]], [[Pasadena, CA|Pasadena, Cal]].
Line 272: Line 282:
 
</div>
 
</div>
  
−
 
+
===Guest Book===
 
Chicon attendees, in the order registered in the Guest Book, (beware of pseudonyms)
 
Chicon attendees, in the order registered in the Guest Book, (beware of pseudonyms)
  
Line 278: Line 288:
 
* [[Bob Osterman]], [[Chicago|La Grange, Ill]].
 
* [[Bob Osterman]], [[Chicago|La Grange, Ill]].
 
* [[Hyman Tiger]], [[New York City]]
 
* [[Hyman Tiger]], [[New York City]]
−
* [[Patti Grayson]] (no address)<ref>Probably a [[pseudonym]] for [[Pogo|Mary Corinne “Patti” Gray]] aka [[Pogo]].</ref>
+
* [[Patti Grayson]] (no address)<ref>Probably a [[pseudonym]] for [[Pogo (CA)|Mary Corinne “Patti” Gray]] aka [[Pogo (CA)]].</ref>
 
* [[Erle Korshak]], [[Chicago]]
 
* [[Erle Korshak]], [[Chicago]]
 
* [[Jack Speer]], [[Washington, DC|Washington DC]]
 
* [[Jack Speer]], [[Washington, DC|Washington DC]]
Line 286: Line 296:
 
* [[William Hamling]], Chicago
 
* [[William Hamling]], Chicago
 
* [[Ted Dikty]], [[Fort Wayne, IN|Fort Wayne, Ind]].
 
* [[Ted Dikty]], [[Fort Wayne, IN|Fort Wayne, Ind]].
−
* [[Mrs. Richard Frank]], State College, [[Pennsylvania|Penna]]
+
* [[Ruth Frank|Mrs. Richard Frank]], State College, [[Pennsylvania|Penna]]
 
* [[Richard Frank]] - ditto
 
* [[Richard Frank]] - ditto
 
* [[Hazel Shull]], Millheim, [[Pennsylvania|Penna]].
 
* [[Hazel Shull]], Millheim, [[Pennsylvania|Penna]].
Line 347: Line 357:
 
* [[Edwin Benson]], [[Milwaukee, WI|West Bend, Wisc]].
 
* [[Edwin Benson]], [[Milwaukee, WI|West Bend, Wisc]].
 
* [[Joe Angstrom]], [[Chicago, IL|Cicero, Ill]].
 
* [[Joe Angstrom]], [[Chicago, IL|Cicero, Ill]].
−
* [[Pogo]], Los Angeles<ref>Also listed as [[Mary Corinne Gray]].</ref>
+
* [[Pogo (CA)]], Los Angeles<ref>Also listed as [[Mary Corinne Gray]].</ref>
 
* [[Charles Tanner]], Cincinnati, O
 
* [[Charles Tanner]], Cincinnati, O
 
* [[Joseph Millard]], Chicago
 
* [[Joseph Millard]], Chicago
Line 365: Line 375:
 
* [[James Norman]], Chicago
 
* [[James Norman]], Chicago
 
* [[William McGivern]], Chicago
 
* [[William McGivern]], Chicago
−
* [[Mrs. Ad Reinsberg]], Chicago<ref>[[Mark Reinsberg]]’s mother, also listed as [[Bertha Reinsberg]].</ref>
+
* [[Mark Reinsberg|Mrs. Ad Reinsberg]], Chicago<ref>[[Mark Reinsberg]]’s mother, also listed as [[Bertha Reinsberg]].</ref>
 
* [[Olon F. Wiggins]], Denver, Colo.
 
* [[Olon F. Wiggins]], Denver, Colo.
 
* [[Morojo]], Los Angeles
 
* [[Morojo]], Los Angeles
Line 388: Line 398:
 
* [[Mrs. C. W. Norwood]] - ditto
 
* [[Mrs. C. W. Norwood]] - ditto
 
* [[Doris Beller]], Chicago
 
* [[Doris Beller]], Chicago
−
* [[Bertha Reinsberg]], Chicago <ref>[[Mark Reinsberg]]’s mother, also listed as [[Mrs. Ad Reinsberg]].</ref>
+
* [[Bertha Reinsberg]], Chicago <ref>[[Mark Reinsberg]]’s mother, also listed as Mrs. Ad Reinsberg.</ref>
 
* [[Helene Reinsberg|Helena Reinsberg]], Chicago <ref>Misspelling of [[Helene Reinsberg]] &mdash; [[Mark Reinsberg]]’s sister.</ref>
 
* [[Helene Reinsberg|Helena Reinsberg]], Chicago <ref>Misspelling of [[Helene Reinsberg]] &mdash; [[Mark Reinsberg]]’s sister.</ref>
−
* [[Mrs. Orvis Shull]], Millheim, Pa,
+
* [[Sara M. Shull|Mrs. Orvis Shull]], Millheim, Pa,
 
* Dr. [[Thelma Shull]], [[Chicago|Evanston, Ill]].
 
* Dr. [[Thelma Shull]], [[Chicago|Evanston, Ill]].
 
* [[Mrs. H. S. Greenberg]], Chicago
 
* [[Mrs. H. S. Greenberg]], Chicago
 
* [[Anton Yolke]], [[Calgary, AB|Calgary]], [[Canada]]
 
* [[Anton Yolke]], [[Calgary, AB|Calgary]], [[Canada]]
−
* [[Mary Corrine Gray]], Los Angeles<ref>Also listed as [[Pogo]].</ref>
+
* [[Mary Corrine Gray]], Los Angeles<ref>Also listed as [[Pogo (CA)]].</ref>
 
* [[Donald Bern]], Chicago
 
* [[Donald Bern]], Chicago
 
* [[Daniel Hansen]] (no address )
 
* [[Daniel Hansen]] (no address )
Line 408: Line 418:
  
 
(those who neglected to sign:)
 
(those who neglected to sign:)
−
* [[Constance Meyer]], Chicago
+
* [[Constance Meyer]], Chicago<ref>The Meyers were possibly related to concom member [[Richard Meyer]].</ref>
 
* Mr. [[David Meyer]], Chicago
 
* Mr. [[David Meyer]], Chicago
 
* [[Mrs. David Meyer]], Chicago
 
* [[Mrs. David Meyer]], Chicago
Line 417: Line 427:
  
  
−
{{convention | series=Worldcon | year=1940 | before=Nycon| after=Denvention|series1=Chicago Worldcons|after1=Chicon II}}
+
{{convention | series=Worldcon | year=1940 | before=Nycon| after=Denvention|series1=Chicago Worldcons|after1=Chicon II|locale=Chicago, IL}}
 
[[Category:fancy1]]
 
[[Category:fancy1]]
 
[[Category:US]]
 
[[Category:US]]
−
 
 
[[Category:worldcon]]
 
[[Category:worldcon]]
 
[[Category:fancy2]]
 
[[Category:fancy2]]

Latest revision as of 02:34, 7 February 2024

ChiconArt.jpeg
Chicon Program Book heading by Dick Calkins, featuring Buck Rogers scientificomics characters, courtesy of the John F. Dille Co., a Chicago-based newspaper syndicate.


The second Worldcon, and first in Chicago, Chicon was held in the Hotel Chicagoan in Chicago, IL, September 1–2, 1940. The GoH was E. E. "Doc" Smith.

The tradition of nicknaming Worldcons was still not settled, and nobody had thought about choosing a site for another Worldcon the year before; Forry Ackerman nicknamed this one. The 1940 Worldcon Site Selection that chose Chicago took place at Philcon 1939, not at the First Worldcon, but this Worldcon cemented the tradition of choosing the upcoming site during the con. Denver in 1941 won the right to host the 1941 Worldcon over a New York in 1941 bid in the 1941 Worldcon Site Selection at Chicon.

The Chicon was sponsored by the Illini Fantasy Fictioneers, a club set up for the purpose, and run by a triumvirate. Mark Reinsberg held the title of chairman (he'd won that title in a "bitter struggle" with W. Lawrence Hamling, who claimed to have been elected), with Erle Korshak (secretary and executive advisor) and Bob Tucker (treasurer and Director of the IFF) as equal partners who did 90% of the work. Sully Roberds did publications and Richard Meyer also helped. Korshak presided over the opening day of the con, when Reinsberg fell ill.

Although the official membership count was 128, Tucker reported that Ray Palmer signed the membership book five times, using his own name and four of his pseudonyms. (This appears to have been common in the early days.) Admission was free. See the list of pre-registered members below.

The Chicon may have been the place where Claude Degler made his first public appearance at a fannish event, unless it was the Denvention.

The first masquerade took place at the Chicon at the suggestion of Jack Speer and Milt Rothman.

Erle Korshak claimed that after Chicon, he and Bob Tucker met and divvied up the couple of hundred dollars that was left after paying the bills. Korshak, Tucker and Reinsberg each got a share and Sully Roberds and Richard Meyer split a share.

From Fancyclopedia 2, ca. 1959
from Convention ChiCon I was in Chicago about Labor Day 1940 under the auspices of the Illinois Fantasy Fictioneers (a con-promoting organization specially organized by Reinsburg, Tucker, and others for the event; it later merged with the MWFFF). The ChiCon I was significant of the new harmony in fandom resulting from the suppression of feuding, and took place in the plushest surroundings yet. A suggestion by Speer and Rothman led to institution of the Costume Party at this con; Dave Kyle won it as Ming the Merciless.
From Fancyclopedia 1, ca. 1944
(Ackerman) - The Chicago 1940 World Science-Fiction Convention


Program[edit]

Ad for TWS, Startling Stories and Captain Future featuring Hans Wesso art from the Chicon program book.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 1[edit]

  • MORNING SESSION: 10:00 A.M to 12:00 Noon.
  1. Informal gathering at Convention Hall.
  2. Acceptance of Resolutions Petitions.
  3. Sale of Official Convention Fan Publications
  4. Luncheon Recess.
  • AFTERNOON SESSION: 1:00 to 6:00 P.M.
  1. Registration in Foyer
    1. Sale of Chicon Program Booklet.
    2. Distribution of Chicon souvenirs.
  2. Formal Opening of Chicon by Temporary Chairman.
  3. Address of Welcome, by Bob Tucker.
  4. Report of the Program Committee: Richard I. Meyer, Chairman.
  5. Installment of Mark Reinsberg as Permanent Chairman.
  6. "One Year of Fan Progress," by Mark Reinsberg.
  7. Report of the Resolutions Committee: Erle Korshak, Chairman.
  8. "What Does This Convention Mean?" by E. E. Smith, Ph. D.
  9. Motion Picture-Premier Showing of Monsters of the Moon, a scientific fantasy of the future. Introductory remarks by Forrest J Ackerman.
  10. Recess for Refreshments (30 minutes).
  11. "What Science Fiction Really Is," Raymond A. Palmer.
  12. This is Fandom! Introductions of:
    1. The Convention Committee.
    2. The Fans and Pros of Chicago: the Nation.
  13. Supper Recess-preparation for costume party.
  • EVENING SESSION: 8:00 P.M. to Midnight.
  1. The Science Fiction Masquerade Party: Speer & Rothman, co-Masters of Ceremony.
  2. The Science Fiction Auction: Erle Korshak, Auctioneer.
  3. Adjournment to Monday Sept. 2nd.

MONDAY, SEPT. 2nd.[edit]

  • MORNING SESSION: 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon. (Closed)
  1. Business Meeting of the Illini Fantasy Fictioneers-IFF members only.
  • AFTERNOON SESSION: 1:00 to 6:00 P.M.
  1. Call to order
  2. Reading of the Minutes of previous day: George Tullis, Recording Secretary.
  3. Director's Report on the IFF.
  4. Report of the Resolutions Committee.
  5. Individual presentation of proposed Resolutions by sponsors.
    1. Individual debate.
    2. Assembly votes for or against adoption of individual proposed Resolutions in Chicon Platform.
  6. Reading of Chicon Platform for Fandom.
  7. New or unfinished business.
  8. Dinner Recess.
  • EVENING SESSION: 8:00 P.M. to Midnight.
  1. The E. E. Smith Honor Banquet. Celebrating the Chicon's GoH, the Colossus of all writers of Science Fiction---Edward E. ("Skylark") Smith, Ph. D.
  2. After dinner talks and general discussion.
  3. Final adjournment and --Farewell.
  • SPECIAL EVENTS (Tuesday, Sept 3rd).
  1. The Science Fiction Softball Game. Two select All-Fan Teams battle for the Championship.
  2. General Open House. Chicago fans "fling wide the portals" of their homes for visiting fans.
  3. General Tours of Chicago. Escorted trips to Chicago's points of interest, in and out of the fan world.

Hotel Chicagoan[edit]

Located at 67 W. Madison Street in Chicago and built in 1932 as an addition to the adjacent Hotel Morrison (site of Chicon 2), this hotel featured 450 rooms. The site of both hotels is now taken up by the Chase Tower.

List of Chicon Members[edit]

This list of members, labeled “Fantasy Fictioneers,” was taken from the program book, so it includes only those who signed up in advance. A number of names are obviously fakes, several fans are listed more than once under pseudonyms, and the goh and some committee members are missing. In short, it can’t be relied on as a list of who actually attended.


Other Lists[edit]

In 1965, Bob Tucker did a retrospective on the Chicon which included an analysis of the membership records.

Illini Fantasy Fictioneers[edit]

The Illini Fantasy Fictioneers were organized to put on the Chicon. It was an Illinois group, but accepted members nationally. It was organized in mid-1939 in Bloomington, IL. Bob Tucker was Director, Richard Meyer was Secretary-Treasurer, Erle Korshak was Adviser, Mark Reinsberg was Chairman of the convention, and Sully Roberds was Publicity Director. (Most of them were still in High School. Tucker, at 25, was the Old Man.)

Sully Roberds published the Fantasy Fictioneer as their Official Organ, and they organized meetings (calling them the Chicago Conferences.)

From Fancyclopedia 1, ca. 1944
IFF – The Illini Fantasy Fictioneers, formed by Reinsberg, Tucker, et al, as the publicity organization for the Chicon; afterwards continued as a state organization, finally joining the Mid-West Fantasy Fan Federation.

Members of the Illini Fantasy Fictioneers, 1939–40 (in order of registration)

Guest Book[edit]

Chicon attendees, in the order registered in the Guest Book, (beware of pseudonyms)

There are eight known pseudonyms in the above list; it is anyone’s guess how many more there be.


(those who neglected to sign:)

___

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Forrest J Ackerman registered under a slew of pseudonyms, including 4sJ, Erdstelulov, Jack Erman, Mirta Forsto, Claire Voyant and Weaver Wright.
  2. ↑ Probably another Forrynym.
  3. ↑ Also listed as Jack F Speer.
  4. ↑ Morojo and Forrest J Ackerman, also listed separately.
  5. ↑ This might be Lynn Hickman, who published a fanzine called Gooseberries.
  6. ↑ Also listed as Cyril Kornbluth and Ivar Towers.
  7. ↑ Probably another Forrynym.
  8. ↑ Also listed as Samson Delilah Gottesman and Ivar Towers.
  9. ↑ Also listed as Melvin Korshak.
  10. ↑ Also listed as Erle Korshak.
  11. ↑ Erle Korshak’s parents.
  12. ↑ Also listed as Mark Reinsberg.
  13. ↑ Also listed as Mirta Forsto.
  14. ↑ Was this old-time L.A. pro, a friend of Forry Ackerman’s, really a member or just another 4sJ pseudonym?
  15. ↑ Also listed as Bob Tucker.
  16. ↑ Also listed as Ray J. Sienkiewicz.
  17. ↑ Also listed as Midwest Marky.
  18. ↑ Also listed as Rajocz.
  19. ↑ Also listed as John A. Bristol.
  20. ↑ Cyril Kornbluth and Dick Wilson also listed separately.
  21. ↑ Also listed as Hoy Ping Pong.
  22. ↑ Also listed as Donald A. Wollheim.
  23. ↑ Also listed as Ivar Towers.
  24. ↑ Also listed as Braxton Wells.
  25. ↑ Forrest J Ackerman’s grandmother — was she really a member or did he use her name as yet another pseudonym?
  26. ↑ Typo for Normal, IL.
  27. ↑ Probably a pseudonym for Mary Corinne “Patti” Gray aka Pogo.
  28. ↑ Likely an error for West Bend, Wisconsin.
  29. ↑ Typo for Oskaloosa, Iowa.
  30. ↑ Also listed as Mary Corinne Gray.
  31. ↑ Mark Reinsberg’s mother, also listed as Bertha Reinsberg.
  32. ↑ Mark Reinsberg’s mother, also listed as Mrs. Ad Reinsberg.
  33. ↑ Misspelling of Helene Reinsberg — Mark Reinsberg’s sister.
  34. ↑ Also listed as Pogo.
  35. ↑ The Meyers were possibly related to concom member Richard Meyer.


Nycon Worldcon - Bidding - Hugos Denvention
first Chicago Worldcons Chicon II
1940
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