16th World Science Fiction Convention

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]

Solacon, the 16th World Science Fiction Convention
GenreScience fiction
Dates29 August–1 September 1958
VenueAlexandria Hotel
Location(s)Los Angeles, California
CountryUnited States
Attendance322

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 for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. The results are based on the ballots submitted by members of the World Science Fiction Society. Other awards, including the Astounding Award for Best New Writer (since 1973; named "John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer" until 2019), are also presented at each year's Worldcon.[5] [6]

Hugo Awards

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).

See also

References
  1. "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.
  2. "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.
  3. 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.
  4. "Notes on the Long List of Worldcons". nesfa.org. Archived from the original on 9 February 2007. Retrieved 3 March 2007.
  5. "Hugo Award FAQ". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Retrieved 2018-11-11.
  6. "1958 Hugo Awards". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Retrieved March 5, 2011.
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)


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