Venue Alexandria Hotel Attendance 322 | ||
Location(s) Los Angeles, California Inaugurated August 29-September 1, 1958 | ||
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. Solacon was physically in Los Angeles, but (by mayoral proclamation) technically in South Gate, California, to fulfill their bid slogan of "South Gate in '58."
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.
The chairman 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. For the 1958 Hugos, Solacon presented engraved plaques instead of the established nickel-plated Hugo rocket mounted on a wooden base. Results are based on the ballots submitted by members of the World Science Fiction Society.