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by Philip Gust (Author), Kathleen Gust
In 1939, two fans of sci-fi literature from California, Forrest J Ackerman and Myrtle R Douglas, attended the first World Science Fiction Convention, in New York City. They attracted a lot of attention because they were the only ones who wore costumes, which were made by Douglas. The idea caught on, and wearing costumes at sci-fi/ fantasy conventions soon grew in popularity.
In 1994, the International Costumers' Guild (ICG) recognized Ackerman as the "Father of Convention Costuming." Since he was so well known, little background about him or the reason for the award was needed. However, memory about Douglas had faded, and no mention was made of her or her contribution.
The ICG finally recognized Myrtle R Douglas in 2016 as the "Mother of Convention Costuming" for creating and wearing the first costumes at a sci-fi/fantasy convention, and for her efforts to popularize convention costuming.
Then ICG President, Philip Gust, created a documentary video about Douglas that he hoped would continue to inform people about her contribution to costuming at sci-fi/fantasy conventions.
This book, based on the video, pays homage to the fan who forever influenced what we wear at sci-fi/fantasy conventions,
