MONSTER BASH LETTERS

CREEPY CORRESPONDENCE ABOUT OUR LAST BASH, JUNE 26-JUNE 28, 2009!

Hi Ron,

I cant express on how great this years Bash was for me,
The honor it was for me to apply the wolfman make up on Ron Chaney . All I can say WOW and that his family are the nicest people that you can meet. Next was the song (Make-up man) By my friend Mark Statler It brought a tear to my eye, THANK YOU MARK from the bottom of my make up Bag !! That, as you know, is what I live for, To make Monsters come Life!! And then to top it All off, was to receive the Forry award, Thank You Ron and Monster Bash Staff. And I would like to thank my friend Joe DeMuro Aka The Monster, What a great Job you do . Even Glenn Strange would be proud. And I would like to send out a thank you to Miss Frankenstein as well (she was The Bride at Bash). And, to my friend Jay and the rest of the gang and to all Monster Bash Fans - thank you.
See all you Soon ,Bash 2010.
Thank you
Ron Chamberlain
Maker Of Bash Monsters

Hi Ron
I would like to thank you and the staff, for a great Monster Bash. I met so many great People this year and had a lot of fun being one of the Frankenstein Monsters to roam the Hall ways of the Bash, I would like to thank Ron Chaney and his family, for letting me get in a few great photo's with me as the monster and Ron in his grandfathers Wolfman Make up. I hope the fans loved seeing the Monsters roaming the Hall ways. And a thanks to Ron Chamberlain for making all of us come a LIVE like we walk Wright out of the films of the old classics.
Thank you
Joe DeMuro AKA FRANKENSTEIN MONSTER.

Hi, Ron - I just got home from attending my first "Monster Bash" and I loved every minute of it! I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to talk with you, but I could see how busy you were. I've organized a lot of conferences myself so I have some idea of how much work is involved in putting something like this together. It was truly a labor of love. I fully intend to be back next year and I'll spread the good word amongst my friends. I teach philosophy at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York and am a long-time "Frankenstein" and Universal Monsters fan.

All the best,

Tim Madigan

JUST CHECKED TO SEE IF YOU SOLD ANYTHING FOR DEPRESSION, THE MONSTER BASH HAS ENDED AND I'M HAVING WITHDRAWL SYMPTOMS. DIDN'T SEE YOU BEFORE I LEFT TO TELL YOU "WHAT A GREAT TIME IT IS FOR ME TO GET AWAY AND COME TO THE BASH". HOPE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A GREAT SUMMER . THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS GIFT YOU GIVE US ALL. -TOM TRAVIS

Ron,

I can't thank you enough for having me attend your Monster Bash this year ... had a ball and got acquainted with old friends and met some new ones. I always have a great time at your conventions! I'm absolutely crazy about your mom! She walks into a room and is a breath of fresh air and with a smile and gentleness about her that lights up a room ... please give her my best and tell her I look forward to seeing her again.

Keep me in mind for any Monster Bash's down the road ... next time I'm determined to rent a car and see downtown Pittsburgh, which everyone says is beautiful!

Thanks again Ron.

Chris Costello

Thank you for hosting yet another great weekend! My daughter Katelyn extended her "street cred" as a Monster Kid by staying up and sitting through the entire drive-in presentation on Saturday night. She enjoyed Abbott and Costello and the Monsters both on the screen and live, but in her words, "I like the monsters when they are funny but not when they are scary."

It means a lot to us that we are able to have a full day of fun as adults while still being able to enjoy time with our daughter. Thank you again for creating an environment in which we can do both with no worries.

Chris Handa

Hi Ron:

I wanted to let you know that I made it home from Monster Bash Monday evening. I left Butler at 5:30 Monday morning and drove straight through 800 miles and got back home at 9:30. The weather cooperated this year and I stopped 3 times for gas and snacks. My new Harley has a 6 gallon tank so now I can go 250 miles between stops.

I also wanted to thank you for another wonderful time. It's the best three days in a row of the whole year for alot of us that come there. I think as we get older we get more sentimental for I found myself misty eyed more than once during the weekend. Especially the Uncle Forry tributes and seeing Ron Chaney's reaction to his grandfather's video. My hat's off to Charles Henson for his video tributes. Brian Keegan's film about the Bash history was soooo good!!

The guests and programming were excellent. I'm even getting to know some of the vendors from seeing them every year.

Do you know what the hardest part was? It was Sunday afternoon and Geoffrey Curtis turned off the projector and turned on the lights and said the Bash is over for another year. Don't take it wrong, Geoffrey is great it's just that our three day dream getaway is over. There were a couple dozen people in the room that just sat there and didn't want it to end.

On a lighter note, I did pick up the new Forry DVD, MonsterBash magazine #9, World Without End/Satellite in the Sky DVD, (thanks to your Dad), the Route 66 DVD and issue #70 Ackermonster Scary Monsters tribute issue. These were on my list I brought from home. One thing on my list that I didn't get was the 2008 MonsterBash House on Haunted Hill T-shirt because it was sold out! That'll teach me to wait a year.

Anyway Ron, thanks so much for all you and Ursula and your excellent staff do. I looking forward to 2010. It looks like another good one. In fact I gave Ursula my $ on Sunday for next years registration.

Rocky from Iowa
"Ghostrider"

Hi Ron-

Wow, another Bash has come and gone quicker than the blink of an eye, but
as always it was another memorable weekend! The programming again was
superb; the guests were warm and friendly, as were the attendees.
Highlights for us were the Ron Chaney talk and the “Attack of the 50 Foot
Ghoul.” Brian Nichols and family continue to amaze. We were really sad that we missed Don Reese (we heard he was hilarious as usual) and the drive-in showing of “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (complete with live monsters and Bud and Lou), but everyone was raving about it when we returned to the hotel after having dinner in Butler. However, we did see everyone in make-up and they all looked GREAT!

Also, I was surprised and truly honored to receive a Monster Bash Award (The Forry) this year, and to see Ron Chamberlain (Bash make-up man extraordinaire) and Barb Heiss also receive one was made it extra special. But the icing on the cake was seeing the look on your face when Ursula surprised you with a Forry, as no one is more deserving than you for throwing an annual party that Monster Kids from all over the world can attend and feel right at home!

A HUGE thanks to you and your crew for another weekend we’ll never forget. Bring on the flying saucers in 2010!

Best always, Jim & Marian Clatterbaugh

Hey Ron!

Another great, or shall I say FANTASTIC Bash! We had a blast and it went by way too fast.

Thanks, Scott

Hey Ron,

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed myself at the 2009
bash, as a dealer and collector of the classic Sci Fi and monster
films I want to congratulate you on such a great and wonderful show
you have put on over the last 12 years..

I will not miss another bash
from here out. Thanks!! a million for keeping the classic monster
dream alive for all of us monster kids. I am really looking forward
to an exciting bash 2010.

Regards always,
Juan
Juan's Classic Sci Fi Horror Collectibles Ft. Lauderdale FL
(THE CREEPY SWAMPS)

Ron,

Just a big thank you for all your hard work on the Bash. I had a great time!

It's hard to believe I have been coming for a decade and each year I don't want to go home.

Can't wait for 2010! -Melody

Hi Ron,
Thanks again for another great Bash! This really was one of the best. I stayed planted so long in my seat Friday I didn't think I'd be able to get up!

Brian

You really have a very special conference in Bash...the friendships and comradery(not sure of spelling) are amazing! Thanks, brother!!! Sincerely, Mark

Hello, Ron!
Finally getting rested up from the Bash weekend here--old and creaky as I am at this point, it takes me a couple days to catch up on sleep.

First let me tell you how much fun I had with your dad and mom and aunt (I think I got the relationships right, didn't I?). I have always enjoyed talking to them and telling them truly awful corny jokes--I love to see them laugh. Every time I saw your dad all weekend, he was ready with a smile and a wisecrack--you have the nicest folks in monsterdom, I firmly believe.

For me, my three favorite guests this year were Janet Ann Gallow--who was smiling away every time I saw her. What a sweetheart she is! And this was my second time to talk to Yvonne Monlaur, a great favorite of mine--and she is so kind and friendly and gracious. She's such a wonderful lady--you just have to overlook the fact that she unchained David Peel! And my third favorite would be Gary Conway, with whom I was able to talk about art and wine. We are going to discuss further soon, as I'm interested in buying one of his paintings. I was always a fan of his tv and movie work, growing up with it from the '50s onward--and it would be great fun to add his artwork now to my collection.

Of the events--I very much enjoyed Frank Dello Stritto's talk about the monster-actors' visa/passport records; I loved seeing THE MAGICIAN (first time for me); as always, Brian Nichols' family horror flicks were hilarious monster fun--there should be a Ghoul Girls Don Post mask! And perhaps my top favorite event was Zach Zito's one man show of THE TELL-TALE HEART. I was blown away by his performance--the man was all over the room during the course of his performance! What energy! And what a creepy, sincere enactment of that Poe story.

Thanks for the opportunity, too, to meet more NOTLD zombies. I truly enjoyed talking to Russell Streiner and George Kosana this year. In my experience, although they creeped me so horribly 40 years ago, they are the friendliest folks around. Same goes for Bill and Kyra and John, of course. Great folks!

Above all, Bash time was a great time to meet and greet friends and to make new ones. Thanks for the opportunity to Bash in 2009!

Best,
Robert Taylor

Hi Ron

I want to thank you for having me at your show.I had a great time.
Your Staff and the Hotel Staff were all great.

-Ricou Browning

Linda and I are flying back to Indonesia in a few hours after ~3 weeks in the USA, the highlight of which was the Monster Bash in Butler, PA. The Bash, as always, was a delight. My talk was well-attended and well-received (always an ego-booster), I met Lou Costello's daughter for the first time, and Donnie Dunagan and Janet Ann Gallow (the kids in Son of Frankenstein and Ghost of Frankenstein), and some of the other guests.  Unexpected treats were a 10-minute offbeat film "Institute of Seance" and Cortlandt Hull's footage for his upcoming documentary.  About the latter: Billy Mumy's imitation of Alfred Hitchcock (who directed 7-year old Mumy on TV) has to be seen to be believed--that alone made the  trip worthwhile. I was not a likely buyer of Cortlandt's next documentary, but now I can't wait. - Frank Dello Stritto

Hey Ron,
 
Definitely having post-Monster Bash blues, what an unbelievable show that was, you and your entire staff are to be commended. That was my 7th year in a row, and somehow you manage to top the previous year each time. Great Stuff! Also want to thank you and Ron Chamberlain again for giving me the opportunity to play the role of the teenage frankenstein friday night, that was a blast and I think Gary Conway had a great time with it too and was legitimately surprised. It is NEVER too early to start looking fwd to the next Bash and we're doing that already. Thanks again Ron, and we'll definitely catch up with you at Cinema Wasteland in Ohio in October!
 
MIKE SAGLIMBEN

Hi Ron,

 Thank you again for having us at Monster Bash.  We had a fantastic time. 

~Penny Dreadful~

Hi Ron,

I wanted to thank you again for letting me be a part of another great Monster Bash Show. Yvonne also wanted me to thank you again for letting her be a part of the show, and all the fond memories she received from you, your family and the best staff anywhere in the convention circuit.

You guys are all the greatest!

I hope you have been able to get some rest my friend.

All My Best,
Kevin

Ron,  Just wanted to say thanks from Autumn, Karl and myself for another great monster bash. Every year I think it gets better.

We all feel as if it is an extended family reunion, it is so nice to see the dealers, fans (like ourselves) and repeat guests. Ron Chaney and his whole family was so gracious, they even tried to find a pin to add to Karl's jacket he had made with the London After Midnight print on it. As always the guests were so friendly to take pictures and to sign photos for us. Abbott and Costello were so amazingly funny. The pictures we got of them were priceless.

Autumn and I left the drive-in early to find the Wolfman and his friends singing in the entryway, it was awesome.

The Rock as always was entertaining,  the carry out of him great, We also loved the drive-in and so many more things, To You and Ursula (and all your many helpers) with give many thanks. I know it must be alot of work, but we feel you pull it off every year supremely.
 
This year we came on Thursday to stay at the hotel. It turned out to be alot of fun, we checked out the Pittsburg Phipps Conservatory, it was the best We have ever seen, in each room were amazing glass pieces, we also got to check out a couple of cemetaries. The one where the night of the living dead was filmed and one with a one ton revolving door.

Again many thanks from us all, next year we hope to bring our son back and grandson. He will love ghoul a-go-go's.

Already looking forward to  next year to see everyone again and to meet even more great guests.

sincerely Cathy, Karl and Autumn

Ron,

Another wonderful BASH! The worst part is Monday morning. My love for the monsters and the classic movies continues to grow and Bash fuels the fire. It is something that I can look forward to in the summer. I wish it could just last longer. It was another exciting and fun-filled weekend. As always, I am anxiously awaiting for next June.

-Theron

Dear Ron:

I just wanted to drop a note and thank you for another wonderful Monster Bash! This year was probably the best yet.

What you do is so important to so many. A thousand bows.

Tony, Becky, Evan Stultz and the monster gang

Good Morning Ron and Family, July 7 2009.

A repeating Thanks from Dana and me to you folks for hosting us at the great Show you always produce.

Evidence that your type of Family Based and culture-designed weekend long Convention type Show is uncommonly successful can be found in our mail box and on this e.mail address station.

As of last evening, we have received 41 e.mails, all most friendly, fun and rewarding. Only two asked for anything from me, but those were also fun and thoughtful. That, plus 18 postal mails....sad to pay $0.44 a pop for stamps for one of the most overpriced and underperforming postals in the developed world.

One, that I printed out just to frame, was addressed to ""Sergeant Dan Doonagan (*), Army Man Retired,"" I gather from one of the high school girls that came with a gym coach on Saturday noon with all the photos going on. She wanted me to Thanks Dana for being so friendly, and this,"you sure have a nice daughter." How can one not love a young gal like that? I sent her and her Gym Team one of our rare and on 1940 Universal Studio paper prints of Frankenstein holding me on his lap, laughing at one of my dumb kid jokes, signed well.

-Donnie Dunagan

Greetings Ron and Entire Bash Staff,
Well, I again was only able to make a one day stop, but, as always, well worth it. Got a few mags, movies, t-shirts, pictures and autographs. Met some fine folks. I just wish it could have been at least overnight. I miss out on so much dashing in and out. Enough of my boo-hooing....you all need to take a bow....wonderful job, as always!! Monster Bash is just such a wonderful event. Take care everyone and I'll be back again next year! -Bill Petko

Dear Ron, I once again had a great time at the Monster Bash in 2009. See You next Year at the Invasion in 2010! Sincerely, Steven Maxwell

Greetings Ron, You put on a wonderful show. There are so many aspects to commend you on, especially my Q & A. But I got a big kick out of the outdoor theater you set up, with people in their cars like the old drive in movies. I want to create something like that here at my vineyard. It was fun being alongside Lou, it gave us a lot of time to catch up with all sorts of things. I have had so many people contact me by e-mail, and they all seemed to have enjoyed themselves immensely. Great work!

Gary Conway

Ron and gang,

I attended my first ever bash this year and had more fun than I can put into words. I will be back for many, mnay more.

Dean Vanderkolk

Hey Group "You wouldn't believe",
I had the best time attending my first "Monster Bash", and I am already looking forward to next years "Bash". If you don't believe me, check with the desk at the "Day's Inn", as I have already booked a room for next years "Bash". I came dressed as Clevelands famous "Horror Host" of the early 60's - "Ghoulardi" (Shock Theater). I had my picture taken with "Riccou Browning" - "Janet Ann Gallow" - "Donnie Dunagan" - "Gary Conway" - "Yvonne Monlaur" & "Jonathan Haze", as I got their autographs on original "lobby cards" and "movie stills". My favorite, being a "Near Mint" (1942) behind the scenes publicity photo of the "Frankenstein Monster" (Lon Chaney Jr.) holding little "Cloestine" (Janet Ann Gallow) on his shoulder. I had her sign it "Are you a giant" (her line in the movie after she first looked up and saw the "Frankenstein Monster" in the town, (I will cherish that one forever). Other favorites being a (1939) photo of Donnie Dunagan w/ "Lionel Atwell" as their holding their pistols and I had him sign it "I'm going hunting" w/ his name. Also, "Yvonne Monlaur" was such a sweetheart, her role in "Brides of Dracula" is outstanding. Again. thanks for putting on a great convention, and I will be looking forward to next year.
P.S.,
A special thanks to Gary Conway (I Was A Teenage Frankenstein) & Jonathan Haze (Little Shop of Horrors), as they signed my "lobby cards" and commented that they were the nicest "lobby cards" that they had signed at the convention.
Your "Purple Knif" forever,
Mark "goulardi" Hale

Hi Ron,
Well, you did it again! Another great Monster Bash with a little something for everyone. Here are a few highlights for me:

1) Seeing the Abbott and Costello guys again. They're awesome!
2) Hearing you announce that it was Ron Chaney in the Wolf Man makeup! That gave me goosebumps.
3) Showing our movie, ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT GHOUL on Sunday morning. It's always fun to show a movie to such an appreciative audience.
4) Getting a picture with Lou Ferrigno.
5) Buying a lot of movies in the Creepy Classics room! It's a tradition.
6) Seeing your Dad as Curly Joe from The Three Stooges!
8) Watching the Mexican monster movie on Taco Night and then having to ask Roberto Cotter the next day, "What in the world was that about?" Without subtitles I was completely lost! He got a good laugh out of that.

Long live the Monster Bash!
Brian Nichols

I just wanted to express how much fun I had at the 2009 Monster Bash! That was the first Bash I went to and it will not be the last! The event was awesome! The night screening, the comic, the guests Bud and Lou..you all did a job well done! I can't wait until June of 2010, I already booked my room!

-Michael Powell

Creepy Classics, P.O. Box 23, Ligonier, PA 15658

The Monster Bash Convention
P.O. Box 23 / Ligonier, PA 15658
Phone: (724) 238-4317
Member of the Professional Show Managers Association
"Monster Bash" is a registered U.S. and international trademark
Page art: Ron Adams
Web Master: Ron Adams
©Creepy Classics Video
maintained by Abulsmé Productions