MONSTER BASH LETTERS

CREEPY CORRESPONDENCE ABOUT OUR LAST BASH, JUNE 24-JUNE 26, 2011!

RON
 
Apologies that Linda and I had to leave so early--Kaiser & Kountry, you know--but we had a great time. Bob Pellegrino's interview with Ed Nelson was a delight; and the offbeat movies amazed me. Good to see old friends, make some new friends, and replenish our supply of hard-to-find DVDs, genre magazines and heaven knows what else. I had been looking for a DVD of "Five Came Back" for a year, but found it in the dealer's room in an hour. And I had a few bucks left to drop to the Creepy Classics room, but which is like a theme park for overgrown kids like me.
 
Thanks for the 1-hour time slot for my talk, which the audience seemed to enjoy. I know that you are under lots of pressure for those slots, and I appreciate the opportunity.
 
And thanks for the fine layout for my article in your latest magazine.
 
-Frank Dello Stritto

Ron, Bash Crew, Monster Brothers and Sisters,

Well, for me the worst has come to fruition. I really never thought I'd be in this position, as I've always said, I would NEVER miss attending Monster Bash, even if only to attend for several hours. I have been forced into missing my first Monster Bash since its inception. I can't tell you how terrible this makes me feel. I'm not going to get into particulars, but my current employment situation just wouldn't allow for this trip.

I hope all of you folks attending are enjoying the full measure of Bash, because I know all of the planning and hard work that goes into it has made it most enjoyable for me over the last 14 years. I truly hope to be able to attend October Fest, but we'll have to wait and see. Wishing you all well and hope you all truly have an extraordinary time!

-Bill Petko

I was late on Friday, but I had a great time. What a fantastic event!

Sincerely,
Jamie, Hollwood Theatres

Hi Ron, I know your still busy after the bash over the weekend but I just wanted to tell you that Mary and I had a great time at Monster Bash.

Thanks again, Joe Mion

Dear Ron: Erica and I want to thank you for having us as guests at MONSTER BASH 2011. We both agree that you were an excellent host, and you conduct your yearly event with style and prestige.

Zach Zito, with whom I was able to talk on two occasions, is a remarkable talent. I enjoyed his dramatization of Stoker's DRACULA'S GUEST, and was amazed when those beautiful women (Caroline Munro, Yvonne Monlaur and Veronica Carlson) became part of the Saturday night presentation.

I felt honored to be part of the GUEST ROOM, located next to Richard Gordon, and abreast of such beauties as Caroline Munro and Veronica Carlson. Veronica is one of the most personable stars I have ever met. Erica and I first met her a few years ago at a San Francisco horror show held at the Castro Theater. Veronica became a close friend almost immediately, and was very pleased to see us again at Monster Bash. We had a wonderful time together.

Mark Redfield is another new discovery. I only wish I could have got to know him more. I was able to spend some time with both Bob Dix and Ed Nelson. Ed started telling me the plot of a GUNSMOKE episode in which he appeared, and it was like someone doing a one-man show just for me. An unforgettable moment. Bought a book from each of them.

I was able to spend some time with Count Gore de Vol, whom I liked very much. Mr. Lobo and Dixie Dellamorto went with me to breakfast on Saturday morning (Erica decided to sleep in) and we had a good discussion.

Kevin and other staff members were always there to help. Everyone is certainly devoted to your cause. And my hat is off to all those working in the large dealers' room.

Anyway, it was a delight to be part of the action. My eyeballs almost popped out of my head when I saw a full room when I made my appearance . . . the questions were great and I felt a real rapport with the fans.

MONSTER BASH is four stars all the way. Thanks again, and let's stay in touch.

Well, if there is anything you need from me do not hesitate.

Warmest Regards, JOHN STANLEY

Hi Ron,

I made it back to (hot) Texas after a 19 & 1/2 hour drive and am feeling the inevitable letdown. I so look forward to the Bash each year and then, like Christmas, it's here and gone. I wanted to thank you again for all the hard work you, your family, friends and Bash staffers put in to make the Bash so memorable.

There were so many highlights for me this year: Meeting Dawn Wells, the Hammer ladies, the wonderful Ed Nelson, gathering with friends.....the list goes on and on. You've outdone yourself again!

Ron, I also want to give you a special thank you for allowing my family to show our homemade horrors at the Bash. This was our seventh year! As I watched my youngest daughter in CHARLIE CHAN IN TRANSYLVANIA, my heart swelled with pride as she came to the defense of "Pop", and finished off the vampire. As a father, monster-kid and long-time Basher, it was a sublime moment for me.

Thank you again for giving us such a wonderful outlet to share our creativity. You're the best and I'm proud to call you my friend.

Brian Nichols, TX

Hiya Ron,
I just wanted to thank you for having me at the Bash once again! I had a great time seeing old friends and making new ones. I hope it was a great show for you, as well.

Thanks again!

Best,
Kyra

Hey Bash Buddies,

With a lump in my throat, a tear in my eye and the Blob theme running through my brain I left the Bash Sunday, without the desire to do so.  Ron, I almost asked you if I could stay in your dungeon for long days and nights of DVD watching and monster mag reading!  The good thing though was that the Bash did not end for me when I walked out them Day's Inn doors, because waiting in the same shuttle as I was John Stanley and his wife.  We had a great time chatting as I had a personal Q&A with one of the reasons I came to this Bash (John Stanley).  It was great. 

Then at the airport, who was in the security line with me?  Caroline Munro!  My other reason to attend the Bash this year.  She said "Hey, you are the punk who reminded me that it was 32 years ago I did my first convention" and then bopped me upside the head...We exchanged pleasantries and I thanked her for coming.  I got to see her get the full body scan (not the scan of course!) as she cannot take off her bracelets which she has had on since she was 16.  Well my faux pas was forgiven and/or forgotten and I still feel love from my favorite sex symbol. 

I want to thank you guys for the great Bash!

And thanks Ron for doing the Bash, it was incredible this year.  That show with Zach and the Hammer girls, once in a lifetime, incredible experience.  The Lugosi expert, Daniel Griffith docs, Don Reese, John Stanley, the all too honest  Norma Eberhart and of course those beautiful Hammer girls were all highlights.  The line in Brian Nichols film about the Rock had me rolling in the aisle.  And those Mexican Wrestlers...where do you find them guys?    We appreciate you Ron for what you do, and we hope you can continue on. 

Now Ron, you are doing two Bashes in one year, are you trying to bankrupt me???  I know you are, because you got Harryhausen Babe Terry Moore and favorite character actor William Schallert in line for October.  Can I swing it?  I shall try master, I shall try...

Well with a sense of nostalgia wishing it didn't have to end, I say goodbye, and thanks again.  Hope to hear from you guys, and keep the Bash going via internet until we die.  Bring back the Synch Movies!!!

Your friend in Mexico,

Ken

Hey Ron,

Just wanted to give a shout out to you and your crew for putting on a great bash this year! I don't know if you remember but I emailed you a while back about going with a few questions. Well, me and my girlfriend decided to take the trek from Maine to Pennsylvania (13 hours) to see what a horror convention was like.

We only stayed for Friday but I was very impressed and had an absolute blast! I picked up some replica posters from Creepy Classics and got some more Hammer gear from a nice dealer table who were from Tennessee and gave Moon Pies with purchases. They were so friendly we went back and bought more stuff from them. Being a Hammer buff, I was thrilled to meet the women I had watched on DVD countless times.

Veronica Carlson was so sweet to me and Candis (my girlfriend). So was Yvonne Monlaur who told me everyone was so nice on the set of Brides of Dracula despite her "broken english". Caroline Munro was a fox and gave us a collector card she signed along with the autographs we purchased. Overall, a great time and I will definitely be looking forward to future bashes.

Keep up the good work and thanks for a great time.

In All Sincerity,

Shane Costigan

Hey Ron,

Had the most wonderful time!!!! Thank you so much for bringing in the Hammer Girls!!

God Bless!
Theron,

Hello Ron,

Once again a big Thanks for another successful Bash!!

- Maxine & Steve Wrzesien

Hi Ron,

I'm glad I finally got to speak with you, however briefly, at Monster Bash.
I've been wanting to for years but I know you are always so VERY BUSY during it and knew you didn't have any time to chat. That's why I write you the letter a few weeks ago. I know time to speak with you would be fleeting.

This year's bash was superb, as usual. It dawned on me Monday night that the weekend I most look forward to all year was already gone. It happened in what seemed like the twinkling of an eye. The friend I brought with me was experiencing his very first convention and he was a bit overwhelmed. He was my film instructor a few years ago at WV State University and now we are fellow instructors. He is currently developing a syllabus for the fall where he will be teaching a class titled "The Horror Film." He graduated from Ohio University and his thesis film THE ROAD VIRUS HEADS NORTH (based on the Stephen King short story) actually won a Student Academy Award. He is as well versed in the modern horror film as I am in the classics. We're working together to develop the class.

Having to wait another year seems like an eternity away, so I am planning on coming back in October. Somehow, four months doesn't seem as far away as twelve. Wait a minute...it isn't!!

Mike

Hello sir! Had an amazing time at the Bash. It's always good to start my morning talking with your supercool pop. That man is better than coffee.
I just booked our room for next June.

Dinner at Pizza Hut with Count Gore and our respective wives all gushing over Doctor Who was a great time last weekend.

Hope you have caught up on sleep. See in June if not sooner.

-Mike Koneful

***Dear Ron:Thanks for putting together another great conference.

My friend Glenn Odden and I will certainly be there again next June and are looking forward to the Prehistoric Monsters gathering.

I’m sorry that we won’t be able to make the October bash. But, I’m proud to say that I have framed my “Monster Bash University” diploma and have displayed it in my office next to my B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. diplomas – it’s by far the most impressive one of the bunch!

All the best,Tim“Mad Doctor” Madigan

Hi Ron – THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A FABULOUS WEEKEND. It was such a good and fun show, and I had wonderful time. Say "Hello" to your wife, Ursula, and daughter, Paisley.

-Caroline Murno

Hi Ron -

Thanks for all your support, and especially the wonderful "Forry Award"

All good wishes always - Cortlandt Hull

Hello Ron, I sure enjoyed Monster Bash again this year. This was my 10th year attending and I am ordering next year's admission pass! Thanks again.

-Rocky

Hi Ron,

I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed MonsterBash2011, and to thank you for having it, and all the hard work you, and everyone else put into it. I will probably be at the OctoberFest.

I don't know what your secret is to have all the energy to do all these things, let alone having the time. As long as you keep having these "Bashes" - I'll keep coming.

I can no less stay away from Butler Pa, then the Salmon can stop swimming upstream to spawn. It's now a part of my DNA.  THANKS AGAIN!    

Dan Wegrzynek   AKA  " Movie Man Dan " 

Hey Ron,

Congratulations on another fantastic Bash. This was a big year for us, because Autumn was back, after missing last year. That was the first year that she had ever missed. And, this was the first time that we brought our oldest grandson, Hollis. He just turned four. We weren’t sure how he would like it, but he loved it all. He was a little bit scared at first, but he got over it quickly. He said to Garou, “Are you a real werewolf?”

Some things that stood out this year:

Ursula looked great in her Vampire make-up, and she was quite an actress. And you in a suit, I’ve never seen you in anything but a baggy orange t-shirt.

Zach Zito & the Hammer Girls - I didn’t see this, but it was Cathy’s favorite event. I did see the Hammer girls interview, they are lovely and charming.

The Penny Dreadful gang - Hollis loved them. They’re always out in the lobby, posing with anyone who wants them.

Kevin Slick, terrific music and makeup for Nosferatu.

Who was the big Frankenstein wandering the hallways?

(Editor's Note: That was Dan Weber, Bash staffer after shaving his beard, and going under Jesse Melchior's make-up).

Richard Gordon - Autumn had a long chat with him, and she was very impressed. Like a lot of people, I pay more attention to the actors in movies. Rather than the directors, producers, etc. But I’m going to try to learn more about these behind the scenes people.

The friendliest staff anywhere.

The BrainTwister Quiz, I’d like to see Tom Weaver do the paddle ball, for once. Surely he’s the complete master of it.

Dawn Wells - What a cutie! Those old Gilligans shows are as funny as ever.

Well, Cathy says that’s enough. See you next year,

Karl & family

Thanks Ron,

We had a blast...

Ed & Patsy Nelson

Hi Ron, and everyone at the June Monster Bash.

What a great Bash, and what a great bunch of people. It is true, it's a family.

Early on my wife Eileen and I found ourselves sitting down for an early dinner in the Days Inn restaurant. Then we hear this wonderful french accent coming from the single occupant of the table behind us, and this voice saying in labored English, "can you help me, I'm having trouble with the menu, I don't know what to order."

We turn around and it's Yvonne Monlaur!

My wife Eileen leaps into action, remembering her high school French she starts conversing with Yvonne, who is thrilled there is someone who understands her.

They are happily speaking French, Eileen translating for me every few minutes.

I'm acting cool, even flirting a bit with Yvonne. Meanwhile there is this person inside me yelling, "OH MY GOD I AM SITTING HERE WITH YVONNE MONLAUR".

She was so sweet; a class act all the way.

Saturday's outdoor movie was a blast, Blood of Dracula was so totally "Drive-in."

We were fortunate to wedge our Honda Fit into a little spot, and it was 1958 all over again.

Best,

Tom Jackson and Eileen Wolfberg

What Makes it All Worthwhile...

Hi Ron,

I’ve been meaning to write to you for a long time and am just now making
myself sit down and do it. Why it’s been so long, I have no idea. And I
wanted to get it to you before Monster Bash 2011. It’s to tell you how much
I appreciate Monster Bash and all that you and everyone else on your staff do every year to create it.

My first Bash was in 1998 when I came to see Uncle Forry and Ray Harryhausen. I had met Forry several years before and it was a real treat to sit just a few seats away from him and watch LA CASA DEL TERROR in Spanish. I had so much fun, I told myself I had to come the next year. And I’ve been coming ever since.

I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed Monster Bash, and I hope it
continues for many years to come. It is big enough to get the celebrities
and small enough to be fan-friendly. And family-friendly. It’s great to
see young kids there, enjoying themselves and learning about the classics. I
try and take everything in, from Friday’s Monsters We Have Known and Loved (which I saw on its original broadcast…and taped the audio on a reel-to-reel tape recorder) to Saturday’s late night Mystery Movie to the Sunday closing videos. All the staffers are friendly and obviously having a great time.

I’ve been to cons where the staff has been overworked and impatient and not treating the guests with the best of respect. Not so at Monster Bash. Your entire staff has always been wonderful. The Days Inn in Butler has been the best location by far. And what other cons have a Sunday morning worship service as well as actually feed attendees with free tacos, burritos, and cake? Positively imperial!

Maybe a little about myself. I have a B.S. degree in architectural
engineering, but in 2001, I enrolled at West Virginia State University and
began taking film courses. Ten years later, I find myself with just a thesis
away from a Master’s degree in Media Studies as well as being an adjunct
instructor teaching Film Appreciation and Filmmaking (as well as Intro to Mass Communications, Speech, and this fall, two math courses). My hobby that began when I was a kid has paid off, and I actually get paid for teaching my hobby.

My love for monster movies began in 1958 when I started watching Nightmare Theater (broadcast from Roanoke, VA), which showed the original Universal Pictures Shock television package. I also bought the first version of the Frankenstein model kit as well all the others that followed. Then things really took off in 1963 when I picked up Famous Monsters of Filmland #24.

Like every other monster kid, I collected magazines, posters, models, gum
cards, soundtrack albums, 8mm and Super 8 films, recorded soundtracks from TV on reel-to-reel tapes in the early days and the movies themselves on VHS tapes later. My love for movies also expanded into almost everything film related, which has served me well in my film courses. I’ve also been fortunate enough to have visited Forry and to stay in the Ackermansion several times as well as meet many of my heroes (many of them at Monster Bash). The fun has never stopped.

For the past several years, I have (along with fellow Basher Debbie Painter)
been writing accounts of Monster Bash events which have been published in
Scary Monsters. I’ve always tried to be as accurate and as informative as
possible, as well as entertaining to the readers. If you’ve read them, I
hope you liked them.

I’m sorry this letter has been a long time in coming, but at least I got it
done. Keep up the awesome labor of love. It’s truly appreciated.

Beast Witches,
Mike Ramsey

Hi Ron,
 
Hey been meaning to write, i know you were inundated with literally hundreds of emails after Bash, so i thought i'd wait a bit, but did want to let u know that it was another unbelievable, amazing show, you and your staff somehow oudo yourselves every year...another fantastic job!!  We'll see you at Oktoberbash for sure...Hope all is good Ron, see u soon!
 
Mike Saglimben a.k.a Teenage Frankenstein

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

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