The History of Anglicon 1987-1998

    Prior to Anglicon, media conventions in Washington State had not fared very well.  In the mid-'70s small cons such as Seacon and KingCon gave way to the Puget Sound Star Trekker's conventions and PSST Con II in 1978 which, although a great experience for attendees, lost $13,000.  In 1983, Futurefest, held in downtown Seattle, failed to attract enough fans to break even.  It was followed by two enormous disasters, one for "Doctor Who" and one for "Star Trek," both held in Spokane in the summer of 1986, so by 1987 the phrase "media con" was not very popular.

    Yet a small band of fans thought they could mount a small but cost-effective media convention where fans of every series could come and celebrate their favorite shows and movies.  So it came to pass during Alternacon in March 1987 that the first proto-Anglicon meeting was held.  Attending were Sally Woehrle, Eleanor Fadgen, Ryan K. Johnson, Pat McMahon, DJ Driscoll, Paul Johnson, Jeanne Hutton, and Michelle Roberts.  Their plan was to hold a small media-oriented convention sometime in 1988 with one guest and a realistic break-even point of 300 fans.

    Ultimately it was decided that Anglicon would be a British media convention and for its inaugural year would concentrate on the series "Blake's 7 and writer Terry Erdman."  With DJ Driscoll at the helm, invitations were sent out to Paul Darrow and Michael Keating, although ultimately only Mr. Darrow was able to attend, along with Paramount Pictures publicist Terry Erdmann.  Ryan K. Johnson was chosen as the Fan Guest.

    Anglicon I was held May 6-8, 1988 at the Seattle Hyatt (now Quality Inn) Hotel, 330 fans attended and due to fantastic sales of videotapes, an excellent art show, and incredible enthusiasm of Mr. Darrow, the con was a big hit both financially and with the members of fandom.  Plans were quickly laid for Anglicon II, with the emphasis in it's second year on the Showtime Original series "Robin of Sherwood".

    Anglicon II, also at the Hyatt, was May 5-7, 1989, with 420 fans in attendance.  The committee decided to strike a third time, although it seemed on this outing that the guests were not confirmed until just before the convention.  Attending Anglicon III were Roy Dotrice ("Beauty and the Beast") and Nicholas Courtney, whose appearances in "Doctor Who" span more than 20 years.  The Hyatt (by now renamed the Radisson) was host to Anglicon once again, May 4-6, 1990.  Over 360 fans shared the weekend with Mr. Dotrice and Mr. Courtney.

    Anglicon IV was held at the Holiday Inn, in Renton, WA on may 3-5, 1991.  The guests of honor were Lysette Antony ("Dark Shadows"), Karen Dotrice ("Mary Poppins"), and her husband Alex Hyde-White ("Biggles: Adventures in Time").  Due to the Gulf War and the recession, our membership was smaller than usual, but all who attended had a wonderful time.

    Anglicon V in 1992 returned to the Radisson with last-minute guest Richard Hatch ("Battlestar: Galactica").  Anglicon VI in 1993 featured Colin Baker ("Doctor Who" - 6th Doctor), and actor/musician Michael Des Barres.

    Anglicon VII in 1994 (at the hotel now named the Quality Inn-though still the same place!) had Craig Charles ("Red Dwarf") and screen writer Terry McDonnell which drew the largest attendance to date.

    Anglicon VIII hosted Nigel Bennett ("Forever Knight") and writer/performer Randy Rogel.  Anglicon IX in 1996 hosted Anneke Wills who was in "Doctor Who" as companion Polly, and Gillian Horvarth and Donna Lettow of "Highlander: The Series" as writer guests of honor.

    Anglicon X saw us celebrating our tenth anniversary with Peter Wingfield and Marcus Testory ("Highlander: The Series"), along with popular writers Rebecca Neason, Donna Lettow and Gillian Horvarth we had and outstanding party.  A surprise guest appearance by Phillip Segal was a tremendous hit in the Charity Auction.  Attendance was at 395.

    Anglicon XI brought us some wonderful guests.  Mr. John Levene ("Dr. Who") as well Mr. Danny John-Jules and a return visit from Mr. Craig Charles ("Red Dwarf").  We were also charmed with tales from Mr. Eric Hoffman, a real treat to be sure.  Mr. Kevein Brockschmidt was on hand to visit with friends new... and old.  Attendance was at a whopping 407!

    Anglicon XII took us to space with Maggie Egan, Jason Carter, Richard Biggs and Stephen Austin ("Babylon 5").  A very enjoyable weekend all around.

    Anglicon XIII saw the return Stephen Austin (Babylon 5), Erin Gray (Buck Rogers, Silver Spoons), Michael Forrest (Star Trek, Zorro) and Robin Atkin Downes (Babylon 5, Charmed).

    Anglicon XIV took us to fantastical ages of the past with Robert Trebor (Hercules: the Legendary Journeys), we were also graced with the presence of Jane, and John Llewellyn Moxey, and Heather Alexander.  We were again (for the final time, the hotel is scheduled for demolition) at the Seatac Raddison Hotel, on May 18-20, 2001, with 171 members in attendance.

    Anglicon XV was at the Everett Holliday Inn and Conference Center, with Terry English, John Moxey, and Heather Alexander.

    Anglicon XVI (Details will be entered soon)
Check out the Anglicon XVI Pie Toss!

-Original version by Ryan K. Johnson
-2nd revision by Nancy J. Hewes
-3rd revision by Carla James