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THE END OF AN ERA
In 1957, when Forrest J Ackerman and then publisher James Warren started their little magazine, they had absolutely no idea just how gigantic and life-altering it would be to the tens of thousands of kids all across the land who would rush to the newsstand to get their hands on the latest issue of Famous Monsters of Filmland magazine.

Just as true, it must be, that Forry had no idea how this venture would put him into a situation to gather multitudes of cinematic history in posters, props, statues, and pretty much anything you could possibly think of horror or sci-fi related....that had any "real" meaning, anyway. Already the collector, Ack had assembled enough tokens of history to open the Ackermansion in 1950.

As his collection began to grow, he decided that it was only right to share his lot with those who held a mutual affinity for the genre he enhanced and pretty much resurrected. This decision was the driving force behind "THE ACKERMANSION". A wonderful house full of all kinds of great stuff! Sure, that's a little adolescent in terminology, but that's what it is. Great, awesome stuff. Things like Bela Lugosi's cape that he wore in the 1931 Universal Classic Dracula. Or the ring worn by Karloff in "The Mummy". I could literally go on and on and on.

Sad reflections considering Forry is selling his collection and the Ackermansion is now closed forever for the first time in 52 years.

As some of you may know, Forry has just had a very long battle with severe health issues, and things were looking pretty grim. This and his advancing age surely had a lot to do with the closing of this landmark in filmdom. While I unfortunately never had a chance to go, I believe Nolan did, and would like to hear a first hand perspective of this legacy...the Ackermansion, which certianly will live on in the minds and hearts of all true fans who respect this amazing icon.

Of course, the good news is that, regardless of the Ackermansion closing, THE ACK IS BACK, and out of harm's way. We at least have that to be thankful for.

Till next time, take care and God bless
Matthew