Milford's sci-fi history is out of this world

MILFORD — In the mid-1950s, at the humble home of Virginia Kidd, on the banks of the Sawkill Creek just across from the old Metz Ice House, assembled a group of science fiction writers who could dish it out as well as take it.
The Milford Writers’ Conference saw its origins with the likes of Damon Knight, Judith Merrill and James Blish along with Kidd, sitting around in a lazy circle and critiquing each other’s work.
The conference still goes on today and has been a model for other workshops.
Wear your best alien attire to the Columns Museum, 608 Broad St., Milford, which will host a program on the famed "Milford Method" and its origins, and a panel discussion including science fiction authors of present day. It will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 30, with special guest John Grant.
Highlights include a sampling of recipes contributed by science fiction authors for a cookbook, titled "Serve it Forth," compiled by fellow author Anne McCaffrey, and a showing of the cult classic Twilight Zone episode titled "To Serve Man," based on a short story by Damon Knight.
There will be a cash bar. A $10 donation is requested
Readers and writers of science fiction can enjoy an open dialogue with Milford authors John Grant, Bill DeSmedt and Lillian Longendorfer at a panel discussion on noon on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the museum. This event is free.
For more information call the museum at 570-296-8126 or visit pikehistorical.org