On September 23, 2007, I participated as a vendor at the Charlotte ComiCon comic book convention held in Charlotte, NC at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.  Thanks to some sound advice from a seasoned professional (Larry Ward), my first foray into this brave, new world was very successful.  I even some sold of my CDs featuring “Oh, George” together with “Noel”!

Of course, what made this event so special was that Noel Neill was the guest of honor.  Grace and I had the pleasure of having dinner with Noel and Larry Ward the night before the convention began.  Noel is such a wonderful lady; words just cannot describe what a treasure she is.  And Larry Ward is one of the funniest guys I’ve ever met -- he has an amazing, never-ending supply of amusing stories and an incredible sense of humor.

Grace and I had the time of our lives!

On last tidbit: During the course of our dinner, Noel mentioned that one of restaurants she goes to in Santa Monica, CA is a place called Patrick’s Roadhouse, where they have a jukebox that plays nonstop.  Noel told me that she’d asked the proprietor of the restaurant to put my song, “Noel” on their jukebox and they did!  So now when Noel goes there to eat, she hears her song.

Everybody seemed to really love the poster I’d created for the occasion.

Here’s my wife, Grace at our vendor’s table.  We played my songs using my trusty iPod.  In addition to the CD, we also had some of the ever-popular “Oh, George” t-shirts and mini-posters for sale.  It sure was terrific to have Grace there to help me.  And, it was also her birthday!  I am a very lucky man to have such a wonderful wife.

It was  great to finally meet some more of the folks with whom I’ve become acquainted through the Schutz Friendly Adventures of Superman Discussion Board.  Here’s Jody McGhee.

And this is Bill Gronroos with our favorite first lady of Metropolis, Noel Neill.

And here’s Bill again, with the one and only Larry Ward, Noel’s friend, biographer, and all-around great guy!

And here are some real treasures we obtained at this convention -- several pictures of Noel and George, autographed by Ms. Noel Neill herself.  

According to Larry Ward, this picture was taken on the very same day as the convention: September 23.  I believe he said the year was 1953, but I may be mistaken about that.  This picture included George’s autograph, which you can see near the bottom of his left pant leg.  This was George’s actual signature, unlike the fake signature that was often reproduced on the studio publicity still (see below). 

Noel was kind enough to autograph this picture with “Happy Birthday” wishes to Rachel (aka Grace)

Another wonderful autographed picture of George and Noel.

Last but not least, here’s Noel’s autograph on a reproduction of the famous issue of TV Guide which featured George Reeves on the cover, published on September 25, 1953.