Bradbury Brick Donated to South Pasadena Library

The South Pasadena Public Library’s special event on October 29 took as its theme Bradbury’s “The Halloween Tree”.

A story and photo at South Pasadena Now tells about the participants:

Artist Gris Grimly not only illustrated the newest edition of Bradbury’s classic book “The Halloween Tree,” he also exhibited the book’s original artwork at the library event. Robert Kerr, a member of the Ray Bradbury Pandemonium Theatre Company, offered insider background details about both “The Halloween Tree” book and movie, as well as reminiscences of Bradbury’s fondness for “his favorite holiday.” Tarpinian, a close friend and associate of Bradbury, recently donated a brick to the library from Bradbury’s house in LA that was torn down in 2014. Fjeldsted is South Pasadena’s director of library arts & culture and has coordinated six events at the library since 2010 to honor both Bradbury and his legacy. Fjeldsted, above, is holding the brick that was beautifully framed by Mission Framing of South Pasadena.

(L-R) Gris Grimly, Robert Kerr, John King Tarpinian, Steve Fjeldsted, and T.E. Grau.

(L-R) Gris Grimly, Robert Kerr, John King Tarpinian, Steve Fjeldsted, and T.E. Grau.

South Pasadena Screening of Ray Bradbury’s Halloween Tree

ScreenBy John King Tarpinian: The South Pasadena Library was one of many libraries that loved Ray, and Ray felt the same way.  Their meeting room is an original Carnegie Library, with the new library built onto it, unlike most that have been torn down.  This room can comfortably seat 125 people.  The room was full.

Two author/artists were in attendance. Gris Grimly, who did the newly illustrated edition of Halloween Tree, talked about how Ray inspired him.  Gris brought along the book’s original artwork for people to see.  He also brought a case of books, all of which were gone by the end of the evening.

The other was T.E. Grau who also spoke.  Ted heard about Ray’s home being demolished because of File770.  He immediately went over to the house and with a minor bribe secured a few pieces of the house.

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There were three members of Ray Bradbury’s Pandemonium Theatre Company, as was a friend of Ray’s to whom he dedicated one of his books.  One of the beneficiaries of Forrest J Ackerman’s estate was also in attendance. A one-man-show is being planned for next year where an actor will be playing Ray and talking about his career, ala Mark Twain.

Luckily, a number of families brought their children to see this Emmy winning one-hour and nine minute film.  They must have loved it since all you heard coming from the little ones were giggles. I’d say a good number of adults in attendance had not seen the film, in which the main character was voiced by Leonard Nimoy.

That pretty much wraps things up.  A lovely evening populated with people who were unaware of this sweet film and those of us who pay tribute to Ray Bradbury whenever we can.

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