On Wednesday, November 20th, several Church of Satan hierarchy members attended the unveiling of a new historical marker in front of one of Ed Wood‘s childhood homes at 35 Delano Street, Poughkeepsie, New York. Film scholars and local government officials were present, who lauded Wood’s work, offering words in tribute to the fascinating film maker. Wood was born in this town on October 10, 1924, and he filmed his first footage here—of the Hindenburg, before its journey south to its fateful disintegration when it attempted to dock at the Naval Air Station Lakehurst, New Jersey.
The marker was initiated by a local Arlington High School AP History class and achieved under the auspices of the William G. Pomeroy Foundation and the Rossi family, who own the brick Victorian building and assisted in installing the marker.
Wood’s life was dramatized by Tim Burton in one of his best films, ED WOOD (1994). It chronicles his determined band of friends and co-conspirators who made low budget sci fi and horror films such as PLAN 9 FROM OUTER SPACE, BRIDE OF THE MONSTER, and NIGHT OF THE GHOULS. The marker was at first swathed in soft pink fleece before it was revealed—a reference to Wood’s fetish for pink Angora sweaters, which were part of his attire when he enjoyed his indulgence in transvestism, which he explored in his 1953 film, GLEN OR GLENDA.
The Witchcraft District throws a horned salute to one of Weird Poughkeepsie’s favorite sons, whose determination and creative energy continues to inspire outsiders the world over to realize their dreams—visions worth the struggle, regardless of critical reception.
Hail Edward D. Wood, Jr.!
—Magus Peter H. Gilmore
