Library archives enter 'Twilight Zone'

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA - Collier Library's archives and special collections will get a little bigger Thursday with a donation by George Clayton Johnson and Pillar of Fire.

Johnson, one of the original writers of Rod Serling's classic "Twilight Zone" series, will participate with members of the regional theater and film troupe to make the presentation Thursday morning at the library.

Terry Pace, an adjunct English instructor at UNA and director of Pillar of Fire's production of "Shadow and Substance: The 'Twilight Zone' Tales of George Clayton Johnson," said the collection represents a significant addition to the library.

"For anyone doing research on these genres - fantasy, science fiction and horror - UNA can become a destination point as much of the research materials one would need would be in at one place," he said.

In addition to the scripts, books, DVDs, posters and photographs being donated, the collection at UNA houses memorabilia from the career of one of its most famous graduates, George Lindsey.

The annual film festival also has brought in items from the collections of other actors, including Ernest Borgnine and Lucas Black, and has become home to a wide collection of items from legendary fantasy, science fiction and horror writer Ray Bradbury.

The mission at Pillar of Fire includes presenting works by Bradbury, anyone whom Bradbury inspired and anyone who inspired Bradbury, Pace said. The collection now includes rare items from screenwriter Forrest Ackerman, writer David Skal and actor Norman Lloyd.

In addition to writing for "The Twilight Zone," Johnson also created the caper classic "Ocean's 11," which enjoyed a resurrection for modern cinemagoers in 2001. He also co-wrote the landmark science-fiction novel, "Logan's Run," and wrote the original TV episode of "Star Trek."

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the "Twilight Zone" series.

"George's filmography may not be very lengthy, but almost every title on it has something significant attached to it," Pace said.

Although the archive and special collection section of Collier Library has its share of rare Hollywood memorabilia, archivist Louise Huddleston said it's not limited to these items.

In fact, it began as a museum in the basements of Bibb Graves and Wesleyan Hall, two of the older buildings on campus.

"We have quite a few people who just come by, but I always say that our archives are one of the best kept secrets on campus and in this city," she said. "We definitely have a unique collection, from the more contemporary script of Ernest Borgnine from an episode of 'SpongeBob SquarePants' to thousands of photos and student records from the past."

In addition to the Johnson and Pillar of Fire contribution, Huddleston said the department is preparing the collection of William McDonald, the late historian from Florence who donated his research to the library.

After his presentation at the library, Johnson will have a discussion for film and theater students in a private session, "Meeting with a Master."

Michelle Rupe Eubanks can be reached at 740-5745 or michelle.eubanks@TimesDaily.com.