Gage County honors Hollywood special effects legend from Beatrice

BEATRICE, NE — A filming pioneer being honored this weekend by his hometown in southeast Nebraska.

"That's what the Gage County Historical Society is supposed to do," Gage County Museum Administrator Cassandra Dean said. "Let people know the history of the county and the families that have contributed in Hollywood."

The Gage County Historical Society is hosting events all weekend to remember Beatrice native John Fulton. Fulton was a special effects artist in Hollywood from the 1930s through 60s. He worked on over 250 movies and won three Oscars in his career.

Dean says its part of a new effort to explore a different side of the areas history.

"So many times we take for granted how special effects are done in movies," she said. "It would be really nice for people to come and just learn how special effects were done so many years ago."

Members of John’s family are in town to mark the occasion. John’s daughter Joanne Schaefer remembers being on set with her dad as he worked on one of his Oscar-winning films The Bridges at Toko-Ri.

"What I got to see was just fascinating to me," Schaefer said. "I was never interested really in the action, the actors or the actresses. I was always interested in the miniatures and what my dad was doing." 

Her dad’s career gave her a unique upbringing, including a friendship with Nancy Sinatra. Now she hopes this weekend showcases the impact her father left on the industry.

"It's wonderful," she said. "I'm just so excited people are so interested in what he did. He was really a genius in his field. It's just so nice he is being recognized. I just really appreciate it."

Organizers have screenings, tours and exhibits planned through Sunday evening.