EXTRA 20th Century Times

Magazine Overview

This issue of EXTRA 20th Century Times, titled 'SAUCERS FIRST CONTACT REVEALED,' is presented as Volume 1, Number 1, published by 20th Century Times, with a cover price of 25c. The issue date is February 1953. The magazine focuses on the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), referred to as 'flying saucers,' and proposes a radical interpretation of their nature and purpose.

Avalanche In The Skies

The article 'Avalanche In The Skies' describes the significant increase in UFO sightings during the summer of 1952, particularly in August. It suggests that these 'flying saucers' are not merely atmospheric phenomena but advanced craft from extraterrestrial civilizations. The author proposes that the term 'flying saucers' is misleading and suggests 'CRYSTAL SHIPS' for the craft and 'CRYSTAL DISCS' for the smaller objects, based on their presumed plastic-suspended crystal composition. These visitors are believed to be observing humanity and have been doing so for some time, with their actions having a specific pattern and purpose.

We Are Surveyed

This section elaborates on the idea that humanity is under intelligent observation. The visitors are described as being in control and not posing a threat, comparing their potential harm to that of the sun. The 'crystal discs' were observed near significant locations like atomic research centers and military installations, suggesting a survey of Earth's progress and vulnerabilities. The author believes these observations are a 'significant writing in the sky' that even skeptics cannot ignore. The visitors are seen as friends who are aware of humanity's 'growing pains' and would not interfere directly, as they have their own inviolable codes of nature.

They Are Friends

The article emphasizes that the space visitors are friends and that humanity is under their observation and control. They cannot harm humans, partly because they would not under any circumstance, and partly because of the mysterious inviolable codes of nature. The author asserts that humanity is on an 'onward evolution to a state of virtual perfection' and that the 'flying saucers' actually prevented the free world from a swift and utter defeat. The author claims to know someone who stepped from one of the crafts and experienced a 'transcendent sense,' existing 'between two worlds.' The visitors are seen as having recorded every person and their vital statistics, knowing humanity better than humans know themselves. The author suggests instituting a 'Space Visitors Day' to dedicate ourselves to the 'greatest of all realities' and the 'greatest hope on mortal basis.'

WELCOME SPACE VISITORS

This editorial piece frames the 'flying saucers' as the greatest mystery in history. It asserts that their occurrences are real and cannot be ignored. The author believes that the phenomenon demands self-examination and suggests that it promises a meeting of worlds, contingent on Earth's natural progression and the 'Other World's' decision. The piece concludes that humanity has 'everything to gain; nothing to lose.'

The Contact

This section details a specific incident on August 4, 1946, on a farm called Albor near Trenton, New Jersey. An experiment was being conducted by a person named Orfeo, involving sending common mold into the atmosphere suspended from balloons. During this experiment, an unknown object was observed. The narrative then shifts to Orfeo's personal history, his struggles with health issues ('constitutional inadequacy,' migraine headaches, lassitude), his intellectual pursuits in physics, and his eventual focus on social issues. It describes his marriage, his worsening health, and his feelings of despair after the death of his friend Frank. Orfeo's belief in the fundamentals of physics and his attempts to understand the universe are highlighted. He published a thesis titled 'Nature of Infinite Entities,' which he sent to various universities and scientists.

An "Airplane" Observes Them

This part of the narrative describes Orfeo's continued health struggles and his deep dive into understanding the fundamentals of physics, the universe, and life itself. He became interested in the characteristics of fungi and their potential for chemical production. The text then recounts an incident on May 23, 1952, where Orfeo experienced a series of strange phenomena, including a red oval object and two green discs, accompanied by a disembodied voice. This voice communicated with Orfeo, suggesting he was confused but that 'the ROAD WILL OPEN.'

The Road Opens

On May 28, 1952, Orfeo, accompanied by his son Richard, revisited the location of the previous incident. They witnessed a large, iridescent object and experienced a voice that spoke of 'Orfeo-you are so confused. But the ROAD WILL OPEN.' The voice also mentioned that the search for contact had narrowed to three subjects: one in India, one in Rome, and one in Los Angeles. Orfeo's experiences continued, involving more mysterious lights and voices, suggesting a profound interaction with extraterrestrial intelligence. The narrative emphasizes Orfeo's unique perspective and his deep-seated belief in the existence of other worlds and advanced beings.

Magnificent Incredibles

This section details further experiences of Orfeo, including waking up to a 'sore throat' and thirst, and feeling a sense of dissociation. He describes a dream-like state where he felt alone in existence, with others as phantoms. The narrative then shifts to a description of a large, dirigible-like ship emerging from the sky, ignoring stars and bodies in its path. The ship is described as having a flattened bottom and emitting green light from its rotars. The voice from before reappears, urging Orfeo to 'act-act.' The issue also touches upon the idea of the 'ether' as the only solid existent and the potential for future contact events.

HORIZONS UNLIMITED - Recreation

This article discusses recreation as the 'oldest industry in the world' and the 'newest.' It argues that humanity's focus should not be on abandoning the old for the new, but on integrating them. The author suggests that conquering space and meeting neighbors there should not mean neglecting life on Earth. The article highlights various forms of recreation, including desert exploration, mountain retreats, and sports like archery and billiards. It advocates for a 'Chamber of Recreation' to promote and develop the recreation industry. The publication aims to bring attention to social injustices and ways to erase them, promising to make every page alive with information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reality of UFOs, the existence of advanced extraterrestrial intelligence, and the potential for direct contact and communication between Earth and these beings. The magazine strongly advocates for the belief in 'flying saucers' as genuine phenomena, dismissing skepticism and hoaxes. There is a strong undercurrent of spiritual evolution, suggesting that humanity is being observed and guided by these visitors towards a higher state of existence. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness, encouraging readers to accept these 'incredible realities' and to prepare for a future where inter-world meetings are a possibility. The publication positions itself as a medium to reveal these truths and to challenge conventional scientific and societal paradigms.