Alternate Horizons Newsletter

Magazine Overview

Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Issue: Volume Two, Number One
Date: February 20, 1968
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement (FPA)
Editor: Allen H. Greenfield (AHG)

This issue of the Alternate Horizons Newsletter, the official journal of the Foundation for Philosophic Advancement, focuses on the importance of UFO research and historical contact cases. The editorial tone encourages active investigation and warns against complacency.

Alternotes

Rick Hilberg reports on a radio discussion concerning the 'AR theory' that took place on September 22, 1967, during the Gary Short Program on WERE Radio in Cleveland, Ohio. Timothy Green Beckley's column in the October 1967 issue of 'Flying Saucers Magazine' is also mentioned, which discusses 'AR' and the newsletter's editor, with Beckley concluding that the possibilities, when viewed in light of centuries of UFO sightings, remain significant.

Gary Lesley, head of UAPRO, communicated that since 1964, numerous areas have experienced a minimum of two months of high saucer activity. These locations include Exeter, New Hampshire; Wanaque, New Jersey; Crestview, Florida; El Campo, Texas; Hartshorne and Magnum, Oklahoma; White Sands, New Mexico; Pinedale, Wyoming; Ephrata, Washington; Maury Island, Treasure Island, Mt. Vernon, Paine AFB, and Sedro Woolley, all in Washington; Toledo, Oregon; Point Pleasant, Ohio; and Cartersville, Georgia. Later communication added Brooksville, Florida to this list.

On the Subject of Importance

This editorial piece by AHG reflects on the profound and sometimes unsettling nature of the UFO subject. The author describes a 'sense of weirdness' that accompanies observations of the sky and the world, suggesting that while difficult to articulate, this feeling is objectively real. The article poses fundamental questions about the truth and meaning of UFO phenomena, and whether they will ever be solved.

It references well-known cases like the Hill family, UFO alley in South America, Mothman in West Virginia, and terror on Long Island, acknowledging that some reports may be false while others warrant serious consideration. The author laments that the 'doorway to the unknown' remains largely unexplored, with few people aware of the full scope of the phenomenon or actively working towards a solution. The few who are engaged in research often appear isolated, pursuing personal quests rather than organized studies, which is hampered by a lack of organization.

The editor then outlines five potential projects for investigation:

1. The Saucer Centers: Encourages readers to physically visit areas with unusually high numbers of saucer phenomena, such as Brooksville, Florida, and Cartersville, Georgia, rather than just reading about them.
2. The Records of Strange Phenomena: Suggests compiling historical parapsychological, fortean, and UFOlogical data into an organized system, like file cards, to identify patterns. The author offers guidance on how to do this.
3. The 1897 Flap: Recommends researching microfilm records in public libraries for material related to the 1896-97 'airship' flap, noting the potential value of such material, while cautioning about copyright restrictions.
4. 'In Depth' Study: Calls for the formation of study groups dedicated to serious and informed 'in depth' discussions of the subject, suggesting that even two knowledgeable individuals in a city should collaborate.
5. Field Work: Highlights the importance of field investigations in UFOlogy, urging for more work to be done with a concept of the phenomena's scope, referencing the 'PNV Form' published in a previous issue.

The author concludes by emphasizing the urgency of the situation, stating that dangers may be involved, including 'men in black,' but the greatest danger is inaction.

Then and Now: A Comparison

Written by Lucius Farish, this article examines historical contact claims, arguing against dismissing them outright as is common practice in more conservative UFO organizations. The author suggests that Biblical accounts resemble modern contactee stories and then delves into historical examples.

• 17th Century: Cites Jacques Vallee's mention of French astronomer Flammarion, who reported David Fabricius's claim of contact with inhabitants of the moon. Kircher is also mentioned for describing Venusians as 'young men of a wonderful beauty, whose clothes were as transparent as crystal,' a description paralleled by modern contactees describing cellophane-like clothing.
• 1775: Refers to a speech by David Rittenhouse before the American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, where he discussed the existence of 'extra-territorial' life that would prevent detrimental actions by Earth people.
• Benjamin Franklin: Is quoted in his arguments against slave importation, asking, 'Why darken ourselves in the eyes of supreme beings?'
• Historical Personages: The author suggests that historical figures like George Washington and Thomas Paine may have been contacted by space beings, with their experiences interpreted as visions. Paine's 'The Age of Reason' is cited as potentially supporting this theory.
• 1870-1910: This period saw the writing of many books with a 'cosmic viewpoint,' including works by Madame Blavatsky, H.W. Percival, and John Ballou Newbrough's OAHSPE.
• 'THE MAN FROM MARS' by Thomas Blot: This book, published around 1903, describes a man's encounter with a Martian in the California mountains during a close approach of Mars. The Martian's comments are philosophical and sociological, with mentions of Martian 'airships.'
• 'THE CERTAINTY OF A FUTURE LIFE IN MARS' by L.P. Gratacap: This work, based on the posthumous papers of Bradford Torrey Dodd, recounts messages received by Dodd's son from his father, who was supposedly reincarnated on Mars. A passage describes Dodd sailing along Martian 'canals' and encountering 'prehistoric people' dressed in overalls.
• 1896-97 'Airship' Flap: This well-known flap is discussed, with an example from the Texarkana, Arkansas, Daily Texarkanian of April 25, 1897. Judge Lawrence A. Byrne reported seeing a strange 'airship' anchored to the ground, manned by three men who spoke a foreign language. He was shown through the ship, which was described as being made of aluminum with a gas system for raising and lowering.

The article concludes by stating that a contactee's past truthfulness does not guarantee the veracity of their current story, whether from 1897 or 1967. It poses the question of whether the answer to the UFO enigma lies in examining contact stories or if it leads to 'confusion and contradictions.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical prevalence of UFO contact claims, the perceived lack of organized and serious research into the phenomenon, and a call to action for readers to become more involved. The editorial stance, particularly in AHG's piece, is one of urgency and concern, emphasizing the potential dangers of UFOs and the even greater danger of apathy and inaction. The newsletter advocates for a more open-minded approach to contactee reports and encourages rigorous investigation of both historical and contemporary accounts.