Alternate Horizons Newsletter - Vol 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Alternate Horizons Newsletter
Issue: Volume Three, Whole Number 16, Number Four
Date: June 16, 1969 (cover date for UFO Sighter reference), with other dates mentioned including August 29, 1969, and August 1969.
Publisher: Foundation for Philosophic Advancement
Content: This issue of the newsletter explores historical and contemporary accounts related to UFO phenomena, 'men in black,' and the concept of alternate realities.

Men in Black: Historical Antecedents

The lead article, likely authored by Allen H. Greenfield, questions whether the modern phenomenon of 'men in black' has historical precedents. It references Montague Summers' "The Werewolf" (published March 1966, first printing) concerning a 1603 werewolf case where the individual was dressed in black. Further references are made to Eric Maple's "The Domain Of Devils" and "The Dark World of Witches," which apparently link 'men in black' to guises of the devil or demons. The newsletter suggests that Britain may have experienced a 'wave' of such cases, possibly starting around the Elizabethan post-Reformation era. The article poses whether these 'men in black' cases are related to visits by 'demonic' entities from past eras.

Loch Ness and UFO Sighting Reports

The newsletter briefly touches upon a report from the Atlanta Journal (August 29, 1969) concerning the Loch Ness 'thing' or 'things.' It notes that a color photograph was allegedly taken and that the phenomenon has been reported again. The article questions the increase in sightings and the ratio of eyewitness accounts to reports received by distant persons, using Atlanta, Georgia, as an example.

Anomalous Storm Photo

A separate narrative by Lucius Farish details a photograph taken in mid-April 1969 near Plumerville, Arkansas. Farish was photographing an approaching thunderstorm when he noticed an unusual downward projection from the storm cloud. He took two photos with a Kodak "Brownie Chiquita" camera. Upon developing the film several weeks later, he discovered anomalous "phenomena" on one of the photos, including a "beam," a "doughnut-shaped object," and a "glare." These features were not visible to the naked eye at the time the photos were taken. Farish emphasizes that he does not claim the "doughnut" is a UFO or that the effects are other-than-normal, but states he has not yet heard a satisfactory explanation. He offers to make the prints or negative available for professional analysis.

Alternate Reality Theory Reference Data

Authored by Allen H. Greenfield, this extensive section provides a reference list for researchers interested in the "Alternate Reality Theory" (AR Theory). Building on a previous article in "UFO Sighter" (Fall-Winter 1968-69), this list aims to support the AR theory with background material. The works are categorized into:

• (A) THE MULTIPLE STATES OF REALITY - non-fiction
• "Microcosm and Macrocosm: An Approach To The Synthesis Of The Real" by Michael M. Hare (Julian Press), noted for its potential importance and technical mathematical viewpoint.
• "The Unexplained" by Allen Spaggett (Signet), with a foreword by Bishop James A.
• "The Enigma Of The Poltergeist" by Susy Smith (Ace Books), with a foreword by Raymond Bayless.
• "Astral Projection: A Record Of Out-Of-The-Body Experiences" by Oliver Fox (University Books), with a foreword by John C. Wilson.
• Observations suggest AR researchers might find clues to poltergeistic or apparitional presences, the nature of alternate realities, and inter-reality translation methods in these works, particularly referencing the case "Aston" in "Flying Saucer Review's" "The Humanoids."

• (B) THE MULTIPLE STATES OF REALITY - fiction
• "The Incomplete Enchanter" by L. Sprague De Camp and Fletcher Pratt (Pyramid Books).
• "Three Hearts and Three Lions" by Poul Anderson (Doubleday).
• "Assignment In Nowhere" by Keith Laumer (Berkley Medallion Books).
• "Glory Road" by Robert Heinlein (G.P. Putnam's Sons).
• Observations note that these works may offer explanations of "AR" (e.g., "Assignment In Nowhere," page 51) and descriptions of inter-reality translation.

• (C) ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY FROM PREHISTORY FORWARD - non-fiction
• "Flying Saucers From The Moon" by Harold T. Wilkins (Peter Owen Limited), with Chapter VIII (pages 153-199) potentially valuable for establishing a history of strange phenomena.
• "The History of Atlantis" by Lewis Spence (University Books), with a foreword by Leslie Shepard.
• "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World" by Ignatius Donnelly (Gramercy Publishing Company), edited by Eggerton Sykes.
• "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" (Bantam Books), Section V, Chapter 1 by Samuel Rosenberg (pages 481-502) may aid in UFO history research. Introduction by Dr. Edward U. Condon, Walter Sullivan.
• "The Morning Of The Magicians" by Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier, translated by Rollo Myers (Avon Books).
• Observations suggest AR researchers might look for clues to alternate reality interrelationships explaining prehistoric technology and historical strange phenomena.

• (D) INTERRELATIONSHIP WITH OUR OWN REALITY - non-fiction
• "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers" by Gray Barker (Tower Books).
• "Beyond Unseen Boundaries" by Brad Steiger (Popular Library), with pages 25-26 ("What of the Flying Automobiles") noted as of particular interest.

The section concludes by stating that while authors may use AR as a literary device, the fictional works can still provide useful insights into the Alternate Reality concept. The AR notion is linked to UFOs and other esoteric phenomena in "Glory Road" (page 133).

Recent Activities and Visitors

The newsletter reports on recent activities, including hosting Mr. Jim McClarin and Mr. C.A. Eagan at the home office. They also met with Dr. Lindtner of UFOIC in Australia during a stopover in Atlanta. Additionally, they met with Ron Willis and Paul Willis of the International Fortean Organization (INFO) during a visit to the Washington, D.C. area. A trip in August 1969 to the Brown Mountain, North Carolina area is also mentioned, where they met Mr. and Mrs. Eugene R Steinberg and contactee Ralph Lael.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and related entities like 'men in black,' and their potential historical or even supernatural origins. There is a strong emphasis on exploring fringe theories and alternative explanations, as evidenced by the extensive bibliography on Alternate Reality Theory. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and references for the reader to consider, rather than asserting definitive conclusions. The newsletter encourages researchers to delve into these subjects and seek explanations for anomalous events.