A.P.R.G. REPORTER

Magazine Overview

A.P.R.G. REPORTER - January 1957

This inaugural issue of the A.P.R.G. Reporter, Volume 1, Number 1, dated January 1957, marks a significant transition with the reorganization of C.F.S.I. into the Aerial Phenomena Research Group (APRG). The editorial expresses hope that the new format will be more informative and useful than the previous one, and introduces the broader, more accurate term "aerial phenomena" to replace the term "flying saucer," which has been rejected by the Air Force.

Editorial Stance and Mission

The Aerial Phenomena Research Group has rededicated itself to the investigation of phenomena seen in the skies, acknowledging the considerable work and expense involved. The group plans to present new understandings of these phenomena and will also feature selected scientific articles related to the UFO question. Their investigation will bridge the technical and abstract considerations of aerial phenomena through two primary fronts: the scientific and the parapsychological. Important sighting reports and relevant topics will also be covered.

The editorial highlights the growing public interest in aerial phenomena, drawing a parallel to Man's historical pursuit of knowledge about his environment, which has inevitably led to greater understanding. The publication aims to foster this spirit of inquiry.

Midwest UFO Survey: An Unprecedented Swarm

The lead article, "UFO'S SWARM OVER NORTHERN MIDWEST STATES," by Jim French, reports on an unprecedented concentration of UFO sightings from November 8th to December 2nd, 1956. This survey, covering South Dakota, North Dakota, and Minnesota, yielded 85 visual sighting reports from approximately sixty different localities. The sightings occurred during nearly every hour of the day and night. Due to the sheer volume, it was possible in some instances to determine that the same phenomenon was seen in widely separated areas, and in others, multiple different objects were observed simultaneously.

The flurry began with a sighting by Laudie Dvorak, a South Dakota farmer, who described an object that appeared to be a falling star which then straightened out and streaked at an estimated "800 to 1000 miles per hour." Dvorak described the object as a "large black spot in front of a fire, about 25 feet long...no noise at all."

French notes that while the integrity of individual sightings cannot be questioned, the fact that most reports came from residents of small communities, who would risk ridicule, suggests a high degree of certainty in their experiences. He concludes that this prolonged activity, occurring under various weather conditions, provides added evidence that these aerial visitors are indeed intelligent beings.

Detailed Sightings and Analysis

The "Midwest Survey" section elaborates on the behavior and appearance of the reported phenomena. Common descriptions include clear-cut discs, fireballs, and moving single lights of various colors. Many objects were described as solid, with rows of lights or "portholes" ringing their hulls. Some were observed to hover for up to four hours, with one object reportedly landing or remaining motionless close to the ground before departing immediately when ground observation was attempted.

A specific incident reported by the Pelican Rapids Press on November 14th involved a truck driver, Marlen Hewitt, whose story the Press deemed credible. Another report detailed a UFO hovering near Graceville, Minnesota, from 10 PM to 2 AM, emitting brilliant red lights from its hull and a fluctuating light from beneath, which game wardens inspected without determining its size.

APRG research identified two interesting parallels: in 95% of cases, UFOs were seen above railroad towns, with the greatest concentration in northeastern South Dakota, an area dotted with fresh water lakes and storage reservoirs. The significance of this finding remains unsolved, but it suggests intelligent intention.

The busiest day was Friday, November 16th, with reports streaming in from Minnesota and South Dakota, describing objects over towns like St. Paul, Detroit Lakes, Peever, Oelrich, Wall, Hermosa, Minot, Nobridge, Glenham, Milbank, and over Des Lacs, Bismarck, and Inglevale.

Other concentrations occurred on November 27th, 30th, and December 2nd, after which the skies became void of objects.

Other Notable Sightings

Gary Civil Defense Chief Spots Glittering and Enormous Object

On November 17th, Gary Civil Defense Director Z. R. Bardowski reported seeing a glittering and enormous object in Gary, Indiana, traveling at astronomical speed, estimated at 10,000 feet. Bardowski stated that the object moved with such incredible speed that it could not have been a weather balloon and that its altitude was high enough to reflect sunlight.

He advocated for transparency, stating that if these objects are our own crafts, the public should be informed, and if they are "unidentified foreign objects," the public has a right to know. He warned that unnecessary restrictions on aircraft information could lead to mass hysteria and that governmental silence makes witnesses look ridiculous.

Vicksburg Man Sights 'Flying Object' In Sky Above Airliner

On October 25th, a man in Vicksburg, Mississippi, reported an "oval-shaped metallic object" diving upon a commercial airliner. The object paralleled the airliner's course before zooming straight up and disappearing. The witness initially thought it was an optical illusion but concluded it was not a weather balloon, and the airliner showed no signs of distress.

Marine Pilots Report UFO Encounter In Southern California Skies

Three pilots from a Marine Air Reserve division reported seeing a circular, silver disc-shaped object on October 13th over West Orange County, California. The object was described as shiny, definitely circular, and moving in the opposite direction of their flight. It had no appendages and gave off a reflection.

Grand Rapids Pilot Sees Two UFO'S

On September 25th, a Grand Rapids, Michigan pilot reported two strange airborne objects passing his plane. The first object was tan with a Delta wing shape, smaller than his Cessna but larger than a bird. The second object was reddish-orange and appeared to be a weather balloon.

The Brazilian UFO Review - Part Four: The Guaiba-Tapes Road Incident

This section details a unique case from October 30, 1954, in Brazil, involving Flavio Rebelo and his family. While driving on the Guaiba-Tapes Road, they observed two sets of lights that grew in size and changed color from bluish to violet, then orange, and finally to a fiery red. Rebelo stopped the car, and they witnessed what appeared to be a "spherically shaped dome, huge in size," which looked like a burning house before vanishing. The lights remained, glowing and motionless, described as definitely round-shaped.

The lights then moved slowly towards their car, attempting to surround it. The experience was terrifying, with the lights growing larger and unlike anything they had known. Rebelo's wife was wild with fear, and he drove away in a frenzy.

Other Sightings

UFO Skims Over Delaware River

A Trenton, New Jersey watchman reported seeing a large, wingless object, about 100 ft long, hover over the Delaware River on October 2nd. It gave off a bad odor and flew away, shooting fire from the rear.

Mysterious Object Sighted In Sky Over Montana

On September 5th, witnesses in Bozeman, Montana, reported an oblong object emitting an "orange-ish-yellow" glow. The object turned, dipped, and vanished toward the north.

Giant Disc Seen Over New Jersey

On September 3rd, Leonard Kuberski, a 14-year-old from South River, New Jersey, and three friends observed a giant disc appear in the east. It moved steadily, appeared "about 12 inches" in diameter, took on a reddish glow, and disappeared. Later, they saw a huge reddish-orange disc hovering over the Hercules plant, described as being as large as the plant itself, with a clear line around it, but no visible windows.

Book Review

"Strangest Of All" by Frank Edwards is reviewed by Lis'c Lagozzino. The book is described as a "storehouse of the incredible," covering topics such as vanishing ships, historical figures, scientific miracles, talking animals, UFOs, and treasure hunts. The reviewer praises the book's thorough research and concise presentation but notes its small size.

The Editors Have Their Say

This section features brief, anecdotal comments from various newspapers regarding UFO sightings. The Ortonville and Marshall reports are mentioned, with a suggestion that editors might be seeing things due to working late hours. The Republican-Eagle of Red Wing, Minnesota, notes the regularity of sightings but their concentration in specific areas, questioning whether they are from distant planets. The Conova, South Dakota, Herald suggests that military people might be involved in experiments and that the objects could be strengthening defense rather than being from other planets. The Salem Special notes the increased curiosity about UFOs but expresses no alarm, suggesting they could be reflections or experiments by the US Army or Air Force, and dismisses the idea of invaders from outer space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the widespread reporting of "aerial phenomena" (UFOs) across the United States, particularly the significant surge in the Midwest during late 1956. The publication emphasizes the importance of open inquiry and investigation into these phenomena, advocating for transparency from authorities. There's a clear stance against dismissing witness accounts, even when describing extraordinary events. The editorial tone is one of serious investigation, aiming to provide factual reporting and analysis, while also acknowledging the public's fascination and the need for understanding. The shift to the term "aerial phenomena" signals a move towards a more scientific and less sensationalized approach, though the accounts themselves are often dramatic. The issue also touches upon the potential for public hysteria if information is withheld by governmental bodies.