APRG Reporter - Vol 1 No 07 - 07 1957

Magazine Overview

This issue of the A.P.R.G. Reporter, Vol. 1 No. 7, published by the North Jersey U.F.O. Group in July 1957, features a cover headline announcing the findings of a major study by the Aerial Phenomena Research Group (A.P.R.G.). The study, based on over 3,000 eyewitness accounts compiled since January 1, 1954, concludes that a high percentage of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) are intelligently controlled craft from outside Earth's atmosphere.

Key Articles and Reports

A.P.R.G. News Release (July 10, 1957)

Robert J. Gribble, National Director of A.P.R.G., commented on the study, stating that while scientific measurements were lacking, statistical analysis of the data revealed a marked pattern. This pattern suggests that many UFOs represent technological developments beyond present-day scientific knowledge, possibly originating from other planets.

Airliner Averts Collision with UFO (July 17, 1957)

An American Airlines flight number 655, carrying 85 persons from Dallas to Los Angeles, narrowly avoided a collision with a mysterious object in early morning darkness near Salt Flats and Heuco Tanks, Texas. The pilot, Capt. Ed Bachner, was forced to take evasive action, causing minor injuries to two passengers. The object was described as a large craft, at least the size of a B-47, which appeared to be climbing as the airliner approached. Civil Aeronautics Administration and Biggs Air Force Base reported no other aircraft in the vicinity.

Airliner Avoids Collision with Mystery Aerial Object (July 22, 1957)

An elderly woman and a stewardess suffered minor injuries when the pilot of a TWA airliner en route from Chicago to Tucson, Arizona, nose-dived his plane 500 feet to avoid a flying object. The pilot reported sighting lights of the object at 18,000 feet. The aircraft landed at Amarillo, Texas, for inspection.

Radar Spotting of Objects Related (Washington, July 12, 1957)

A new magazine, UFO Investigator, reported that airport control tower operators in the Los Angeles area tracked four unidentified flying objects on March 23rd, estimating their speed at 3,600 miles per hour. The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) published this information, noting that one operator signed a report. On the same night, visual sightings of UFOs were reported at Oxnard Air Force Base.

Recent Reports of Aerial Phenomena

This section compiles numerous sightings from various locations:

• Hanford, California (March 22, 1957): A reporter spotted a grey, circular UFO over Hanford.
• Camarillo-Santa Rosa Valley, California (March 22, 1957): UFOs were reported hovering for over an hour, described as tear-drop shaped, moving erratically, and changing color.
• Port Hueneme, California (March 24, 1957): A low-flying UFO with bright lights chased a sailor.
• Riverside, New York (April 21, 1957): 23 green, ball-like objects were seen traveling at high speed and altitude.
• Hammonton, New Jersey (April 29, 1957): A mysterious, round, red light was observed at Hammonton Lake Park, accompanied by 'bangs'.
• Coatesville, Pennsylvania (May 2, 1957): A large UFO traveled slowly at high altitude, reflecting sunlight.
• Savannah, Georgia (June 24, 1957): A brilliantly-burning object, appearing to disintegrate, streaked over the area.
• Greencastle, Indiana (June 25, 1957): Four teenagers reported being 'buzzed' by a large red light that moved erratically and then shot upward.
• San Francisco, California (June 27, 1957): Two loud 'c-r-rrumping' blasts shook the Bay Area.
• Kane, Pennsylvania (June 30, 1957): Silvery discs of varying sizes were seen moving at incredible speed.
• Van Wert, Ohio (June 30, 1957): Two residents reported seeing bright circular objects flying west.
• Royal Oak, Michigan (June 2, 1957): A large, light-only object, resembling a spinning top, was observed moving slowly and stopping mid-air.
• Kerrville, Texas (June 9, 1957): A large flying disc, estimated at 100 feet in diameter with powerful lights, was reported over Hunt.
• LaFayette, Indiana (June 18, 1957): A red object, 'the size of a washtub', was seen in the northeast heavens.
• Athens, Tennessee (June 20, 1957): Four citizens saw a round, bright object revolving as it traveled from east to west.
• Harlingen, Texas (June 22, 1957): City policemen observed a bright object moving northwesterly, described as brighter than a star and moving slowly.

Stanford Scientists Investigate 'Outer Space' Signals

Stanford University scientists conducted an experiment suggesting particles of matter exist as far as 6,000 miles in space, challenging earlier concepts of the ionosphere. This work supports a theory that radio's 'whistler' sounds are lightning-generated signals that penetrate the ionosphere and escape into space, then are guided back by the Earth's magnetic field. The experiment involved sending a man-made signal and tracking its path through space.

Mira Loma, California Sighting (July 13, 1957)

Clyde O. Haver and Timothy W. Brenn reported seeing a UFO near Mira Loma, described as a row of very bright lights that shot upwards vertically, then plunged down. The object moved at tremendous speed without sound. Haver, initially a skeptic, was profoundly affected by the sighting. The report noted a similarity to 'Adamski' type craft and mentioned other similar sightings in the Los Angeles area.

UFO Newsletter

This section introduces the UFO Newsletter, a publication from the North Jersey UFO Group, which has expanded from a private newsletter to a full-scale magazine covering various aspects of ufology, featuring editorials, articles by researchers and scientists, and reviews.

A.P.R.G. Has Financial Crisis

An announcement details a financial crisis within the A.P.R.G., stating that expenses have exceeded income, creating a deficit. The organization appeals for donations and new members and subscribers to continue its operations and publication, warning that it may be discontinued within 30 days if the situation is not corrected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the prevalence and significance of unidentified flying objects. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the lead article and the compilation of numerous sightings, is that these phenomena warrant serious investigation and are likely not conventional aircraft or natural occurrences. The magazine promotes the idea that UFOs represent advanced technology, possibly extraterrestrial in origin, and encourages continued research and reporting. There is a clear emphasis on eyewitness testimony and the application of analytical methods to understand these events. The publication also highlights the challenges faced by organizations like A.P.R.G. in funding their research.