APRO Bulletin

Magazine Overview

Title: APRO Bulletin
Issue Date: July 15, 1953
Volume: Two
Issue Number: One

This issue of the APRO Bulletin, published by the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization, focuses on UFO sightings and the organization's interactions with government intelligence.

N. D. Confers With W-P Men

The lead article details a meeting between an APRO representative (referred to as N.D.) and two representatives from the Wright-Patterson Air Intelligence Command on June 12th in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The meeting, facilitated by Edward Halbach of the Milwaukee Astronomical Society, involved discussions about UFOs. The N.D. was encouraged to continue writing her book, presenting scientific facts in a simple manner for the public. An Air Force officer stated that the 'Monster' of West Virginia was a meteor and that a blimp was sighted, but also indicated that while the interplanetary theory of UFOs was not dismissed, his personal opinion was that it was incorrect. The officer expressed that Wright-Patterson valued organizations like APRO that dealt with facts rather than rumors and encouraged them to narrow the field of investigation to bring about a full explanation.

Saucer Men With Buckets!!

This article by Coral Lorenzen recounts a story from two miners in Brush Creek, California, who claimed that 'saucer men with pails' had been annoying them at their diggings. These occupants, described as 'broad-shouldered midgets,' allegedly landed their saucer-shaped craft and scooped water from a nearby creek. The miners believed the beings might appear again on the 20th of the month, prompting speculation about public interest and the potential for a hoax.

Editorial

The editorial section presents several UFO sightings from the Australian Flying Saucer Bureau. These include:

• Geelong, Victoria, Jan. 3, 1953: Newspaper and radio station staffs observed a bright yellow object with a halo that disappeared at high speed.
• Ipswich, Queensland, Apr. 1, 1953: Four flatish objects were seen crossing the sky, with three disappearing after one flew towards Brisbane.
• Bulawayo, Rhodesia, Africa, Jan. 15, 1953: A photographer captured images of a silvery object larger than the moon, moving rapidly.
• Brisbane, Queensland, Jan. 21, 1953: Alan and Arnold Schnitzerling followed a bright light that circled and landed, described as 'terribly bright.'
• Bonham, Jan. 28: A nursing sister and another woman observed an object larger than a dinner plate that moved toward them.
• Georgetown Bay, Tasmania, Feb. 3, 1953: P. Freeman and his son saw a silvery object, the size of a tennis ball, estimated at 8,000 ft. high, described as a 'dish spinning.'
• Sydney, N.S.W., 1947: Mrs. A. M. King reported seeing a light that put out a searchlight beam, followed by a cigar-shaped object.

The editorial also criticizes the press for contributing to the confusion surrounding UFOs and for not presenting facts in a virgin state. It discusses the possibility of saucers being interdimensional and encourages members to make the public aware of saucers and APRO's purpose.

The Grapevine

This column reviews recent rumors and information. It mentions a pamphlet by Professor J. Allen Hynek, who is noted for not dismissing UFO reports with ridicule. The column expresses frustration with the press for sensationalizing UFO reports. A rumor about a saucer crash in Spitzbergen, Germany, is debunked as a hoax. The column also touches on the planned space station and features an article from the 'Electrical Workers Journal' discussing the moon. It questions why those claiming 'inside' information on UFOs lack proof and highlights a sighting from the Harvard Observatory in 1948. The column concludes by listing members whose renewals are overdue.

Recent Sightings

This section provides a detailed list of numerous UFO sightings from July 1953 and preceding months:

• Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin: Charles Roberts reported observing an odd sky light for three successive weeks, described as a ball of white light, then a red, cigar-shaped object.
• Westboro, Wisconsin, May 13: Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Surprise observed long, round tubes moving north, giving off a roaring sound.
• Brisbane, Australia, week of May 17: An A.N.A. pilot reported a strange object like a 'lighted glass dome' traveling fast, which disappeared rapidly.
• Darlington, Wisconsin, May 31: Aircraft spotters, police, and a reporter saw an enormous blue-white light in the sky for several hours.
• Ephraim, Wisconsin, June 2: Hoyt Vrooman reported seeing a brilliant blue ball travel across the clouds.
• Gotiam, Wisconsin, June 7: A ball of fire, described as 2 to 3 feet in diameter, was seen hanging low and emitting sparks before taking off at terrific speed.
• Ottawa, Canada: Thirty night shift workers at the AVRO plant watched a bright object cross the sky from East to West.
• Greenville, Massachusetts, June 11: Mr. and Mrs. Albert Baller watched a bright star-like object through a telescope.
• Miller's Falls, Massachusetts, June 12: (Continued on next page)
• Saugus, California, May 31: Harold Hubbs reported a bright red light, larger than a star, which flashed white and green lights before rising slowly and exploding.
• Ottawa, Canada, June 27: AVRO reported progress on building saucers.
• San Rafael, California, July 4: Hamilton AFB officials reported no strange objects after Ground Observer Corps reported a silvery flying saucer.

The Saucer Bandwagon

This column, by Coral Lorenzen, moves to the inner pages for this issue. It thanks Miss Dorothy Madle of the Milwaukee Sentinel for a feature story that boosted APRO's prestige. It also mentions an article in a man's magazine about unexplained radio signals and Marconi's claim of receiving signals from another planet. The column expresses skepticism about the likelihood of informative findings from certain UFO incidents. It also notes an article in the 'Electrical Workers Journal' about the moon and discusses the possibility of travel to the moon. The column mentions a letter from the University of Iowa regarding Venus and asking for sightings of objects other than Venus. It concludes by noting the 'season' for fireballs seems to be here again and that the San Francisco Chronicle reported on individuals claiming mineral rights on the moon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The APRO Bulletin consistently promotes a factual, investigative approach to UFO phenomena. It expresses skepticism towards hoaxes and unsubstantiated claims, while encouraging members to rigorously analyze sightings and contribute to a scientific understanding. The publication aims to educate the public and garner recognition from official bodies like the Air Force, while maintaining its independence and distinct theoretical perspectives. There is a recurring theme of frustration with the media's sensationalism and a desire for more objective reporting.