APRO Bulletin - 1961 05 00 - May

Magazine Overview

This issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin, dated May 1961, is published by The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) and focuses on various unidentified aerial object (UAO) or UFO sightings and incidents. The main cover story, "The Case Of The Interplanetary Cookies," details an encounter by Joe Simonton in Wisconsin. Other featured articles include "1947 Contact Uncovered," "Plane Crashes In Northern Wisconsin Unexplained," and discussions on organizational challenges faced by APRO and NICAP.

The Case Of The Interplanetary Cookies

This section details the experience of Joe Simonton, a 60-year-old chicken farmer from Eagle River, Wisconsin, on April 18, 1961. Simonton reported hearing a loud noise and seeing a silvery object descend vertically into his yard. He described three dark-complexioned men emerging from a hatch. One handed him a silver jug, asking for water, which Simonton provided. He then observed one of the men cooking and noticed perforated, cookie-like objects. Simonton was given four of these objects, one of which he later described as tasting like cardboard, while another said it tasted like corn. The men appeared to be about 25-30 years old, with dark skin and hair, wearing dark blue knit outfits. The object, described as two 'washbowls' joined face-to-face, was about 12 feet high and took off at a 45-degree angle. Simonton theorized the object might be extraterrestrial. The case attracted attention from NICAP and Dr. J. Allen Hynek. The article also mentions theories that the sighting was fabricated for tourism, but Judge Carter, a local UFO enthusiast, vouched for Simonton's integrity.

1947 Contact Uncovered

This article recounts an unusual contact case from Brazil in 1947, which gained renewed interest in 1954. Topographer Jose C. Higgins was working near Pitanga when he heard a whistling sound and saw a "strange, circular air ship with protruding edges absolutely similar to those of a drug capsule" descending. He described the craft as about 150 feet wide and 15 feet high, with curved metallic poles supporting it. Higgins approached the object and saw two strange-looking individuals through a thick glass window. Three people emerged, wearing transparent suits and metal boxes on their backs. They wore shirts, short pants, and sandals, and had large, round heads with large eyes. Higgins noted their legs were disproportionately long. The occupants communicated with gestures, and one drew a diagram on the ground. Higgins, fearing he would be taken, feigned wanting to get his wife, and then escaped into the forest. He observed the occupants playing like children before the craft departed. The article notes the similarity in shape to the 'Saturn-shape' or 'double washbowl' type, which was not yet commonly described in UFO literature.

Plane Crashes In Northern Wisconsin Unexplained

This section reports on two incidents involving Air Force B-47 aircraft crashing near the Hurley-Ironwood area in Northern Wisconsin. The first crash occurred on February 24, 1961, when a B-47 from Forbes Air Force Base, Topeka, Kansas, crashed in a wooded area. The second incident happened on May 2, 1961, when another B-47 from the same base crashed just two miles from the first site. Both planes were executing climbs during mock bombing runs. In the May crash, two crew members parachuted safely, but a fourth man was missing, and dismembered body parts were found near a 150-yard crater. The pilot, Mead, stated the plane did not burn before crashing and experienced a sudden loss of control during a climb, describing a sensation of weightlessness. Residents reported seeing a 'ball of fire,' which Mead did not observe. The article suggests further investigation is needed, including hypnoanalysis.

Widespread Power Failures In Wisconsin

On May 25, 1961, a widespread power failure affected Rhinelander, Wisconsin, and surrounding areas, also impacting telephone service. Similar unexplainable failures occurred in Green Bay, Wausau, and Milwaukee within 48 hours. The article does not offer an explanation but notes the timing alongside other unusual events.

NICAP Faces Struggle

This article discusses the financial difficulties faced by NICAP, as detailed in a plea for financial help from its Director, Donald E. Keyhoe. The author expresses concern about the general lack of real support for UFO research groups, where members may not renew subscriptions or actively engage unless they have a disagreement. The article highlights the challenges of managing a membership base, including dealing with members in arrears and the administrative burden of processing renewals and back issues. APRO's own operational model, which includes absorbing office rent and telephone costs into the Lorenzen home, is contrasted with NICAP's situation. APRO's objective reporting has attracted paying subscribers from laboratories and libraries. The article concludes by urging members to pay their dues promptly to ease the staff's workload.

APRO Has New Permanent Address

APRO has established a new permanent address at 4145 E. Desert Place, Tucson, Arizona. The article informs members to use this address for all future correspondence. It also mentions that L. J. Lorenzen is a Technical Associate in the Space Division at Kitt Peak National Observatory, working on a project to launch a 50-inch diffraction-limited telescope into orbit.

Youngsters Report UAOs

On May 19, 1961, teenagers in Long Beach, California, Marsha Howard and Phillip Wilkins, reported seeing 12 small objects playing 'tag' in the sky after hearing mysterious ear-splitting noises. The objects were observed for 55 minutes before disappearing when three jet planes flew overhead. Six objects reappeared after the jets left but then faded from sight.

Burning Silver Object Seen Over Olympia, Washington

On May 8, 1961, police in Olympia, Washington, observed a silver object trailing dark smoke, moving across the sky. It was described as possibly an airplane but could not be identified. A police sergeant also saw a three-cluster flare, and a woman reported seeing the smoking object and a parachute.

More On November 23, 1960 Sightings

This section provides further information on sightings from November 23, 1960, including a "ball of fire with a flaming tail" seen over Halifax, Nova Scotia. While authorities suggested it was a trans-Atlantic jet liner, the Air Traffic Center refused to confirm or deny a flight. The article dismisses the theory involving aluminum foil for radar tests, citing the high altitude required.

Green Light At Denver

A Denver Post article reported that residents and operators at control towers in Denver observed a "greenish light" in the sky on January 27th, which was tentatively identified as a "meteor explosion."

Rocket-Shape And Booms Over Idaho

The article notes an increase in booms or unexplained upper air concussions preceding or during UFO "flaps." On March 3rd, an object described as rocket-like or meteor-like was seen over Grace, Idaho, exploding high in the sky and leaving a blue smoke trail. Witnesses reported loud rumbling noises. Hill AFB reported no transient craft in trouble.

Pilot Sights UFO In Texas

Jim Hatchel forwarded a letter from an anonymous pilot who encountered a UFO between Midland and Pecos River, Texas, at 11 p.m. The object appeared as a white glow of light, increasing in brilliance and size as it approached. The pilot became scared and turned on his landing lights, causing the object to diminish in size and reverse its path. The incident lasted about 15 minutes. The pilot landed in Carlsbad, New Mexico, due to high winds. Reports to the Federal Aviation Administration indicated that the Air Force was interested in such phenomena.

UFO Off Lae, New Guinea

On January 31, 1960, five crew members of the Anglican Mission launch "Maclaren King" saw an object anchored off Lae, New Guinea, at 5 a.m. The object was white, umbrella-shaped, about 40-50 feet across, with four windows on the underside. It swayed slowly before passing upwards into the clouds. A sketch accompanying the report shows an oval object with three horizontal windows.

Help Asked In Tracking "Suspected And Unpredicted Satellite"

This section mentions a request from satellite tracking stations to help follow a "suspected (and) unpredicted bright satellite" observed over Seattle, Washington. The object was described as a bright light moving across the sky, similar in size to the U.S. balloon satellite Echo 1. The article criticizes the reluctance of scientific personnel to identify such objects as truly unidentified, often resorting to speculative explanations.

Mystery "Sub"

On February 13, 1961, an unidentified submarine was spotted off the Natal Coast in Durban, South Africa, between 3 and 4 a.m. An eyewitness described a ship with a conning tower and people on deck.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The A.P.R.O. Bulletin include close encounters with unidentified aerial objects, unexplained crashes, and the challenges of UFO research organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent, factual reporting and investigation, emphasizing the need for evidence-based analysis. The organization expresses a commitment to continuing its work despite operational and financial hurdles, and encourages member support. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine sightings and potential hoaxes or misidentifications, while also advocating for the serious consideration of the UFO phenomenon.