THE BIGFOOT ABSTRACT

Magazine Overview

Title: THE BIGFOOT ABSTRACT
Issue Date: JULY 1988
Publisher: Bigfoot Information Project
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of The Bigfoot Abstract, published by the Bigfoot Information Project, a division of Strange Research and Investigations, is dated July 1988. The editor and project director is Mark Opsasnick. The publication is distributed on an irregular basis, and subscription rates are not currently available. Due to funding limitations, the mailing list is being reduced, and the editor requests that recipients either exchange publications or send in Bigfoot-related clippings to remain on the list. The newsletter is also available through Ray Nelke's COUD-I service.

From the Editor

Mark Opsasnick addresses the distribution policy of the newsletter, stating that it has mainly been sent out for free. He announces that for those currently exchanging publications, they will remain in good standing. However, for those not exchanging and whose envelopes do not have a red "OK" marking, a response with an exchange is required to stay on the mailing list. He explains that this measure is due to a lack of funds and aims to keep expenses at a minimum. He also encourages readers to feel free to send xerox copies of the newsletter to friends.

More Maryland Monster References

By Mark Opsasnick

This section presents recent newspaper findings related to alleged monster sightings in Maryland:

1. 1902 Frederick County: The Baltimore Morning Sun of July 28, 1949, mentioned a creature called the "Gyascutus" reportedly seen lying across Carroll Creek, causing a flood. This is noted as possibly a tongue-in-cheek reference.
2. November 1932 Frederick County: The Frederick News of November 30, 1932, reported on a creature described as "dark, bulky, and frightful" encountered by a couple near Mt. Olivet cemetery. The creature dashed into the woods.
3. 1870 Frederick County: The Frederick News of November 30, 1932, relayed stories of the "Jabowak," a creature with a "horrible face" that peered into residents' windows on McMurray Street. It was described as a "stalking animal unlike any even zoologist would recognize," possessing great height and frequently climbing fences. A large dog was reportedly responsible for the sightings.
4. 1890 Creagerstown Frederick County: The Frederick News of December 1, 1932, published accounts of the "Jabberwok," described as lizard-headed, humpbacked, long-tailed, and web-footed. Tracks were found, and the creature was reported from Creagerstown to Graceham to Thurmont.
5. Summer 1973 Prince George's County: A reference to the "Goatman" is noted on page 233 of Jim Brandon's book, "THE REBIRTH OF PAN: HIDDEN FACES OF THE AMERICAN EARTH SPIRIT."

Current Ohio Bigfoot Activity

By Mark Opsasnick

In early May 1988, Mark Opsasnick visited Mark Francis and Don Keating, two Ohio Bigfoot investigators working in a highly active region. Opsasnick suggests contacting them directly for specific research details but shares his observations. He states that both men were friendly and provided a surprising amount of evidence, leading him to believe Ohio is currently the hottest Bigfoot region in the country.

During the fall of 1985, Francis and Keating monitored the home of Dave Tyo and Floyd Wylie near Newcomerstown. The residents reported numerous sightings. Mark Francis recounted an incident where six sets of glowing red eyes appeared on the woodline at various heights, accompanied by sounds like a stampede of elephants when the creatures retreated. No body forms were seen, only the eyes. Opsasnick admits this experience changed his mind about the "glowing" aspect of Bigfoot eyes, which he previously attributed to light reflection.

Several other strange events occurred on the Tyo/Wylie property in the fall of 1985. Notably, on September 15, 1985, Don Keating reported sighting a 9-foot tall white, bipedal creature.

Don Keating, along with Tom Archer, captured a videotape of a creature at an undisclosed Ohio location near Newcomerstown in the mid-1980s. While some investigators dismissed the video as a deer, Opsasnick was allowed to view it and found it intriguing. The footage, though of poor quality, shows a dark brown or black creature's head emerging from weeds, ducking back, and then moving away. Opsasnick notes the apparent lack of a neck, which would be visible on a deer. He concludes that it is as difficult to definitively identify the creature as a deer as it is to call it a Bigfoot, but believes the evidence cannot be dismissed. He suggests that those with a personal vendetta against Don Keating are the main critics of the videotape. Given the valid Bigfoot activity in Ohio, Opsasnick believes Keating may have captured the real thing, but acknowledges that clearer evidence, like the Patterson-Gimlin film, is needed.

Opsasnick encourages those interested in Ohio Bigfoot activity to contact Don Keating or Mark Francis directly. Don Keating publishes a Bigfoot News newsletter, which is recommended for staying updated on Eastern Ohio activity. He advises including a stamped, self-addressed envelope when writing to them.

Opsasnick also extends thanks to Ron Schaffner, whom he met in Cincinnati. He notes that Southwest Ohio has not had recent Bigfoot activity. Ron Schaffner, along with Charles Wilhelm, operates the Ohio UFO Investigator's League and publishes CREATURE CHRONICLES.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of Bigfoot and other cryptid phenomena, with a focus on evidence collection and analysis. The editorial stance, as expressed by Mark Opsasnick, is one of open-mindedness and a willingness to re-evaluate previous beliefs based on new evidence, particularly regarding the "glowing eyes" phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on documenting historical accounts and contemporary sightings, with a particular focus on the active region of Ohio. The publication also highlights the challenges of funding and distribution within the field of paranormal research.