Bigfoot Bulletin - No 02 - 1969

Magazine Overview

The BIGFOOT BULLETIN, Issue No. 2, dated February 2, 1969, is a newsletter published by George F. Haas from Oakland, California. This issue focuses on recent Bigfoot research, sightings, and related news, indicating an international scope with copies sent to Canada, England, West Germany, and France.

Field Research and Sightings

Jim McClarin reports on his January 8th and 9th expedition with John Green and Bob Titmus in Bluff Creek, Canada. They encountered snow depths of 6 inches to 3 feet with a hard crust, making walking easier. However, no definitive Bigfoot footprints were found, only some old indentations that might have been from a previous sighting. McClarin also relays unconfirmed reports from Orchard, Washington, including a daytime encounter with a 'monster' near a tree house where a child was reportedly tossed aside by the creature, suggesting a non-violent but firm interaction.

Scientific Study and Plaster Casts

On January 19, Jim McClarin, Bill Bordisso (a Bigfoot hunter from San Francisco), and the editor visited the San Francisco zoo. Their objective was to create plaster casts of gorilla footprints. With the cooperation of zoo keepers, sand was spread on the floor, and gorillas were allowed to leave tracks. Jim McClarin successfully obtained several detailed plaster casts, including one particularly perfect specimen that showed the fine lines on the sole of the foot. This study was intended to aid in scientific analysis and to counter claims that Bigfoot might be an escaped gorilla.

Abominable Snowman in the News

The issue highlights the reappearance of the Abominable Snowman in the news, referencing an article by F.S. Nirash from the London Observer, reprinted by the San Francisco Chronicle on January 13, 1969. The report, originating from a Hong Kong newspaper, describes a 'reddish-brown figure' resembling a super-human seen by a villager in Tibet. Chinese troops reportedly searched for the creature with guns, ropes, and nets.

Publications and Media Mentions

Several publications and media items related to Bigfoot are mentioned:

• MEN magazine (February 1969): Features an article titled "I Found Africa's Man-Beast" by Winston K. Morgan.
• "Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come To Life" by Ivan T. Sanderson: A new revised abridgment published in paperback by Pyramid Books, N.Y., priced at 75 cents, with reportedly spotty distribution.
• Willow Creek Variety advertisement: In the KLAM-ITY KOURIER (January 22, 1969), John Green's book "On The Track Of The Sasquatch" is offered for $3.35 (including tax, mailing, and handling for California residents; $3.20 for non-residents).
• WANTED: The editor seeks an article titled "Canada's Abominable Snowman" by J. Stuart, published in the Canadian edition of ARGOSY magazine in December 1959.
• AMERICAN FORESTS magazine (December 1968): Featured a large photograph of Jim McClarin's statue of Bigfoot at Willow Creek as its "Feature Photo of the Month."
• "Weitchpec Wigwam" column (KLAM-ITY KOURIER, January 22, 1969): Notes a lack of recent Bigfoot track sightings in the area, attributing it to miserable weather.
• "Willow Creek Window" column (KLAM-ITY KOURIER, January 22, 1969): Reports that Perry Adams found a stone replica of a 'Little Bigfoot' footprint, about 5 X 1½ inches, while digging in his garden. This facsimile was donated to Al Hodgson's 'Bigfoot Museum' in Willow Creek.

Editorial Stance and Reader Engagement

The BIGFOOT BULLETIN is distributed free to individuals actively engaged in Bigfoot research, either in the field or bibliographically. The editor requests cooperation through an exchange of news and information. Readers are encouraged to write to the editor with suggestions, comments, and what they would like to see in future issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing efforts in Bigfoot field research, the scientific approach to evidence (such as plaster casts), the dissemination of information through various publications, and the international interest in cryptozoological phenomena like Bigfoot and the Abominable Snowman. The editorial stance appears to be one of active research, information sharing, and a pragmatic approach to the subject, as evidenced by the zoo study and the request for reader input. The concluding thought for the month, "May Bigfoot never step on you !", adds a touch of lightheartedness.