Civlilian Saucer Intellligence of New York - No 21

Magazine Overview

This issue of the CSI News Letter, Publication No. 29, dated November 1, 1957, is the ninth issue and is priced at 50 cents. It is published by Civilian Saucer Intelligence of N.Y. The cover features a 'Table of Contents' listing the various articles and their page numbers.

"By The Light Of The New Moon"

This lead article discusses the recent launch of the Soviet satellite, Sputnik, on October 5, 1957. It notes the earth-shaking rocket launch and the subsequent orbital placement of a "two-foot metal ball" traveling at 18,000 miles per hour, marking a significant achievement in space travel. The article contrasts this with the United States' progress, suggesting that Russia is about a year ahead in rocket development. It questions the narrative of a "defeat" for the US in the space race, proposing that the intense focus on rocket technology by both nations, and the billions spent, indicate that no revolutionary propulsion methods, such as those associated with UFOs, have been discovered or developed.

CSI News

This section details recent activities of the Civilian Saucer Intelligence of New York (CSI). Executive Committee meetings were held on August 7th, September 5th, and October 16th, discussing speakers and setting agendas. The Annual Business Meeting was held on September 27th, with reports on activities, sightings (including the Galt, Ontario landing), membership (145), and finances. Hans Stefan Santesson, editorial director of Fantastic Universe, spoke about CSI's articles. Research Director Ted Bloecher reviewed sightings, and Isabel Davis presented a financial report. A preview of Aimé Michel's new book, "Les Soucoupes Volantes et La Mystère de l'Orthotenie," was also presented, focusing on his concept of "orthoteny."

Officers were reelected, with Victoria de Cervantes added as Secretary. Special thanks were given to Mary Coryn and Arthur Shattuck.

Abridged Financial Report

The financial report for the period June 13, 1956, to June 30, 1957, shows funds on hand of $42.10, total income of $704.94, and expenditures of $720.98, leaving a balance of $26.06. A full report is to be mailed to members.

CSI Members Meet Auriphebo Simoes

Auriphebo Berrance Simoes, director of "C.P.D.V." from Sao Paulo, Brazil, addressed CSI members on October 27th. Simoes, a veteran airline pilot and business executive, discussed his interest in flying saucers, the organization of C.P.D.V. in June 1956, and several investigated cases. He shared details of his own sightings, including a silvery disc with three smaller red objects, and clarified the Brazilian Air Force's attitude towards UFOs.

New Book by Michel in Preparation

CSI's Research Section is working on the translation and editing of Aimé Michel's second book, "Les Soucoupes Volantes et La Mystère de l'Orthotenie," scheduled for Spring publication. The book focuses on the "fantastic events of Autumn, 1954," and introduces the concept of "orthoteny" to describe patterns in UFO reports.

CSI Tells N.J. P-T.A. of UFOs

Lex Mebane addressed the Branchburg Township Parent-Teachers Association on October 9th, and Ted Bloecher was invited to address the P-T.A. of Flanders on November 25th.

Long John Appearance

Isabel Davis, Ted Bloecher, and Ivan Sanderson were guests on the "Long John" program on August 29th, along with Hans Stefan Santesson.

CSI Articles In Fantastic Universe

A list of CSI articles published in Fantastic Universe is provided. The regular series, "Shapes In The Sky," written by Ted Bloecher and Lex Mebane, covers various UFO shapes, explanations, "angel hair," mechanical noises, "skyquakes," saucer smells, radar sightings, and Washington sightings. Isabel Davis's article "Meet The Extraterrestrial" is highlighted as a significant criticism of "contact" claimants. Ivan T. Sanderson's articles on UFOs and Fortean phenomena are also mentioned.

CSI's Legal Adviser Scores Triumph

On October 12th, CSI's legal adviser, Jules B. St. Germain, successfully defended Thomas Stoelting in a sensational court case involving "carnal abuses" charges. St. Germain secured an acquittal for Stoelting, who could not afford other legal representation.

TWO UFO REPORTS FROM OREGON

July 10, 1957

Morgan Medlock and Buddy Taylor reported seeing a round, hat-shaped object moving at "terrific speed" near Heppner, Oregon. The object was described as brown and left no trail. It made a sound like a jet plane with a whistle.

July 25, 1957

Brad Woodward and Carl Pollack reported seeing a brilliant disc-shaped object, described as a "bright silver dollar," crossing the sky at high speed near Clackamas County, Oregon. The object was spinning and tilted at a slight angle, with no sound or vapor trail.

MEXICAN HAT DANCE OVER WHITTIER, CALIFORNIA

On August 22nd, numerous residents in Whittier, California, reported a display of UFOs. Witnesses, including the Warner Little family, observed six bright, round discs arranged in pairs. The objects rotated, revolved in a circular motion, and appeared to be inclined at a slight angle. They were described as having a dome-like protuberance and resembled Mexican sombreros. One object in each pair emitted a small puff of smoke. The objects then moved away, with some changing color from silver to red and orange before vanishing abruptly. The event was witnessed by multiple neighbors, including Mr. and Mrs. John Iseli, who reversed their skeptical opinions. Triangulation of reports indicated an altitude of 2,300 feet. Similar abrupt disappearances were noted in two other CSI cases from New York (1946) and New Jersey (1955).

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS DEEPENS MYSTERY OF REPEATING "ICEFALLS"

This article details several instances of ice falling from the sky in eastern Pennsylvania and surrounding areas during the summer of 1957. The phenomenon, recognized as a "Fortean phenomenon," involved multiple falls of large ice chunks, some weighing up to 50 pounds. The ice was analyzed by Dr. Malcolm J. Reider, who found it to be cloudy, opaque, and resembling a "popcorn ball" formed from fused hailstones. The meltwater was found to be brackish and alkaline, with calcium carbonate as a major contaminant and no iron. Reider theorized that the ice was atmospherically formed and picked up alkaline dust from arid regions, carried by air streams. Meteorologists, however, dismissed this theory, suggesting the ice fell from planes or "Strategic Air Command jets."

Further ice falls were reported near Shamokin (25 pounds), Camp Hill (ice cake), Chester (large mass, 100+ pounds), Philadelphia (chunk through warehouse roof), and Annandale, New Jersey (40-pound cake). The ice samples generally showed similar characteristics, though the Annandale sample lacked alkaline contamination. The mystery of how such large ice masses could form and fall remains.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing "space race" and its implications for UFO research, detailed reports of specific UFO sightings with witness testimonies and object descriptions, and the scientific investigation of anomalous phenomena like the "ice falls." The editorial stance, as expressed in "By The Light Of The New Moon," is skeptical of conventional explanations for UFOs and suggests that the intense focus on rocket technology by superpowers might be a cover for more advanced aerial capabilities. The publication also champions the work of researchers like Aimé Michel and Ivan Sanderson, while critically examining "contactee" claims.

This issue of "Flying Saucers" magazine, identified as NL #10, focuses on a series of unusual ice fall incidents and UFO sightings primarily in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the 1950s. It also features an in-depth exposé of alleged fabrications by UFO contactee Howard Menger.

Ice Falls and Unique Structures

The issue begins by detailing investigations into ice falls, notably those in Bernville, Pennsylvania, and Annandale, New Jersey. Dr. Reider, a researcher, described the ice structures as "unique" and unlike anything known to occur in nature, ruling out normal hailstones or man-made ice. He theorized that the ice lumps were too heavy to be carried by the jet stream when it made a left-hand turn, causing them to be cast off. This theory is contrasted with the meteorological "airplane" theory, which is dismissed due to the ice's peculiar chemical constitution and the fact that similar ice falls predated airplanes. The possibility of these ice masses being true meteorites is also considered, noting the similarity to the "brecciated" structure of some chondritic meteorites, though this fails to explain the localized repetition.

A specific incident in Bernville involved ice fragments containing aluminum and magnesium, which the Harrisburg State Police analytical laboratory suggested proved the ice fell from a plane. Dr. Reider, however, did not mention such fragments in his specimens. The UP story on the Bernville fall also noted strange "rumblings" and "skyquake"-like sounds reported in the surrounding counties.

Further ice fall reports include an 1888 incident at Lake St. Moritz, Switzerland, where columnar ice crystals were found, and an 1849 event in Ord, Scotland, where a large mass of ice fell after thunder. The magazine also references the "Project Ice-Bolt" investigation in England, which attributed ice falls to "frozen waste from airliner washrooms."

More recent incidents detailed include ice falls in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, described as "rod-like" and resembling "frozen cigars crushed together," and in Kensington, Philadelphia, where a ten-pound block of ice struck a roof. A football-shaped ice mass found in Belle Mead, New Jersey, was described as "beautiful--like an oversized snowflake" with a horizontal-layered structure.

UFO Sightings and "Luminous Blue Stone"

The cover headline highlights UFO sightings in New Jersey, particularly a cluster of observations on August 1st, 1957. Eyewitnesses in Hudson County reported round, yellow-orange objects descending slowly, with smaller objects following. In North Bergen, a "bright blue and round, with fuzzy edges" object was seen, emitting sparks. In West New York, a "cigar-shaped object, illuminated inside" was observed.

Reports from west of Hudson County include a "round, brilliant, fast-moving light" seen by Mrs. Joseph R. Deck in Watchung, New Jersey. In West Paterson, a "flaming blue ball of fire" was reported to have fallen to the ground, with witnesses finding a "meteorite."

Further UFO reports include a "flying kettledrum"-shaped object seen in Teaneck, New Jersey, described as brilliantly metallic and moving rapidly. Dominick Drago, a fisherman in Warren County, New Jersey, reported a large greyish oval-shaped object emerging from trees, moving swiftly, and then hovering. The object's appearance changed from shiny to dull, cloud-like, greyish-white.

Investigation into Howard Menger's Claims

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an exposé of Howard Menger, a UFO contactee, by investigator Jules St. Germain. The report details Menger's return to the "Long John Program" on WOR radio, where his claims were met with skepticism by the host. Menger had reportedly given up his sign-painting business to "devote my life to spreading this information" and was hoping to profit from his forthcoming book.

One new episode disclosed involved Menger's explanation for a traffic violation: he claimed to have been indoors conducting a meeting of disciples while his car, which had already been sold, was seen speeding. This defense was described as the "weirdest" by the judge, and Menger's license was later revoked due to repeated traffic violations.

St. Germain's investigation uncovered that Menger's followers had experienced a "renaissance of sanity," implying they no longer believed his claims. One woman discovered that a staged "contact" event, involving "spacemen" and a "spacewoman," was actually a deception where she recognized "C.W.," whom she knew, playing the role of the spacewoman.

Further allegations against Menger include the faking of a "code message from outer space" on a tape recording. St. Germain learned that the tape, initially blank after a broadcast, inexplicably contained a "space message" after Menger took the recorder to his paint shop. St. Germain stated the tape was faked.

Additional claims by Menger, such as an injury caused by a saucer and building a "spacecraft" that made a hole in the roof, were also questioned or denied by witnesses. Menger had also reportedly claimed telepathic communication with Van Tassel, later calling Van Tassel a liar, and more recently claimed he could "change himself into little lights" and enter people's bedrooms. He eventually admitted to one acquaintance, "I have told lies sometimes."

History of Fabrications and Media Influence

Dick Harpster's research revealed that Menger had a prior reputation for relating imaginary fabrications, citing an example where he claimed valuable marble busts were on his parents' mantelpiece, which were not present.

The magazine criticizes the media for the speed at which sensational claims are circulated compared to the difficulty of bringing basic facts to light. It suggests that publicity agencies often bury the truth and continue to spread fabrications, as media outlets may prioritize a "good story" over truth.

Teletype Machines Read "Space Messages"

The issue also examines alleged "space messages" received by John Otto and Howard Menger. Jules St. Germain secured tape recordings of these messages, which, when fed into standard teleprinter machines, were recognized as teletype signals. The 1954 tape was identified as English, enciphered by simple substitution and transposition. Menger's specimen was similar. The magazine notes that while the origin of Menger's message is less mysterious, Mrs. Maier's case is more puzzling, with an unnamed government agency confirming the recording contained "only identifiable Morse code" from a U.S.-licensed radio.

Recent Reports from Metropolitan New York and New Jersey

This section provides brief summaries of recent UFO sightings:

• July 2, 1957: In Teaneck, New Jersey, Mrs. Leone Marcus and two boys saw a brilliantly shining UFO of peculiar "kettledrum" shape moving rapidly and silently.
• July 23, 1957: Dominick Drago, a fisherman in Warren County, New Jersey, reported a large greyish oval-shaped object that moved swiftly, hovered, and changed appearance.

Morris County Residents See Searchlights--and Something Else

• August 3, 1957: Two company guards in Denville, New Jersey, witnessed about eight powerful searchlights, followed by a "strange object" consisting of two flattened disc-shaped bodies circling each other, amber in color, and moving in a straight trajectory.
• August 5, 1957: Reports of "flying saucers" and "strange lights" throughout Morris County were attributed by local papers to searchlights from an anniversary celebration, but the magazine suggests unidentified interlopers were present.

A Hopping UFO Over Old Greenwich, Connecticut

• August 6, 1957: Mrs. Hope Hurd saw a large oval object in the sky, described as luminous yellow, execute a series of unusual hops to the west, a maneuver she called "scalloping."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of unusual aerial phenomena, including unexplained ice falls and diverse UFO sightings, often localized in specific geographic areas. The magazine also strongly emphasizes the need for critical investigation and skepticism, particularly regarding claims made by contactees. The editorial stance is one of cautious inquiry, aiming to separate genuine unexplained phenomena from hoaxes, misidentifications (like meteors), and deliberate fabrications. There is a clear concern that the sensationalism surrounding UFO reports, often amplified by media, can damage the credibility of serious research into the subject. The magazine advocates for a rigorous approach, prioritizing verifiable facts and exposing falsehoods, even when it challenges popular narratives.

Title: CSI Newsletter
Issue: NL #9
Date: October 1957

This issue of the CSI Newsletter provides a detailed look at UFO phenomena and related research in October 1957, featuring multiple sighting reports, analysis of object characteristics, book reviews, and commentary on official stances regarding UFOs.

Reported Sightings and Observations

Forest Hills, Queens, USA (August 14, 1957)

Charles McHarry reported an account from his friend, newspaperman Dick Engler, who observed a humming object in Forest Hills. Engler's boxer dog first reacted to an insistent humming noise. Engler saw an object that appeared to be a falling star, but it stopped, remained motionless for about 10 seconds, then moved east on a horizontal course. After another 30 seconds, it stopped again, hung motionless, and then shot straight up. After a five-second pause, it veered east and disappeared. The humming sound was loudest during its horizontal flight.

This report was corroborated by other witnesses who described similar sounds and objects. Joseph Abarno, Al Malfatone, and Carl Thomas, ambulance drivers, saw an object "exactly like the one Engler saw." A man in Jackson Heights heard a "powerful, deep humming noise," and a woman in East Northport was awakened by a sound like a plucked musical instrument string. Another Queens couple reported seeing a UFO that "made a sound like the hum of a bee."

Pleasant Valley, N.Y. (September 10, 1957)

Richard Holsapple, a self-employed builder and member of the Ground Observer Corps, reported seeing three objects circling silently in a clear sky near military planes. Two objects were silvery, and one was darker. Holsapple estimated their speed at "at least 2000 miles an hour," far faster than high-flying jets. His father also witnessed the event. The noteworthy aspect of this observation was that "strings of flimsy material dropped from the mystery craft and drifted earthward far away to the south."

Old Greenwich, Connecticut (September 28, 1957)

Mr. and Mrs. Ervin R. Cooper observed an object while having lunch in their backyard. Mrs. Cooper, a CSI member and plane-spotter, was using binoculars when her husband pointed out an object in the sky. To the naked eye, it was a small, definite silvery disc, about 1/20 the size of the moon. Through binoculars, it appeared to have a puzzling shape, "like an upside-down parachute." The object moved horizontally, described a wide circle, and returned to its position. It repeated this maneuver and then became motionless. Mrs. Cooper described the objects as resembling "frosted glass" and appearing to spin, with wavy connecting silvery strands. Two smaller white objects rapidly crossed the field of view. Suddenly, "silvery sparks 'sparks'" ejected from the top of the object, and it moved off to the right. Mr. Cooper saw the object describe a third circle and then ascend vertically out of sight. Mr. Cooper also noted the ejection of silvery material that floated downwards like "spider web."

Long Island City, USA (October 13, 1957)

Mrs. Sophie Rashkoff and Mr. Armand du Puy observed a large white light resembling a "caterpillar" that was horizontally elongated, about the diameter of the moon. The object was seen to be shrinking and stretching, contracting and expanding, and dancing about the sky. Its color fluctuated between white, blue, green, and yellow, with flashes of red. Yellow rays emanated from its left-hand end, and a red ball dropped from its bottom, trailing "reddish-gray mist."

Near Bernardsville, N.J. (October 15, 1957)

Mrs. Mildred E. Simms, while driving, observed an extremely brilliant golden-yellow light to her left, described as "as large as two fused headlights." Her initial impression was an airplane with landing lights on. No sound was heard. The light seemed to wobble and appeared to tilt, presenting a luminous crescent convex upward. She observed it for five minutes before driving on, and it remained visible in the same relative position. Later, she stopped again and saw it appear smaller, but still large enough to discern its shape.

Boston, USA (October 8, 1957)

Veteran Pan-American pilot Joseph L. Flynn and his co-pilot, William Box, reported seeing a "bright silver object" while flying a DC-7C from Paris. Their altitude was 14,000 feet, speed 310 mph, heading southwest. The object, described as brighter and larger than Venus, appeared to the west of them and moved on a horizontal path toward the south. It seemed to be about 15 degrees above the horizon. The object was in view for about five minutes before disappearing, presumed lost in cirrus clouds. The pilots, who expressed skepticism about flying saucers, admitted the object was unidentified. They initially mistook it for Sputnik, but later learned the satellite was not in the area at that time.

Campinas, Brazil (December 20, 1954)

A case involving molten "tin" that supposedly fell from a saucer was discussed. Two samples brought to New York by Simões disappointed investigators, as testing revealed they were composed of tin and lead, appearing to be solder. The article notes that this does not prove anything, as the samples might have been introduced later by a prankster. The exact nature of the original material remains uncertain pending further information from the chemist who originally examined it.

Analysis and Commentary

Object Characteristics

The newsletter details various characteristics of observed UFOs, including shapes such as discs, upside-down parachutes, and caterpillars. Colors ranged from silvery and darker to golden-yellow, white, blue, green, yellow, and red. Size estimates varied, with one described as "about 1/20 the size of the moon" and another as "larger than Venus." Behaviors included humming, stopping, horizontal movement, vertical ascent, circling, dropping material, ejecting sparks, shaking, shrinking, stretching, contracting, expanding, dancing, wobbling, and tilting. Speeds were estimated to be extremely high, "at least 2000 miles an hour." Electromagnetic effects included pulses that interfered with radar, and physical trace evidence such as "strings of flimsy material" and "silvery stuff" were reported.

Government Secrecy and Misrepresentation

The issue highlights alleged misrepresentation by the Air Force regarding UFO information. Major Donald Keyhoe, Director of NICAP, appeared on television and revealed that the Air Force had declined to allow him to review and publish their reports, contradicting a statement made to "Nightbeat" that they had provided him with everything he requested. The newsletter criticizes this "equivocation and lack of candor."

Book Reviews

"Inside Saucer Post" by Leonard H. Stringfield: This book is praised for packing solid UFO information into less than 100 pages, covering names, dates, places, witnesses, and references. It includes Stringfield's first UFO sighting in 1945, his dealings with the Air Force, the "Norwood searchlight case," and an interview with Spencer Whedon of ATIC. The review notes that the book is presented in a spirited style but avoids sensationalism.

"They Rode in Space Ships" by Gavin Gibbons: This book is described as a curious production that serves up three American books by Daniel Fry and Truman Bethurum for English audiences, without crediting the original authors. Gibbons is noted for revising the wording to suit his own taste and presenting the material with a pseudo-Sanskrit nomenclature. The review questions the "piracy of their copyrights" and criticizes the publisher's blurb calling it a "scientific report."

Other publications reviewed include "The Inexplicable Sky" by Arthur Constance and "Other Tongues Other Flesh" by George Williamson, both of which are critiqued for their content and author's attitudes.

Periodical Reviews

The newsletter also reviews several UFO periodicals:

• NICAP's UFO Investigator: Praised for containing "highly significant material unavailable elsewhere," including a detailed intelligence report about a circular UFO that interfered with jet radar. The review notes the Air Force's "false claim" that Major Keyhoe had received all information.
• APRO Bulletin: Described as outstanding, featuring exceptionally good sightings and an article by Dr. Olavo Fontes detailing UFO cases from Brazil, including a landing of "grotesque little men."
• Ouranos: A French bimonthly magazine, noted for its detailed investigation of three recent French landing cases.
• The Flying Saucer (C.P.D.V.): Four new issues are discussed, with the editor, Auriphebo Simões, providing an account of Brazilian "contact" stories, concluding they are "hoaxes." The publication is recommended for its clear thinking and energetic action.
• Satellite: The publication was forced to cease due to mounting expenses.
• UFO Bulletin: Published by the U.F.O. Investigation Centre in Sydney, Australia, this mimeographed magazine is described as strictly factual-minded and well-informed.
• Amazing Stories: The October issue contained eight articles on saucers, including contributions from Kenneth Arnold and Gray Barker, and discussions on military censorship and Air Force statements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CSI Newsletter consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of factual reporting, rigorous investigation, and skepticism towards sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly those from "contactees." The newsletter actively scrutinizes official statements, especially from the Air Force, highlighting instances of alleged misrepresentation and lack of transparency. There is a clear editorial preference for well-documented cases and credible witnesses. The publication also serves as a platform for reviewing and recommending other serious research efforts and periodicals in the field, while cautioning against "professional occultists" and "ignorant enthusiasts."