Controversial Phenomena Bulletin - No 03 - Vol 1 No 3 - May Jun 1964

Magazine Overview

Title: CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA
Issue: VOLUME # I - BULLETIN # 3
Date: MAY - JUNE 1964
Publisher: A. A. Laprade
Location: Worcester 5, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
Price: 35¢ per copy, $2.00 per year.
Illustration: Joseph L. Ferriere of Woonsocket, R.I.

This issue of Controversial Phenomena is a bulletin that delves into various unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on unidentified underwater objects and alleged censorship of UFO information. It features a report by Larry (fireball) Larochelle titled "UNIDENTIFIED UNDERWATER OBJECTS RUN RAMPANT," alongside other articles, news, and illustrations.

Featured Article: Unidentified Underwater Objects Run Rampant

The lead article, authored by Larry (seaweed) Larochelle, highlights several incidents involving mysterious underwater objects. The report begins with a newspaper clipping from the Woonsocket Call dated February 22, 1964, detailing the fishing vessel Villano-va running into an "unidentified object" and sinking off the coast of Massachusetts. Larochelle emphasizes the need to keep readers informed about developments in the ocean depths.

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• December 26, 1963: The tanker M. L. Gosney suffered a large hole in its bottom, losing 4,000 gallons of fuel oil. No obstruction was found.
• December 29, 1963: Firemen searched Greenwich Bay for an "unidentified object" reported floating in the water.
• December 30, 1963: In Provincetown, Massachusetts, a 70-foot trawler struck a submerged object and sank. The crew was rescued, but no explanation was found.
• February 6, 1964: The yacht Hattie D sank off the California coast after striking a "metal object." Survivors insisted it was a steel object.
• June 1962: An incident off the Massachusetts coast involved a garbled radio call about a burning vessel, which was later linked to the sinking of the Navy submarine USS Argonaut. However, the Navy denied any submarines were in the area.
• May 17, 1957: Off the Netherlands coast, the Danish freighter Mary North reported sighting a lighted distress signal buoy and hearing strange underwater knocking noises. The Dutch destroyer Utrecht reported "contact with a subject underwater."

Larochelle concludes this section by humorously noting that he might postpone his annual deep sea fishing trip.

UFO Censorship and Space Travel

The editorial section discusses Professor Charles A. Maney from Defiance College, who criticizes the U.S. Air Force for allegedly censoring UFO information. Maney asserts that the Air Force is catering to big business by hiding evidence that could lead to new laws and principles for space travel, potentially making current space programs obsolete. He believes this suppression is driven by the desire to protect the capital investments of industries involved in defense contracts.

The article also touches upon the cost of space exploration, citing Dr. Hugh L. Dryden's estimate of $100 per person to send a man to the moon. It references a 1957 proposal by Dr. Wernher von Braun to build a rocket ship to Mars, noting that the plan was considered reasonable and did not violate known physical laws. The piece questions the current focus on the moon when a Mars mission seems feasible, especially if military spending were redirected.

The Little Men From Maser

This section presents a peculiar case involving the disappearance of Wilbur Wilkinson and Karl Hunrath in November 1953. The story details how the two men, who were reportedly believers in flying saucers and conducting investigations in the Los Angeles area, rented a plane and never returned. Their disappearance led to an intensive search that yielded no results. Mrs. Wilkinson, Wilbur's wife, revealed her belief that the men had been "KIDNAPPED" by "interplanetary invaders" from a planet called MASER. She showed reporter Charles Ridgway photographs of flying saucers and strange symbols found in her husband's den, and claimed Hunrath knew of a landing site. Her husband, who worked at Hoffman Radio Corporation, allegedly had tape recordings of conversations with extraterrestrials.

Other Content

• Saucer Passenger Dies: A brief news item from Atlanta, Georgia, dated May 16, 1953, reports the death of Fred Reagan in a State Asylum. Reagan, who had previously claimed to be a visitor aboard a flying saucer, died from degeneration of brain tissue attributed to extreme atomic radiation, with authorities unable to offer an explanation.
• Representatives: A list of individuals across the U.S. and Canada serving as representatives for the publication, indicating a distributed network.
• Many Thanks - Editorial: This section expresses gratitude to various individuals for their contributions, including subscribers, those who promoted the zine, and editors of other publications. It also includes a humorous P.S. from Larry about Red's Book Shop and the Odd Bookstore.
• Contents: A table of contents lists the articles, including "Unidentified Underwater Objects Run Rampant," "Kartoon Klassik," "Letters," "The Little Men From Maser?", "Was The Flatwoods Monster & Megalonyx?", "New Space Mystery At Cape!", "Amazing Air Mysteries," "Did Astronomers Ever See A Flying Saucer?", and "Late News."
• Kartoon Klassiks #3: An illustrated cartoon by Joe, suggested by Armand, depicts Larry (FIREBALL) Larochelle working on his television, watching "Fireball XL-5," and humorously showing his dedication to the show.
• Letters-From-You-To Us: This section features letters from readers. Mike Renaud writes about "Restless" individuals and congratulates the publication on its originality. Donald P. Nason contributes a poem titled "THE DARKEST CORNER." James Krasowski offers a weather forecast service. An announcement about a printed card found in Clyde, New York, announcing a dance in 1878 with "Music by the Beatles" is also included, highlighting a historical anomaly.
• Ad Rates: Information on advertising rates for the publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial and underwater phenomena, the possibility of extraterrestrial contact, and a critical stance on government and corporate secrecy regarding these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into controversial subjects, aiming to inform readers about events that challenge conventional understanding, while also incorporating elements of humor and reader engagement through letters and cartoons.

Title: Amazing Mysteries
Issue Date: March, 1963 - May 1, 1964 (indicated by the range of articles and dates)
Publisher: CPB (Controversial Phenomena Bulletin)
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Amazing Mysteries presents a collection of intriguing and often bizarre accounts related to UFOs, strange creatures, and unexplained phenomena, drawing from various sources including newspaper clippings and personal testimonies. The magazine aims to inform its readers about these mysteries, often questioning official explanations and encouraging further thought.

Article Summaries

Were Wilkinson and Hunrath "taken for a saucer ride"?

The issue opens by questioning whether Were Wilkinson and Hunrath were abducted by aliens. It notes that photos and tape recordings related to their experience are missing, possibly confiscated. The article states that this story has mystified UFO researchers for a long time.

Prenanon, France - 1954 Incident

Raymond Ronand, a 12-year-old boy, recounted a terrifying experience to his teacher, Mme. Genillon. While playing with his siblings, they saw two "tin ghosts" and a ball of fire. The "ghost" was described as a "lump of sugar, split at the bottom to make legs." The children's consistent account, corroborated by a police investigation, revealed a circular area of flattened grass and four holes arranged in a square, despite continuous rain. The children had no prior knowledge of flying saucers.

Milan, Italy - 1963 Incident

A policeman named Francesco Rizzi reported seeing a flying saucer with two humanoid creatures inside. The creatures were described as less than three feet tall, dressed in luminous clothing, and wearing black helmets. One creature gestured to its companion before they re-entered the saucer and departed.

Quincy, Massachusetts - Object Drops from Sky

On June 8, 1963, a six-pound chunk of metal, described as red hot, fell from the sky onto a porch in West Quincy, Massachusetts. Experts suggested it might be part of a jet engine.

Manitowic, Wisconsin - Mystery Object Plummets

In September 1962, a strange 20-pound hunk of metal fell onto a highway in Manitowic, Wisconsin, creating a three-inch deep hole. The Smithsonian was analyzing the metal's content.

Flesh and Blood from the Sky

An account from August 1869 in Los Nietos Township, California, describes flesh and blood falling from the sky in particles and strips with short fine hairs. A similar event was reported two months prior in Santa Clara County, California.

Drum-shaped Object Witnessed

An illustration from FATE Magazine depicts a drum-shaped object. The accompanying text describes a sighting on May 19, 1963, near the Illinois-Wisconsin line. The object, initially a bright white light, was later seen as a huge, elongated floodlight with windows, pulsating and absolutely silent. It was described as having the appearance of a double-decker airliner.

The Flatwoods Monster

This section discusses the "Flatwoods Monster" sighting in West Virginia on September 14, 1952. Seven residents reported seeing a creature described as a "Frankenstein Monster" with a bright green body, blood-red face, and an overpowering "metal-like" odor. The creature was described as "half-man, half-dragon" and waddled towards them. Police initially attributed the event to "mass hysteria."

Megalonyx - A Hunter's Encounter

An account from Virginia describes a hunter named Draper encountering a mysterious "Megalonyx" in 1790. While hunting, Draper's horse's bell began ringing furiously, and he found the horse half-eaten. The hunter's dog scented a wild beast of enormous size. Historical records from Thomas Jefferson mention the discovery of bones of an unknown, clawed animal in Greenbriar, Virginia, in 1799, which were three times the size of a lion.

New Space Mystery at Cape

On March 21, 1964, officials at Otis Air Force Base were alerted to a sighting of "Flying Sails" by the Bartorelli family in Wareham, Massachusetts. They described the object as orange-colored, moving in a circular motion, and repeatedly changing shape. The Air Force stated they had no record of such an object hovering over Cape Cod but would add the data to their files on "Strange Flying Craft" (S.F.C.).

Letters from You to... Us

Reverend Guy J. Cyr, S.M., writes to Armand, thanking him for an ad and praising his publication. Reverend Cyr speculates that the U.S. Air Force might soon publish findings about "our" lunar satellite having luxuriant vegetation and humanoids, based on observations from 200 years ago. He also shares his paper, "Life On The Moon," and discusses the survival of desert rats, suggesting that life on the moon could adapt to its environment by synthesizing water from oxygen and hydrogen, similar to how organisms in aquatic habitats obtain oxygen from water.

Flying Saucer Sighted on Missile Range (Socorro, N.M.)

This article details the Socorro, New Mexico sighting on May 24th, 1964, involving policeman Lonnie Zamora. Zamora reported seeing an egg-shaped object on the desert, which rose and flew away slowly. He also observed what appeared to be white coveralls near the saucer. Investigators found a burned bush and four small depressions in the ground. The object was described as shiny and aluminum-like, about the height of a car but larger. The Air Force and government agencies continued the investigation.

UFOs Add Up to a Fat Zero?

A report from the Worcester Evening Gazette (May 1, 1964) states that in 16 years, the Air Force investigated over 8,000 UFO sightings but found no evidence that they represent a threat or are alien interplanetary space vehicles. The article notes that the Air Force does not deny the existence of UFOs, only their nature.

New Epidemic of Strange Sightings in New Mexico

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, director of the Dearborn Observatory, was sent to Socorro to investigate recent UFO reports. The article mentions that out of 8,128 reported cases over 16 years, 7.7% remain unknown. It also notes that the Air Force is concerned about types of UFOs beyond disc-shaped or oval saucers. Examples of other reported sightings include objects described as "an ear of corn and a banana," "four pink wheels," and flashes.

Expert Says 'Saucer Report One of Best Substantiated!'

Dr. Hynek commented on the Socorro sighting, calling it "one of the soundest, best substantiated reports." He noted that Mr. Zamora's story was simply told and that he appeared genuinely frightened. Dr. Lincoln LaPaz also supported Zamora's reliability.

UFO Leaves Four Holes in Montana

On May 1, 1964, the sheriff's office in Helena, Montana, investigated marks left by an unidentified flying object near Canyon Ferry Lake. Four holes, about 13 feet apart and 6 to 8 inches deep, were found. The holes smelled like diesel fuel, and a circular spot was seared into the underbrush. The object was first sighted by an eleven-year-old girl.

Did Astronomers Ever See a Flying Saucer?

This section presents a debate between Pete Howe, who states astronomers have never reported seeing a flying saucer, and Joe Ferriere, co-editor of Controversial Phenomena, who claims they have. An illustration by Lionel (Mike) Renaud depicts flying saucers. The introduction by A. A. Laprade references J. Gordon Vaeth's book "200 Miles Up" and quotes astronomer J. Allen Hynek, who suggested that many flying saucer stories might originate from sightings of Skyhook plastic balloons, though he took exception to the impression that balloons were the primary source.

A letter from Joe Ferriere to the editor of The Record American Sunday Advertiser corrects a statement in Pictorial Living, emphasizing the importance of accurate information regarding UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations and highlights unexplained phenomena. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards government agencies like the Air Force, suggesting they may be withholding information or downplaying the significance of UFO sightings. The publication seems to favor witness testimonies and historical accounts, presenting them as evidence of a larger, ongoing mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unknown, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The use of terms like "mystery," "strange," and "unexplained" throughout the articles reinforces this theme.

Title: CPB
Issue Date: March 19, 1964
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of CPB, primarily focused on the topic of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and 'flying saucers,' features a significant exchange of letters and articles debating the reality and scientific observation of these phenomena. The cover prominently displays "LATE NEWS," suggesting a focus on recent events and reports.

Content Analysis

The issue opens with a letter from a reader, identified only by the initial "Joe," who questions an answer given in a previous installment of "Here's Howe by Pete Howe." The question posed was whether any astronomer had ever reported seeing a flying saucer, to which the answer was "Never." The reader strongly disputes this, asserting that such misleading answers misinform the public and proceeds to provide a list of reported sightings by astronomers.

Reported Sightings by Astronomers

• Dr. Clyde Tombaugh: Discoverer of Pluto, reported seeing a UFO in New Mexico on July 16, 1947, and another on August 20, 1949.
• Hall, Professor, astronomer: Reported seeing a shiny silvery disc moving slowly in the sky on May 20, 1950, at the Lowell Observatory in Mass.
• Senor Jose A. Y. Bonilla: Director of the Astronomical Observatory of Zacatecas, Mexico, reportedly saw 283 unidentified flying objects on August 12, 1883, while investigating sun spots. The following morning, he allegedly counted 1,166 of these objects traversing space between the moon and the earth, photographing them with a telescopic camera attachment.

The reader concludes that these reports, among others, make the point that astronomical observations of UFOs have indeed occurred. Furthermore, the reader cites astronomer Dr. Frank Halstead (July 1954) who reportedly stated that the government knows about saucers but fears panic if facts are revealed, and that many professional astronomers are convinced saucers are interplanetary machines.

The reader expresses hope that the publication will correct the erroneous answer and clear up the controversy.

Correspondence with Pete Howe

Following this initial letter, the publication includes correspondence:

• Answer to Joe's letter, received February 28, 1964: This section indicates a letter from Mr. Ferriere (presumably "Joe") to Pete Howe.
• Letter from Sam Bornstein (Boston Sunday Advertiser) to Mr. Ferriere: Dated March 6, 1964, Bornstein acknowledges Ferriere's letter of February 26, which took issue with a statement in Pete Howe's column. Bornstein states that the item in question made no mention of UFOs and that "UFO" is not the same as "flying saucer."
• Bornstein explains that while astronomers have sighted UFOs in the Earth's atmosphere for centuries, the term "Flying Saucer," which gained usage after World War II, implies an interplanetary machine.
• Letter from Pete Howe to Mr. Ferriere: Dated March 19, 1964, Howe responds to Ferriere's letter of March 6. Howe acknowledges that "any of us can be wrong" and admits the scientific attitude of searching for facts. He states that to his knowledge, no "flying saucer" has ever been sighted by an astronomer through a telescope, though many have reported sighting unidentified moving objects. Howe lists potential explanations for such objects, including fireballs, bolides, noctilucent clouds, jet exhausts, airplane landing lights, and helicopter lights. He mentions the U.S. Air Force's investigation, stating that 98% of sightings are explained by natural phenomena, with the remaining 2% unexplained. Howe suggests that if Ferriere has proof of flying saucers, he should contact Dr. Menzel of the Harvard Observatory.
• Letter from Joseph L. Ferriere to Pete Howe: Dated March 19, 1964, Ferriere thanks Howe for his letter but takes issue with Howe's points. Ferriere reiterates that "UFO" is not the same as "flying saucer," citing Edward J. Ruppelt's book "The Report On Unidentified Flying Objects," where Ruppelt states he organized and was Chief of the Air Force's Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) reports and that UFO is the official term he created to replace "Flying Saucers." Therefore, Ferriere argues, a "flying saucer" falls under the heading of UFOs.
• Ferriere also points out that the telescope was not mentioned in the original question, which asked if any astronomer had seen a flying saucer. He provides a historical reference to January 25, 1878, when Mr. John Martin near Denison, Texas, described an object the size of a large saucer.
• Regarding contactees, Ferriere states he does not endorse them but does not consider actual physical contact to be outside the realm of possibility. He agrees that a large percentage of UFO observations can be attributed to misinterpretation of natural phenomena.
• Ferriere addresses Howe's mention of a "Rep of CPB" calling Dr. Menzel "narrow-minded," noting that the representative was not named and their opinion may not reflect the editors' views.
• Ferriere concludes that his sole objection to Howe's answer was that it failed to present both sides of the coin, asserting that all material presented is factual and asking Howe to display a scientific attitude.

Late News Section

The "LATE NEWS" section provides a series of brief reports on various events:

• March 19, 1964 (London): Two pilots of jetliners reported seeing an unidentified object explode with a tremendous flash high over the Atlantic Ocean. Fragments appeared to fall into the sea, leaving white smoke trails. Pan Am speculated it might have been a falling booster rocket from a Soviet satellite.
• March 26, 1964 (Boynton Beach, Florida): A large wave capsized a 65-foot sport fishing boat, spilling 20 persons into the water. Four were killed, and at least half a dozen were trapped.
• March 26, 1964 (Norfolk, Va.): A tanker broke apart in the Atlantic Ocean, 40 miles off the Virginia coast. Information on crewmen or casualties was not immediately available.
• April 5, 1964 (Tokyo): Several hundred frogs held up traffic for one hour on a highway north of Tokyo.
• March 17, 1964 (Detroit): Edward V. Rickenbacker predicted that within 47 years, man would fly to Mars, Venus, and every planet of consequence in the universe, stating, "Now it is the universe."
• Earlier Date (Indianapolis Airport): Rickenbacker reportedly told a reporter that "flying saucers are real."
• April 7, 1964 (Baton Rouge, La.): An unidentified object fell from the sky into a residential backyard, shaking a house and digging a four-foot deep crater. Reports of four other objects falling in outlying areas were also noted. Dr. Raymond Grenchik suggested the objects could be pieces of a meteorite.
• February 20, 1964 (New York): A question was raised about Europe using a greater percentage of vanadium for its steel alloy, possibly indicating new uses or trans-shipping to the Soviet Union or Red China.
• March 22, 1964 (Rome): An Agrigento court sentenced a Sicilian peasant to 15 years imprisonment for the death of his wife, claiming he tried to release her from evil spirits.
• April 12, 1964 (Bedford, Mass.): A research experiment sponsored by the AF Cambridge Research Labs yielded "definite evidence" of water vapor on and around Venus.
• April 6, 1964 (Rome): Rome's "mummy girl," a mummified body of a young girl estimated to have died nearly 2,000 years ago, was to go on display.
• March 15, 1964 (New Canaan, Ct.): A stone slab inscribed with "Henricus D.G. Angi Re D. hyb." (By the Grace of God, King of England, Lord of Ireland) and dated 1271 was found.
• Undated: A ten-pound sculptured head was found in the cellar of a South Boston man, baffling archaeologists.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and interpretation of unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs) and the distinction between "UFO" and "flying saucer." There is a clear tension between official explanations, often citing natural phenomena or misidentification, and the persistent reports from individuals, including professionals like astronomers, who believe these sightings represent something more significant, possibly extraterrestrial in origin. The editorial stance appears to favor open inquiry and the presentation of different viewpoints, as evidenced by the inclusion of a debate and the "Late News" section which compiles various unexplained events. The publication seems to encourage readers to report their own sightings and to engage with the subject matter scientifically and critically.