Controversial Phenomena Bulletin - No 04 - Vol 1 No 4 - Jul Aug 1964

Magazine Overview

Title: CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA
Issue: VOLUME #I - BULLETIN #4
Date: JULY - AUGUST 1964
Publisher: A. A. Laprade
Location: Worcester, Mass.
Price: 35 cents per copy, $2.00 per year (USA)

This issue of "Controversial Phenomena" magazine, published by A. A. Laprade and illustrated by Joseph L. Ferriere, presents a collection of intriguing accounts related to UFOs and unexplained maritime events. The cover prominently features the headline "NEAR CONTACT WITH A FLYING SAUCER," setting the tone for the issue's content.

Key Articles and Features

Near Contact with a Flying Saucer

The lead story details an encounter experienced by Mr. Everett Ducharme of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Prompted by his friend Joe Ferriere, Ducharme recounts an event from June 2nd, 1962, where he witnessed a bright light moving slowly in the western sky. Over approximately ten minutes, the object grew closer, revealing an unusual, round shape with a bright white, luminous glow. The object hovered for about three minutes at a higher altitude before moving upward, performing a zig-zag motion, and then disappearing. Ducharme notes that his cat reacted with fear and howling during the sighting. He also mentions a similar incident that occurred on August 1st, 1958, with his mother, Mrs. Martha Copenhaver. The article includes a sketch of the object, comparing it to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting.

Raymond G. Copenhaver also contributes a letter detailing his own sighting on May 15th, 1964, describing a 'funny looking fuzzy light' that later became clearer. He recounts an experience from over five years prior, when his mother saw a bright light moving towards their house. The object appeared fuzzy at first but became clearer, showing an unusual shape and a bright white glow. It hovered, then moved erratically before disappearing. Copenhaver expresses his belief that intelligent beings from outer space are trying to make contact.

U.S. Coast Guard Response

A letter dated May 7th, 1964, from Captain W. K. Thompson, Jr., Chief, Public Information Division of the U.S. Coast Guard, addresses a query from Mr. Armand A. Laprade. The Coast Guard states that while their vessels may have sighted unidentified underwater objects, they do not maintain a listing of such reports. Due to limited staff, they are unable to conduct research into the matter.

Maritime Mysteries

The issue delves into several unexplained maritime incidents:

• "I SEE BY THE SEA" by LARRY (Larochelle): This section covers two separate incidents.
• The disappearance of the fishing vessel "The Question" on April 22nd, 1964, off Martha's Vineyard. The vessel sent a "Mayday" call before vanishing, with only dead fish found in the vicinity. The Coast Guard searched extensively but found no debris.
• A mysterious radio message received on June 27th, 1963, from the vessel "Mary Ann," reporting engine trouble and abandonment due to sinking. The "Mary Ann" was last heard from 60 miles southeast of Provincetown, and subsequent searches by the Coast Guard proved fruitless.

• "Trouble afoot? - No, trouble Asea!" This segment details a series of unfortunate events befalling the freighter "Pomona" in June 1964. After a previous incident involving the skipper's slaying and an engine room fire, the ship experienced rudder trouble and steering mechanism issues, leading to it being towed at a severe angle. The article notes that the ship's "jinx" status might make it difficult to find a new crew.

• "Freak Wave Capsizes Boat" (Worcester Telegram - 5/8/64): A 21-foot outboard motorboat capsized at Salisbury Beach, resulting in one death, three missing, and six rescued. A survivor attributed the incident to a large wave striking the boat. The article also references Commander Donald Hanson's 1963 explanation of a "three wave phenomenon" for the loss of a destroyer's liberty boat.

• "THE MYSTERY OF THE SS OURANG MEDAN": This chilling account describes the events of February 1948, when the Dutch vessel "Ourang Medan" sent frantic distress calls reporting that its entire crew, including the captain, were dead. Rescue parties found the ship adrift with all hands deceased, exhibiting expressions of stark terror. Before the vessel could be towed, flames erupted, and it exploded and sank.

Other Content

• Representatives: A list of representatives from various locations across the USA and Canada, who contribute to the magazine.
• Editorial: An editorial piece emphasizing the importance of the magazine's representatives and their role in gathering information.
• Letters from You - To Us: Includes correspondence from readers, such as the detailed account from Raymond G. Copenhaver.
• T-Age Representatives: A section highlighting younger representatives.
• Proof Reader: Mary Nugent is listed as the proofreader.
• Assistant Illustrator: Lionel (MIKE) Renaud is credited.
• Contents: A table of contents listing articles like "Hyar We Go Again," "Were John Glenn's Fireflies The Gegenschein???", and "Martians Seek Farm Data In Newark!!".
• AD RATES: Information on advertising rates for the publication.
• Reprinted Letter: A letter from John C. Ferguson, accepting a position as Arizona representative, and expressing his intention to start a mimeographed saucer publication with a focus on informational and historical articles rather than just sightings.
• Reprinted Letter: A letter from Rick Hilberg, accepting the post of District Representative and reporting a UFO sighting near Geneva, Ohio, involving an object changing color and hovering.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and encounters. There's a clear interest in documenting personal experiences and official reports, even if the latter are limited, as seen with the Coast Guard's response. Maritime mysteries and unexplained phenomena at sea also feature prominently, suggesting a broad scope for "controversial" topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers and representatives to share their accounts, while also maintaining a degree of skepticism, as indicated by John Ferguson's approach to his own publication. The magazine aims to be a platform for information that challenges conventional understanding.

This issue of the Boston Sunday Advertiser, dated Sunday, June 21, 1964, features a prominent headline on its cover: "Robot Space Camera Bared." The magazine delves into a variety of intriguing topics, primarily focusing on unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and space exploration.

Robot Space Camera Bared

The lead article details the Air Force's unveiling of the Remote Maneuvering Unit (RMU), a robot space camera with capabilities described as fantastic as those attributed to flying saucers. This rectangular, protruding-lens device, weighing less than 125 pounds, was tested at high altitudes and is designed to operate in space in the near future. The RMU can speed to great distances from a mothering space ship to photograph unidentified objects, maneuver around them, and return to the mother ship. It is equipped with propulsion nozzles and guidance gyroscopes, controlled remotely. The article notes that the first realistic test in space may be from the Air Force's Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL) scheduled for the following year. The RMU could be used to inspect unknown objects for scientific observations.

Boy, 4, Reads Newspapers, Also Books

A brief human-interest story from Lansing, Michigan, highlights Paul Jones Jr., a 4-year-old boy who prefers reading newspapers over other materials. His parents and a graduate assistant from Michigan State University confirm his advanced reading comprehension.

Sea Serpents and Marine Mysteries

The issue revisits the legend of sea serpents with several accounts:

• Historical Sighting (1852): Captain Jason Seabury of the whaleship Monongahela reportedly harpooned a 103-foot serpent off the coast of New Bedford, Massachusetts, after a sixteen-hour struggle.
• Modern Investigation (May 1964): Dr. William E. Scheville, using electronic equipment from the Oceanographic Institute at Woods Hole, Mass., and with Navy helicopter support, was attempting to track whales when they suddenly disappeared. The article speculates if a sea serpent might have caused their departure.
• New Bedford Sighting (May 15, 1964): The Boston Record American reports that the crew of the fishing boat Bruce C, out of New Bedford, sighted what they described as a sea serpent, approximately fifty feet long, with a hole in its head, a round tail, and ridges down its back.
• Norwegian Fisherman's Account: Bjorne Haugen, a Norwegian fisherman, reported seeing a black object that blew spray from its head, which he initially mistook for a marker buoy. He described the object as at least 50 feet long and weighing between 35 and 40 tons, with an alligator-like head.

Loch Ness Monster and Other Sightings

The magazine also touches upon the enduring mystery of the Loch Ness Monster and other aerial phenomena:

• Loch Ness Monster (March 28, 1964): Scotland's legendary Loch Ness monster reportedly appeared, with an unidentified object estimated to be 30 feet long detected by the echo sounder of the fishing drifter "Girl Norma."
• Loch Ness Witnesses: Three men working on a road above the Loch reported seeing an object about three feet above the surface and 15 feet long, which sped away at 25 miles per hour.
• Loch Ness Monster (May 8, 1964): The Arkansas Gazette reports that the Loch Ness Monster made its appearance, with six persons claiming to have seen it move across the lake. A bartender and waitresses at the Clansman Hotel also reported seeing a black object with a hide-like skin, approximately 15 feet showing above the water.

Space Firefly Mystery

This section explores the phenomenon observed by Astronaut John H. Glenn Jr. in February 1962, where he reported seeing luminous particles, described as "space fireflies" or "snowflakes," streaming past his spaceship. While NASA initially theorized they were flecks of paint from his capsule, Glenn did not believe this. Later theories suggested they could be flecks of paint mixed with snowflakes or even micrometerites (space dust). The article presents its own theory, linking it to a 1945 article in "Sky & Telescope" discussing the Earth's potential gaseous tail, similar to a comet's tail.

Other UFO Reports

The issue includes several other brief reports of UFO sightings:

• Joe Walker's Observations: Famed test pilot Joe Walker reported that films taken during a flight in the rocket-powered X-15 plane showed five or six mysterious objects, described as disc-shaped or cylindrical.
• Gordon Cooper's Sighting: According to "The Little Listening Post," Gordon Cooper, on his 15th orbit of the Earth, radioed about a "Green Glowing Disc-Shaped Thing" approaching him, which was observed by 200 people in Muchea, Australia.
• Worcester, MA (August 1952): Two employees of the United Screw Machine Products Co. described a flying saucer with colored stripes and a white tail light.
• South Lawrence, MA (May 7, 1964): Allen LeBoeuf reported seeing a "moving star" and Edward Tremblay saw a large, oval-shaped object giving off a yellow light.
• Sao Paulo, Brazil (October 31, 1963): Several people witnessed a shiny disc-shaped object making a loud roar, which then plunged into the river.
• Detroit News (May 22, 1964): Reports from Lansing, Michigan, described a "great, huge spinning bowl turning in loops" and a "shrill, terrible noise."
• New Mexico Sightings (May 1, 1964): Dr. Lincoln LaPaz suggested that a "super pogo military craft" might be responsible for flying saucer scares, referring to the object seen by Lonnie Zamora in Socorro.
• Green River, Wyoming (May 2, 1964): Two families spotted a "silvery, shining, round" object.
• Salt Lake Valley (April 30, 1964): Students reported seeing a UFO, and Robin Beglarian saw an object hover.
• Las Vegas (May 17, 1964): Three Californians reported sighting a dome-shaped object on a hilltop, leaving a large depression in the ground.
• Brazil Sightings: Reports from Brazil indicate saucers are sighted regularly, with one man claiming to have suffered burns when a saucer landed.
• Lawrence, MA (May 15, 1964): A round object was observed by many people.
• Maine UFO Report (June 17, 1964): A UFO report from Maine mentioned a light flashed on the object, causing it to glow brightly in response.

Martians Seek Farm Data

A farmer from Newark Valley, New York, Gary T. Wilcox, claims an encounter with "two little men from Mars" who were seeking farming information and warned that earth people would fail in space travel due to their bodies' inability to adapt. The "men" were described as four feet tall, wearing seamless clothing and masks, and carrying trays of soil.

Jeeps That Fly?

A brief report from Yuma, Arizona, mentions that "Jeeps and other small vehicles now can sprout kite-like flex wings and 'FLY'" with successful demonstrations by the Army Proving Grounds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of UFO sightings across various locations and time periods, the enduring mystery of sea serpents, and the burgeoning field of space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these phenomena with a degree of skepticism but also open-mindedness, presenting witness accounts and official theories alongside speculative explanations. The inclusion of historical accounts and diverse geographical locations suggests a broad interest in the unexplained. The magazine seems to encourage reader engagement by posing questions and presenting theories, even if they are considered unconventional.

This issue of El Defensor Chieftain, dated Tuesday, April 28, 1964, focuses on a reported UFO landing in Socorro, New Mexico. The publication is a newspaper with a price of 10 cents.

Evidence Of UFO Landing Here

The main article details a significant UFO sighting and landing event observed by City Policeman Lonnie Zamora. Zamora, described as a highly reliable source, witnessed a four-legged, egg-shaped object in a gully south of the courthouse shortly before 6 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 1964. He observed two persons near the object, dressed in white coveralls, who appeared 'child-like.' Zamora noted lettering on the side of the UFO, which he sketched on a paper sack, stating it was not in English and had no numerals.

The object was seen to rise straight up and take off, disappearing beyond Six-Mile Canyon. Evidence of the landing remained in the gully, including four shallow holes where the object's legs apparently landed, burned greasewood, seared clumps of green grass, and two slight depressions. No footprints were found.

An unidentified tourist traveling north on U.S. 85 also saw the UFO just before it landed, remarking to Opal Grinder, manager of Whiting Brothers' Service Station, that it was a 'funny-looking helicopter.' The tourist noted the object had flown over his car and was headed for the gully.

Investigation and Analysis

Authorities were alerted, and State Police Sgt. Sam Chavez, State Policeman Ted Jordan, and Undersheriff James Luckie responded. They confirmed that the burned grass and greasewood were still hot upon their arrival. The military later took samples of the burned earth for analysis. Maj. William Conner of Kirtland Air Force Base and an Air Force sergeant also visited the scene, but a Geiger counter reportedly yielded negative results.

Capt. Richard T. Holder of Socorro, U.S. Army up-range commander, was contacted and asked to provide assistance. He determined that neither White Sands Missile Range nor Holloman Air Force Base had any objects that could produce the described conditions, and there were no known firing missions in progress.

An inspection of the scene revealed the object had landed astride a narrow, rock-strewn dry wash. The leg holes were shallow, suggesting an object of considerable weight settling slowly. The width of the object was estimated to be nine or more feet, and the flames that seared the vegetation were described as extremely hot.

Speculation and Conclusion

Policeman Zamora offered three possibilities for the object's origin: a top-secret U.S. aircraft in an advanced stage of development, an advanced aircraft or spaceship from another power, or a space scout ship from another planet. The report concludes that the cause of the landing, its identity, and its source remain unanswered, posing questions about whether it was a test or due to mechanical difficulty.

By Sunday afternoon, hundreds of curious persons had visited the site, leaving virtually no evidence of the landing marks.

Related Reports

The newspaper also includes a brief mention of a Tucson, Ariz., couple interviewing Zamora for a scientific article, and a report from New Guinea about a similar object seen hovering for two hours with observers reporting a man on its 'deck.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the presentation of evidence for a UFO landing, relying on the testimony of a police officer and a civilian witness, supported by physical traces. The article adopts a serious and investigative tone, detailing the observations and the subsequent official response. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting factual accounts and encouraging further investigation into the unexplained phenomenon.

Title: ROUND-UP
Issue Date: Thursday, April 30, 1964
Location: Datil, N. M.

This issue of ROUND-UP focuses heavily on unidentified flying object (UFO) reports and investigations, particularly a prominent case in Socorro, New Mexico.

Air Force Consultant Investigates Socorro UFO Sighting

The lead story details the investigation into a report by City Policeman Lonnie Zamora, who claimed to have seen an unidentified flying object in a gully near Socorro. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a special consultant to the Air Force on UFOs, visited the site and interviewed Zamora. Hynek found the site trampled, making scientific analysis difficult. He noted that no radar picked up any object, which he considered an "outstanding discrepancy" in an otherwise "very solid tale." However, he stated that nothing tended to discredit Zamora and that he felt a hoax was ruled out. Hynek requested readers to report any geophysical prospecting or experimentation in the area that might offer a natural explanation.

Dr. Hynek, chairman of the Department of Astronomy at Northwestern University, expressed his astronomical perspective, finding visitations from elsewhere unlikely due to vast distances in space. He also stated that the reported object did not appear to be any secret Air Force device. The primary scientific interest lay in the tangible impressions left by the object, which Hynek described as "the only tangible thing." He collected samples from the site, as had the military earlier, to determine the presence of foreign particles. The red marking on the UFO, described by Zamora as an inverted "B" with a bar across it, was noted as not classified.

The report also touches on the phenomenon of "repeaters" – individuals who frequently report seeing flying saucers. Hynek offered a definition for a flying saucer: "any aerial citing or phenomenon which remains unexplained long enough for someone to report it." He emphasized his role in gathering firsthand facts before the incident became legend.

Zamora described the object as egg-shaped and initially mistook it for an overturned car. He encountered the incident while investigating a possible explosion. The object produced a noise upon landing and take-off. Zamora was approximately 450 feet away when he first saw it. He reported seeing two small persons in white coveralls standing beside the UFO, but they were not visible when he approached closer.

Physical Traces and Other Sightings

Robert White, a cattle inspector, arrived at the Socorro site shortly after other police officers and was interviewed by Hynek. White confirmed the tracks were fresh and likely made by an object, noting two shallow round impressions distinct from the four larger ones, which reminded him of a shoe heel. White also stated that green snakeweed and greasewood at the site had been seared by a flame. Ray Stanford, an investigator for the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, also visited the site.

Sightings Near Polvadera and Luis Lopez

Mrs. John H. Cardwell of Luis Lopez recalled two night sightings of strange objects the previous summer. One sighting, near Luis Lopez, involved a brightly-lighted object moving eastward and clearing mountains. Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Olen Cardwell, at Polvadera, reported a similar experience shortly after, seeing a brilliantly-lighted object moving slowly in a half-moon arc, brightening and dimming. Mrs. Cardwell theorized this arc-like motion could explain the visual effects.

Landing North of Espanola

An unidentified flying object was reported to have landed and taken off near La Madera, north of Espanola, two days after the Socorro incident. Orlando Gallegos reported seeing the object on the ground, emitting a ring of blue flame from jets around its bottom. He described it as a windowless, bright metal, egg-shaped object, approximately 14 feet in circumference. The ground was still smoldering the next morning. A team from Kirtland Air Force Base was to investigate.

Tourist's Close Encounter

Separately, an unidentified tourist reported being nearly crowded off U.S. 85 by a low-flying, bright object south of Socorro.

Unusual Case from Springfield, Missouri

A clipping from the Springfield (Mo.) Press dated June 30, 1964, adds a new twist to the saucer file. An Albuquerque mother, Mrs. Max Stull, reported that her 10-year-old daughter, Sharon, had been growing unusually fast since spotting a strange, egg-shaped object in April. The daughter reportedly grew five and a half inches and gained 25 pounds in the past month, with changes in her habits and personality.

Advertisements

The issue includes several advertisements for related publications and services, including:

• Kornstein's Beauty Salon
• THE UFO'S MODE OF PROPULSION (books: BRIDGE ON THE MOON, LITTLE MEN, MONSTERS)
• FATE MAGAZINE
• RED'S BOOK SHOP
• THE BROOKSIDE PACKAGE STORE
• UFO MAGAZINE
• CONTROVERSIAL PHENOMENA BOOK by A. A. Laprade

These ads offer subscriptions to UFO-related magazines, books, and other curiosities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, investigations, and the scientific and anecdotal evidence surrounding them. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions (like Dr. Hynek's) while also acknowledging the need for natural explanations and the potential for hoaxes or misidentifications. The inclusion of various reports from different locations suggests a broader pattern of UFO activity being observed and documented. The magazine actively solicits reader input for explanations, indicating a collaborative approach to understanding these phenomena.