Creature Chronicles - No 05 - 1982 Summer

Magazine Overview

Title: Creature Chronicles
Issue: Summer, Number 5
Year: 1982
Publisher: Hominid Research Group
Focus: Paranormal phenomena, particularly Bigfoot and related mysteries.

Fouke Monster is Still Alive and Well

This article details numerous alleged sightings and encounters with the "Fouke Monster" in southwest Arkansas, a creature described as large, hairy, with fiery red eyes, and resembling a giant monkey with a swift, galloping gait. It is said to weigh 250-300 pounds and stand six to seven feet tall. The monster has reportedly accosted animals like pigs and cattle, and even humans. Specific incidents cited include:

• 1971: Bobby Ford of Fouke was treated at a Texarkana hospital for scratches and shock after reporting an attack by a "large, hairy creature."
• 1971: A Texarkana couple reported seeing the monster run across the highway.
• 1977: A Miller County farmer discovered pigs ripped open and one carcass dragged away from the pen, suggesting a small-scale attack.
• May 1971: The Ford family of Jonesville had a frightening experience where the creature pushed its "claw" through a screen while Mrs. Ford was sleeping. Her husband and brother-in-law pursued it, and the Sheriff took casts of unusual prints. The creature returned later and disappeared when shot at.
• 1965: Near Fouke, 14-year-old James Lynn Crabtree witnessed a seven to eight foot, reddish-haired animal and claims to have shot it three times in the face without effect.
• March 1978: Joe Cook discovered large footprints (17 inches long, 7 inches wide) while prospecting north of Russellville, Arkansas. He also mentioned caves in the area.
• 1978: Near Center Ridge, Arkansas, large footprints were found, and several livestock were reported missing.
• June 26, 1971: Mike Lofton of Crossett, Arkansas, shot at a 7-foot "something" that emerged from the woods while he was feeding his puppy.

The article notes that John Keel, in his book "Strange Creatures from Time and Space," mentions the Fouke Monster as a popular "Abominable Swamp Slob" (A.S.S.), and that the movie "The Legend of Boggy Creek" was partly based on fact.

Background

John Keel's book is referenced, highlighting the prevalence of "swamp slobs" in the Deep South. The Fouke Monster is presented as a particularly famous example. The article reiterates the 1965 sighting by James Lynn Crabtree and the 1971 Ford family incident, including the Sheriff's involvement and the casting of unusual prints.

Additional Information

This section mentions that other sightings have occurred since the 1930s, and that the Fouke creature made national headlines between 1969-1975. It also notes an April 5, 1982 report by Gary Webster.

Interview with Don Pelfrey

Earl Jones and the editor spoke with Don Pelfrey of Covington, Kentucky, who has spent summers near Fouke Creek. Pelfrey's relatives have seen the creature, describing it as "gorilla type" but more human-like, with long arms and a hairy face. It is estimated to be about 800 pounds and 11 feet tall, with a bear-like screeching voice and a skunk-like odor. Pelfrey also recounted an incident on his aunt's farm in July 1977 where animals (chickens, a calf, prairie dogs) were found mutilated with large lacerations, suggesting they were killed for sport.

Fouke; Con't (Page 3)

This section continues the account of Bobby Ford's May 2nd incident, detailing his struggle and escape from the creature, and the discovery of more footprints. It also mentions motorists reporting a 6-7 ft. creature on Highway 71 on May 23rd. The March 1978 footprint discovery by Joe Cook and his brother near Russellville is detailed, noting the 17-inch prints and 7-inch width, and mentioning caves in the area. Sightings near Center Ridge are also mentioned, with large footprints and missing livestock. Mike Lofton's encounter on June 26th, where he shot at a 7-foot creature, is recounted.

Additional Information (Page 3)

This section reiterates that sightings have occurred since the 1930s and that the Fouke creature was prominent in news headlines from 1969-1975. It also notes a report from Gary Webster on April 5, 1982.

Interview with Don Pelfrey (Continued)

Don Pelfrey describes the creature as "gorilla type" but more human-like, with long arms and a hairy face. He estimates its weight at 800 pounds and height at 11 feet, with a "bear with a screeching voice." He also notes a foul odor, like a skunk, and mentions animal mutilations, including a July 1977 incident on his aunt's farm involving chickens, a calf, and prairie dogs with large lacerations.

Fouke Monster (Page 4)

This section continues Don Pelfrey's account of his Aunt Martha's experience. Two prize hogs disappeared one night, and their remains were found in the swamp with large bites and scratches, suggesting they were killed for sport. Two neighbors' doberman dogs were also killed, their bones broken, and they were mutilated rapidly. Pelfrey believes the creature has become more aggressive due to increased human activity in the swamps. He states that local authorities are uncooperative. The article mentions ongoing negotiations for field work in the area with Mr. Pelfrey's relatives, who are hesitant to associate with investigations.

References

A list of references is provided, including books by John Green and articles from the Arkansas Democrat, Fate magazine, Daily Courier, and Log Cabin Democrat, spanning dates from 1971 to 1978.

Hair (from pg 2)

This section, continuing from page 2, discusses the process of hair analysis for identifying unknown animal samples. Mr. Ted Ogden collected various known hairs (gorilla, human, bear) for comparison using a microscope. The article explains that a match is difficult, and hair structure can vary even on the same animal or person (e.g., head hair vs. beard). It suggests that claims of "no known animals" might be due to limited sample collections or tabloid exaggeration. The author expresses skepticism about hair analysis proving Bigfoot's existence without a proven Bigfoot hair sample for control.

Investigator's Tip

This tip from C.J. Wilhelm advises on obtaining written permission for photographs and motion pictures, being aware that parties may object to findings, and understanding copyright laws.

Bigfoot Rocks; Solved! (Page 5)

This article revisits the topic of round rocks found in caves, previously discussed in an earlier issue. The rocks are identified as sandstone, with igneous rock ruled out due to texture and the discovery of a plant fossil. Tests showed they were durable, with one thrown from a two-story building only denting concrete. Tom Schaffner, a geology student, explains that the roundness is due to "spheroidal weathering," a process where rocks exposed to water and air erode into a rounded shape over time, akin to peeling an onion. The article states that these rocks are common and often mistaken for "fossil cannon balls." It also addresses theories about strange symbols carved on the rocks, speculating they might be from a laser. However, simple tests with a hunting knife showed that a sharp object could easily carve the rock, making the laser theory absurd. The author concludes that while Bigfoot might use these rocks as weapons (some weighing 5-40 pounds), the rocks themselves are a geological wonder with no unusual connection to Bigfoot.

Bigfoot 'all my hoax, logger says (Page 6)

An Associated Press report from Vancouver, Washington, details Rant Mullens, an 86-year-old retired logger, claiming he created the Bigfoot legend of Mount St. Helens as a hoax. He used whittled wood for feet and public imagination. Mullens stated his story was a practical joke from six decades ago, involving him and his uncle George Ross throwing rocks to scare miners. In 1928, Mullens and fellow Forest Service workers whittled large feet from alder wood and stomped them around parked cars to create footprints. Dr. Grover Krantz, a Bigfoot researcher, calls Mullens' story a "particularly dumb hoax" but notes that it doesn't mesh with other Bigfoot sightings, thus potentially adding credibility by removing a deviant story. Mullens insists he has never seen anything in the woods he couldn't explain.

Feedback

A letter from Don Wallace of Seattle, Washington, describes an experience in North Cascade National Park in September 1978. He and his brother saw tracks about 13 inches long and 7 inches wide with little heel. Later, they heard calling and high-pitched sounds, like someone playing Tarzan, and felt a strange sensation, suspecting something was moving in the brush.

Editor's Note (Page 6)

The editor notes that the sensation described by Mr. Wallace is common in Sasquatch encounters and mentions a similar feeling experienced by their team in Brinson's Hollow, Washington.

Thanks

Special thanks are extended to Madeline Teagle and La Verne Davis of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, for their kindness during a meeting in February. LaVerne also publishes a newsletter called SYNTHESIS.

Notes & Comments (Page 7)

Retrospective: A Gorilla in Ohio

An article from The Minnesota Weekly Record, January 23, 1869, describes an alleged "wild man" in Gallipolis, Ohio. The creature was described as naked, covered in hair, gigantic, with eyes starting from its sockets. It reportedly attacked a carriage, grabbed and hurled a man to the earth, and attempted to bite and scratch him. The man's daughter intervened by hitting the creature with a rock, causing it to retreat into a neighboring copse.

Book Review: The Bigfoot Casebook

This review discusses "The Bigfoot Casebook" by Janet and Colin Bord, published by Stackpole Books. The book is noted for its extensive compilation of 1,000 recorded cases from 1818-1980, drawing abstracts from newspaper accounts and investigative reports. While acknowledging that some cases were proven hoaxes, the review highlights the book's value as a tool for disseminating reports and linking readers to original sources. Part I focuses on more interesting and detailed cases, omitting footprint-only finds. The review notes the varied terminology used over the years to describe Bigfoot. It suggests reading the book in conjunction with "Alien Animals" by the same authors. The book is available in hardcover ($14.95) and paperback ($10.95).

Notice

Information about the meetings of the Hominid Research Group and the Ohio UFO Investigators League, held on the third Saturday of the month at the Norwood United Methodist Church. Contact Earl Jones for more information.

Extra/Late News (Page 8)

4-toed footprint story was hoax

A Houston Chronicle article from March 5, 1982, reports that a San Angelo, Texas, Associated Press story about four-toed footprints found on the Concho River bank was a hoax. The AP account was based on a San Angelo Standard Times story, which admitted the report was fictitious and printed as a promotion for a new city symbol, the "Concho Creature."

'Olentangy monster' keeps hunters guessing

An article by Davyd Yost from the Columbus Citizen-Journal (April 5, 1982) describes a large police and fire department response to a report of a "hippopotamus" swimming in the Olentangy River near West North Broadway in Columbus, Ohio. Various identifications were suggested, including a mountain lion or an otter. The creature vanished before it could be positively identified. Battalion Chief Gene Wedemeyer stated it wasn't as big as a seal and might have been an otter. SWAT Officer Joseph Dickerson joked about the "Olentangy Monster." Columbus Zoo Director Jack Hanna arrived, initially thinking it was a hippopotamus, but collapsed with laughter when told it was probably an otter, an animal indigenous to the area. Hanna had brought his brother, a cow farmer, to help capture the supposed hippo.

Vici, Okla. Creature

This brief report describes a creature with reddish-brown hair, standing 4 to 5 feet high and smelling like a sewer, seen by 15-year-old Billy Parry near Vici, Oklahoma. Hair samples collected by Parry were sent to Hayden Hewes, director of Sasquatch Investigations of Mid-America, who found them "very interesting."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores reports of cryptids, primarily Bigfoot and related phenomena, with a focus on witness accounts and investigative efforts. While presenting various claims, the editorial stance, particularly in the "Hair Analysis" section, leans towards skepticism regarding sensationalized evidence and tabloid reporting, emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific methodology and verifiable proof. The publication also delves into geological explanations for phenomena mistaken for paranormal evidence, as seen in the "Bigfoot Rocks" article. The inclusion of historical accounts and debunked hoaxes suggests a broad approach to the subject matter, aiming to inform readers while maintaining a critical perspective.