Flying Saucer News - 1955 05 - May

Magazine Overview

Title: FLYING SAUCER NEWS
Issue Date: May 1955
Type: Magazine

This is the third issue of FLYING SAUCER NEWS, with a circulation reported at 3,000. The magazine features a new, clearer print format. It announces the formation of the FLYING SAUCER NEWS CLUB OF AMERICA, headquartered at 1597 Third Avenue & 90th Street, New York 28, N.Y., with annual dues of $3.50. Membership benefits include receiving the magazine for 12 issues, a 10% discount on books and pamphlets, access to a flying saucer film, and a free plastic book cover with purchases of $2.00 or more.

Subscribers who wish to become club members can apply half of their subscription fee towards membership dues. A new magazine focusing on social and political issues is also mentioned as forthcoming.

The "POLITICS" section clarifies that THE ABOLITIONIST SOCIETY, advertised in the classifieds, is founded by the editor and does not represent the views of the FLYING SAUCER NEWS Club members. A snippet from the "NEW YORK Journal American" dated March 24, 1955, is included, referencing Grace Kelly, Josh Logan, and a "Flying Saucer News" subscription offer to interplanetary visitors.

Articles and Features

"Flying Saucers" by Evelyn Whitell

Evelyn Whitell begins her article by quoting "What is Truth?" and reflecting on the age-old question. She shares a personal experience of writing a story about flying saucers under a different name years ago, which she rediscovered and felt was a revelation. Whitell draws parallels to Olive Shriner's descriptions of a savage gaining a higher consciousness and discusses the current "Age of rush and hurry." She suggests that humanity is not yet ready for all revelations, comparing it to the gradual unfoldment of the Atomic Bomb. She also references Sir Robert Ball's advice to cease worrying about life on Mars and to focus on one's own world, which was given by the Almighty to be beautified, not destroyed.

"New Trend on Space Travel" by Max B. Miller

Max B. Miller, President of Flying Saucer International and Editor of the Magazine (SAUCERS), discusses the growing interest in space travel and the establishment of an orbital satellite. He notes that Dr. Wernher von Braun has been instrumental in promoting this project. The plan involves spending approximately four billion dollars to construct three-stage rockets to build a satellite 1,075 miles into space, with the ultimate goal of enabling scientists to travel to the moon and other planets. However, Miller outlines several limitations:

1. G-forces: The immense strain of G-forces on the human body during acceleration to escape velocity.
2. Radiation: The constant danger from ultra-violet and Cosmic radiation, requiring ship shielding.
3. Meteoroid Impact: The possibility of rocket ships or the satellite being struck by a meteoroid.
4. Chemical Rocket Limitations: The inefficiency of current chemical reaction-rocket engines, making trips to planets take many months and to stars take years.

The article concludes by stating that reaching the nearest galaxy would take approximately 1,700,000 years. The discussion is continued in the next issue.

"My Flight to Venus" by Dana Howard

This section features the book "My Flight to Venus" by Dana Howard. The book is described as a good reading story, with Mrs. Howard also being an artist who paints. An original painting by her is mentioned as being on display at the book shop. The book is available for purchase through FLYING SAUCER NEWS.

"New Books and Reviews"

This section reviews several books:

• A MESSAGE FROM OUTER SPACE by William Ferguson: Described as an easy-to-read book about relaxation and out-of-body experiences, with the author claiming to have visited Mars. Ferguson has also given public lectures.
• THE SAUCERS SPEAK by George H. Williamson & Alfred C. Bailey: A documentary report on interstellar communication by radiotelegraphy, containing scientific information and proof of extraterrestrial contact.
• WE COME IN PEACE by Franklin Thomas: A translation of a letter from Austria detailing a Martian landing, a description of a Martian, and a method of communication. It conveys a message of observation and survival, promising help.
• VISITORS FROM SPACE by Eugene H. Drake: A thirty-eight page book packed with vital information and sketches of spaceships.
• MY FLIGHT TO VENUS by Dana Howard: Praised as a terrific and good reading story, with the author also being an artist.

The reviews mention that FLYING SAUCER NEWS is the second-best seller in New York, followed by The Saucerian Magazine and The Little Listening Post.

"Our Visitors Page"

This page highlights recent visitors to the FLYING SAUCER NEWS office and retail book shop. Notable visitors include:

• Mr. Charles Suliman, a flying saucer fan interested in telepathy experiments.
• Mr. Barrera, Jr., a poet from Brooklyn, author of "SOLDIER'S SCORE."
• George F. Kelly, a marine engineer and member of the Rosicrucian Order of Amore.
• David MacDonald, Secretary of the Science Fiction Society of New York.
• Captain Steaker and Sgt. Collins of the 23rd Police Pct.
• Mr. Williams, who operates Williams Photo Studios and is interested in the occult.
• Mr. V. Hansem, a sailor who claims to have seen 7 flying saucers in 1951.
• Arthur Morris, a believer in occult studies and flying saucers.
• Mrs. M. Nash, who is scheduled for an operation.
• Miss A. E. Schultz, who is recovering from a disability.

Visitors are welcomed to the office and book shop from Monday through Saturday, 12:00 noon to 10 P.M.

"Classified Section"

This section provides rates for classified advertisements (10 cents per word, minimum 10 words) and lists various services and organizations:

• Perry Voultsos: Music lessons.
• Metropolitan Shoe Repair Shop: First-class work.
• Borderland Science Research Association: Located in San Diego, California.
• Court Food Shop: Good food and service.
• Help local industry: Assist the handicapped, abolish federal and state income tax on disabled workers.
• JOIN the ABOLITIONIST SOCIETY: A non-profit organization with no dues, accepting donations.
• Interplanetary News Digest: A publication by Genevieve A. Johnston.
• Where you can BUY your Flying Saucer News: A list of 10 retail locations in New York City.
• WANTED: Part-time or full-time workers to sell Flying Saucer News.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the burgeoning interest in flying saucers and space travel, the exploration of metaphysical and spiritual aspects of these phenomena, and the promotion of related literature and organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while also grounding discussions in practical limitations of space travel and promoting a sense of community among enthusiasts through the club and shared information. There's an emphasis on personal accounts and the dissemination of knowledge through books and publications. The magazine also acts as a hub for connecting individuals and groups interested in these subjects.