Houston Sky - no 10 - April-May 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: HOUSTON SKY
Issue: No. 10
Date: April/May 1996

This issue of Houston Sky, a bimonthly UFO newsletter for Houston-Area MUFON Members and Others, features a prominent article titled "Early Texas UFOs: The 1947 Project" by Jan Aldrich. The magazine also includes a "Deep Throat" section with rumors and commentary, a "UFO Notebook" by Bill Eatwell, a review of Jacques Vallee's book "Fastwalker," and listings for "Of Interest" events.

Early Texas UFOs: The 1947 Project

Jan Aldrich's "Project 1947" is a two-and-a-half-year research effort into the 1947 UFO wave, which marked the beginning of the modern UFO era. Aldrich obtained partial funding from MUFON, the Fund for UFO Research, and the Center for UFO Studies. Since January 1994, he has screened over 3,800 newspapers worldwide, with a focus on gathering data for a report to be released on the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. His research also covers reports from 1900 to 1965.

The article highlights that the 1947 UFO wave saw at least 100 UFO reports appear in more than 150 Texas newspapers between June 24 and July 7, 1947. While some important newspapers did not cover the events extensively, many local papers did. The wave in Texas continued past July 7, extending to the end of the month. Some of the best cases were carried by national wire services.

A specific sighting from the McAllen Valley Evening Monitor on July 8, 1947, is detailed: Leslie Cameron, a student pilot, saw a bright, fast-moving object at 4,000 feet near Mission, Texas, on July 7 at 5:30 p.m. Simultaneously, Leon Croche, on the ground, reported a UFO in the same location. Other reports from the area followed.

The article also references Ted Bloecher's "Report of the UFO Wave of 1947," which uncovered over 850 reports, 27 of which were from Texas. Bloecher's later research indicated that many more newspaper reports remained to be studied.

Flash Back: Roadblock on the El Paso Highway

This section reprints a story that first appeared in Florida's National UFO News, concerning an experience in Southeastern New Mexico in the fall of 1952. A prominent Texas attorney recounted an event where he and his grandfather, Eugene Hinkle, encountered a New Mexico highway patrol car blocking the road. Several cars were stopped, and their electrical systems failed. The patrolman demonstrated a flashlight that inexplicably turned on and off. He surmised that an aircraft parked on the highway about a mile further on was the cause. The witness and others walked to a ridge and observed a large, brightly lit craft on the highway. The craft then rose slowly and silently into the atmosphere.

The Texnik Invasion, November 1957

This section notes that during November 1957, a large number of sightings were reported, particularly in western Texas and New Mexico. Objects were described as large, glowing, egg-shaped, and were variously nicknamed "The Thing," "The Egg," "Whatnick," and "Texnik." Several motorists reported engine and/or vehicle light failure when encountering these objects. The flap was investigated by civilian UFO groups.

The Unknown Wave, Spring 1950

This section briefly discusses the 1950 UFO wave, noting that it occurred in the spring, lasting from March to May, though reports have been found for January and February. The start of the Korean War in June shifted media focus. The wave primarily affected the southern and western United States, including Texas.

Bentley's Post Reward for Flying Saucer

An anecdote from Stanton, Texas, where Bentley's Furniture Store posted a $10 reward for an authentic Flying Saucer or Space Ship.

The Mega-Flap, 1952

This section acknowledges the extensive research done on the 1952 worldwide UFO flap, noting the U.S. Air Force's clipping file contained nearly 60,000 non-duplicated articles.

Deep Throat

This regular column provides unsubstantiated rumors and commentary on UFO-related topics. This issue discusses rumors about GM's Aurora model using alien technology, alleged "Roswell wreckage" pieces donated to museums, and the controversy surrounding the Santilli video. It also touches on the role of government secrecy, the actions of certain researchers, and the potential for hoaxes. The column questions the validity of claims until scientific analysis is completed and publicly shared.

UFO Notebook

Bill Eatwell's column discusses two items: a review of Paul R. Hill's "Unconventional Flying Objects" and a presentation by John M. Culver on his UFO-inspired hydromagnetic propulsion theory. Culver demonstrated how a plasma-generated propulsion system might operate, using visual aids and a model of a disc-shaped aircraft.

Spotlight on Jan Aldrich

This section profiles Jan Aldrich and his "Project 1947." It highlights his extensive research, the grants he has received, and his goal to publish a book by June 1997. Aldrich's research has taken him to numerous states and archives, and he has reviewed thousands of newspapers. He emphasizes the importance of patterns and relationships in UFO information over assumptions.

Review: Jacques Vallee's Fastwalker

Chuck Shramek reviews Jacques Vallee's book "Fastwalker," co-authored with Tracy Torme. The book is described as a novel based on Vallee's UFO research, dealing with strange craft, government agencies, disinformation, and potential alien encounters. The review notes its engaging narrative and themes that may resonate with fans of "The X-Files."

Of Interest

This section lists upcoming events and meetings for local UFO organizations, including VISIT and HUFON, as well as the MUFON 1996 UFO Symposium and The UFO Experience conference.

UFO LINGO

This section defines "UFOdumb" as a variation of "UFOdom," reportedly first used in a communication from someone purporting to be the Chief, MAJIC Disinformation Branch.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around historical UFO research, particularly focusing on the 1947 UFO wave and its manifestations in Texas. The magazine emphasizes the importance of meticulous research, newspaper archives, and witness accounts in understanding UFO phenomena. There's a critical stance on unsubstantiated claims and a focus on the role of government secrecy and potential disinformation within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and the sharing of information among UFO enthusiasts, as indicated by the magazine's stated purpose as a forum for the exchange of ideas.