Little Listening Post -1954 08-09 - Vol 01 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: THE LITTLE LISTENING POST
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: Aug - Sept. 1954
Location: Washington, D.C.
Publisher: GRAY BARKER COLLECTION

This issue of The Little Listening Post, a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, provides a snapshot of the burgeoning interest and investigation into unidentified flying objects in the mid-1950s. It compiles reports from various sources, including international correspondence, civilian investigation groups, and news clippings, offering a diverse perspective on the subject.

International Reports and Investigations

The issue opens with news from DUSSELDORT, GERMANY, dated 7/12/54, detailing the formation of an official German group to study space travel due to a surge in unidentified object sightings. The project is reported to be financed by the West German government, aiming to lend 'respectability' to the research.

From London, an editor reports 'great excitement' over numerous well-authenticated sightings, noting that sceptics are 'quite furious.' Desmond Leslie, a writer from London, is mentioned as visiting the U.S. for research and coincidentally meeting his cousin, Sir Winston Churchill. Leslie's interviews with the press revealed details about saucer sightings in England and new forms of cooperation between medical doctors and those in psychic approaches.

Civilian Investigations and Data Accumulation

The Civilian Saucer Investigation (CSI) is reported to be transferring its extensive collection of sighting data to George Adamson of Tecumseh, Michigan. L. H. Stringfield, associated with CRIFO, is noted for receiving 5 to 20 sightings daily, humorously comparing his work to 'Project Bluebook.' He is also holding an exhibit in Cincinnati and seeking saucer 'donations.'

Prominent Figures and Organizations

Frederick C. Durant III, head of the International Astronautical Federation, is mentioned as attending the organization's annual Congress in Innsbruck, Austria. The federation reportedly includes 15 countries, with Egypt, Japan, and Brazil joining, suggesting a growing 'interplanetary mindedness.'

Book Reviews and Publications

• The issue features reviews of several books on the topic:
• "Spatial Mechanics" by Purl Holzer (1950), described as a 'brain-stretching view' of the heavens and the 'birth-maturity-death pattern' of the visible cosmos.
• "Flying Saucers on the Attack" by H. T. Wilkins, noted for its data but questioned for its title and the implications for Earth.
• "Flying Saucers on the Moon" by the same author.
• "Our Moon" by Dr. H.P. Wilkins, Director of the Lunar Section of the British Astronomical Association, presented as an 'orthodox approach.'
• Jim Moseley is co-authoring a book on the saucer mystery with Orfeo Angelucci of L.A. Joe Barbieri of 'SPACE' is also mentioned as working on a novel of space travel after recovering from a fall.

Arthur Clarke, Chairman of the British Interplanetary Society, visited The Little Listening Post on his way to Australia. He is working on a book about the Great Barrier Reef and has two new fall books, "Earthlight." Clarke believes saucers will be a forgotten subject in ten years and quotes psychologists who label ground contact claimants as psychopaths.

Washington D.C. Focus and Sightings

• The publication is based in Washington, D.C., and reports several local sightings:
• On 7/11/54, Gene Peterson of WGAY and neighbors reported seeing three gleaming discs, soon joined by a third, making 'roar' sounds. A fourth appeared later. The objects changed colors and performed maneuvers, with estimated jumps of 5000 ft. over a 40-minute period.
• Reports from Pennsylvania indicate a high volume of sightings, with police and civil defense departments being 'besieged with calls.'
• Norman Bean from WTVJ, Miami, Florida, reported two sightings over Miami. On March 18, a saucer was seen following a B-36, witnessed by technical assistant Carl McClure. A night sighting in September '54 involved an object hovering for four minutes and glowing red.
• Don Potter, a missionary student, reported seeing a cylinder-shaped UFO with a reddish glow that made sharp right-angle turns, described as 'really wonderful.'
• On 7/14, three white and gold discs were observed during a storm, prompting numerous calls to newspapers.

Other News and Commentary

• A new publication called "NEXUS" is announced, based in Fort Lee, N.J.
• The issue touches on the controversy surrounding increased postage rates, urging protest.
• A plan to dim capital lights for a 'Sky Glow' in case of air raids is mentioned.
• Frank Edwards is quoted stating, "The world is no longer big enough for man and his weapons. One or the other will have to go," in the context of radioactive fish concerns.
• A report from Lake Titicaca mentions a massive submerged city, presumed to be the one described by Homer and Plato, linking it to prophesied days when 'Nothing shall be hidden.'

Government and Military Developments

• A $350,000 nest for 'America's Fiercest Warbirds' is being built near Washington, intended as a station for guided missile NIKE, part of a ring to protect Washington from air attack.
• The Blaine Fund, an estate of $35,000,000, is noted for potentially funding research into communication between the seen and unseen world, among other fields like education and public health.
• A statement in Interplanetary News Digest claims the Air Force possesses several spacecraft at various bases, attributed to 'Ray Fetterman.'

Psychic and Future Predictions

A psychic source in Washington predicts 'very interesting things are ahead,' including quiet investigations into discs and that secrets will soon be revealed. The source anticipates 'beautiful experiences' for some and mentions that the cure of disease, particularly cancer, and atomic discoveries are key future developments. Desegregation is expected to be manageable, and an overall war is not anticipated.

Scientific Opinions

Frank Halstead, head of the Observatory of the University of Minnesota, is quoted saying, "The best scientific minds in the world agree that some planet out there is sending these things to look us over." Professor Norman Berrill of McGill University asserts that no government possesses the technology for these machines, attributing their capabilities to knowledge of gravity nullification and advanced inertialess drives.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The Little Listening Post positions itself as a focal point for 'listening' and sharing information on UFO phenomena, operating on a 'gratis basis' but accepting contributions. The publication embraces a wide range of perspectives, from scientific inquiry to psychic insights, and encourages readers to 'PLAY A PART!' in this 'tremendous subject.' The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and active engagement with the mystery of UFOs, bridging the gap between 'orthodox' and 'non-orthodox' viewpoints while highlighting the growing global interest and the potential for significant future revelations.