Magonia - No 79 - 2002 10

Magazine Overview

MAGONIA 79, published in October 2002, is an issue dedicated to exploring intriguing mysteries and historical narratives. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and an illustration, alongside a headline announcing articles by Chris Aubeck on the elusive Rudolf Fentz and Mike McHugh on American paranoia. The issue also includes an editorial reflecting on the public perception of ufologists.

Editorial Notes: Ufologists: how nutty are we?

The editorial, written by John Rimmer, reviews Jim Moseley's autobiography, 'Shockingly Close to the Truth,' and the critical response it received from ufologist Jerome Clark in the International UFO Reporter (IUR). Clark accused Moseley of making ufology 'trivial' and noted that Prometheus, the publisher, is closely associated with CSICOP. Rimmer engages with Clark's assertion that ufologists are not necessarily more 'remarkable' or 'credulous' than the general population. Rimmer's subjective view, based on his experience as a librarian, is that ufologists exhibit a higher average level of 'weirdness' than the general public. He discusses the fear within the ufology community that conventional science might dismiss the subject due to perceived eccentricities, hindering scientific progress. Rimmer argues that books like Moseley's, which he describes as a 'light-hearted ramble,' are unlikely to be taken seriously by scientists. Instead, he suggests that the works of 'Serious Ufologists' like Hopkins, Mack, Jacobs, and Friedman, which he believes are more academic, are more likely to prevent ufology from becoming a recognized scientific study, contrary to Clark's desire.

Desperately Seeking Rudolph

This article by Chris Aubeck details his investigation into an alleged incident of 'time travel' or 'teleportation' that purportedly occurred in New York City many years prior. The investigation begins not in New York, but in Spain, with an article in the magazine 'Más Allá' titled 'Regreso al futuro en el corazón de Manhattan' ('Back to the Future in the Heart of Manhattan'). This six-page report, co-authored by Carlos Canales, recounts the story of a man who appeared in New York around 11:30 pm on a warm June night in 1950. Dressed in an old-fashioned, elegant style, the man seemed disoriented and was struck and killed by a car near Times Square. At the morgue, his appearance, clothing, and possessions—including antique bills and business cards bearing the name 'Rudolf Fenz,' along with a letter postmarked 1876—raised numerous questions. The police investigation, led by Captain Hubert V. Rihm, failed to find any record of a Rudolf Fenz matching the description or the address. Attempts to locate relatives, including Rudolf Fenz Jr., also proved fruitless, as Fenz Jr. had died years earlier, and his father, the original Rudolf Fenz, had disappeared in 1876.

Aubeck's research uncovers that the Spanish article by Canales was a synthesis of various sources, including two Spanish books: 'Enigmas Sin Resolver' (1999) by Iker Jiménez and 'Los Enigmas Pendientes' (1991, 1979) by Joaquín Gómez Burón. He notes that information about the Fentz case was scarce outside the World Wide Web and virtually unknown in major UFO and Fortean journals, suggesting it might be fictional. The earliest identified source appears to be the French book 'Le Livre du Mystère' (1975) by Jacques Bergier and Georges H. Gallet, which in turn referenced a Norwegian magazine, 'Fakta?' (1973). This Norwegian article, titled 'Unexplained teleportations and disappearances,' contained the original spellings of the names: 'Rudolph Fentz' and 'Kaptein Hubert V. Rihm.' The letter found in Fentz's pocket was postmarked 'Philadelphia 1876,' potentially explaining the 'letter from a trader in Pittsburgh' mentioned in some internet accounts.

The paper trail then leads to the 'Borderland Sciences' group, which rationalized the incident esoterically, suggesting 'time holes' and 'the Fourth Dimension.' This perspective was influenced by figures like George Van Tassel and the Comte de Saint-Germain. The article also references the work of Richard Sharpe Shaver and his tales of 'Dero' and subterranean beings, which were popular in 'Amazing Stories.' The investigation traces the story's path through various publications, including 'Il Giornale dei Misteri' (Italy) and 'Brevcirkeln Arcanum' (Sweden), before reaching the 'Borderland Journal' (USA), which published an article by Ralph M. Holland titled 'THE VOICE FROM THE GALLERY.' This article, purportedly from 'Collier's' magazine, presented the Fentz story as the earliest known version, dating back to 1953. Holland, who later wrote under the pseudonym 'Rolf Telano,' was deeply interested in paranormal phenomena, science fiction, and UFOs, and was a member of the Borderland Sciences Research Associates.

Aubeck questions the authenticity of the Fentz case, noting the inconsistencies in names and details across different renditions and the lack of official records. He highlights that the 'Rudolf Fentz' and 'Hubert Rihm' names are not found in New York telephone directories or police records for the relevant periods. The article concludes that the story, while intriguing, likely originated as a piece of fiction, possibly created by Ralph M. Holland, and propagated through various esoteric and ufological publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue grapples with the nature of belief, evidence, and the construction of narratives, particularly within the UFO and paranormal communities. The editorial expresses a critical stance on the self-perception and public image of ufologists, questioning the line between genuine inquiry and eccentricity. The detailed investigation into the Rudolf Fentz case highlights the challenges of tracing the origins of popular myths and the tendency for stories to evolve and become distorted through retelling. The article implicitly critiques the uncritical acceptance of sensational claims, emphasizing the importance of source verification and the potential for hoaxes or fictional accounts to gain traction within certain subcultures. The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded approach, seeking to unravel the complexities of unexplained phenomena and their cultural impact.

This issue of 'The Pelican Writes...' (Issue 11) focuses on the evolution of conspiracy theories in American history, with a particular emphasis on UFO phenomena and paranormal experiences. The main cover headline is 'CONSPIRACY THEORY IN AMERICAN HISTORY' by Mike McHugh.

Key Articles and Features

Daniel Fry and the Rudolph Fentz Legend

The issue begins by discussing Daniel Fry, a contactee who claimed to have met space-people and undertaken a rapid trip to New York in a UFO. Fry's claims, including his alleged PhD from a correspondence school, are examined. The article then delves into the Rudolph Fentz legend, a story about a time traveler from the 19th century who appeared in 1951. It is revealed that writer Jack Finney created the Fentz character in a short story, and that Ralph Holland (writing as Rolf Telano) later used this legend in his own work, linking it to UFOs and 'channelled' messages. The article notes that Holland's sister defended his desire for anonymity, explaining his interest in science fiction and his presidency of the National Fantasy Fan Federation.

The Evolution of Conspiracy Thinking

Mike McHugh's article, 'CONSPIRACY THEORY IN AMERICAN HISTORY', explores how belief in evil forces has developed over time. He traces this evolution from a purely religious worldview, evident in the Salem witch trials and anti-Catholic sentiments, to a belief in secular, earthly threats during the American Revolution and the Civil War, and finally to high-tech explanations involving ETs. McHugh argues that the 'Paranoid Style' in American politics, characterized by a perception of external enemies, has deep roots in historical movements like Calvinism and populism.

Paranormal Experiences and Interpretation

The issue includes reviews of books on paranormal phenomena, such as 'Hauntings and Poltergeists: Multidisciplinary Perspectives' and 'Seeing Ghosts' by Hilary Evans. These reviews discuss how experiences like ghosts, poltergeists, and UFO abductions are interpreted through cultural lenses. The concept of the 'Mara experience' is introduced as a potential link to primal fears of predators. The article also touches upon the increasing acceptance of more extreme claims within ufology and psychical research, suggesting it's a response to a growing sense of existential dread.

The 'Pelican's' Analysis of UFO Reports

'The Pelican Writes...' section offers a critical perspective on UFO reports, emphasizing the importance of logical investigation and the psychosocial hypothesis. It highlights how faulty logic and the availability of ufological myths can lead to misinterpretations of sightings. The section critiques the arguments of figures like Budd Hopkins, who insists on the physical reality of UFO abductions, by pointing out the lack of verifiable evidence and the potential for confabulation and suggestion.

Reader's Letters

Letters from readers include a discussion of the film 'The Mothman Prophecies' and its omission of UFO and Men in Black reports, a query about early British UFO writers Bernard Newman and Gerald Heard, and a search for information on a book titled 'The Flying Saucer' by 'John Sylvester' (pseudonym for Hector Hawton).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes a critical and analytical approach to paranormal claims, particularly UFOs and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears to favor rational investigation, logical reasoning, and a historical understanding of how beliefs and fears develop. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the psychological and cultural factors that contribute to belief in the extraordinary. The magazine aims to demystify phenomena by exposing faulty logic and providing alternative explanations rooted in history, psychology, and critical thinking.