Manimals - Vol 1 No 3 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: MANIMALS NEWSLETTER
Issue: NO. 3
Date: 24 MARCH 1973
Editor: JIM MCCLARIN
Publisher: Jim McClarin
Address: 4717 FLORIN-PERKINS RD., SACRAMENTO, CA. 95826
Tel: (916) 381-1674

This issue of Manimals Newsletter, dated March 24, 1973, is primarily dedicated to reports and analyses of cryptid phenomena, with a strong focus on Sasquatch and related creatures.

Plantar Index of Sasquatch Tracks

Keith Laidler contributes an analysis of the 'Plantar Index (P.I.)' of Sasquatch tracks, based on photographs and measurements, some provided by John Green. Laidler notes that despite Sanderson mentioning the P.I. of a single foot, no systematic survey had been attempted. His data, though small, suggests a straight line can be drawn on a graph of foot length versus width, yielding a P.I. of 1.53. This indicates the population behaves as a single homogenous group regarding the length/width ratio. Laidler expresses interest in whether this proportional increase in width with foot length is common among other primate groups, suggesting it could support the veracity of the creature's existence if it is.

A graph is included, plotting various Bigfoot prints with labels such as 'Original Bigfoot,' 'Northern Calif. (Patterson),' 'Titmus,' 'Bluff Crk,' 'Blue Crk.,' 'Dahinden,' 'Green Onion Mt.,' and 'Sanderson.' The graph shows 'The Dalles' data as not accurate. The calculated gradient is 1.53.

Laidler requests that informants send length and width measurements, along with the area and date of discovery, to his address in Farringdon, Sunderland, England.

B.C. Geologists Report Sasquatches

Ed Gould, columnist for the Victoria B.C. Victorian, reports on a story from John Stewart of Port Coquitlam. Stewart, along with partner-geologist Dr. Warren Gagger, claims to have encountered two large, hairy, upright animals near Sechelt, Canada, at an altitude of 2,500 feet. One animal was estimated at eight feet tall, the other at six and a half feet. They were about 200 feet away and down-wind. The animals were feeding on lily bulbs in a lake and ran away when spotted. Stewart and Gagger measured their tracks, estimating the animals weighed at least 800 pounds. The encounter occurred in October, and snow fell shortly after, preventing further investigation, though they believe the tracks are preserved under the snow. Stewart expressed a desire to hunt the creatures, stating, "That's the only way people will believe that these creatures exist." He asserts they were not bears.

The editor of Manimals Newsletter expresses support for the Sasquatches remaining hidden until proof can be obtained through humane means.

Early Newspaper Reports

Mr. Gordon Strasenburgh shares findings from the Cambridge, Maryland papers, 'The Aurora' and 'The Chronical,' dating between 1828 and 1845. He was researching reports from southern New Jersey, the Delaware coast, and the eastern shore of Maryland, believing it to be a promising area for historical sightings.

Strange Animal, or Food for the Marvellous (Dorchester County, Maryland Aurora, August 27, 1838)

This article, originally from The Montrose (PA.) Spectator, recounts a story from Bridgewater about a strange animal seen about a year prior. Described as having the appearance of a child seven or eight years old, but slimmer and covered in hair, the creature was seen walking towards the witness, whistling like a person. When pursued, it ran off with great speed, described as running like the "devil." A similar animal was reportedly seen in Silver Lake township by a sixteen-year-old boy who was sent to work in the woods. The boy described it as human-like, covered in black hair, and about the size of his six or seven-year-old brother. Frightened, he shot at the animal, which stepped behind a tree and ran off whistling. The boy was very upset by the encounter. The article speculates that the creature might be an "ourangoutan" if one were known to be in the country, and dubs it the "Whistling Wild Boy of the Woods."

A Wild Child in the Woods (The Philadelphia Saturday Courier, December 28, 1839)

This article, sourced from Robert Sabaroff via John Green, reports on a "wild child" or lad seen in the sand hills and vicinity of Fish Lake, Indiana. The child is described as about four feet high, covered with light chestnut-colored hair, and runs with great velocity. It reportedly emits frightful and hideous yells and seems to attempt speech. The child has been seen running along the lake shore, appearing to search for fish and frogs, and is fond of water, plunging into Fish Lake and swimming with great velocity while whining. The writer speculates it may have strayed from an emigrating party or been stolen by Indians and left in the forest. The article questions the anguish of parents who might have lost such a child.

Editorial

The editor apologizes for the delay in publishing the third issue, attributing it to excessive workload and procrastination. The issue is noted as being almost entirely the work of Bob and Sandy Betts, who assisted with formatting and correspondence while en route from Mexico to Alaska. A new numbering system is implemented, with the volume number deleted. Issues will not be strictly monthly but will aim for more promptness. The editor also reports the deaths of Ivan T. Sanderson, author of 'Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life,' and Professor Boris F. Porshnev, an expert on the almasti subject.

Bibliographical Acquisitions

This extensive section lists numerous newspaper and magazine articles from late 1972 and early 1973 concerning Bigfoot, Sasquatch, Yeti, and other cryptids. Each entry includes the publication, date, a brief abstract, and a clarity rating. Notable sources include The Dalles Chronicle, Christian Science Monitor, Newsweek, Science Digest, Explorers Journal, and various regional newspapers across the USA and Canada. Several entries detail investigations by Peter Byrne and others, reports of footprints, and alleged sightings.

• Specific items include:
• Reports on the ongoing interest in Sasquatch sightings in The Dalles, Oregon.
• A report on a possible similarity between U.S. Bigfoot and Himalayan Yetis or Soviet Dawn Man, with a team searching in the Caucasus.
• Details of yeti-like tracks found in Nepal, with plaster casts taken by an expedition studying flora and fauna.
• Numerous reports of "Yeti Prints" or "Abominable Snowman Footprints" captured by photographs in Nepal and other locations.
• Articles discussing the movie "The Legend of Boggy Creek" and its subject.
• Reports on Bigfoot sightings in the Pacific Northwest and other regions.
• A mention of a "Sasquatch Exhibit" at Washington State University featuring casts of alleged Sasquatch footprints.

Subscription Policy

The newsletter outlines its subscription policy, indicating that recipients are currently receiving it gratis and that communication is welcomed. To receive the next issue, a self-addressed, stamped envelope and an informative dispatch or 25¢ are required. Back issues are available for 25¢ or information and a stamped SAE.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific and anecdotal investigation of cryptids, particularly Sasquatch and Yeti, and the documentation of alleged sightings and physical evidence like footprints. The newsletter acts as a clearinghouse for information, compiling reports from various sources and encouraging reader contributions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these phenomena, with a particular emphasis on collecting and disseminating data. The editor expresses a humane perspective regarding the creatures, hoping for their continued hiding until proof can be obtained ethically. The issue also serves as a memorial to two prominent figures in the field, Ivan T. Sanderson and Professor Boris F. Porshnev.