MUFON of Ohio Newsletter - 2006 Q2 Summer

Magazine Overview

Title: MUFON of Ohio Newsletter
Issue: Summer 2006
Date: Summer 2006
Publisher: The Mutual UFO Network of Ohio, Inc.
Content: This issue is a special re-printing of a rare and informative publication from the Flying Saucer Investigative Committee of Akron, Ohio's FSIC Bulletin, dated October 1964 – February 1965, Vol. 2, No. 1. The newsletter also includes an introduction explaining the delay in publication and the decision to republish the older bulletin, as well as information about an upcoming meeting.

Introduction

The introduction apologizes for the late publication of the Summer 2006 issue, citing a lack of sufficient articles and UFO sighting reports from members. The editor explains that a planned summary of a Richard Dolan talk was delayed due to video editing issues. To compensate and provide valuable content, the decision was made to republish the FSIC Bulletin from 1964-1965, which is described as an excellent historical summary of UFO history in Ohio and other states. The editor thanks Rick Hilberg for lending a copy and expresses a goal to locate and republish other quality old UFO publications.

Meeting in Columbus, Ohio – December 2, 2006

MUFON of Ohio has scheduled an informal meeting for ufologists in Columbus, Ohio, on Saturday, December 2, 2006, from Noon to 5:45 PM at the Whetstone Public Library. The meeting aims to discuss the subject of UFOs, how to promote it to the public, and how to conduct investigations. The library is located at 3909 N. High Street. As an added incentive, alien-related collectibles and novelties, donated by Wendy Ban and Don Weatherby, will be for sale to raise funds for bringing quality UFO speakers, such as Stan Gordon, to Ohio in the spring of 2007. Items for sale include Forbidden Planet and Bob Lazar saucer models, UFO fiber optic lamps, and alien head lamps.

FSIC Bulletin - October, November, December 1964 and January, February 1965

This section contains the re-printed FSIC Bulletin.

GIGANTIC UFO LANDS NEAR STAUNTON, VIRGINIA

This article details a significant UFO sighting and landing that occurred on December 21, 1964, near Staunton, Virginia. Horace Burns, a gunsmith, reported seeing a huge metallic object descend from the sky. His car's motor stopped as the object passed overhead. The UFO, described as resembling an upside-down toy top, landed lightly in a meadow about 100 yards from the highway. Burns estimated its size to be at least 125 feet in diameter and 80-90 feet high, with a circular, sloping shape featuring about 6 concentric convolutions. A bluish glow was observed around the base. The object remained on the ground for 60-90 seconds before rising straight up and departing at high speed. After the UFO left, Burns' car started normally.

Professor Ernest Gehman of Eastern Mennonite College investigated the site and detected radioactivity of over 60,000 counts per minute using a Geiger counter, nine days after the event. This finding was corroborated by two research engineers, Harry Cook and Funk, who also witnessed the high readings. Gehman's report also noted that the Air Force investigation, conducted by Technical Sergeant David Moody and Staff Sergeant Harold Jones, failed to confirm the radioactivity and dismissed the landing, stating there were no additional witnesses and no indication of a large vehicle landing. Gehman critically analyzes the Air Force report, pointing out discrepancies and questioning their methodology and equipment, particularly regarding the radiation detection and the assessment of the landing site's condition (e.g., snow cover). He also notes that the Air Force report omitted details about precipitation and snow cover, and that their altitude estimate for the UFO was significantly higher than local power company pole heights.

Gehman highlights several inconsistencies in the Air Force report, including a discrepancy in the reported time of contact, a misstatement about the object's width versus diameter, and a contradiction in assessing Mr. Burns' reliability while questioning his potential for hallucinations. He also points out that the Air Force claimed no additional witnesses, despite later interviews with Kenneth Norton, who saw a similar UFO, and reports from other individuals.

MORE VIRGINIA SIGHTINGS

This section compiles several other UFO sightings reported in Virginia:

• January 15, 1965 (Waynesboro): Marguerite Bolton and a cab driver reported a round, orange object with silver prongs.
• January 15, 1965 (Waynesboro): The Lester Hogshead family reported seeing a bright object hovering and then disappearing.
• January (Wallops Island): Several people reported a bright yellow, comet-like object moving at high speed.
• January 23, 1965 (Williamsburg): Two men reported a hovering object that caused their cars to stall until the object departed.
• Portsmouth (unverified): An unverified report of men seeing a "thing" land and strange figures emerging.
• Staunton (February 2): Three boys reported seeing a small green man, about 3.5 feet tall.
• South Boston (January 10): Two men independently reported seeing an elliptical object, about 100 ft. long, with sparks shooting out.
• Princeton (February 6): Ron Ramblin reported three "little space men" about 36 inches tall being chased.

NO UFOs OVER VIRGINIA - MARYLAND?

This brief report mentions the Air Force investigating two high-speed UFOs observed by Navy Radar operators at Patuxtent Naval Air Station on December 29, 1964. The objects were tracked at approximately 4,800 m.p.h. The Air Force later stated these were "false radar returns," possibly caused by electronic devices within the station or radar circuitry issues, and that no similar blips were detected elsewhere on the East Coast.

NORTHEAST OHIO

LOCAL SIGHTINGS - GREATER AKRON AREA 1964

This section details several UFO sightings in the Greater Akron area during 1964:

• September 29, 1964 (Bath Township): A terrific burst of intense, yellowish-white light illuminated the sky. The object came down through clouds, leaving a vapor trail, and then extinguished at the horizon.
• North (Summit and Portage Counties, Fairport Harbor): Reports of illumination, meteors, and flares were noted. Geauga County deputies saw a sky light up but not the object itself.
• Aurora, Ohio (Rte. 306): Ptl. William Russell observed a blue-white light, similar to a flare, descending and disappearing behind trees. It was estimated to be 100-150 feet up and about the size of a car tire.
• November 4, 1964 (Springfield Township, Akron): Carl Justice observed a stationary, triangular object with a flat top and three illuminated extensions. It remained visible for an extended period.
• November 4, 1964 (Bath Township): A doctor's wife reported a shiny object in the eastern sky, appearing stationary or slow-moving.
• December 18, 1964 (near Massillon): A schoolboy observing a lunar eclipse reported seeing a four-engine aircraft followed by a group of small lights in a wide V-formation, some shifting within the group. These lights traveled in the same path as the aircraft before disappearing.
• November 14, 1964 (Akron): A school principal reported a large, round, red light behaving unusually, moving and stopping in the sky.

BLUE-GREEN OBJECT PASSES OVER AKRON

December 29, 1964: Sgt. Louis Hunt of the Akron Police Department reported a high-flying object moving SE at very high velocity, described as round, bluish-green, and at a very high altitude, comparable in size to Venus. It was visible for about 30 seconds.

BOY CAMPERS?

August 1, 1964 (Portage Lakes Area): Rumors circulated about a UFO landing in Rex Lake, seen by many, including boys at the Masonic Boy's Camp. FSIC investigators Moyers, Candusso, and Davis investigated.

August 6, 1964: Larry Chase and Victor Eshelman reported a reddish-orange object moving NE to SW, disappearing within 1-1.5 minutes. The object was estimated to be about four times the size of a bright star.

FORMATION OF ELEVEN

August 8, 1964 (near Massillon): Three parachutists and their wives witnessed a formation of 11 bright white star-like objects in a triangular formation. One object moved forward, then the formation departed rapidly NW without sound or trail.

Geneva, Ohio

August 28, 1964: Mrs. Williams reported a diamond-like blue-white object seen twice.

N. Olmsted

September 1, 1964: Bob Kolling reported a bright red object, large as a grapefruit, moving at high velocity. It exploded with a swish sound about 50 feet away.

Fostoria, Ohio

August 23, 1964: Gene Turley and his mother saw a brilliant white light stationary about 300 feet up, which then ascended rapidly.

Brecksville, Ohio

September 14, 1964: A sixth-grade girl reported a strange, shiny, geometric object at high altitude with two lights at the end of extensions, traveling north.

Stow, Ohio

October 18, 1964: Gregory Boughton and Robert Plummer observed a torpedo-shaped dark object with a single white light at its trailing end, which increased in intensity when a flashlight beam was shined at it. It traveled W to E at medium altitude.

UFOS OVER NW PA. CITY

NICAP INVESTIGATES

This section reports on UFO sightings in the Titusville, Pennsylvania area, based on a newspaper article and information from NICAP investigator William B. Weitzel.

• October 17, 1964 (Pleasantville): Rev. H. Curtis Shaw and Walter A. MacDonald reported seeing a large, bright white "ball of fire" that appeared and disappeared, moving west and dwindling to a pinpoint. It was described as yellowish at one point and clearly defined.
• October 15, 1964 (Titusville): A triangular-shaped object was sighted southwest of Titusville, observed by multiple people, including Mr. and Mrs. Robert Miles. Jets were seen circling the object. Photos were taken but were not reproducible.
• September 24, 1964 (Brook Street): Charles and Edward Stevenson reported seeing an unidentified flying object for 1.5 hours. Viewed through binoculars, it appeared round with a cone-shaped top and had lights in front and behind. It was described as red and white and moved east of the city.
• October 5, 1964 (near Titusville Airport): Two fox hunters reported a UFO about the size and brilliancy of a shooting star, with blinking lights, that moved along the horizon, stopping and starting.
• September 16, 1964 (Warren vicinity): Several residents reported sighting a "snowflake" UFO with red lights around the edges that would periodically disappear.

MISCELLANEOUS SIGHTINGS

• November 7, 1964 (Lake Michigan): A huge flash of light was seen, possibly an exploding meteorite.
• December 10, 1964 (E. Tennessee): Two hunters saw a flaming object, possibly a falling plane. The Air Force stated no planes were missing and suggested a lumber mill or piled wood fire.
• U.S. Reports (Sierra Nevada Range, S. California): A huge bolide crashed into the Ellis Mountains.
• November 11, 1964 (Akron Area): A huge pure white object with a thick trail was seen in the NW sky.

LOCAL SIGHTINGS

• December 7, 1964 (Cuyahoga Falls): Sandy Vuick saw an extremely bright yellow-white light moving at high speed, disappearing quickly. It was described as a single light, round, with no wings or fuselage.

DAYLIGHT MANEUVERS OF UFO

August 31, 1964 (Garfield Heights, Ohio): Between 11:15 AM and 11:50 AM, at least a dozen people observed a strange object maneuvering over the area. Mrs. Joseph Fejtek first saw the object, described as "beautiful," hanging motionlessly. Her son Ronald took photos, though the first was overexposed and the others showed a tiny speck. Mrs. Christine Di Franco and her daughter, Joseph Seme, and Mr. Kindro also witnessed the object. Descriptions varied: Mrs. Di Franco described a thin disc with royal blue color, a reddish-orange tapered top with spikes, and noted color changes. Joseph Seme described a medium red, football-shaped object with spinning propeller-like parts and an antenna. Ronald Fejtek described a "conventional saucer" form with a blue base, reddish-orange dome, and an antenna-like projection. The object was seen to revolve and hover. Mrs. Di Franco and Ronald Fejtek heard a humming sound. The object was estimated to be at various altitudes, and its speed upon departure was high.

ELECTION NIGHT JITTERS

November 3, 1964 (Berea, Ohio): Three teen-aged girls reported seeing a bright, yellowish-white, oval-shaped light descend and then reappear, stationary, before rising vertically. The light illuminated the area around a garage and pool. A monotonous, high-pitched humming sound was also heard, persisting for about a week. The girls found a small charred spot in the grass where the object had been. The report notes that the Berea News published the story but muddied the details. An excerpt quotes Leo Sapienza, an authority on aircraft, who believes flying saucers are real. The girls' sincerity is vouched for by investigators.

PEAR-SHAPED UFO

February 22, 1965 (Akron Area): Mr. Craig Shull, an experienced pilot, reported seeing a large, illuminated, "pear-shaped" object moving slowly. It was described as looking like an inverted parachute or an egg with a flattened end, with a dark greenish-purplish edge and a "sparkly white" surface. The object was compared to the brilliance of Sirius and estimated to be very distant, possibly 50,000 feet away. The sighting lasted 14 minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, often with witness testimony, descriptions of the objects, and attempts at measurement or comparison. There is a strong emphasis on investigating and documenting these phenomena, as evidenced by the re-publication of the FSIC Bulletin and the mention of MUFON's investigative activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFOs, critical of official explanations (particularly from the Air Force), and supportive of amateur investigation. The newsletter aims to inform its members about UFO events and encourage participation in the subject. The contrast between detailed witness accounts and official dismissals (like the Air Force's handling of the Staunton case) is a prominent undercurrent.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated March 1965, delves into a variety of UFO-related incidents, scientific speculation, and questions of government transparency. The cover story, "I Stared Back...", recounts a personal encounter with a flying saucer and a robot-like creature. Other articles discuss alleged UFO hoaxes, radar confirmations of unidentified objects, and the scientific probability of extraterrestrial life.

The "Hoax" in New Jersey

The issue begins with an account of the "Hoax" in New Jersey, referring to an incident in Glassboro where 15 holes were found in a wooded area. An AP release from Air Force UFO headquarters in Dayton, Ohio, declared the incident a hoax, apparently engineered by youngsters. The article details the discovery by two boys who were told by strangers that a red, glowing object had descended into the woods. Mrs. Freda Dufala reported seeing a globular red object, and Irene Ritter and Carol Smith reported a bright orange-yellow spherical object descending. Frank Sergi described the scene, noting three smaller square holes and a larger conical cavity with fused silica at the bottom. Chemical substances and a carbon-like powder were found. Samples were given to FSIC by Mr. and Mrs. M. M. Vuick. Investigators from McGuire AFB and other places examined the site. The New York Journal American reported the AF found "bubble gum wrappers, the remains of a cherry bomb, and 4 footprints." Mr. Sergi and Mr. Marcell doubted it was a hoax, questioning how such pressure could be exerted. Patrolman Robert Toughill and Dr. Pagano also expressed skepticism about the "hoax" conclusion. The article notes that the boys who found the site were sons of Ward Campbell, who had investigated the area on September 5th.

North Lawrence Again!

This section reports on UFO sightings in eastern Wayne County, Ohio, on May 17th. Mrs. Frank Brakefield and others saw a huge orange ball of light hovering and moving west. It descended near Newman Creek. Later, two girls saw an object rise from the same area. High radiation readings were obtained. John Beck, a 12-year-old student, also reported seeing a strange object while his parents were at a Bingo game at the firehouse. He described a large double-domed object, rusty reddish-brown in color, rotating slowly, with no lights or distinguishing features. He estimated its altitude at about 100 feet and its speed as slow. Fire Chief Henry Hodgson announced a UFO sighting and advised caution. The article notes that Chief Hodgson and Mr. Lawrence were out of town the following Monday, suggesting a possible connection to governmental agencies. John Beck's mother verified his presence and sighting.

Rendezvous Over Berea

This account from Berea, Ohio, on December 6, 1964, describes David Meckel, 16, seeing a blue-white object with a whistling noise that went straight up. His mother also saw it. Two smaller white objects rose from the east, intercepted the larger object, merged, and disappeared. The large object then continued eastward. David described the original object as possibly twice Jupiter's length and as wide, with a definite cigar outline. The smaller objects were about 1/4 that size. Later, a large red light approached from the south, stopped, and blinked. David used binoculars to observe it. He was accosted by the landowner for trespassing. The object climbed steeply and disappeared. No sound or trail was noted. Mrs. Meckel described the first object as sun-like, changing to orangish. The area is full of large trees.

Footprints From Outer Space?

This section features an interview with John F. Reeves, a retired longshoreman from Brooksville, Florida, who claims to have encountered a flying saucer and a robot-type creature. Reeves described seeing a "flying saucer" in the woods, about 700 yards away. A robot-type creature, about 5-feet tall, wearing a gray canvas suit with a glass dome helmet, appeared and stopped about 15 feet away. Reeves described it as having dark tan flesh, eyes farther apart than a normal human's, and a more pointed chin. The creature took his picture with a device that flashed. The flying saucer was described as 20 to 30 feet in diameter and six feet high, on a four-legged landing gear, bluish-green and reddish-purple in color with two windows. Reeves retrieved two pieces of paper with "very queer writing" on them, which he believes are from outer space. After the robot entered the machine, blades on the rim moved like venetian blinds, and the saucer went straight up, disappearing in 10 seconds. The papers were turned over to an investigating team from MacDill Air Force Base.

UFO Lands at Air Force Base

This article reports on an incident at Holloman AF3 Test Range, White Sands Proving Ground, on April 30, 1964. A B-57 pilot reported seeing an egg-shaped, white object. Radio communications ceased when the pilot stated the object was on the ground. Rumors circulated about a UFO in a hangar under guard. Other unidentified lights had been sighted on the Range, including a guard who fired at an object and was hospitalized. Radar visual observation on May 15 tracked two objects performing "perfect, precise flight maneuvers," including side-by-side flight and rejoining. They were described as brown and football-shaped. The objects responded alternately with the standard FAA recognition signal (IFF). Seven days later, an automatic track obtained an UFO with a speed of 25 MPH. Mr. and Mrs. Lorenzen of APRO issued a press release. Holloman AFB confirmed that a radar unit had tracked UFOs, suggesting a natural phenomenon like a dust storm, but the Lorenzens believe the reports are true, and the area is under military security.

Censorship and UFOs

This article by Major Donald E. Keyhole (USMC, ret.) discusses the alleged censorship of UFO information. It recounts an incident on April 8, 1964, where four spacecraft of unknown origin allegedly flew alongside the two-man Gemini capsule during its first orbit, pacing it for a full orbit before vanishing. Keyhole questions the mission and origin of these craft and why the incident was kept secret. The article suggests that the public is unaware of such events near rocket test ranges and airfields, and that the Air Force is aware of mysterious alien craft watching outer space efforts. It also notes a "great wave of UFOs" reported worldwide in 1964.

UFOs Over Washington, D.C. - 1965

On January 11, 1965, at 4:20 P.M., several white, oval objects were chased by two delta-shaped airplanes over Washington, D.C., at altitudes between 12,000-15,000 feet. Mr. Paul Dickey confirmed seeing them skip, dive, and swerve. Eleven Army Communications specialists witnessed the event. No blips were reported on radar. The article questions why no photos were taken.

Think Items

This section includes various short reports and commentary:

• United Airlines Flight: Charles R. Hawks of the FAA stated the odds against a double engine failure were "Astronomical" for a United Airlines flight that landed safely.
• Cosmonaut Komarov: Soviet Cosmonaut Col. Vladimir Komarov expressed belief in making another trip into space, possibly to the moon or another place.
• "Rocks" On The Moon: NASA's lunar photo evaluation team found huge "erratic" masses in moon craters, described as egg-like, conical, or flattened spheres, with no natural explanation yet found.
• Ranger VII Photos: Prof. Harold C. Urey of the University of California noted the intriguing revelations of the Ranger VII photos, stating that no one has been able to account for the objects as natural phenomena.
• Ranger Photos Disturbance: Scientists are disturbed by the difficulty of explaining objects in Ranger photos, especially in terms of known lunar processes.
• Lightning Knocks Gemini into 1965: A series of lightning bolts caused considerable damage to a Titan 2 rocket and ground support equipment at a launch pad.
• We Are Not Alone: Walter Sullivan, Science Editor of The New York Times, discusses the high probability of life and intelligences on other planets, suggesting they might be superior beings and possibly visiting Earth periodically in the distant past.
• Flying Saucers: The article quotes an unnamed source stating that flying saucers are not evidence of extraterrestrials in our environment, citing the vast distances involved in interstellar travel.
• Isaac Azimov on Extraterrestrial Intelligence: Isaac Azimov discusses signals from "point-sources" in space (CTA-21 and CTA-102) and suggests they might be radio beacons from intelligent beings. He emphasizes the profound impact knowing we are not alone would have on religion and philosophy.
• Editorial on UFOs: The editorial discusses the mounting evidence of intelligently directed phenomena in our skies and criticizes the Air Force and government for secrecy and fear of divulging information.
• 663 UFOs in 18 Years: A report states the Air Force has investigated 8,908 UFO sightings from 1947-1964, with 663 remaining unidentified.

Jersey Youth Pays $10 Court Cost For Space Landing Hoax

This article details how 18-year-old Michael Hallowitz staged a "Great Spaceship Hoax" in Glassboro, N.J., by digging holes, breaking branches, and sprinkling chemicals to create the appearance of a spaceship landing. The hoax attracted professors, Air Force personnel, and thousands of tourists. Hallowitz was charged with being a disorderly person and issuing a false alarm, ultimately paying $10 in court costs.

Why?

J. Allen Huynek, director of Dearborn Observatory and an Air Force consultant, has been involved in UFO cases since 1947. The article quotes Lyndon Johnson's statement about the public's right to know about government affairs and questions when he will speak about UFOs.

What Made the Rings?

This refers to a previous article about "Fairy Rings" caused by fungus growth.

Tremendous Demand

FSIC's co-chairmen, Moyers and Candusso, have been busy with lectures.

FSIC Back on Radio

FSIC's program "Listeners' Forum" on Radio WTIG is rescheduled.

Miscellaneous Science - Space

• New Mineral Discovered: A new mineral combining silicon, nitrogen, and oxygen, called Sinoite, was discovered in a meteorite.
• Shooting Stars... artificial: Firestone is developing "shooting stars" for NASA to research meteoroid impact probabilities.

Inventor E. C. Young and U.S. Space Blunders

An article by inventor Everett C. Young criticizes NASA's space program, suggesting "politics" are interfering with the best designs. He urges public pressure on government officials.

Famed Flyer - UFO Conscious

Jerrie Mock, a round-the-world flyer, admitted apprehension about UFOs due to pilot reports in the Pacific.

Regular Meetings

FSIC holds regular meetings on the first Friday of each month at the Central YMCA, Akron, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly those from the Air Force, and suggests a pattern of government secrecy and censorship. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific possibility of extraterrestrial life and the growing public awareness of UFOs. The editorial stance is critical of authorities who appear to downplay or conceal information, advocating for greater transparency and public access to UFO-related data. The magazine highlights numerous sightings and investigations, often presenting them as compelling evidence that cannot be easily dismissed by conventional explanations.