New England UFO Newsletter - No 03 - Vol 01 No 03 - 1977 01

Magazine Overview

Title: new england UFO study group
Issue: Volume I No.3
Date: JANUARY 1977

This issue of the "new england UFO study group" newsletter, dated January 1977, focuses on UFO-related incidents and investigations. It features an article on an apparent abduction case in Maine, a book review of John A. Keel's "The Mothman Prophecies," and a historical tidbit about the Bermuda Triangle.

An Abduction Case by Joe Nyman

The newsletter begins with an account of an apparent abduction in Maine that occurred on October 27, 1975. The participants, two young men, reported their car being out of control and being forced off the road by a beam of light from a cigar-shaped object. They experienced a time lapse, after which they observed two discs and a mysterious fog. Upon returning home, they suffered strange physical symptoms and claimed telepathic contact. Under hypnosis, one witness described being aboard a craft with "mushroom-headed non-humans" who conducted a physical examination, took blood samples, and administered an injection. The witness and his parents have since experienced poltergeist activity and a visit from a "Man in Black" (MIB).

Brent Raynes, a UFO investigator from Maine, is announced as a guest speaker for the April 24th meeting, where he will discuss this case.

Tid Bits from the Bermuda Triangle

This section, continued from a previous newsletter, recounts a historical event related to the Bermuda Triangle. It describes the salvage of a longboat from "The Sea Venture" and a subsequent attempt by seven crewmembers to seek help. They encountered a strange force that tossed their longboat back to the island, and the crew eventually vanished. A year later, an effort was made to reach Virginia and report the "terror which till this day lurks in The Deadly Bermuda Triangle."

The Mothman Prophecies by John A. Keel - A Book Report by Christine M. Morton

Christine M. Morton reviews John A. Keel's book, "The Mothman Prophecies." While finding the story compelling and frightening, she expresses some disappointment with Keel's concluding statement: "I can admit like Socrates that the more I learn, the less I know."

The book focuses on the 1967 collapse of the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, and the preceding UFO activity. From November 15, 1966, to December 15, 1967, the town experienced intense UFO sightings, including strange lights and metallic spheres. The review notes the appearance of a "man-shaped creature with enormous, red, glowing eyes and a ten-foot wing span," dubbed "Mothman." Witnesses also reported encounters with dark-complexioned men in black suits, who identified themselves as government agents and asked intrusive questions, sometimes heralding electronic disturbances.

Keel is noted for pointing out "significant" details, such as the beings' preoccupation with time and their appearances near new road construction. The reviewer suggests Keel presents a case for UFOs being subjective phenomena, tailored to individual beliefs. The review concludes that the book is "good reading for the openminded and must reading for everyone else."

From the Editor's Desk

Dave Downs, the President, addresses the members, thanking George Fawcett, the founder and general manager of the Maiden Times, for his book "A Quarter Century of UFOs." He also expresses gratitude to Secretary-Treasurer Sylvia Benjaminsen and Frank for their efforts in managing the newsletter and meeting notices. The group is entering its 19th year.

Downs thanks Joe, Andrew, and Christine for their contributions to the newsletter. He announces that the next meeting will discuss numerous sightings, including an investigation by Ed Fogg and Joe Nyman in Wrentham, with analysis of a photograph. Ethel Rogers is expected to share her recent experiences of witnessing three UFOs for four hours. Joe Santangelo, MUFON State Director for Massachusetts, reports about 22 UFO reports in 1976, with some being explained but others, like a series of reports in Ipswich on April 4th, being particularly interesting. Downs also mentions his own investigation into a daylight sighting in Norton that involved two witnesses, a picture, and radio interference.

The next meeting is scheduled for January 30, 1977.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged abductions, and related phenomena. There is a clear interest in investigating and reporting on these events, as evidenced by the ongoing investigations and the inclusion of book reviews and historical accounts. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded, encouraging readers to consider subjective interpretations of UFO phenomena while also presenting factual accounts of sightings and investigations. The group emphasizes the importance of shared experiences and contributions from its members.