New England UFO Newsletter - No 06 - Vol 02 No 02 - 1977 07

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NEUFOSG Newsletter, dated July 1977, Volume II, No. 2, focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, with a prominent article on the 'Norton Sighting' and other reports from the Essex, Westboro, and Monson areas. The newsletter also includes a 'Creature Feature' section and a 'Sighting Log' of received reports.

Norton Sighting

The lead article, 'Norton Sighting' by David Downs, details an incident on December 17, 1976, in Norton, Massachusetts. James T. sighted and photographed a UFO, leading to police notification. A second witness, Dick, also reported a close encounter with a disc-shaped object that caused radio interference and emitted a humming noise. Both witnesses were described as convincing and not hysterical, though Dick, a former part-time police officer, reportedly stuttered.

However, the investigator, David Downs, expresses significant doubts about the authenticity of the sightings. He notes that Jim openly doubted Dick, and it was possible Dick heard the initial police call via radio. Dick's actions, such as traveling southeast after the UFO disappeared in that direction, and stopping a policeman miles away, are questioned. Furthermore, three local residents claim Dick has a reputation for seeking attention.

Subjective evidence also casts doubt on Jim's photograph. The investigator found it impossible to replicate the photo's field of view without kneeling 2 feet inside the house, suggesting Jim may have faked the photo. Jim's camera was new, and the two preceding photos were reportedly lost. The investigator concludes that while he wants to believe, there is enough damaging subjective evidence to warrant serious doubts about the case.

Essex Sighting

This section details a group of sightings that occurred within a 33-minute span in the Essex/Ipswich areas on April 4, 1976. Raymond Fowler investigated these reports, and excerpts from his findings are reproduced. Jean (39), Patricia (27), and Donald (14) reported a very bright light moving towards them, which they initially dismissed as a star. As it approached, they saw multiple bright white lights. Jean stopped the car, and the object, described as having twin rows of white lights and a bluish luminous haze, hovered about 300 feet away. The object was described as saucer-shaped and tilted.

Witness reactions varied: Patricia and Donald experienced fear and hysteria, while Jean appeared 'hypnotized,' feeling a sense of peace and awe. This difference in reaction leads the investigator to question if it was a case of apparent mind-control or simply a different personality reaction. The object's apparent size was compared to 1.5 times the full moon, and its real size to a standard-sized house in width at 300 feet. Its altitude was just above tree-top level.

Westboro Sighting

Reported by Joe Nyman, this sighting occurred on February 26, 1977, at 12:40 A.M. Steve W., a 15-year-old, noticed an orange glow that he initially took for the moon. Upon closer inspection, he saw an orange triangular-shaped light about 5 degrees above the horizon, accompanied by static on his FM radio. His parents joined him, and they observed the light change shape to an oval and diminish in size, disappearing within 30-40 seconds.

Subsequent investigations by the reporter, checking with local authorities and the Worcester Science Center, revealed the sighting was in line with the Canadian missile test range. A theory of a sodium flare via rocket was considered but denied by authorities. A later sighting by Mr. W.'s son on April 25th involved a similar phenomenon, with a low-flying helicopter also reported in the area. The report concludes that the sightings are definite unknowns.

Monson Sighting

Reported by Paul Koslouski, this incident occurred on May 11, 1977, at 8:06 P.M. Stella Lansing, Steve Putnam, and the reporter observed several UFOs near Monson State Hospital. The objects, initially appearing as a large dazzling light, resolved into six objects looking like planes with wings and red and white lights. They were seen with binoculars and a monocle. The objects were described as having a red pulsating light on top and a white light in the center. Later, they observed an object with two red lights in front and white flashing lights on the side, with bluish-white intermittent lights in the front. Six more objects were seen coming from the north, and four from the right.

Creature Feature

This section, by Ed Fogg, details encounters with unusual creatures.

Orange Men and Dover Demons

On April 21, 1977, William Bartlett reported seeing a dog or cat-like creature climbing a stone wall in Dover, Massachusetts. As he got closer, he discerned fingers and hands, a big head, long arms and legs, and bright orange eyes. The body color was described as similar to Sunday comic people.

On April 22, John Baxter encountered a similar creature on Miller Hill Road. He initially thought it was a young man but realized it was not. The creature ran into the woods at high speed. Baxter pursued it to the edge of a brook where it stood on a rock, its eyes appearing as lighter spots against the sky.

On April 22/23, Abby Brabham and Will Taintor reported seeing a creature with a 'very big and very weird head' and bright green eyes that glowed. It appeared to have tan or beige skin and no hair. The witnesses' reliability was evaluated, and primates and foxes were ruled out as explanations. The investigation remains unresolved.

Sighting Log

This section, compiled by Joe Nyman, lists various UFO sightings received by the study group. Reports include a pinpoint of light seen from Scituate Lighthouse on April 13, 1977; a large object resembling the evening star seen in West Main St., Northboro on January 8, 1977; two identical objects hovering on Rte. 44, Middleboro on December 19, 1976; an object traveling in an arc at great speed over Hull on July 7, 1970; a glowing orange and red object darting across the sky over Roslindale on June 6, 1967; an object hovering at tree top level near Weymouth on February 2, 1966; a zig-zag motion observed over Lowell Stadium on October 29, 1965; and a sighting above Lynchburg College on July 10, 1951 (to be continued in the next issue).

Next Meeting & Future Meetings

The New England UFO Study Group announced its next meeting for Sunday, July 24, 1977, at The All Souls Universalist Unitarian Church in Braintree, Massachusetts. Mr. Richard St. Germain was scheduled to discuss sightings investigated by his group, and Mr. David R. Downs was to present on his investigation of a potential hoax. Dues were also announced as due.

Future meetings included a picnic on July 31, 1977, hosted by Stella Lansing in Palmer, Massachusetts, and an October 23, 1977 program to be announced. An invitation was extended for members to present displays or talks for a January 1978 meeting.

President's Message

Dave Downs, the president, shared a letter from George Fawcett, founder and advisor of NEUFOSG. Fawcett, now living in Linclnton, North Carolina, shared updates on his life, including remarriage and his continued involvement in UFO research. He mentioned the 30th Anniversary of UFOs and increased global sightings in 1977. Fawcett also promoted his book, 'Quarter Century Studies of UFOs in Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee,' offering it for sale with contact information provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a strong emphasis on detailed witness accounts and investigative efforts. There is a clear intention to present evidence and explore possibilities, but also a critical approach, as seen in the Norton sighting investigation where potential hoaxes are thoroughly examined. The publication encourages member participation and sharing of information, fostering a community of researchers interested in unexplained aerial phenomena and related subjects like creature encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation combined with a rigorous, evidence-based approach.