Phenomene OVNI - No 19 - septembre 1985

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Le Phénomène OVNI" (The UFO Phenomenon), published by CSERU (Comité Savoyard d'études et de Recherches Ufologiques), is issue number 19, dated September 1985. The cover prominently features the title "le phénomène O.V.N.I" and the main headline "1897 : LA PLUS GRANDE VAGUE d'OVNI DE TOUS LES TEMPS" (1897: THE GREATEST UFO WAVE OF ALL TIME), authored by Jean SIDER.

CSERU Infos

The "CSERU INFOS" section on page 2 provides contact information for the organization, including a postal address in CHAMBERY, France, and several telephone numbers for key members: Charly BEC, Edmond BOGEAT, Nicolas GRESLOU, Jacques PAVY, and Marcel PETIT. It also reminds readers to renew their subscriptions, detailing the costs for a 3-issue subscription (30 F) and for foreign subscribers (35 F), as well as a membership card option (50 F) which includes the subscription. Donations are accepted. The section also encourages readers to submit articles for publication in the magazine's "TRIBUNE LIBRE" (Free Tribune) section.

1897: The Greatest UFO Wave of All Time

This extensive article by Jean SIDER forms the core of the issue. SIDER asserts that the 1897 airship wave is the most significant UFO wave ever recorded, despite being largely unknown to contemporary researchers. He criticizes earlier works, like Jacques Vallée's "Chroniques des Apparitions Extra-terrestres," for focusing on alleged hoaxes and misinterpretations.

SIDER aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the 1897 events to place them in their proper historical context. He begins by addressing the historical reality of American aeronautics, citing a letter from the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION (via Mr. C.H. Gibbs-Smith and Tom CROUCH) which states that powered airships did not exist in the US in 1896-1897. The only airships in circulation were primitive, pedal-powered models, and true engine-powered airships only appeared after 1902. This evidence is presented to counter any claims that the sightings were merely misidentified early airships.

Sources of Information

SIDER explains that direct investigation of witnesses from 1897 is impossible due to the passage of time. Therefore, his research relies on contemporary newspaper accounts. He emphasizes the need for critical analysis of these reports, as journalists sometimes embellished or omitted details. He provides examples of newspaper clippings from various US cities:

• El Reno News (Oklahoma, April 16, 1897): Reports an airship sighting and a call for advertising contracts for aerial transport.
• Rockford Republic (Illinois, April 12, 1897): Mentions an airship sighting in Milwaukee on April 11th.
• Chicago Tribune (Illinois, April 12, 1897): A journalist reports an airship landing in a field, from which a large egg was found.
• Globe of Gilmore-City (Iowa, April 22, 1897): Highlights the importance of serious journalists who provide balanced accounts, contrasting with sensationalist reporting.
• Quincy Whig (Illinois, April 11, 1897): Describes an airship with a powerful white light, cigar-shaped, possibly made of aluminum, with wings, and a rotating projector. Witnesses estimated its length between 50 and 70 feet.

SIDER notes that distinguishing reliable reports from fanciful ones was easier due to the journalistic style of the era.

Analysis of Sightings and Misidentifications

SIDER dismisses common explanations for sightings, such as Venus or Japanese lanterns on kites, arguing that the described phenomena were too powerful and distinct. He also addresses daytime sightings, citing an account from Mr. J.W. GRAIG of the City Cadastre in Dallas, Texas, who saw a black object resembling the described airship.

A particularly detailed account comes from Colonel PEOPLES in Milan County, Texas (April 17, 1897). He observed a large, winged "monster" moving at high speed, casting a shadow over workers. It emitted a buzzing sound and had strange bands of light. The object reportedly dropped banners or flags near a ranch before ascending.

SIDER emphasizes that the public's interpretation of these events was not that of extraterrestrial visitors. Instead, the prevailing belief was that a brilliant American inventor was testing a new aircraft, possibly to keep it secret from competitors. This explanation, he argues, prevented widespread panic, except among the Black population in some areas, who, due to lower educational levels and existing superstitions, interpreted the events as apocalyptic.

Canards and Skepticism

The article also includes examples of skeptical or mocking newspaper reports:

• Belvidere Standard (Illinois, April 23, 1897): Suggests witnesses should change their habits and drink lemonade or seltzer water.
• Presse of De Soto (Missouri, April 24, 1897): The newspaper staff claims not to have seen the airship and is unwilling to believe anyone else did.
• Rockville Tribune (Indiana, April 22, 1897): Dismisses reports of airships as potentially fabricated.
• Capital of Topeka (Kansas, March 28, 1897): Reports that special dispatches about airships were thrown away, and their senders were added to a list of dubious collaborators.

Several Topeka newspapers are cited for their sensationalist or dismissive coverage, attributing sightings to drunkenness or mass hysteria, often ignoring the more credible details.

Sociological Context

SIDER contrasts the 1897 wave with the 1947 wave, calling a direct comparison a "heresy." He highlights the vastly different mentalities of the time. The Industrial Revolution was underway, with electricity, steam, and automobiles becoming known. However, aerial transport was still rudimentary, limited to balloons and experimental, often dangerous, "flying bicycles." There was virtually nothing in the sky that could be mistaken for the phenomena reported, apart from occasional festive balloons. The idea of extraterrestrial visitors was not prevalent; the focus was on human invention.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue is the historical investigation of the 1897 airship wave, presented as a significant but overlooked event in UFOlogy. Jean SIDER's article is the primary focus, aiming to establish the historical validity and importance of these sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, evidence-based research into anomalous aerial phenomena, encouraging reader participation and the sharing of information. The magazine positions itself as a platform for ufological study, connecting with national and international organizations like the FFU and referencing major institutions like the Smithsonian.

Title: Flying Saucer Review
Issue: 10
Volume: 1
Date: April 1967
Publisher: Flying Saucer Review Publications
Country: United Kingdom
Price: 3s. 6d.
ISSN: 0015-4803
Cover Headline: THE GREAT AIRSHIP MYSTERY

This issue of Flying Saucer Review, dated April 1967, focuses on the historical 'Great Airship Mystery' of 1897, a period marked by numerous reports of unidentified flying objects across the United States. The magazine presents a detailed examination of these sightings, contrasting eyewitness testimonies with contemporary scientific and journalistic explanations.

The Great Airship Mystery of 1897

The central theme of this issue is the widespread phenomenon of 'airship' sightings in 1897. The article meticulously compiles eyewitness accounts from various regions of the USA, including Illinois, Iowa, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. These accounts originate from a diverse range of individuals, from engineers and physicians to farmers and factory workers, suggesting a broad societal engagement with the phenomenon.

Eyewitness Testimonies

The magazine highlights specific incidents, such as the Chicago, Illinois case on April 9th, reported by engineers John Monroe and J.F. McGrath, physician Dr. George Pierce, and pharmacist R.W. Allen. They observed an object with green and red lights exhibiting undulating movements. Another notable case is from Hawarden, Iowa, on April 11th, where numerous witnesses, including Dr. John Peterson, described a CONICAL airship with four wings and a forward projector. In St. Louis, Missouri, on April 15th, amateur astronomer Dr. Loo Caplan observed a cigar-shaped airship with a moving projector beam. A Galveston, Texas observation on April 17th by Walter L. Norwood and Bob Tevis described a bird-like airship with beating wings.

The article emphasizes that witnesses belonged to all social classes, with a notable proportion of rural individuals and laborers, but also included professionals like journalists, doctors, attorneys, judges, and even governors. The author notes a particular interest in sightings involving 'beating wings,' suggesting a unique characteristic of this wave of sightings compared to others in 1909 and 1913.

Object Characteristics

The observed objects were frequently described as cigar-shaped or conical, with some reports mentioning four wings or a vague wagon-like nacelle. They were noted for their lights, often described as green and red, but also blue, yellow, and white. Behaviors included turning at right angles, plunging downwards and ascending vertically, moving in an undulating manner, and emitting powerful light beams, sometimes described as 'headlights' or 'projectors.' Speeds were estimated to be high, with reports of 100 miles per hour and 'terrifying speed.' Some accounts mentioned silent operation, while others reported humming or whistling noises. The objects were also reported to affect animals, causing them to become frightened.

Scientific and Press Explanations

The issue contrasts the eyewitness accounts with the reactions of scientists and the press. Many astronomers of the era dismissed the sightings, attributing them to known celestial bodies like Venus or Alpha Orionis. Professor Hough of the Dearborn Observatory suggested Alpha Orionis, a theory that was met with considerable skepticism due to the star's immense distance and fixed nature. Professor Stratton of the University of Chicago rejected the reports entirely due to their perceived incoherence. Other astronomers proposed combinations of the moon, stars, and clouds.

However, the article also points out that some scientists and journalists found the official explanations inadequate or even absurd. The sheer number of reports and their geographical spread made simple misidentification or localized hoaxes seem unlikely to some. The press coverage was mixed, with some newspapers sensationalizing the events, while others attempted rational explanations, sometimes humorously linking sightings to alcohol consumption, especially in areas with Prohibition.

Skepticism and Alternative Theories

Skeptics often suggested that the sightings were due to mass hysteria, collective psychoses, or optical illusions. The article notes that these explanations were often offered 'timidly,' as if the proponents themselves did not fully believe them. The author argues that the widespread nature of the sightings, occurring in both dry and wet counties (referring to Prohibition laws), and the fact that many credible witnesses reported them, undermined the mass hysteria theory.

Some journalists humorously suggested that the 'airships' were actually balloons from the British War Ministry, Japanese lanterns, or even promotional devices for cigarette brands or clothing companies. The article also touches upon the idea that the 'airship' phenomenon might have been influenced by earlier, perhaps fictional, concepts of aerial navigation.

The Role of Alcohol and Prohibition

A recurring theme in the editorial responses was the influence of alcohol. Many journalists suggested that the 'airships' were merely the result of intoxication, particularly in areas where Prohibition was in effect. The article notes that some journalists found it convenient to dismiss sightings in 'dry' states while accepting them in 'wet' ones, implying a bias in reporting.

The Press and Scientific Authority

The article highlights the tension between the public's fascination with the airship phenomenon and the scientific community's reluctance to acknowledge it as a genuine mystery. It points out that some scientists were criticized for their dismissive attitudes, and that the press, while sometimes perpetuating hoaxes, also served as a platform for questioning official narratives. The author suggests that the ridicule associated with reporting such sightings deterred some individuals from coming forward publicly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of the 1897 airship sightings, the diversity of eyewitness accounts, the contrast between public perception and scientific skepticism, and the role of the media in shaping narratives. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious consideration of the phenomenon, presenting a wealth of evidence from witnesses and questioning the adequacy of the explanations offered by authorities. The article implicitly suggests that the 'Great Airship Mystery' remains an intriguing historical enigma, with many aspects that warrant further investigation.

This issue of 'The Unidentified' (Volume 1, Issue 20, dated April 14, 1897) focuses on the mysterious airship sightings that captivated the public imagination during that era. The magazine critically examines the phenomenon, distinguishing between credible reports and deliberate hoaxes, while also exploring the role of media and the challenges of historical research.

The 1897 Airship Wave

The issue begins by addressing the public's fascination with airships, noting the contrast between the technological advancements of the time and the seemingly inexplicable aerial phenomena being reported. It questions how such extensive 'voyages' could remain secret, highlighting the apparent contradiction with current knowledge and the skepticism surrounding new technologies.

A significant portion of the content is dedicated to debunking 'fake inventors' who claimed to have developed airship technology but could not produce their devices. The author details the sheer number of such claims during the 1897 wave, noting that for a period of 45 days, there were over fifty 'phantom inventors.' These individuals are contrasted with authentic pioneers in aeronautics, and the possibility of elaborate scams designed to defraud wealthy investors is raised. The article cites the 'National Airship Company' in San Francisco as an example of a potential financial scam, aiming to raise a million dollars for a 1,000-foot airship capable of carrying 500 passengers.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (R.R.3)

The magazine explores the concept of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' within the context of the 1897 wave. It points out a peculiar pattern: while many observations occurred at night, alleged landings or close encounters were often reported during the day. This discrepancy is flagged as a potential indicator of fabricated events. The author suggests that the phenomenon of 'R.R.3' in the United States might be an established national institution, serving as a backdrop for numerous fictional works.

Debunking Hoaxes and Misinterpretations

The article provides a detailed analysis of how to identify false R.R.3 reports, outlining common characteristics of hoax accounts. These include occupants behaving like 'mechanics' or 'craftsmen,' speaking in the local language, and using common names. Hoaxers often emphasize extraordinary performance capabilities of their craft and may allude to contemporary conflicts, such as the Spanish-American War, to lend credibility to their stories. The author stresses the importance of consulting original documents rather than secondary sources, citing an example of differing descriptions of 'occupants' in the Linn Grove, Iowa, case from 1897, where one report mentioned long hair and another long beards.

Case Study: Villette, France (1980)

A significant section is dedicated to a modern sighting that occurred in Villette, France, in September 1980. Three witnesses reported seeing a bright, intense light that appeared to be a disk. The light exhibited unusual behavior, including hovering, rapid movement, and a whistling sound. The incident also affected a car, causing it to slow down inexplicably. This case is presented to draw parallels with the historical airship sightings, suggesting that certain phenomena might transcend time periods.

Conclusions on the 1897 Wave

The issue concludes by characterizing the 1897 wave as unique and paradoxical, largely fueled by hoaxes and elaborate scams. Despite this, the author asserts that it likely represents the most significant wave of UFO sightings ever recorded. The article suggests that many discoveries related to this period are yet to be made, and that the phenomenon holds considerable importance for understanding our history. The author also touches upon a mysterious 'projector' seen over the United States, questioning its purpose and its connection to the broader historical context.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a critical and analytical stance towards the 1897 airship wave. It emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and deliberate fabrications. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensational claims but open-mindedness towards the possibility of unexplained aerial events. The recurring themes include the analysis of historical UFO sightings, the identification of hoaxes, the role of media in disseminating information, and the challenges of researching past events. The author clearly aims to provide a more grounded perspective on a period often sensationalized in popular culture.

Title: LE PHLNCIEM OVNI
Issue: 30
Date: July 17, 1985
Publisher: CSERU
Country: France
Language: French

This issue of LE PHLNCIEM OVNI focuses on an internal organizational event: the relocation of the CSERU (Centre de Recherches et d'Etudes sur les Phénomènes Aériens) to a new premises in Chambery.

CSERU Relocation

The primary announcement is that the organization has changed its local. The event, described as not extraordinary but simply a move, was carried out promptly over a Saturday by a few volunteers. The new local is noted as being larger, brighter, and more airy, with the setup now complete. This move allows CSERU to dedicate more time to its favorite pastime: its magazine and research activities.

Contact and Permanence Information

Key contact and operational details are provided:

• Correspondence Address: 466, Quai Charles Ravet (this address remains unchanged).
• New Premises Address: 36, Rue Denis Papin, 73000 Chambery. This location is described as being behind the Ecole CAFFE and near the Prefecture.
• Permanence Hours: The organization holds its regular meetings or availability sessions every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, to be agreeable to visitors.

A quote suggests a positive sentiment towards CSERU, stating that one could not refuse to help them as they are nice and not dangerous.

Visual Elements

The page features a prominent, somewhat whimsical cartoon illustration of a UFO. The UFO has various details, including what appears to be a book or file on its surface, and several text bubbles with sound effects like 'ZZZZZZ' and 'zzzzzzziii ttttttzzzzz'. The illustration is signed by Edmond Bogéat with the date 17/07/85.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects an internal focus on the operational aspects of the CSERU, emphasizing community effort (volunteers) and the continuation of their core activities: research and publication. The tone is informative and practical, providing essential updates for members and interested parties. The presence of the UFO illustration and the organization's name clearly indicate a continued focus on ufology.