Quest - Vol 3 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: QUEST
Issue: Vol. Three, No. Five (Whole No. 18)
Date: May-June, 1972
Price: 50¢
Publisher: GALAXY PRESS
Country: Canada

Articles and Content

"FLYING SAUCERS ARE REAL!" by Kurt Glemser

This article, based on a TV appearance by the author, argues that flying saucers exist and questions why they receive little attention from the scientific community, military, media, and public. It presents a chronological list of events and official statements supporting the reality of UFOs:

• 1948: A top secret ATIC (Air Technical Intelligence Command) conclusion stated that UFOs are spaceships.
• 1949 (December): USAF jets fired on UFOs over New Jersey, confirmed by Major Boggs of USAF Intelligence.
• 1949 (December 30): Project Grudge, the official USAF UFO project, reported that due to nuclear bomb and space-rocket tests, the Earth was likely being observed by space visitors concerned about potential aggression from "earth races."
• 1952: The U.S. Coast Guard released a photo taken by a photographer at the Salem, Mass., Air Station on July 16, 1952. The photo, taken through a window screen, showed brilliant white lights in a "V" formation. The photographer, Seaman Shell R. Alpert, and his companion, Hospitalman Thomas E. Flaherty, witnessed the objects.
• 1953: The Robertson Panel concluded there was no strong evidence of hostile UFO action. The CIA reportedly requested the Air Force adopt a policy of systematic "debunking of flying saucers."
• 1953 (May 2): A BOAC Comet jet airliner crashed and burned after being "struck in the air by a fairly heavy unknown body" near Dum Dum Air Airport in Calcutta, India.
• 1953: Capt. E. J. Ruppelt, former head of Project Blue Book, reported a UFO chase at El Ellsworth AFB where a jet pilot, scared by the UFO, asked to break off the chase. Gun camera and radar photos confirmed the object, an incident confirmed by Maj. Thacker of USAF.
• 1957 (June 7): USAF Defense radar picked up 100 UFOs heading towards the USA above the Atlantic Ocean.
• 1959 (April 12): A mysterious red light was seen over Montreal, Quebec, by hundreds of residents and airport personnel. It hovered without showing up on radar, and an RCAF spokesman called it a "genuine UFO."
• 1963 (May 16): During his 15th orbit, Gordon Cooper informed the ground station at Muchea, Australia, of a greenish object traveling in the opposite direction to his space capsule. The craft was also visible from the ground, with an estimated altitude of 100 miles.

The article also lists other astronauts who have spotted UFOs or photographed them in orbit, including Edwin Aldrin, John Young, Michael Collins, Neil Armstrong, John Glenn, Scott Carpenter, James McDivitt, James Lovell, Frank Borman, and Charles Conrad. Despite these sightings, the article notes that USAF spokesmen publicly deny that astronauts or scientists have seen UFOs or that UFOs have been tracked on radar, questioning the reason for this discrepancy.

• Several notable figures are quoted as having made pro-UFO statements:
• Dr. Clyde Tombaugh: "These things which do appear to be directed, are unlike any other phenomena I ever observed."
• General Douglas McArthur: Expressed concern about an "interplanetary" war and the need for global unity against "attack by people from other planets."
• Senator Barry Goldwater: "Flying saucers - unidentified flying objects - or whatever you call them, are real."
• Air Chief Marshal Lord Dowding: "I have never seen a flying saucer and yet I believe they exist."
• Commander R. W. Percy, USNR, Ret.: "I personally believe UFOs are spaceships from other, more advanced planets."
• Rear Admiral D. S. Fahrney, Ret.: "Reliable reports indicate there are objects coming into our atmosphere at very high speeds. The way they change position would indicate their motion is directed."
• Dr. Walter Reidel: "I'm convinced that saucers have an out-of-world basis."
• Dr. Herman Oberth: "Flying saucers come from distant worlds."
• John McCormack, Speaker of the House: "I feel that the Air Force has not given out all the available information on UFOs. You cannot disregard so many unimpeachable sources."

ROCK FESTIVALS

The magazine then shifts to a discussion of rock festivals, primarily from 1969 to 1971.

• 1969: Pop festivals took place across the U.S., with Woodstock near Bethel, N.Y., attracting 300,000 to 500,000 people. Police were reportedly happy with the orderly crowds at the Texas International Pop Festival in Lewisville.
• 1969 (Second Annual Sky River Rock Festival): Held on a 200-acre ranch, it attracted an estimated 40,000 people. Bands performed for $50 each, and profits went to various groups, including the Seattle Audubon Society.
• 1970: Pop festivals faced increased pressure from law enforcement and town councils.
• 1970 (August): A court injunction against the Powder Ridge festival in Middleford, Conn., did not deter 15,000 people from attending.
• 1970 (Labour Day Weekend): The second Rock Hill Festival near Orangeville, Ontario, saw the OPP block roads and search cars for liquor and drugs. Out of 20,000 attendees, only seven were arrested for minor drug possession.
• 1971: The article details the repression faced by festivals. The RCMP in Canada showed a film of the 1970 Mosport Festival (Toronto) to town councils to discourage planned festivals, with only two proceeding. The film was described as biased, showing nudity, garbage, and drug-taking.

The article criticizes the OPP's actions, questioning if they align with their motto "Uphold the Right." It suggests that nudity was not offensive to attendees, garbage and firewood should be the promoter's responsibility, and drug-taking is not unique to festivals. The author concludes that festivals should continue as a right to gather and enjoy music.

Police silent over 'Flying saucer' (August 18, 1971)

This news clipping from the Daily Express (England) reports on a mysterious object seen in the night sky over Aldridge, Staffordshire. Four policemen witnessed the unidentified flying object, and Constable Leslie Leek photographed it from his patrol car. However, his superiors refused to comment on the film's contents, stating it would be examined by Home Office experts. Some experts suggested it could have been the planet Mars. Constable Leek described the object as a "bright, squarish shaped light, something like a very bright star, drifting about 300ft. up."

COUPLE WERE TOLD: YOU'LL DIE TONIGHT (September 2, 1971)

This article from the Bristol Weekly News describes a young couple in Brislington who experimented with a ouija board and were told they would die that night. They wrote last letters and arranged for their baby's care. A friend alerted the Rev. Anthony Millican, who performed a simple exorcism and warned against such "low form of Spiritualism," calling it dangerous and wrong, and a form of autosuggestion.

Hunter Tim is caught on the hop.. by Nessie (September 2, 1971)

A brief report from the Sunday Express states that Tim Dinsdale, director of the Loch Ness investigation, saw the Loch Ness Monster surface about 200 yards away but was too surprised to take a picture before it dived out of sight. Dinsdale described the monster as "unmistakable."

Fireball from sea (August 20, 1971)

This Kent Messenger article reports that couples in Joss Bay, Broadstairs, saw a huge ball of fire heading from the sea towards them, which then exploded. The incident was logged as an unidentified flying object.

ALL GLOW IN THE FOREST (October 3, 1971)

This Sunday Mirror article describes a strange greenish glow emanating from the roots and branches of newly-felled birch trees in a woodland near Bexhill, Sussex. Experts were baffled, with no explanation for the phenomenon.

BUGEYE OF THE DEEP... (October 3, 1971)

This Sunday Express article from London reports that Japanese fishermen claimed to have spotted a creature with a giant head like a deformed hippopotamus and huge bug eyes off the coast of Lyttelton, Christchurch, New Zealand. Local shop owners offered a $10,000 reward for the capture of this "bugeye," possibly an enormous squid.

Sand dunes cloaked in mystery, legend (October 15, 1971)

This article from the K-W Record by Charles Hillinger discusses the Great Sand Dunes in Colorado, a unique desert environment. It mentions legends of vanishing wagon trains and lost flocks. More recently, there have been reports of flying saucers taking off and landing from the desert, with ranchers and monument employees claiming to have seen strange objects hovering and landing. A local belief is that a horse named Snippy was struck dead by a flying saucer.

The article also recounts the legend of the Espinosa brothers, who went on a rampage in 1863 after claiming the Virgin Mary ordered them to kill "Gringos." Miners killed one brother, and the other was captured and killed by scout Tom Tobin.

Shifting sands uncover ancient artifacts, and a herd of "web-footed" wild horses was reported to have roamed the sand hills.

Ghostly goings-on at Humpty Dumpty Hill (October 31, 1971)

This Sunday Express report details complaints from residents of Humpty Dumpty Hill in Northam, North Devon, about bad luck, ghostly figures, shattered crockery, and malfunctioning appliances since their houses were built. The local vicar blessed the houses to "exorcise" the bad luck. One resident reported seeing a figure dressed in a long black gown on the stairs.

Two-headed baby dies in Pakistan (November 19, 1971)

A brief report from Karachi, Pakistan, states that a two-headed baby boy died in hospital three days after birth due to breathing difficulties.

New clues to 'beastie' of Loch Morar... (November 26, 1971)

This K-W Record article discusses new evidence gathered by the Loch Morar Survey regarding a large, unknown creature in Loch Morar. The 1971 report includes eight eyewitness accounts, adding to 27 from the previous year. One account describes a large wake seen traveling at 12 knots, caused by a creature considerably bigger and more powerful than any known inhabitant of the loch.

Loch Ness legend is open to doubt (November 3, 1971)

This K-W Record article questions the existence of the Loch Ness monster, suggesting that stories might have been fabricated by hotel-keepers to promote tourism. It notes that the belief in a prehistoric "plesiosaur" was met with skepticism. The article mentions that tales of monsters have existed for centuries, citing a dragon on Ishtar's Gate as an example.

Tourists report seeing monster (November 4, 1971)

This K-W Record article describes a visit to Loch Ness, where the author did not see the monster but heard from a taxicab driver about numerous sightings, including a busload of tourists who claimed to have seen the animal in July. The article mentions that Sir Walter Scott alluded to "the monster" in his journal 160 years ago and that a sketch of a monster-like figure was found scratched on a cliff.

900-foot depth measured in loch (November 5, 1971)

This K-W Record article details the dimensions of Loch Ness, noting its depth of 700 to 900 feet in places. Cameras were set up in anticipation of the monster appearing. The article mentions that Donald R. Davis, a California attorney, drove the length of the loch with the author.

Monster reports honestly believed (November 6, 1971)

This K-W Record article offers a personal opinion on Loch Ness, stating that while a "dreadful monster" might not exist, honest individuals have reported strange objects. The article speculates that large fish, such as oarfish, or trapped ancient ocean fish ("fish-lizards") could explain some sightings, especially since locks now prevent free passage between Loch Ness and the North Sea.

Ghost sparks strike (November 25, 1971)

A K-W Record report about a ghost at a box-making factory in London, England, causing workers to strike. Management convinced the "ghost" to return to the grave.

Reward offered (October 14, 1971)

A brief item from the Kitchener-Waterloo Record about a frog-jumping contest organizers offering a $10,000 reward for the capture of a sea monster reportedly seen off New Zealand.

Psychological cure (October 18, 1971)

This Bristol Evening Post article describes how a South African furniture factory plagued by pilfering hired a witch doctor, whose actions reportedly had a psychological effect on the workers, solving the problem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in the paranormal, UFOs, and unexplained phenomena, as evidenced by the prominent article on flying saucers and numerous smaller reports on mysteries and strange occurrences. There is a clear editorial stance that UFOs are real and that official denials are suspect, supported by quotes from prominent figures and historical accounts. The magazine also covers aspects of counter-culture and social phenomena, such as the rock festivals of the late 1960s and early 1970s, often framing them as subjects of public scrutiny and law enforcement overreach. The inclusion of reports on the Loch Ness Monster and other unexplained events suggests a broad interest in the unusual and the unexplained.

Quest, Issue 16, published by Galaxy Press, is a magazine focused on UFOs, the occult, and controversial subjects. This issue features a significant 'Letters' section, offering a platform for reader feedback and debate on the magazine's editorial direction. The publication has expanded its scope beyond purely UFO-related content to include a broader range of controversial topics, aiming for increased circulation and a larger magazine.

Letters Section

The 'Letters' section highlights correspondence from readers, notably R.E. Dickhoff, who engages in a debate with the editor, Kurt, regarding editorial decisions and the inclusion of certain material. Dickhoff expresses dissatisfaction with the magazine's direction and questions the originality of submitted articles. Kurt defends the magazine's strategy, explaining the need to cover a wider range of subjects to maintain and grow readership, citing the decline of specialized UFO publications as evidence. Brent Raynes and Michael Ginter also contribute letters, with Raynes praising the inclusion of controversial event coverage and a well-balanced report, while Ginter expresses a preference for the magazine's original focus before the shift to controversial subjects.

Articles and Features

Photographic Anomalies

Brent Raynes reports on an incident in South Newfane, Vermont, on October 26, 1966, where witnesses observed two low-level UFOs. Photographic evidence captured by Freeman Sargent revealed additional scattered lights of different colors not seen by the witnesses, adding a layer of mystery to the sighting.

Thoughtography and Mental Projection

The issue delves into the phenomenon of 'thoughtography,' the ability to project thoughts onto film. Ted Serios of Chicago is presented as a renowned figure in this field, with psychiatrist Dr. Henry Frey of Denver commenting on the profound implications of Serios's abilities. The article also introduces Dr. Alexander Tanous of East Millinocket, Maine, who can project mental impressions and light images onto surfaces, a talent witnessed firsthand by the author.

The Veilleux Brothers

Alfred and Richard Veilleux of Waterville, Maine, are mentioned for their uncanny talent in projecting lines, forms, and images onto film, though they prefer to keep their work private. A newsman's interview with them was reportedly distorted, leading them to regret the occasion.

Ann Landers and Grave Flower Theft

A column addresses a letter to Ann Landers concerning the theft of artificial flowers from a mother's grave. The letter writer expresses distress and seeks a solution. Ann Landers' response is not fully detailed, but the magazine's editorial stance suggests that blaming drug addicts solely for such acts might be an oversimplification, proposing that some individuals may engage in vandalism for the thrill.

Cemetery Vandalism

Following the Ann Landers letter, the magazine references a Canadian Press report from November 16, 1971, about cemetery vandalism blamed on 'long-haired animals.' The editorial team questions this broad accusation, noting that in both cases, the vandals were not apprehended, and suggests that while some youths may be responsible, it's unfair to condemn an entire group.

The Monster of the Devil's Hole

An article from The Sun, Melbourne, Australia, dated September 25, 1971, reports on a monster sighted in a deep lagoon near Lismore, New South Wales, known as 'the devil's hole.' Farm workers claim to have seen a creature six feet long with a dog-like head, and it is blamed for a swan being dragged into the water and the disappearance of a valuable cow. The University of Queensland plans to send a diver to investigate.

Tombstone Epitaph

A humorous epitaph from a graveyard in Pioche, Nevada, is shared: "Here lies the body of Virginia Marlotte. She was born a virgin and died a harlot. For 18 years she preserved her virginity. That's a damned good record for this vicinity."

Newsfront: Women's Fashion

The 'Newsfront' section examines women's fashion, suggesting that changing trends are driven by the clothing industry to increase profits. The article discusses the midi and maxi styles, noting their limited success, and introduces the 'X-X' skirt (a combination of midi and maxi lengths) and 'hot pants,' encouraging readers to disregard designers' pronouncements that hot pants are 'out.' The accompanying images showcase these fashion styles.

Police Corruption in New York

Information from the fall of 1971 indicates ongoing investigations into police corruption in New York. A significant number of police officers were found to be involved in using, buying, and selling narcotics, providing protection for drug dealers, and blackmailing dealers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Quest are UFO sightings and related phenomena, the occult, unexplained anomalies, and controversial social issues. The editorial stance, as articulated in the letters section and through the magazine's content, is to broaden the publication's scope beyond traditional UFO reporting to encompass a wider range of intriguing and debated topics. The magazine aims to remain relevant and increase its readership by exploring these diverse subjects, while still acknowledging the core interest in UFOs and the occult. There is a clear effort to present information in a balanced way, even when dealing with controversial subjects, and to question simplistic explanations for complex events.