Saucer News - Whole Number 52 - Vol 10 No 02 - 1963 06

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: Volume 10, Number 2 (Whole Number 52)
Date: June, 1963
Publisher: The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, combined with THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN, features a prominent cover story about an alleged UFO spotter named Olden Moore who was reportedly taken to Washington and 'sworn to secrecy' after a sighting. The magazine is the official publication of The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society and is edited by James W. Moseley.

Editorial: SAUCER NEWS COMBINES WITH "THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN"

The editorial section details the merger between SAUCER NEWS and "The Saucerian Bulletin," edited by Gray Barker. The merger was formalized on February 24th, 1963, following a serious conversation between the two editors. Subscribers to "The Saucerian Bulletin" will have their subscriptions completed with SAUCER NEWS. The magazine states it is the second oldest saucer periodical in the world, after "The A.P.R.O. Bulletin," and claims the largest circulation, slightly under 4,000. The publication schedule is quarterly: March, June, September, and December. The editorial stance reiterates that the flying saucer mystery remains unsolved, with the interplanetary explanation being the most likely, though absolute proof is still lacking. Contributors are free to express any viewpoint, and the editors do not endorse unproven claims but are willing to air all sides of controversies. Gray Barker will continue to publish books from Clarksburg and will serve as an Associate Editor for SAUCER NEWS. The editorial expresses admiration for Barker's pioneering efforts in the field.

Letters to the Editor

This section features correspondence from readers, including:

• Gerald Bammann (Brooklyn, New York) praises the review of Albert K. Bender's book "Flying Saucers and the Three Men."
• Riley Crabb (Director, Borderland Sciences Research Associates, Vista, California) enjoys the issues and commends the magazine for presenting both pro and con viewpoints, though he disagrees with a materialistic view on UFOs.
• Dr. Frank E. Stranges (Hollywood, California) congratulates the editor on his wedding and praises the magazine's unbiased publication.
• Roger Frohn (St. Paul, Minnesota) commends the magazine for its level-headed and scientific approach, but questions the inclusion of a letter by Richard Ogden, who he describes as a mystic.
• Thomas M. Comella writes to clarify points from his previous articles, particularly regarding the distinction between "phenomena" and "problem" and the "physio-psychic phenomenon."
• Robert D. Null (Maiden, North Carolina) finds Mr. Comella's analysis of the flying saucer mystery to be objective and largely agrees with him.
• Paul W. Hammer (Chicago, Illinois) criticizes Mr. Comella's articles, stating that he has not found the answer and lacks qualifications to speak on the subject.
• George W. Earley (Bloomfield, Connecticut) criticizes Mr. Comella's reliance on psychic explanations and argues against the idea that a lack of saucer crashes implies perfection.
• Steve Erdmann (St. Louis, Missouri) praises the "Letters to the Editor" section but feels his own letter was made to sound more "hateful" and "spiteful" than intended.
• Louis Trifon (Plainview, New York) expresses surprise and concern about friction between NICAP and SAUCER NEWS, defending NICAP's role in civilian research.
• George W. Earley (Bloomfield, Connecticut) criticizes Mr. Gribble for creating an organization with a similar name and abbreviation to NICAP, suggesting it was done to confuse people.

Editorial Notes

• Concerning Renewals: The merger has increased bookkeeping, and a cash sum was paid to Mr. Barker. Prompt renewals are requested to help manage the process.
• Concerning Our Public Meetings: The Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society holds frequent meetings, usually on the third Friday of each month. Recent lectures included topics on recent UFO events, "free energy," and the Moon. The lecture hall has moved to 108 West 56th St., New York City. Future lectures will cover electromagnetic effects of flying saucers.
• Concerning Our Next Issue: The September issue is expected to be even more interesting, featuring a full report with pictures of an expedition to an alleged Dero cave in New Mexico. It will also include a round-up of saucer reports and "Fortean" events.
• Concerning Back Issues: Extra copies of most back issues are available for purchase, listed with partial descriptions and prices.

Feature Articles

• The Olden Moore Story by C. W. Fitch (Page 10): This article aims to set the record straight regarding Olden Moore's sighting on November 6th, 1957, in Lake County, Ohio. Moore reported seeing a flying saucer that stopped, split into two pieces, and then settled slowly to the ground. The object changed colors and made a whirring sound. The article contrasts this account with a previous report by James Moseley which suggested Moore's claims were untrue and fabricated to explain his absence from home.
• The Mystery of the Disappearing Planes by Sandy Moseley (Page 14): This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not included in the provided pages.
• The End of an Era by Gray Barker (Page 18): This article is mentioned in the table of contents but not included in the provided pages.

Book Reviews

• Bender Mystery Confirmed - Reviewed by James W. Moseley (Page 23): This review is mentioned in the table of contents but not included in the provided pages.
• UFO Warning (John Stuart) - Reviewed by James W. Moseley (Page 24): This review is mentioned in the table of contents but not included in the provided pages.

Back Issues

Page 8 and 9 list available back issues of SAUCER NEWS from #1 (July, 1954) to #51 (March, 1963), with brief descriptions of their contents, including articles by notable figures in the UFO field such as August C. Roberts, Dominick Lucchesi, Dr. Morris K. Jessup, Desmond Leslie, George Adamski, Frank Scully, Major Donald Keyhoe, Ivan Sanderson, and Aime Michel. Special issues include the "SPECIAL ADAMSKI EXPOSE ISSUE" (#27) and articles on "Extraterrestrialism as an Historical Doctrine" by Y. N. ibn Aharon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the ongoing mystery of flying saucers, and the debate surrounding their origin, particularly the interplanetary explanation. The magazine maintains an open-door policy, publishing diverse viewpoints while emphasizing that the mystery is unsolved and absolute proof is lacking. There is a strong focus on the activities of UFO research organizations like NICAP and the personal accounts of individuals involved in the field. The merger with "The Saucerian Bulletin" signifies a consolidation of efforts within the UFO community. The editorial stance is one of cautious investigation, encouraging open discussion and the airing of all sides of the controversy, without necessarily endorsing specific claims.

SAUCER NEWS, Vol. 7, No. 4, published quarterly by the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society (S.A.U.C.E.R.S.), presents a diverse range of articles on UFO phenomena and related mysteries. This issue, dated Fourth Quarter 1963, features a cover headline on "The Mystery of the Disappearing Planes" and includes reports on witness testimonies, unexplained disappearances, and recent sightings from around the world.

Olden Moore's UFO Sighting

The issue details the experience of Olden Moore, who reported a UFO landing in November 1957. Moore described the object as disc-shaped, approximately 50 feet in diameter and 15 feet thick, with an overall height of 20-30 feet. It was surrounded by a pulsating blue-green haze and had a surface like mirrored sunglasses. Following the sighting, county officials were notified, and Kenneth Locke, Lake County Civil Defense Director, reported finding prints in the field and holes in the ground. A geiger counter registered approximately 150 roentgens in the center of the area, tapering off to 20-30 roentgens at the perimeter. Locke concluded that the readings indicated something unusual had been present. Drawings of the UFO were made from Moore's description, and the issue includes Moore's own original drawing. The article also touches upon Moore being flown to Washington for questioning, where he was shown slides and motion pictures of UFOs and asked to sign papers agreeing to secrecy. Military officials reportedly told him the objects were not from Earth or Russia but from another planet.

The Mystery of the Disappearing Planes

This section, authored by Sandy Moseley, revisits the case of the disappearance of five U.S. Navy planes off the coast of Florida on December 5th, 1945. The article recounts that the flight, consisting of five TBM Avenger bombers, took off from Fort Lauderdale under clear conditions. Their last communication indicated confusion about their position and disorientation. Despite an extensive air and sea search involving numerous ships and planes, no wreckage or debris was ever found. The Navy's investigation concluded they were unable to offer an explanation. The article also mentions a similar incident on January 29th, 1948, involving a four-engined commercial airliner belonging to British South American Airways, which also vanished without a trace. Another incident details a British South American Airways plane disappearing en route to Jamaica in January 1949. The British Ministry of Aviation's investigation concluded the planes were lost at sea, but without substantiation. The article explores speculation about atmospheric anomalies or 'holes in the sky' as possible explanations, and includes a chilling story about a private pilot in Ohio who nearly collided with a pre-World War I vintage aircraft, which later matched the description of an old plane found abandoned, complete with a logbook entry detailing the encounter.

Other Reports and Editorials

An "IMPORTANT NOTICE" addresses potential errors in mailing files due to a merger with "The Saucerian Bulletin" and provides updated mailing and editorial office addresses. It also clarifies that Gray Barker's address is for book inquiries, while SAUCER NEWS and "The Saucerian Bulletin" inquiries should be sent to the New Jersey P.O. Box. The magazine offers a "SPECIAL NEWSLETTER MAILING LIST" for subscribers interested in "behind-the-scenes" information considered "too hot to handle" for regular issues.

"THE END OF AN ERA" by Gray Barker reflects on the cessation of "The Saucerian Bulletin" as a separate publication. Barker explains that due to increasing costs and a shift in focus towards publishing books on New Age topics, he has combined "The Saucerian Bulletin" with SAUCER NEWS. He expresses respect for James W. Moseley's editorial capabilities and his commitment to continuing SAUCER NEWS despite financial losses. Barker intends to concentrate on publishing full-length books about the UFO subject.

"SAUCER NEWS EDITOR JOINS EXPEDITION TO NEW MEXICO CAVE" reports on an invitation to the editor to join an expedition to a cave in Magdalena, New Mexico, where unusual sightings of discs emerging from the cave have been reported. The article describes strange phenomena, including unusual doors and an effect on the spine when descending into the cave.

An "EXCLUSIVE REPORT ON SOUTH AMERICAN SAUCER 'FLAP'" details recent sightings in Peru and Argentina. In Ica, Peru, a bright-white luminous object was observed. In Argentina, flying saucers reportedly caused a shower of glass-like particles. The report also mentions sightings in Chile, including a large blue ball of fire and UFOs with dark cabins.

Another report describes a sighting in Asuncion, Paraguay, where a UFO landed in a school's sports field. Additionally, five photos of a UFO were taken in Tucuman, Argentina, by an engineering student, showing a saucer flying at low speed. A farmer in Tucuman also reported finding two circles on his property, caused by intense heat, estimated to be from a temperature of over 2,000 degrees, made about two weeks prior to discovery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER NEWS consistently explores the unexplained, focusing on UFO sightings, mysterious disappearances, and government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, encouraging speculation and the pursuit of knowledge in areas where "frightening gaps still exist in human knowledge." The magazine actively promotes its own publications and related materials, suggesting a dedicated readership interested in in-depth UFO research and related topics. The combination of "The Saucerian Bulletin" with SAUCER NEWS indicates a consolidation of efforts within the UFO publication community.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, identified by the number 21 on its cover, presents a collection of reports and articles related to UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and related publications. The cover features a photograph of a luminous object with a tail, accompanied by a description of its visual appearance and the effect of exposure time on the photograph.

News Briefs

The "NEWS BRIEFS" section covers several distinct reports:

• Piove di Sacco, Italy: A young painter, Mario Salmaso, claimed to have photographed a flying saucer and its occupant. He described seeing a huge, round luminous object and a man in a cellophane-like outfit. Salmaso took four pictures as the man entered the saucer and it took off. The pictures were not available for review.
• Long Island, USA: A strange glowing object, described as circular with a greenish light, was seen on the night of March 25th. It appeared like a fluorescent light and threw off white fire streaks from a tail as it disappeared behind a cloud and reappeared. The object was also seen as far away as Norfolk, Virginia.
• Wilbur Smith: The former head of a Canadian saucer research program, Wilbur Smith, reportedly died in December. It is rumored that he transitioned from a scientific UFO investigator to a 'contactee' in his later years.
• Washington D.C. Area: On February 6th, two men flying a private plane reported seeing a UFO for nearly an hour. The object, described as ball-like and about ten feet in diameter, appeared off their right wing, moved erratically, and then traveled approximately 75 miles in 5 seconds. Visual confirmation was made by another plane, but Washington radar did not detect it. Carl Chambers of South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, provided the account.
• Venus Probe (Mariner II): The results of the Mariner II probe of Venus, which passed within 21,000 miles on December 14th, are described as inconclusive and subject to conflicting interpretations. The surface temperature is estimated at 800 degrees, making life as we know it unlikely, though micro-organisms might exist in the atmosphere. The article expresses skepticism about the data, suggesting it might be wrong and that intelligent life could still exist on Venus.
• Hawaiian Islands: On March 12th, a UFO traveling west at high altitude and speed was sighted by hundreds of people. Two Hawaii Air National Guard pilots reported seeing the object north of Kauai at an altitude of 40,000 feet. Local newspapers and radio stations were inundated with calls.
• Clergyman's Statement: A Protestant clergyman stated that churches need to prepare for the potential creation of 'feeling and thinking beings' by scientists working in laboratories, as scientists are reportedly close to a breakthrough in creating life from inanimate matter.
• Bozeman, Montana, USA: Bill DeHaan reported seeing a 'strange red ball of fire' UFO on February 21st, which swayed his car and landed about 200 feet away. Sheriff's deputies searched the area without success.
• Maiden, North Carolina, USA: UFOs were observed darting about at an altitude of 15,000 feet on February 18th. Floyd Hester described them as metallic, moving in and out of formation at tremendous speeds, hovering at times, and then moving rapidly without leaving a smoke trail. They were in view for 30 minutes.

"Comic Relief" Item

Men and women who claimed to see flying saucers met in Bologna, Italy, for a discussion. The meeting devolved into a battle, with cups and saucers being thrown, leading the cafe owner to eject everyone.

Periodical Closures

• "S.P.A.C.E." Folds: Norbert Gariety, editor of the monthly saucer magazine "S.P.A.C.E.," announced its closure in November 1962 (released January 1963). The magazine, which lasted six years, was once considered a top publication for its coverage of Fortean events and saucer sightings. However, Gariety reportedly shifted focus to right-wing political commentary, leading to criticism. He has now decided to devote his time to political activities. Gariety refused to send the final issue for review.
• Other Defunct Periodicals: "The Hawk Researcher," published by Harry Siebert of Pomona, California, and "The N.J.A.A.P. Bulletin," published by Edward J. Babcock, Jr., of Kendall Park, New Jersey, have also ceased publication. The editors of these magazines were teenagers, and they reportedly abandoned their research to pursue other activities.

Fortean Items

• Maco, North Carolina, USA: The Smithsonian Institute set up cameras and a spectroscope near Maco to investigate a mysterious flickering light seen in the area for generations. Hundreds have witnessed the light, which disappears when approached. The results of the expedition are not yet available.
• Cinnaminson Township, New Jersey, USA: A 24-year-old boy disappeared without a trace from his backyard on March 18th, despite a search by 500 police officers, state troopers, FBI agents, and volunteers.
• Nashville, Tennessee, USA: The family of Jack Hawkins is reportedly disturbed nightly around 6 p.m. by loud knockings of unknown origin.
• Detroit, USA: The Adams family abandoned their house at 5508 Martin Street due to a terrifying ghost described as a 'formless hag' with 'cold staring eyes of death' and gray hair.
• Newfoundland, Canada: A Norwegian explorer claims to have found evidence of Viking settlement dating to approximately 1000 A.D., based on Carbon 14 tests of a primitive forge, nails, and other remains found at Lance aux Meadows.
• Cleveland, USA: On March 7th, a 6-pound chunk of iron crashed through the roof of Mrs. John Maxwell's home, making a noise like an airplane crash or sonic boom. It was suspected to have fallen from a plane, but cast iron is not typical for aircraft parts, and no plane was found to have lost a part.
• Loch Ness Monster: A scientific team concluded in February that something large and alive inhabits Loch Ness, but could not determine if it was a mammal, reptile, amphibian, or fish.
• Russian Scientists: Russian scientists claim to have revived two prehistoric tritons (lizard-like vertebrates) that were frozen for 5,000 years in Siberia. One animal reportedly lived, ran, ate, and slept for three weeks before dying, while the other was alive for 'practically all summer.'

Book Reviews by James W. Moseley

• "Bender Mystery Confirmed" - edited by Gray Barker (Published by Saucerian Books): This book contains letters to Gray Barker from readers of Albert K. Bender's "Flying Saucers and the Three Men." The reviewer finds the title misleading, suggesting "Bender Mystery Confused," as the letters offer little new understanding. The information ranges from confirmatory to contradictory. Barker's introduction states no effort was made to edit the letters. The reviewer notes that some letters are strange, possibly due to Barker's editing or the writers' mental state, with one describing a 'healing ray' from a sun lamp and communication with a 'police station.' Other letters discuss astral entities, the Serpent Race, Deros, and the Black Brotherhood. The consensus seems to be that Bender told the truth, but might have been misled by the 'space people.' The reviewer advises against burning the book but anticipates readers will be upset by its sequel.
• "UFO Warning" - by John Stuart (Published by Saucerian Books, Clarksburg, W.Va.): The reviewer notes a suspected connection between flying saucers and sex. John Stuart, expelled from a New Zealand saucer club, formed his own organization, Flying Saucer Investigators, with a young lady named Barbara. The book details an incident where a green monster appeared and hypnotized them. Another incident describes Barbara being raped by three invisible beings, leaving her with strange scratches. After this, Barbara left research, and Stuart went to recuperate. Barker's introduction to the book states, "Although I cannot completely understand this volume, and I doubt if many others can either, it is a definite part of the huge mass of confusing data which forms the UFO enigma."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena, often presenting accounts with a degree of skepticism or highlighting unusual aspects. There is a clear interest in Fortean phenomena, including ghosts and unexplained disappearances. The book reviews, particularly those by James W. Moseley, offer critical commentary, questioning the validity and presentation of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the UFO enigma while maintaining a critical perspective, especially regarding sensational claims or poorly presented material. The inclusion of 'comic relief' and the discussion of periodical closures suggest an awareness of the challenges and sometimes chaotic nature of the UFO research community.