Saucer News - Whole Number 53 - Vol 10 No 03 - 1963 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SAUCER NEWS
Issue: VOLUME 10, NUMBER 3 (Whole Number 53)
Date: SEPTEMBER 1963
Publisher: THE SAUCER AND UNEXPLAINED CELESTIAL EVENTS RESEARCH SOCIETY
Editor: JAMES W. MOSELEY

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, the official publication of the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society, is Volume 10, Number 3, also known as Whole Number 53, dated September 1963. The magazine is based in Fort Lee, N.J., with an office in New York, N.Y. The cover features a striking image of the Coral Castle in Florida, with a headline detailing its construction by a hermit using massive coral blocks and the mystery surrounding its creation.

Editorial Notes

In his editorial notes, Editor James W. Moseley apologizes for not being able to attend a New Mexico cave expedition, which was to be featured in the June issue. As a substitute, he presents an article on Florida's Coral Castle, crediting Bill Dunn Jr. of Coral Gables, Fla., for some of the material. Moseley invites reader comments and provides the New Jersey mailing address, including the new "Zip Code" number (07024). He expresses concern over a disappointing renewal rate following the merger with "The Saucerian Bulletin," emphasizing the need for 100% renewals to maintain the magazine's quality. He also addresses potential errors in subscriber files and requests prompt notification.

A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to a controversy involving Gray Barker, publisher of "The Saucerian Bulletin." Barker has issued an unauthorized form letter criticizing statements in SAUCER NEWS Confidential Newsletter #16. Moseley expresses surprise, noting that the content concerning Barker's difficulties had been cleared with him prior to publication. Despite this, SAUCER NEWS continues to distribute Newsletter #16 and uphold the merger agreement, attributing Barker's actions to strain. A more recent Confidential Newsletter (#17) details the disappearance of a New York saucer researcher. Subscribers can receive these "hot" newsletters via first-class mail for one dollar, provided they are paid-up subscribers to SAUCER NEWS.

Letters to the Editor

The "Letters to the Editor" section features several reader submissions:

• Alice M. Johnson from Chicago, Illinois, praises the June issue, particularly Sandy Moseley's article "The Mystery of the Disappearing Planes," and expresses satisfaction with the merger, hoping the new publication maintains the quality of "The Saucerian Bulletin."
• Mrs. Clara John from Washington, D.C., congratulates the magazine on expanding its reach and disseminating the "Saucer Message."
• Mary Chrietzberg from Tifton, Georgia, commends the magazine for allowing diverse opinions and praises its engrossing content, calling it the "very best" flying saucer publication. She also congratulates Moseley on his marriage.
• M. B. Hayward from Princeton, New Jersey, humorously acknowledges a late subscription expiration notice and reflects on his diminished interest in the bizarre, expressing a personal opinion that "saucers are dead." However, he commends SAUCER NEWS for its longevity and perseverance.
• Timothy Green Beckley from New Brunswick, New Jersey, notes that new advertising rates are based on increased circulation due to the merger.
• Allen Greenfield from Atlanta, Georgia, corrects an error in the June issue, stating that Harry Siebert's "Hawk Researcher" has merged with "UFO Sighter-Reporter," not ceased publication.
• David Halperin from Levittown, Pennsylvania, disputes the reason for Ed Babcock ceasing publication of his bulletin, stating it was for financial and scholastic reasons, not boredom. He also points out that Mrs. Moseley's article on "The Mystery of the Disappearing Planes" was based on a fictional piece published in "Air Progress."
• Paul R. Kuhl from Flemington, New Jersey, questions the authenticity of a flying saucer photograph on the June cover, specifically regarding the presence of deciduous trees in foliage on March 12th in Albany, New York.
• Mrs. Teddy Mossor from Fremont, California, expresses deep concern for Gray Barker, advocating for support for those whose freedom has been "trampled upon."
• Peter Husby from Stanwood, Washington, suggests that the report on Barker's condition was orchestrated to set up a new book.
• William R. Stone, Jr. from Detroit, Michigan, congratulates Moseley on the merger, implying Barker was "sinking fast."
• Mrs. Eva Mahle from Connersville, Indiana, praises the June issue as the best yet and is particularly interested in Sandy Moseley's article on the nature of time.
• Jerome Clark from Canby, Minnesota, corrects a rumor about Wilbert B. Smith, stating Smith identified himself as a contactee and was involved in UFO investigation.
• Desmond Leslie from London, England, shares his experience hosting George Adamski, discussing interviews with a contactee, and mentions a Soviet diplomat's comment on preparing for "higher civilizations."
• John P. Bessor from Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, proposes that flying saucers are paranormal phenomena, akin to "poltergeist-animals," and suggests the Air Force has covered up this "etheric" nature.

Feature Articles

Florida's Coral Castle (Page 6)

This article by James W. Moseley details his visit to Coral Castle, a unique structure in southern Florida. Built by Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian immigrant jilted before his wedding, over 25 years, the castle is constructed from massive coral rock blocks, some weighing nine tons. Leedskalnin, seeking solitude, built his home and furniture from coral, including rocking chairs, beds, and tables. The most prominent structure is the tower, weighing over 160 tons. A unique feature is the "swinging gate," a three-ton coral block that moves with a slight push. Leedskalnin claimed to have rediscovered the method used in the construction of the Pyramids, a secret he took to his grave in 1951. The article notes that the castle was looted after his death, but his life's savings of $3,000 were found hidden. The castle is now a tourist attraction with an admission fee, and the once-forbidden tower is open to the public.

The Sundial at Coral Castle (Page 7-8)

Continuing the description of Coral Castle, the article details a massive stone gate and a twenty-eight-ton obelisk. Leedskalnin, who had a secondary school education, was interested in astronomy and believed other planets were inhabited. His greatest achievement, according to Moseley, is an ingenious sundial. This sundial, built from coral rock, accurately tells time to within two minutes year-round by charting the Sun's apparent motion. The article explains how the sundial works by reading the shadow horizontally within numbered loops, with the position indicating the time. The author also discusses the mystery of how Leedskalnin, a man weighing around 100 pounds, moved the multi-ton coral rocks. Leedskalnin claimed to have rediscovered the secret of the Pyramids, and while simple tools were found, the exact method remains unknown. His other writings focused on sex, politics, and magnetism, but offered no clue to his construction methods.

George Hunt Williamson Re-Visited (Page 9-10)

This article by John J. Robinson examines the claims made by George Hunt Williamson, a contactee in the flying saucer field. Robinson reviews information from "Who's Who in America" and "American Men of Science," as well as book jacket publicity. He highlights several discredited claims: Williamson's alleged Doctorate from Northwestern University was denied; the University of Arizona denied him degrees due to poor scholarship; his claim to have received the Gold Key of the Illinois State Archaeological Society was refuted by past presidents; and his membership in the American Association for the Advancement of Science had lapsed. The "American Men of Science" editor stated Williamson's name would be removed due to inquiries. Furthermore, the National Anthropological and Archaeological Museum in Peru denied any knowledge of the "Great Wall of the Incas" that Williamson claimed to have discovered. Robinson also touches upon Williamson's alleged use of a false passport under the name L. Obrenovic when traveling to Japan and a connection to a royal family named Obrenovic that ceased to exist in 1903.

Advertising Rates and Back Issues (Page 10)

The magazine includes a section on advertising rates, with prices per line, half page, and full page, noting that these rates apply to the September and December issues and may increase thereafter. It also announces the availability of back issues, with most of the 52 previous issues in stock at 35 cents each or 3 for $1.00, with two special issues costing $1.00 each. A special offer provides all available back issues for $10.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SAUCER NEWS reflects a strong focus on the unexplained, particularly UFO phenomena and related mysteries. The magazine appears to embrace a wide range of topics within this field, from the construction of enigmatic structures like Coral Castle to the claims of UFO contactees and the controversies surrounding researchers like Gray Barker. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, allowing for diverse opinions while also critically examining claims, as seen in the detailed debunking of George Hunt Williamson's credentials. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of its readership and the need for continued support through subscriptions and renewals, particularly in light of mergers and evolving publication strategies. The inclusion of "Confidential Newsletters" suggests a commitment to publishing potentially sensitive or controversial information that may not be suitable for the main publication.

This issue of SAUCER NEWS, Volume 11, dated December 1963, focuses on the personal life of UFO researcher Jim Moseley in an article titled "WHAT JIM MOSELEY IS REALLY LIKE" by his wife, Sandy Moseley. The magazine also includes various news briefs on UFO sightings, research activities, and related phenomena from around the world.

What Jim Moseley Is Really Like

Sandy Moseley describes her life with Jim as an adventure, recounting their elopement and the unusual wedding gifts they received, such as a Voodoo doll. She details encounters with mysterious individuals, including a man named "Alexander" who hinted he was from Outer Space, and a flying saucer party where notable figures in the UFO community were present. Sandy notes that Jim receives numerous accusations of belonging to various organizations but states they belong only to the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society. She shares anecdotes from their meetings, including an inventor's claim of a free-energy flying saucer and a woman's boast about her own design. Sandy also recounts her first experience as a hostess at a flying saucer party, where Dr. Leon Davidson initially doubted Al Bender's existence until a Polaroid picture of Bender failed to develop, showing only a pale blur.

Sandy describes Jim as witty, kind, and a little shy, with eyes "as blue as the bottom of Loch Ness." He dedicates most of his time to saucer research and is adventurous, with a wanderlust for exploring jungles and deserts. She mentions his interest in ESP, spiritualism, psychology, and "sick" paintings, and his collection of old victrola records and pre-Columbian antiques. Jim is described as a sentimentalist who thinks of himself as a skeptic, saving correspondence and keeping a diary. He is attracted to riots and outdoor gatherings. The couple are considered non-conformists, living without a strict schedule, though Jim prefers to wear a suit and tie. Sandy reveals they are expecting a child in September and secretly hope the child won't follow in Jim's footsteps. Jim's nickname is "Huesito" (little bones), and Sandy's is "Silhouette." Jim's favorite place outside the U.S. is Lima, Peru. He dislikes cold weather and feels at home in the jungle, speaking fluent Spanish with a horrible accent. His preferred evening activity is roaming Manhattan, listening to extremist speeches and sidewalk quarrels, or old-time piano music.

Recent News Stories

SAUCER NEWS Editor Unable to Go on Cave Expedition

The editor's planned expedition to a mysterious cave in New Mexico, led by R. L. Dobbins, was canceled. Dobbins reported strange phenomena at the cave entrance, including car headlight-sized discs and unusual doors. He described an effect on the spine when descending into a deep hole and mentioned the possibility of "Deros." The expedition was further complicated when other members canceled due to illness, and Sandy Moseley became seriously ill. Dobbins later reported that the expedition faced numerous setbacks, including the telephone going out of order, members falling sick, and mechanical failures, suggesting an unseen force was at play. Despite the hardships, no force field or disc was observed at the cave.

SAUCER LANDING IN MONTANA

A report from Lewistown, Montana, dated March 9th, details a sighting by Amos Biggs, a hermit. He saw a strange contraption hover and land on the ice of Crystal Lake, casting a brilliant, radiant light. The object was silver, saucer-shaped with an oval compartment, and a door appeared, but no one emerged. After about 10 minutes, the door closed, and the saucer disappeared.

MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE IN NEW JERSEY

A follow-up on a previous report describes the disappearance of a small boy, Billy, from his home in Vineland, New Jersey, on December 17th, 1962. Despite a large search effort by police and National Guard, the boy was not found. A bloodhound tracking the child's trail stopped at a tree, with the trail apparently ending there. No ransom note or clues have been received.

SAUCER BRIEFS

• A middle-aged man named "Mr. Alexander," with a strange foreign accent, contacted the editor, claiming to be from another planet and offering an all-expense-paid tour. He later disappeared mysteriously after meeting other UFO researchers.
• The British U.F.O. Association has been formed in England, comprising eleven known British societies.
• Desmond Leslie, co-author of "Flying Saucers Have Landed," was in the news for punching a critic who gave a bad review to a play his wife was in.
• A saucer convention sponsored by Dr. Frank E. Stranges in Topanga, California, extended special invitations to prominent figures like Vice President L. Johnson and General Douglas MacArthur.
• Richard Ogden, a UFO researcher, has written a book titled "Second Coming of Christ and Flying Saucers," which "exposes" the SAUCER NEWS editor and J. Edgar Hoover.
• Riley Crabb lectured in New York City.
• Ray Palmer reported being publicly accused of selling pornographic literature and losing money and prestige.
• The annual picnic of the New York Saucer Information Bureau was held in Yorktown, New York.
• Louise Livingston, a new lecturer, specializes in communication with a being named Ammon from Mars.
• Howard Menger plans to hold a saucer convention featuring a circular four-foot radio-controlled disc.
• George Adamski made a quiet visit to New York City.
• "The World of Flying Saucers," by Donald H. Menzel and Lyle G. Boyd, has been published.
• The issue previews intriguing quotations from Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" and new information about the moons of Mars for the next issue.

SIGHTSEEING SAUCER VISITS STATUE OF LIBERTY

On March 25th, Dudley C. Troy of Staten Island reported seeing a large, yellowish-red glowing object, resembling a giant pinwheel, descend from the sky near the Statue of Liberty. The UFO traveled south at an estimated 40 miles per hour at an altitude of about 200 feet, sometimes obscured by houses. Troy, a former seabee, admitted the UFO frightened him. The object turned its edge and receded, leaving a thin cigar-shaped shadow.

FORTEAN ITEMS

• The Loch Ness Monster was spotted again on April 22nd by two ladies.
• A strange animal, possibly a cross between a raccoon and a possum, was found in the Highland Park Zoo in Pittsburg.
• A pink squirrel was captured in Huntington, Long Island, and a green puppy was born in Plainview, Long Island.
• A ball of blue ice dropped on Tonawanda, New York, bouncing off a garage.
• Two fireballs were reported in Virginia around April 20th. One incident involved a spherical, greenish object that fell into a driveway, leaving a scorched area and a small green stone. Another incident involved a fireball that sounded like a shotgun blast and caused a forest fire.
• A mysterious gas spread over 30 square miles of eastern Los Angeles, forcing the evacuation of over 14,000 school children.
• A face resembling Jesus Christ has been seen on the wall of a Pentecostal church in Nassau, Bahama Islands.

NEWS BRIEFS

• On February 16th, an Australian dairy farmer named Charlie Brew reported a flying saucer that panicked his animals. The disc-shaped UFO, about 25 feet wide and battleship gray, descended and then sped off.
• A farmer in Chileno Valley, California, reported a flying saucer landing and a group of humanoids taking a calf aboard.
• A mysterious flying object chased a car in South Australia, emitting a bright light.
• A saucer movie taken in 1960 by a Wisconsin girl was reportedly lost by the Air Force.

Other Reports

• Four college students and a detective witnessed bright luminous circular objects, some silver and some orange, performing impossible maneuvers near Ripon, Wisconsin.
• The "fireflies" seen by John Glenn and other astronauts are believed to come from the thrusters of the altitude-control system.
• A strange triangular-shaped piece of blue metal fell on a farm in Concordia, Argentina, described as a product of advanced technology.
• A saucer landing in Hobart, Tasmania, was witnessed by a high school teacher and her children, who also saw a humanoid outside the UFO.
• A planet outside Earth's solar system, six light years away, has been discovered.
• The 1963 edition of Encyclopedia Britannica includes an article on saucers by Professor Joseph Hynek, who states that while most UFO cases are solved, sightings warrant serious study.

About Our Next Issue

The December issue will feature an article on the internal "clock" of animals, an article by John J. Robinson on the electromagnetic effects of flying saucers, and an article by N. S. Stringfellow discussing mysterious plane disappearances over the Caribbean. It will also include letters to the editor and recent news stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, research activities, and related phenomena, often presenting personal accounts and news from various UFO organizations. There's a clear interest in the unexplained and a willingness to explore even fringe theories, as evidenced by the inclusion of reports on cryptids like the Loch Ness Monster and unusual events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information from different sources while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the review of Richard Ogden's book and the skepticism towards certain claims. The publication also highlights the activities and research of its own society, the Saucer and Unexplained Celestial Events Research Society.