1953 09 00 - Saucerian - Vol 1 No 1 - Whole No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: The Saucerian
Issue: Vol. I, No. I
Date: September, 1953
Publisher: Gray Barker
Country: USA
Language: English

This inaugural issue of The Saucerian, a magazine dedicated to exploring aerial phenomena and the paranormal, presents a comprehensive report on the infamous Flatwoods Monster incident in West Virginia. The cover art, described as imaginative, depicts a figure related to the 'Monster' sighting. The magazine's editorial stance is clear: flying saucers are real, alien in origin, and not explainable by conventional means, despite the challenges in definitively proving their existence.

Editorial Stance and Aims

The editorial, quoting Shakespeare, sets a tone of mystery and wonder surrounding the 'saucers.' The editors acknowledge the complexity of the subject and do not claim to have definitive answers, but aim to contribute to the ongoing investigation. They express a desire to publish monthly, though acknowledge this may not be immediately feasible, and encourage reader feedback, even 'genuinely insulting' letters, as a sign of engagement. The primary focus is on aerial phenomena, referred to as 'saucers,' but the magazine also intends to cover other paranormal subjects and science fiction, including a planned series on the Shaver Mystery.

The editors outline their core beliefs about saucers: they are real, alien, and cannot be fully explained away by misinterpretations of natural phenomena or mass hysteria. They emphasize that while many sightings can be explained, a significant portion remains unexplained, leaving room for observation and speculation. The publication aims to approach the subject with few taboos, allowing for both serious inquiry and lighthearted exploration.

Saucer News: A Global Roundup

The "Saucer News" section compiles various recent sightings and incidents from around the world:

• Japan: Jet fighters reportedly chased unidentified lights flying in clusters at high speeds. An Air Force intelligence report suggested the presence of an unconventional flying object, despite one explanation attributing the lights to 'Japanese Lanterns.' A pilot described an object increasing in size.
• Siberia: An aircraft pilot observed lights at 35,000 feet flying parallel to his course before they disappeared to the west.
• Arkansas: A weather observer in Magnolia reported seeing a 'dancing star' on two separate nights, an observation corroborated by a professor and a minister.
• Dallas, Texas: A bright, colorful object shaped like an arrowhead was seen for two hours. Witnesses described a green nose and wings emitting white light and a whirring noise. The object was estimated to be at 30,000 feet, rising to 100,000 feet and moving at an estimated 2,000 miles per hour.
• Four States Sky Burst: A fireball disintegrated in a blaze of white light over Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and Colorado, described as a 'bolt of sheet lightening' and a 'red ball of flame,' accompanied by thunder.
• California: Mysterious fires broke out, and the water department was baffled by unexplained drops in water supply.
• West Virginia: In Rowlesburg, a 'wild man' with a hideous face frightened construction workers. In Grafton, the water department faced similar unexplained water loss issues.
• Georgia: Men of science concluded that an 'outer space visitor' reported by witnesses was actually a monkey that had been altered, after witnesses claimed to have run over an unearthly creature.

The Flatwoods Monster: A Full Report

This section delves into the details of the Flatwoods Monster incident, which occurred on a late summer evening. The narrative describes a meteorite flash followed by the appearance of a fiery, unknown entity on a hilltop. Witnesses, initially drawn by curiosity, experienced intense fear upon encountering the creature, described as a 'monster that walks like a man, but a creature from the blackest memory of your fear.'

The report includes witness accounts, noting that the 'monster' was observed for only one to five seconds. A U.P. news report from Sutton, West Virginia, attributed the event to 'mass hysteria,' describing the creature as a 'half-man, half-dragon' with a foul odor. Mrs. Kathleen May of Flatwoods reported finding a 'fire-breathing monster, 10 feet tall with a bright green body and a blood-red face,' that moved with a 'bouncing, floating' motion and exuded an overpowering odor, 'like metal,' causing sickness.

The article also touches on the possibility of 'guided missiles' being mistaken for saucers, citing a government disclosure about 1,500 m.p.h. guided missiles. It questions whether such explanations can account for all sightings. The report mentions the work of Prof. Donald H. Menzel and his book 'Flying Saucers' as an attempt to disprove saucer phenomena.

Other Reports and Speculation

• 'Saucer In Every Garage': Alfred C. Loedding, director of jet research, believes he can build a practical flying saucer for family use, powered by a solid fuel mixture.
• Guided Missiles Again: The government's disclosure of 1,500 m.p.h. guided missiles is presented as a potential explanation for some saucer reports, though the Defense Department offered no comment.
• Saucers and Orange Soda: A report from California describes a landed saucer from which a small man emerged to collect water. Witnesses described the craft as silver-colored, about 12 feet wide and seven feet deep, with four metal legs and a plastic observation dome.
• Wild Men and Men of Science: This section briefly mentions various unusual events, including mysterious fires in California, unexplained water loss in West Virginia, and the 'wild man' sighting. It also recounts the Atlanta incident where a creature was deemed a monkey by Dr. Herman Jones.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the exploration of monstrous or unusual creatures, and the broader realm of the paranormal. The magazine positions itself as a platform for reporting on these events, even those that are difficult to explain or are dismissed by authorities. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge while encouraging further investigation and speculation. There is a clear skepticism towards purely dismissive explanations, particularly in cases like the Flatwoods Monster, and a belief that some phenomena remain genuinely mysterious. The magazine aims to be a source for those interested in the unexplained, bridging the gap between sensational newspaper reports and more rigorous scientific or investigative approaches, while also embracing elements of science fiction and the supernatural.

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN, Volume I, No. I, features a detailed report titled "W.Va. 'Monster' - A Full Report" which delves into the widely publicized Flatwoods Monster incident that occurred in West Virginia. The article, published in January 1953, aims to present a rigorous investigation of the facts surrounding the event, as reflected by the careful approach of FATE magazine.

The Flatwoods Incident: Initial Reports and Skepticism

The report begins by recounting the initial reactions to the Flatwoods event, which was described as "The land-locked Loch Ness Monster" by ABC and drew laughter and disbelief from the nation. The author, initially skeptical, felt compelled to investigate the story, reasoning that such a widely discussed phenomenon must have some basis in fact. He contacted FATE magazine, which encouraged a rigorous investigation and requested "30R 4 PICS UP TO 3000 WORDS MONDAY DEADLINE."

The author traveled to Sutton, the county seat near Flatwoods, a week after the event. He found that local opinions were divided, with some witnesses, like Mrs. May, being described as "quite excitable," and others, like one witness with a police record, being less credible. A local acquaintance suggested that skid marks seen at the site might have been made by a tractor, and the gummy deposits could be oil. The author lists seven key witnesses: Mrs. Kathleen May, Gene Lemon (17), Eddie May (13), Fred May (12), Ronnie Shaver (10), and Tommy Hyer (10).

Investigation and Witness Accounts

Several key figures were unavailable for immediate interviews as they were in New York City for a TV show, "We The People." J. Holt Byrne, mayor of Sutton and editor of The Braxton Central, initially suggested the phenomenon was caused by a meteorite. However, upon meeting Ivan Sanderson, a naturalist investigating for a newspaper syndicate, Byrne became less certain. Sanderson traced the flight of a reported meteorite from Baltimore to Charleston, West Virginia, passing over Flatwoods.

A. M. Jordan, a witness and grandfather of some of the children, provided a matter-of-fact description of an elongated object, red on top and bright red on the bottom, with "red balls of fire" from the rear. He initially thought it was a jet plane but noted the absence of wings. The object appeared to halt and fall rapidly toward a hill-top.

Another incident mentioned involved a report of a piper cub plane crash near Frametown, which Sheriff Robert Carr investigated but found no evidence of. The author notes that the Flatwoods Monster had evidently departed by the time the Sheriff arrived.

Neil Nunley provided a detailed, unemotional account. He and other youths saw a "silver dollar going through the sky" with a trail of fire, described as "a door falling down flatwise." They approached the hill where they saw a pulsing, globular mass of fire, about 50 ft. away, possibly "big as a house." Nunley heard no noise, but others reported a low thumping or beating sound and a hiss. They then saw a huge figure, about fifteen feet tall, with a round, blood-red face and eye-like openings emitting "greenish-orange" beams of light. The figure had a hood-like shape and clothing-like folds, with "terrible claws." The odor was described as sickening and irritating.

Physical Evidence and Alternative Explanations

On the following morning, A. Lee Stewart, Jr., found "skid marks" on the hilltop, ten feet apart, which proceeded from a tree to the alleged globe's location. These marks suggested something had slid down the hill, but had not indented the ground, only ridden down the tall grass and tossed stones. Stewart, a veteran of the Air Force, also smelled a pungent, irritating odor near the ground.

Brooks Fisher, the tractor operator, confirmed harvesting hay in the area but denied using a tractor where the marks were seen, as the terrain was too steep. Max Lockhart, an acquaintance of the author, investigated the scene later and found no evidence. The possibility of "fox fire" or a deer was dismissed by Stewart.

Mrs. May, after returning from New York, spoke of "scientists" who convinced her the "monster" was a rocket ship. She was advised by the government not to release information, but later learned a report was to be released explaining the "monster" as a government rocket ship propelled by amonia-like fuel. A publicity release from COLLIERS about a moon rocket, with a photo resembling the described object, was shown to the May family by Stewart.

Further Investigations and Unanswered Questions

The author investigated a report of a "plane crash" near Frametown with Ivan Sanderson but found no real traces. He also interviewed Bailey Frame, who denied most of a report about witnessing a rocket ship take off but admitted seeing a strange orange ball object in the sky after the incident.

An elderly farmer, G. D. Hoard, initially told a wild story about seeing the incident but became reticent when interviewed by Stewart. Hoard later described seeing a fiery object that did not land but went across the sky, with a piece of fire breaking off it, and exploding near the Sutton airport. The author questions why Hoard, if present, did not see the occurrences on the nearby hilltop.

Conclusion: The Reader's Choice

The article concludes by stating two definite points: widespread aerial phenomena interpreted as meteorites were observed, and the seven witnesses did see something similar to their descriptions. The author acknowledges the widespread talk of flying saucers and the similarities to some sightings, but notes the object's behavior differed from a meteorite. The article poses questions about why the object landed, if it was in mechanical difficulty, or if the pilot was observing. It also questions the connection between the figure and the globular object, and the sudden departure. The reader is left to "pay his money and take his choice" regarding the interpretation of the events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimony, and the challenges of investigating such events. The editorial stance, as represented by the author's approach and the mention of FATE magazine's philosophy, is one of diligent investigation and factual reporting, while acknowledging the inherent mystery and encouraging critical thinking from the reader. The article emphasizes the importance of gathering firsthand accounts and scrutinizing physical evidence, even when faced with skepticism and potential hoaxes.

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN, Volume I, Number I, dated June 1953, is a publication focused on UFOs, the paranormal, and speculative fiction. It features a mix of reported sightings, fictional stories, and reviews of related publications and organizations.

Articles and Reports

The W. Va. Monster - A Full Report (Cont'd.)

This section continues a report on the Flatwoods Monster incident. It poses questions about the entity's awareness of the seven witnesses and its potential mechanical nature. The author expresses personal skepticism about such accounts but asserts the facts in this article and a related one in FATE magazine are verifiable. He offers cooperation to anyone wishing to investigate further. The author acknowledges the story's fantastic nature and admits to using "pulpy" rhetoric at times. He recounts a recent encounter with the Nunley boy, who was reluctant to discuss the "monster" but was more interested in a plane crash. The article mentions a ballad composed by Don Lamb for folk singer Cindy Coy, titled "THE PHANTOM OF FLATWOODS," which recounts the sighting.

The Phantom of Flatwoods (Ballad)

This ballad describes a "great light and a great noise" seen and heard by a mother and her boys on a hilltop in Flatwoods. The "phantom" appeared in the dark. The chorus questions whether the phantom is from the Moon, Mars, God, or stars, and if it signifies the end of the world or an omen of peace. The ballad further describes the phantom as having a "sight to behold," with "Green eyes and red face," floating in air with "fingers of flame," and disappearing with a hiss.

YES, WE NEED MATERIAL!

This editorial appeals to readers for material. The editor states that all material is by him unless credited otherwise, but he cannot produce enough content alone. While they cannot pay for submissions, they offer full credit and publicity. They request that contributors indicate if their material can be rewritten. The publication seeks saucer sighting reports, articles on saucers and speculation on their origin, the Shaver Mystery, and lost civilizations. They also welcome saucer-slanted fiction (one-page stories with punch endings, possibly humorous) and poetry with a saucer or weird slant. Hoax reports are explicitly not wanted. The editor notes that THE SAUCERIAN is not copyrighted and asks for permission before reprinting their material. They also appeal for artwork, as the editor cannot draw, and offer to provide ditto master sheets for artists.

"THE QUESTION" (Fiction) by Mary Judith Hyde

This is a fictional story about a young woman named Shirley who is searching for an answer to a profound "QUESTION." She longs for someone, perhaps a "space man," to provide understanding and wisdom. The story describes her encounter with a silver saucer and a man from space. The encounter is described as dreamlike but real, leaving her with a sense of deep content and a desire to work with the immediate task at hand. She reflects on her love for a man named Joe and decides to marry him.

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD (Fiction) by Gray Barker

This is a modern, science-fiction-themed retelling of the Little Red Riding Hood fairy tale. Little Red Riding Hood encounters a wolf who tries to trick her, but she is defiant and armed with a .45 revolver. She arrives at Grandmaw's house to find her acting strangely, with glassy eyes and horizontal blinking. It is revealed that Grandmaw has been replaced by an imposter, and the wolf is part of a U.S. Air Force experiment. The imposter Grandmaw and the wolf are apprehended by a U.S. Airman, but then a large silver craft appears, snatches the airman, and disappears with a "Phoof." Little Red Riding Hood is told it was all an experiment and to tell no one. The story concludes with a newspaper report that a truck ran over Little Red Riding Hood, implying a cover-up.

BURIAL ALIVE (Segment from the play, "Croak Not, Black Angel," by Gray Barker)

This is a short dramatic segment where the Undertaker explains that people have been buried alive, citing the viceroy of Cambodia as an example. He describes a case where a drugged man was buried and later suffocated, his body found in contortions. During the description, the corpse briefly moves its hands.

THE INTERNATIONAL FLYING SAUCER BUREAU

This article describes the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB), founded by Albert K. Bender in April 1952. The Bureau aims to unite saucer-minded individuals to solve the saucer mystery. Membership costs $1.00 per year (soon to be $1.50). The IFSB believes saucerians are space visitors and advocates a friendly public attitude towards them, suggesting telepathic communication. Their activities include publishing the quarterly magazine SPACE REVIEW. The Bureau is non-profit and seeks representatives in various territories. Noted individuals associated with the IFSB include Robert N. Webster (editor of FATE Magazine) and N. Meade Layne. The Bureau also has an investigation department to assess saucer reports. Inquiries and membership fees should be sent to the IFSB in Bridgeport, Connecticut.

MAGAZINE REVIEW: FANTASY FICTION

This review discusses the June issue of FANTASY FICTION, published by Future Publications, Inc., and edited by Lester Del Rey. The reviewer, Roger N. Parriso, expresses delight at the return of the Harold Shea stories and praises Paul Anderson's tale "Rachaela." He also mentions stories by John Wydenham and Algis Budrys, particularly "More Spinned Against." The reviewer notes the magazine's treatment of ghost stories and expresses hope that Mr. Del Rey can maintain the quality of fantasy that does not necessarily contain horror.

BOOK REVIEW: TRICKERY IN TACOMA

This review covers the book "THE COMING OF THE SAUCERS" by Kenneth Arnold and Ray Palmer. The reviewer finds the book controversial but valuable for its reports on sightings and potential clues to government secrecy. The book is narrated by Arnold, detailing his investigation into a saucer report in Tacoma, Washington, involving Harold A. Dahl and Fred L. Crisman. The sighting involved "five huge doughnut-shaped objects" near Maury Island. The review mentions Arnold's background as a flying salesman and his connection with Palmer, owner of Clark Publishing Company. The narrative includes details of a mysterious double room reservation, a warning to Dahl, and corroborating accounts from Crisman. The review also notes the involvement of Capt. E. J. Smith of United Airlines and Ted Morella of U.P. in relaying information from a mysterious telephone informant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and encounters, the mystery surrounding them, and the exploration of these topics through fiction and speculative articles. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of investigating and reporting on these phenomena, encouraging reader participation, and promoting organizations dedicated to this pursuit. The publication also embraces science fiction and paranormal themes, as evidenced by the fictional stories and the review of FANTASY FICTION. The magazine appears to be a platform for sharing unusual accounts and fostering a community of interest in the unexplained.

Title: The Saucerian
Issue: Vol. I, No. 1
Date: Undetermined, but likely early 1950s based on content.
Publisher: Gray Barker, Clarksburg, W. Va.

"Trickery In Tacoma--Contd."

This section continues the narrative of the 'Trickery In Tacoma' case, focusing on the findings of Crisman and Dahl. They reportedly discovered two types of fragments: one a lava-like substance, smooth on one side, and another of white metal, appearing to be aluminum. Fitting these fragments together, they deduced they could have formed a tube approximately six feet in diameter. The white metal section was noted to have mysterious square rivets, possibly from a plane junkyard.

Lt. Frank M. Brown and Capt. William Davidson from A-3 Military Intelligence arrived and interviewed Crisman and Dahl. However, they reportedly lost interest, and the fragments were pressed upon them by Crisman. Subsequently, Arnold and Capt. Smith were discouraged from visiting Maury Island by Crisman, who claimed the boat motor was damaged.

A Major Sanders of S-2 Military Intelligence advised Arnold and Smith that the entire matter was a hoax. He suggested the fragments were slag from a nearby smelting plant, though he carefully collected samples. The narrative suggests the situation became so complex that even a saucer couldn't penetrate it, and Morello advised the investigators to leave for their own good, leading to a joint disappearance act by Crisman and Dahl.

According to a telephone informant, Crisman had departed for Alaska on an Army bomber. Arnold and Smith visited the home of Dahl's secretary, where Arnold had previously visited Dahl, only to find the place deserted and overgrown. Within a week, a long-distance operator informed Arnold that Dahl was no longer listed in the directory, despite Arnold recalling consulting the directory in Tacoma and finding his name.

The author expresses skepticism about the case's handling, suggesting that an armchair detective might analyze it better than the department. The review notes that Palmer, who likely edited or wrote the book being discussed, seems unsure of his stance, though he criticizes the Project Saucer Report, particularly its assertion that Dahl and Crisman admitted the event was a hoax.

The article questions the credibility of the reporting, highlighting obvious oversights. For instance, it notes that telephone numbers rarely disappear from phone books and that the writers failed to report the home addresses of Crisman and Dahl, which would have been crucial for tracing them. It also points out that checking with the real estate agent for the secretary's former residence should have provided information about the previous occupant. The author wonders if the government was involved in suppressing the story, or if Crisman and Dahl intended to sell the story to Palmer, or if Palmer himself was hoaxing Arnold to boost his own story. The article concludes this section by posing the question of whether 'strange influences' were at play.

Page 31 Continuation

The hotel reservation for Arnold and Capt. Smith was made with twin beds, leading to speculation about whether Capt. Smith was intended to 'pop up' later or if someone was being misled.

According to Palmer, Crisman was an Army flyer who had written a threatening letter to AMAZING magazine, urging them to cease investigating the Shaver Mystery. Crisman claimed to have fought his way out of a cave in Burma and been 'rayed.' Palmer recognized Crisman's voice on the phone, noting his habit of calling from various parts of the United States. The writer acknowledges the Shaver Mystery as a significant contribution to science fiction but recognizes the 'lunatic fringe' surrounding the subject, suggesting Crisman's involvement might taint the matter.

The rest of the book is generally praised, particularly a chapter on saucer sightings spanning over a thousand years. The picture section is noted as interesting, though some newspaper reproductions are unclear. Two pages are dedicated to photos by Prof. George Adamski, whom Palmer had previously dismissed as "full of hot air."

The editors express loyalty to Mr. Palmer but state that his saucerbook did not greatly excite them, though it was entertaining. They believe Palmer would not present something he did not believe in, and suggest that while he may have cried "wolf," the danger might be real. They also acknowledge that authenticated saucer incidents are often disbelieved, with saucertruth appearing stranger than fiction.

The book presents an interesting theory from an anonymous letter allegedly received by Dahl. This theory posits that flying disks are vehicles manned by beings less dense than humans, made visible by atmospheric radiation from atomic explosions. These disks, in various shapes and sizes, are described as vehicles used by the "gods of this earth" to protect the planet from "outside dark influences or enemies," and have been protectors for thousands of years, currently under severe attack.

Press Bulletins

Palmer's Free Offer: Ray Palmer announced in the September issue of FATE that a copy of "THE COMING OF THE SAUCERS" would be offered free to anyone subscribing to twenty-eight issues of FATE for $7.00.

They Didn't Come Back: Latest reports indicate that the "saucerian waterboy" did not return to Brush Creek, Calif., on July 20th, despite crowds gathering to greet him. The story is promised for the next issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the potential for hoaxes or government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears critical and questioning, particularly regarding the "Trickery In Tacoma" case and the credibility of the individuals involved. While acknowledging the entertainment value and potential truth in UFO phenomena, the editors express a need for more rigorous investigation and clear reporting to inspire credibility. They are supportive of Ray Palmer's work but are not afraid to point out perceived flaws or inconsistencies in his presentations. The issue also touches upon the broader context of UFOs as ancient protectors and the challenges of public belief in extraordinary claims.