1953 11 00 - Saucerian - Vol 1 No 2 - Whole No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: The SAUCERIAN
Issue: Vol. 1 No. II
Date: November 1953
Publisher: Gray Barker
Location: Clarksburg, W. Va.
Price: 35¢

This issue of The SAUCERIAN, a bi-monthly publication, delves into the perplexing world of flying saucers, offering a mix of investigative reports, anecdotal accounts, and editorial reflections. The cover prominently features a report on the 'Brush Creek Saucer,' accompanied by an artistic rendering of a futuristic tower structure and flying objects.

Editorial

The editorial, penned by Gray Barker, acknowledges the increasing complexity of the saucer mystery and expresses the publication's limitations in fully understanding it. The editors admit to being confused themselves and are hesitant to propose definitive theories, preferring to present various possibilities. They suggest that saucers might represent a diverse range of phenomena, possibly unrelated to each other, including visitors from other planets, exploring entities, or even beings from intradimensional regions or deep within the Earth. The editorial emphasizes that The SAUCERIAN will not impose dogma but will aim to provide interesting material for its readers. It also thanks readers for their positive feedback on the previous issue and announces a slight price increase.

The editorial also mentions an upcoming main article investigating the Brush Creek, California, saucer, drawing parallels to a previous investigation of the West Virginia 'Monster.' Readers are encouraged to provide feedback on the magazine's content. The publication welcomes material, particularly technical and speculative articles, and requests newspaper clippings related to unusual events. The editors aim for a balanced approach, sometimes using humor, and state they will not 'preach' to the readers.

Saucer News: Data Collected From Here and There

This section compiles various recent reports and incidents related to flying saucers and unexplained aerial phenomena:

• General Sightings: Saucers continue to be reported, with some incidents involving strange occurrences like a signboard being destroyed, a tombstone glowing, and a man reporting his children snatched away on Christmas morning.
• Waynesburg, Pennsylvania: A traditional July 29 rain event is noted, linked to a bet involving a local weather record-keeper.
• Shiloh, Ohio: A man witnessed a 70-second 'dog fight' between two 'shining things' that appeared to be large, flying at high altitude, and disappeared suddenly.
• Cleveland, Ohio: A couple reported seeing a huge, white-rimmed saucer, larger than a house, in the northern sky.
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: A woman observed small, 'cloud-like' objects moving in a circle in her yard, about a foot in diameter.
• San Francisco Area: Police officers observed a 'light bulb' maneuvering in the sky.
• Korea: Four U.S. airmen reported a small, white, delta-shaped object flying at approximately 80 miles per hour over Communist territory.
• Washington, North Carolina: First Lieut. Ed. Balocco chased a silvery object that initially appeared to be an airplane but was traveling too fast for conventional aircraft, exceeding 500 miles per hour.
• Monticello, Indiana: A flying saucer reportedly appeared for an hour-long show for 500 people on a beach, a year after the local chamber of commerce jokingly invited one to land.
• New Haven, Connecticut: A fireball or similar object demolished a sign, causing a loud noise and a woman to suffer a miscarriage. An investigation by August C. Roberts of S.P.A.C.E. noted the object was described as a red ball of fire about six to eight inches in diameter. Samples found at the site are being investigated and may contain metals similar to meteorites. Witnesses reported the ground shaking, lights dimming, and a smell like rotten eggs.
• Moon Bullets: Dr. Fritz Zwicky, an astrophysicist, plans to fire miniature projectiles at the moon and planets, requiring $10,000 for the project.
• The Dick Tracy Watch Radio: A wrist watch radio, capable of picking up broadcasts within a 40-mile range, has been invented and is in experimental use by the Army.
• Fayetteville, West Virginia: George Sodder offered a $5,000 reward for information about five children lost in a house fire eight years prior.

Air Force Still Puzzled

Despite the discontinuation of 'Project Saucer,' the Air Force continues to investigate UFO sightings. Lt. Robert M. Olsson of Wright Patterson Air Force Base reports that 14% of sightings remain unexplained, while 84% have been identified as weather balloons or other conventional phenomena. The Air Force is enlisting astronomers and equipping personnel with advanced cameras and analysis tools. One unsolved case near Albuquerque, New Mexico, on January 26, 1953, involved a bright red light and a radar 'blip,' which investigators attributed to 'atmospheric conditions.' In another instance, a bright light seen in Darlington, Wisconsin, was identified as the planet Venus after interceptor planes failed to locate the object.

The Bat Man Cometh

A report from Houston, Texas, describes a man with large black wings seen in a tree, who swooshed like a 'white flash of a torpedo-shaped object.' Witnesses described him as a man with bat-like wings, dressed in tight-fitting gray or black clothing.

Better Keep Looking Up!

An article in 'MAN TO MAN' magazine questions whether flying saucers are kidnapping humans, answering in the affirmative. Several accounts are presented:

• Zanesville, Ohio: James Greer was reportedly lifted bodily into the sky from his farm, with his brother Albert narrowly missing him. A hired man witnessed Greer's wriggling body ascending, followed by a blinding flash of light.
• Brooklyn, New York: A mother prevented her child from being snatched by grabbing her knees when they were about five feet off the sidewalk, feeling a magnetic pull.
• Germany: Three men near Schaffausen reportedly ascended straight up with great rapidity. One victim in Pillitsfer, Livonia, was dropped from several hundred feet and killed.
• Oliver Lerch: A story from the September 1950 issue of FATE magazine recounts the disappearance of Oliver Lerch on Christmas Eve, 1890, after he went to fetch water. His tracks stopped abruptly, and he was never seen again.

Poltergeists and Tombstones

This section presents several unusual occurrences that may or may not be related to saucers:

• Alabama: At Nathan Irving's farm, an oil heater, china cabinet, tables, chairs, rocks, and knives reportedly jumped around or fell over.
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: A priest dismissed rumors of a tombstone glowing weirdly. Investigations by police and chemists suggested it might be storing sunlight or caused by 'fox fire or phosphorescent rise.'
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Police headquarters continued to receive calls from a removed Police Call Box No. 15, even after it went out of operation shortly after World War I.

Buried Alive

In New Delhi, India, a yogi was buried alive for nine days and was declared dead by police, though followers claimed he was in a trance.

Ivy-Covered Saucers

Ohio Northern University initiated 'Project A' to investigate phenomena, headed by Dr. Warren Hickman. The project concluded that no single explanation fits all sightings, with about 20% fitting the category of 'unnatural phenomena.' The findings indicated that saucers traveled at great speeds, performed impossible maneuvers, and were mostly noiseless, possibly due to high altitudes. Most reports described disks, followed by spheres and cylinders. Sightings were most common in July, August, and September, often in clear weather. Some close-range sightings precluded explanations like reflections. An interesting flight pattern observed was vertical ascent, horizontal flight, and repeated vertical ascent.

Space Review Reports

SPACE REVIEW, published by the International Flying Saucer Bureau, reported a parachute dropping into the Grand Canyon without any planes overhead. A Navy expert was sent to investigate the mysterious white, round object.

An attempt to communicate telepathically with 'saucerians' by members of the Bureau was reportedly successful, with Senator Marconi contacted by a spiritualist who claimed the spirits dispensed data about life on Mars, stated saucers are flown by humans, and that the Bureau's appeal would result in peace.

End of the World

The issue notes that the world did not end on August 20th, as predicted by several esoteric groups. A SAUCERIAN correspondent based calculations on information from the Great Pyramid, the number '666,' and Stalin's birthday.

Canadian Saucer

During a visit to Ontario, Canada, to inspect a new jetfighter, Lieut. Gen. Donald L. Putt of the U.S. Air Force became interested in a forty-foot model of a flying saucer developed by A. V. Roe, Ltd. This 'saucer-shaped jet' is described as revolutionary, expected to fly at 15,000 m.p.h., and capable of making 180° turns without banking. It features a whirling power plant and a central stationary cockpit. The design is noted for reducing drag, but it is estimated that the first one will not be launched for at least two years. The article speculates that if flying disks exist and are practical, engineers will likely copy them, leading to a future where distinguishing between human and 'THEIR' aircraft will require an expert.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The SAUCERIAN include the persistent mystery of flying saucers, the challenges of investigation, and the diverse range of reported phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open-minded skepticism, avoiding definitive pronouncements and instead exploring multiple possibilities for the origin and nature of these aerial objects. The magazine actively solicits reader input and aims to present a balanced, albeit sometimes speculative, perspective on UFOs, differentiating itself from overly emotional or dogmatic approaches.

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN, Volume 1, Number 2, dated August 1952, focuses heavily on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, with a prominent cover headline "TROUBLE IN ENGLAND." The magazine presents a collection of eyewitness accounts, investigations, and speculative commentary on aerial anomalies.

Trouble in England

The issue begins with reports from England, where Harold T. Wilkins, the England Correspondent, links three incidents to U.S. happenings. In the Stroud Valley, Glostershire, a Vicar, a police patrolman, and a mail van driver reported seeing a "white hot poker in the sky" from which fire dropped. A Royal Air Force station denied it was caused by planes. On August 20, youths on a bicycle hike witnessed a shed ablaze on Cotswold farms. In the following nights, numerous mysterious fires occurred on Cotswold farms, prompting farmers to mount a fire watch, and baffling the police. Wilkins notes that such phenomena can be traced back to 655 A.D. He expresses strong opinions about official attitudes towards flying disks, suggesting authorities attempt to dismiss such stories as fantasy. Wilkins believes some "space craft" are not hostile and describes one as an ellipsoid with a rotating ring, possessing two photos of it. He concludes that while some entities may cause trouble, they "do not seem to like us Earthians."

Further reports from England include a police launch sweeping Table Bay due to a strange white light, described by a Cape Town radio expert as a "brilliant white rocket." The Royal Observatory attributed this to the time of year for meteors and fireballs.

Monkey Business?

The magazine then shifts to a report about an "unearthly creature" in Georgia, USA. Three Atlanta men claimed to have run over such a creature, which was associated with a red flying saucer. Witnesses described the creature as glowing red and stated that similar creatures made for a red flying saucer and zoomed away. The creature was examined by Dr. W. A. Mickle, Professor of Anatomy at Emory University, who concluded it resembled a rhesus monkey with a fractured tail vertebra and a simian grip. The Cobb County Police Chief issued a warrant for the men's arrest, charging cruelty to animals, and the incident was reportedly admitted to be a hoax for publicity.

Brush Creek Saucer

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "BRUSH CREEK SAUCER" incident, reported by Gray Barker. The narrative places the reader in the shoes of John Q. Black, a miner, waiting for a flying saucer to return. The story recounts seven sightings, with four in the air and three close encounters. On July 20, Black claims to have seen a creature from space alight from a flying saucer and retrieve a bucket of water from the creek. Two gold miners had witnessed these events on separate occasions and had sought permission to shoot at the craft.

John Q. Black and John Van Allen, who operate a titanium mine near Brush Creek, are described as honest and truthful, not being heavy drinkers. The incident began with sightings of the saucer-shaped craft in the air. On April 20, the saucer was seen about a quarter-mile away, passing soundlessly. On May 20, Black saw the saucer hovering about 150 feet away before it took off with a hissing noise. He estimated its size as about 8 feet in diameter and 4 feet thick, with a convex shape like two soup plates fastened together, made of shiny metallic material. It had four retractable metal legs and a window or observation dome. Black found small five-inch footprints and experienced his compass spinning wildly on one occasion.

On June 20, Black encountered a small person, about four feet tall, wearing forest green pants, a jacket, and dull black shoes. This individual was seen dipping water into a unique, cone-shaped aluminum bucket. Black described the man as sturdy, broad-shouldered, with a fair complexion, and a small mouth. The man climbed into the saucer via hand-holds, and the craft then took off at a 45-degree angle with a hissing sound, exhibiting no visible means of propulsion. Black noted that the man did not hand the bucket up to someone else, contrary to some newspaper reports.

Paul Spade, an amateur astronomer, spent four days camping with the miners to gather information. He found the miners hospitable and truthful. Despite his efforts, Spade saw nothing during his stay.

Other Saucer Reports

The Brush Creek incident seemed to trigger a wave of other saucer reports in the surrounding territory. Mrs. Ethel G. Carson and Mr. and Mrs. Allan Rice reported seeing a disk emitting sparks near Cohasset. Mrs. Joyce Battrell of Chico saw a silver-colored disk hovering and revolving. Mrs. Hannah Stone also reported a silver-colored object that moved rapidly. Mr. and Mrs. Joe Carlos saw a "bright object" near Oroville, and Mrs. Susan Perdue reported seeing five saucers with green lights. J. R. Bowling of Chico saw four flashes of light that resembled magnesium flares. The issue also mentions a rain of small fishes in Chico on August 20, 1878, a large object falling near the town in 1885, and a series of rock showers in 1922.

Moon Men and Intergalactic Immigration

When the Brush Creek saucer was expected to return on July 20, over two hundred people gathered, including cameramen from United Press Movietone and Telenews Corporation. However, the visitor did not appear. Black expressed his belief that the visitor would return, stating, "I expect to see it sometime this summer!"

A Comstock, Michigan woman suggested the visitors were "moon men" and urged miners not to shoot at them. John Gray, a Chico reader, argued that flying saucers do not come from outer space, comparing them to fish swimming in water.

An interesting sidelight comes from Ralph Holton, a district enforcement officer in San Francisco, who offered an "interplanetary interpretation of immigration law." He stated that "Men from Mars are not citizens. Non-citizens are aliens. Aliens without visas issued by American Consulates cannot enter." He added that such visitors would be subject to exclusion and deportation.

Royce Brier, a columnist, humorously noted that visitors seem eager to flee when spotted and do not seem to seek human companionship.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the skepticism and attempts at rationalization by authorities, and the earnestness of eyewitnesses. The magazine appears to lean towards validating these accounts, particularly the Brush Creek incident, despite acknowledging potential inaccuracies in early reports. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors and challenging conventional explanations. The publication seems to position itself as a source for those interested in the "truth" behind these mysterious events, contrasting with what it perceives as dismissive official and academic attitudes.

Title: THE SAUCERIAN
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 2
Date: 1953 (estimated from content)
Publisher: The Saucerian
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN delves into the burgeoning field of flying saucer phenomena and its intersection with popular culture, particularly Hollywood's cinematic interpretations. It features a mix of reported sightings, theoretical discussions, and reviews of science fiction films.

Brush Creek Episode and Other Sightings

The issue opens with a discussion of the "Brush Creek Saucer" incident, where a miner reportedly saw a flying saucer while fetching water. The account is presented as "amazing, fantastic, undocumented," and the magazine speculates whether it was a genuine sighting, a hallucination, or a "Menzelian mirage." The article also touches upon a lecture by Robert Coe Gardner in Chico, California, who discussed flying saucers as potential US and Russian experimental aircraft or craft from "out of this world."

"Foreclosure" Theory and Gandt's Methods

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an excerpt from a lecture or article titled "FORECLOSURE" by Gray Barker, which details a theoretical framework for alien observation and infiltration of other planets. The theory, attributed to a psychologist named Gandt, outlines a multi-step process involving gradual exposure and imitation of technology to avoid detection. The "Bipedia Project" is cited as an example where this strategy was nearly compromised by an unexpected magnetic condition. The theory posits that alien cultures, through a "reverse psychological principle," do not expect to be observed from the outside, making them vulnerable to this "foreclosure" process. The article concludes with a speculative thought that Earth might have already been "foreclosed" upon by an alien culture from the future.

The Great Hollywood Saucer Invasion

This section, also by Gray Barker, reviews several Hollywood films that capitalized on the flying saucer craze of the era. The article praises George Pal's "The War of the Worlds" for its technical achievements and suspense, noting the Martian machines are saucer-like and do not walk on stilts as in the original H.G. Wells story. Other films reviewed include "Invaders From Mars," described as having a subdued spectacle due to a limited budget, and "The Phantom From Space," which features an invisible alien. "It Came From Outer Space" is also mentioned as a better science fiction picture enhanced by 3-D technology. The article notes that the alien motivations in these films are often vague or underdeveloped.

Conrad's Saucer and Other Organizations

The magazine briefly mentions "The Flying Saucer," a film by M. Conrad Prohow, noting that a subscriber is distributing it. It also touches upon the work of the Borderland Sciences Research Associates (B.S.R.A.), headed by Meade Layne. The B.S.R.A. investigates phenomena that orthodox science dismisses, including flying saucers, which they term "Ether Ships." They believe these disks are immaterial and piloted by "Etherians" from a co-existent universe. The B.S.R.A.'s publication, "ROUND ROBIN," is highlighted for its content on unusual happenings and speculation.

Flying Saucers International

Another organization featured is Flying Saucers International, headed by Max B. Miller. Their publication is described as neatly printed and containing interesting articles, including a controversial piece about Truman Bethurun's alleged encounter with a female alien captain named Aura Rhanes from the planet Clarion. Irvin Norfleet, Jr., a staff correspondent, proposes that flying saucers are from Mars, correlating sightings with Mars's proximity to Earth. The organization requests factual, well-documented articles and has a membership fee.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread public fascination with flying saucers, the attempts to explain these phenomena through scientific, theoretical, and even fictional lenses, and the role of popular media, especially Hollywood, in shaping perceptions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into these subjects, even if they fall outside the realm of conventional science, as evidenced by the inclusion of speculative theories and the reporting of various alleged encounters. The magazine encourages readers to form their own conclusions, inviting them to "pay his money and take his choice."

Title: THE SAUCERIAN
Issue: VOL. 1, NO. 2
Date: November issue (likely 1950)
Publisher: Ray Palmer Publications, Inc.
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN, a publication focused on flying saucers and related phenomena, features a collection of magazine reviews, a book review, and press time bulletins.

Magazine Reviews

MYSTIC MAGAZINE

The review of MYSTIC MAGAZINE, published bi-monthly by Ray Palmer Publications, Inc., highlights its November issue, which includes a piece titled "A Ride in a Flying Saucer." This article details the experience of Orfeo Matthew Angelucci, who was allegedly taken for a ride in a flying saucer by extraterrestrial visitors. Angelucci's narrative, written by Paul M. Vest, describes how these "saucerpeople" assured him they were friends and that Earth had been under observation due to a great danger. The information gathered is reportedly stored on "crystal disks" in a mother ship. The visitors expressed a sense of brotherhood towards Earth and were glad that saucers had been treated humorously to avoid panic. Angelucci was then taken into space, glimpsing Earth and other heavenly bodies, and was told he was one of three people contacted on Earth to share his experience. The review notes that these stories are characteristic of a new style of saucer stories involving extraterrestrials with "Messiah complexes," who have benevolent intentions if humans behave, but hint at catastrophic measures otherwise. The reviewer suggests that MYSTIC MAGAZINE will cover various supernatural topics, including reincarnation, vampires, witches, and the subconscious mind.

COLD'S NEW FANTASY MAGAZINE (BEYOND)

Reviewed by Roger N. Parris, BEYOND is a bi-monthly publication from Galaxy Publishing Corp. The reviewer notes that it enters a field previously covered by FANTASY FICTION. While acknowledging the quality of the imaginative literature, the reviewer finds it lacks a clear direction and serves as a sense of "anti-climax" compared to Lester Del Rey's work. However, the reviewer praises Theodore Sturgeon's "And My Fear Is Great" for attempting to place a problem novel within the fantasy genre. Other contributions mentioned include a story by Jerome Bixby and Joe Dean featuring a "sensitive vampire," Roger Dee's "The Springbird," and "Eye for Iniquity" by T. L. Sherred. The review concludes by expressing hope for the magazine's survival based on reader support and constructive criticism.

TOMORROW

Edited by Eileen Garrett, TOMORROW is a quarterly publication described as a "world's digest of the psychic and occult." The review notes that Eileen Garrett, known for her work with J. B. Rhine and Harry Price, is now compiling evidence of communication with the dead. The reviewer strongly recommends the publication for those seriously interested in scientific study of the psychic and occult, even if some may find it unconventional.

Book Review: FLYING SAUCERS by Donald H. Menzel

This review discusses Donald H. Menzel's book, "FLYING SAUCERS," published by Harvard University Press. Menzel, a professor of astrophysics, argues that flying saucer phenomena can be explained by natural occurrences, not extraterrestrial visitors. He suggests that sightings like Captain Mantell's could be explained by optical illusions such as mock suns, reflections on ice crystals, or atmospheric conditions. Menzel acknowledges that 20% of sightings remain unexplained, which he terms "true flying saucers," but believes these are also natural phenomena like auroras, mirages, or meteors. He tentatively accepts the possibility of extraterrestrial life but questions why intelligent beings would not attempt to communicate if they were visiting Earth. The reviewer finds Menzel's logical reasoning against the existence of alien visitors compelling but notes that the book may not satisfy saucer enthusiasts, as it doesn't fully address documented saucer landings or all unexplained sightings. The review also touches on the psychological reasons people are drawn to flying saucer beliefs, suggesting it stems from a sense of unease and a desire for external forces to resolve global problems or a simple enjoyment of being frightened.

Press Time Bulletins

MYSTERY VOICE ON RADIO WARNS EARTHMEN TO BEHAVE

A United Press story reports an incident where a "high thin voice" claiming to be from "outer space" interrupted a local radio show. The voice warned Earthmen to stop talking about flying saucers and preparations for war, or their planet would be annihilated. The call was made on a dial phone and could not be traced. The NBC producer who took the call stated the voice was difficult to understand and warned that Earthmen could not bear the sight of the speaker. The caller also mentioned being over Los Angeles and later Salt Lake City. The McCrary family in Manhasset, N.Y., also received repeated calls with similar warnings. While initially considered a hoax, the bulletin suggests it warrants consideration and could be a publicity stunt for Donald E. Keyhoe's new book, "Flying Saucers from Outer Space." The bulletin directs readers to Keyhoe's article in the October 20th LOOK magazine, which suggests the government may have concluded saucers are interplanetary and is considering how to reveal this to the public.

Artwork and Poetry

"Flying Cups" by Mary Judith Hyde

This section includes a poem titled "Flying Cups" by Mary Judith Hyde, which playfully questions the nature of lights in the sky, suggesting they might be "FLYING CUPS" rather than flying saucers. It is accompanied by an illustration by Yurkunski titled "Cups Flying Northeast."

"THE COLLECTION" by Gail Sprague

This is a narrative poem about an old man who collects fine chinaware. He becomes obsessed with acquiring a flying saucer to complete his collection, but the poem concludes with a twist: it was the old man who ended up in a "collection of the universe."

Closing Remarks

The issue concludes with a brief note from the editors, acknowledging the delay in publication due to "big news that might be breaking" related to flying saucers. They promise an extra page if the news breaks before the magazine is assembled, or a special bulletin in letter form if not.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around flying saucers, UFO sightings, extraterrestrial contact, and the broader spectrum of the supernatural and occult. There is a clear division between those who believe in the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs and those who offer more skeptical, scientific explanations. The magazine seems to cater to an audience interested in both the mysterious and the unexplained, as well as those seeking rational explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and reviews of related publications and books, while also acknowledging the possibility of significant news breaking in the field.