Magazine Summary

THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN

Magazine Issue Saucerian Publications 1950s

Ever wanted to host your own late-night paranormal radio show?

Across the Airwaves · Narrative Sim · Windows · $2.95

You’re on the air. Callers bring Mothman, Fresno Nightcrawlers, UFO sightings, reptilian autopsies, and whispers about AATIP and Project Blue Book. Every reply shapes how the night goes.

UFO & UAP Cryptids Paranormal Government Secrets Classified Files High Strangeness Strange Creatures
The night is long. The lines are open →

Summary

Overview

This issue of The Saucerian Bulletin reports on a UFO sighting by teenagers in Greencastle, Indiana, where they described a kidney-shaped object that discharged an explosive object. It also details Buck Nelson's claim that his old-age pension was revoked due to his publicizing alleged visits by space people. The publication also covers a radio interview involving George Van Tassell and Daniel Fry, discussing their contactee claims and a physical artifact presented.

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. 2, No. 3
Date: For Release August 15, 1957
Publisher: Saucerian Publications

This issue of The Saucerian Bulletin, combined with "Cosmic News," presents a collection of articles and reports related to flying saucers and alleged encounters with extraterrestrial phenomena. The publication focuses on eyewitness accounts, investigations, and the broader implications of UFO sightings.

Exclusive: Teenagers "Buzzed by Saucer"

The lead story details an incident near Greencastle, Indiana, where four teenagers—Jack Glover (18), George Bennett (17), Jerry Brattain, and Bob Coleman (18)—reported a large, red light in the sky that descended to about 200 feet above their car. They described the object as kidney-shaped, approximately 50 by 100 feet, with large white lights on each side and other colored lights. As they flashed their car spotlight, the object descended rapidly and discharged an object that entered the car, exploded against Glover's cheek after bouncing from the floor, and then the saucer shot upward at great speed, moving north like a "bolt of lightening." The story notes that The Indianapolis News reported the incident, which originated from a correspondent for The Putnam County Graphic.

Kenneth Bennett, father of witness George Bennett and owner of The Putnam County Graphic, confirmed the story and expressed his conviction that his son was telling the truth, citing his 17 years of knowing him. He also described the boys' extreme excitement after the incident. The discharged object exploded with a "loud handclap" but left no burns. Yellow, purple, and blue fragments were found on the car floor, which did not resemble firecracker remnants. These fragments were given to a local chemist. The incident was not accompanied by an odor, but Bennett described an odd, soft noise, "more like a 'hur'" than a plane's noise. No Air Force investigation had occurred at the time, though the State Police had been notified, and the Putnam County Sheriff advised against visiting the scene due to other reports of similar sightings in the area.

Buck Nelson's Pension Troubles

An exclusive report details Buck Nelson's claim that his permanent, total disability pension has been revoked because of his publicizing alleged visits by space people. Nelson recounts a harsh encounter with his case worker, Edna Haggard, who allegedly called him "CRAZY," threatened him with an examination for sanity, and suggested he could be put in an insane asylum and starved into silence. Nelson's pension was $55.00 per month, which he considered barely enough to live on. He also mentions a possible call from Senator Capehart regarding hearings on "CONTACTEES" and a tape recording of his. Nelson asserts he is not against war or bomb tests and does not want to be considered a Communist.

Dana Howard's New Book

Dana Howard, author of "DIANE--SHE CAME FROM VENUS" and "HY TRIP TO VENUS," has published a new book titled "OVER THE THRESHOLD." Described as a "startling adventure in New Age realities," the book uses a "beautiful out-of-space messenger, Diane," to provide a method for achieving "tomorrow's greatness today." Howard explains that Diane's messages teach the "molding power of thought" for achieving health, wealth, and happiness, citing her own experience with a health condition that yielded "almost magical results." She believes it is the "biggest thing to come out of saucerdom."

George Van Tassell and Daniel Fry Interview

The issue covers an interview on the Long John (WOR, NYC) radio show featuring George Van Tassell and Daniel Fry, both known for their claims of contact with space people. Lex Mebane, Ted Bloecher, and Jules St. Germain from Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI) questioned their claims. During the show, Fry presented a "genuine extra-terrestrial artifact"—a brown, perforated disk about two inches in diameter and half an inch thick. Mebane attempted to take the object, leading to a scuffle during which the disk fell to the floor and was recovered by Fry. CSI also questioned Van Tassell's alleged "rejuvenation machine" and his financial dealings with the College of Universal Wisdom, from which he reportedly received $29,000 in six months. They also inquired about a "Con-o-Scope" device Van Tassell was having built, which he claimed was similar to one used by Nostradamus.

Buck Nelson's Free Power Project

Another report details Buck Nelson's ongoing work on a "free power" project. He held a convention at his home where about 50 people attended. Nelson stated he had succeeded in obtaining enough power to burn out light bulbs but had not yet controlled the spurts of energy. On July 4th, three men allegedly visited Nelson, demanded his blueprints and equipment, and threatened him with a "bad accident" if he did not comply. They reportedly took gasoline, coal oil, and electrical equipment, warning him to stop working on the project. Nelson believes they were interested in his "FREE POWER" invention.

Other News and Publications

  • Norbert F. Gariety is publishing a bulletin titled S.P.A.C.E.
  • George Adamski presented a color movie of flying saucers at a Michigan Flying Saucer Federation convention.
  • Ray Palmer's magazine, "FLYING SAUCERS FROM OTHER WORLDS," is noted.
  • NICAP's publication, "THE UFO INVESTIGATOR," edited by Maj. Donald E. Keyhoe, is mentioned.
  • A report on the potential impact of a full-scale H-bomb attack on the U.S. is included, citing Charles K. Shafer.
  • The issue lists numerous books available for purchase from Saucerian Headquarters, including works by George Adamski, H. T. Wilkins, E. J. Ruppelt, M. K. Jessup, DeWitt Miller, Dan Fry, Frank Edwards, Jimmy Guieu, Charles Fort, Aime Michel, Gavin Gibbons, Carl Anderson, Montague Summers, Geo. H. Williamson, Phylos, Israel Norkin, Dana Howard, and Orfeo Angelucci.

Dr. Charles Laughead and the Order of the Seven Rays

A letter from Glenn H. Lubeck, M.D., Director of Professional Services, addresses inquiries about Dr. Charles Laughead. Lubeck states that Dr. Laughead is in Peru, engaged in a religious retreat for the Order of the Seven Rays, which is interested in extra-sensory perception and predicting future events. Laughead is described as an ethical and conscientious physician.

New Publications and Theories

  • "THE UFOLOGER" is a new saucer publication by James Villard and Dan Washburn.
  • The October issue of "AMAZING STORIES" will feature articles on saucers, including one titled "The Aliens Are Among Us" by G.B., and the return of Richard S. Shaver.
  • FANTASTIC UNIVERSE SCIENCE FICTION includes a theory from CSI suggesting saucers might be "space or upper-atmosphere animals" whose mating season is from September to November.

Airliner Incident

A TWA airliner was forced to dip suddenly on July 22 to avoid an unidentified flying object, injuring a passenger and a hostess. The pilot was flying at 18,000 feet when he sighted the object on a collision course. The Bulletin suspects such incidents are more common than reported, suggesting that public knowledge could deter air travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings, the claims of individuals who believe they have had contact with extraterrestrials (contactees), and the potential for new energy sources or technologies derived from such encounters. There is a strong emphasis on investigating these phenomena, often through personal accounts and reports from various organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting information from multiple sources, including alleged hoaxes and genuine experiences, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further investigation. The publication actively promotes books and other publications related to the saucer phenomenon, positioning itself as a central hub for enthusiasts. There's also a recurring concern about potential government suppression or lack of official investigation into these matters.

I was receiving what is called a permanent, total disability pension. I understand the state pays half and the county half, though the check is made out by the State of Missouri.

— Buck Nelson

Key Incidents

  1. Greencastle, Indiana

    Four teenagers reported a flying saucer hovering over their car, which then descended and discharged an object that exploded near one of them before the saucer departed at high speed.

  2. July 22

    A TWA airliner was forced to dip suddenly to avoid an unidentified flying object, injuring a passenger and a hostess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Buck Nelson's pension?

Buck Nelson claims his permanent, total disability pension was taken away because he publicized alleged visits by space people, with his case worker allegedly threatening to have him committed to an insane asylum.

What was the nature of the UFO sighting in Greencastle?

Teenagers reported a large, kidney-shaped object with red and colored lights that descended, discharged an explosive object, and then departed at high speed.

What was discussed in the Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI) interview?

CSI members questioned George Van Tassell and Daniel Fry about their contactee claims and presented a metallic disk artifact, which was later recovered by Daniel Fry after a scuffle.

What is the latest on Dr. Charles Laughead?

Dr. Charles Laughead has abandoned his Priory in Peru and is reportedly engaged in a religious retreat with the Order of the Seven Rays, focusing on extra-sensory perception.

In This Issue

People Mentioned

  • Jack Gloverwitness
  • George Bennettwitness
  • Rosie Brattainnot a witness
  • Jerry Brattainwitness
  • Bob Colemanwitness
  • Kenneth Bennettfather of witness, owner of The Putnam County Graphic
  • Dana Howardauthoress
  • Buck Nelsonpublicizing alleged visits by space people
  • Edna Haggardcase worker
  • Senator Capehartpolitician
  • Mr. Barkereditor
  • Norbert F. GarietyFlorida saucerenthusiast
  • +8 more

Organisations

  • THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN
  • Cosmic News
  • Arketax Ceramic Corp.
  • The Indianapolis News
  • The Putnam County Graphic
  • WCHS
  • Civilian Saucer Intelligence (CSI)
  • Interplanetary Foundation
  • NICAP
  • MICHIGAN FLYING SAUCER FEDERATION
  • The Order of the Seven Rays
  • TWA

Locations

  • Greencastle, USA
  • Russelville, USA
  • Houston, USA
  • Florida, USA
  • Coral Gables, USA
  • New York City, USA
  • Manhattan, USA
  • Detroit, USA
  • Franklin, USA
  • Giant Rock Airport, USA
  • Gettysburg, USA
  • Chicago, USA
  • Tuscon, USA
  • Peru, Peru
  • +6 more

Topics & Themes

UFO SightingContacteeFree EnergyGovernment Secrecyflying saucerUFOteenagersGreencastleexplosive objectred lightkidney shapedBuck NelsonDana HowardGeorge Van TassellDaniel FryCSILong John Nebelfree powerspace people