1961 12 31 - Saucerian Bulletin - Vol 6 No 1 - Whole No 24

Magazine Overview

This issue of THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN, Vol. 6, No. 1 (Issue No. 24), dated December 31, 1961, is published by Gray Barker from Clarksburg, West Virginia. The magazine addresses rumors of discontinuation, assuring readers that it is still publishing despite financial difficulties and delays. The editor expresses a commitment to unbiased reporting of UFO news with an open mind and good humor, contrasting this with a rival publisher's attempt to buy out the magazine. A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a "pancake from outer space" story involving Joe Simonton, investigated by County Judge Franklin Carter.

The Joe Simonton "Pancake" Incident

The cover story, "'Cakes' from Saucer Men," details an alleged encounter by Joe Simonton, a plumber from Eagle River, Wisconsin. On April 18, 1961, Simonton reported hearing a noise and seeing a shiny metal object land in his driveway. A small occupant emerged and signaled for water. Simonton provided water in a metallic tureen. He observed at least two other occupants inside the craft, one operating a control panel and another cooking. The occupants were described as small, swarthy, dressed in dark, one-piece tunics, and without beards. Simonton was given four food items that looked like pancakes, which he described as greasy and tasting like cardboard or corn. He noted the object was about 12 feet high, hovered a few inches off the ground, and departed at high speed, causing a "backwash" that bent a nearby pine tree without damaging it.

Judge Franklin Carter, a UFO investigator and leader of the local Space Age Group, interviewed Simonton. Carter noted Simonton's lack of redness or burns on his hand, which is often reported in contactee cases. He also observed that the "pancakes" were rubbery and had holes throughout. Simonton stated he had told others about the incident and sought out Judge Carter because of his known interest in UFOs.

Investigation and NICAP Controversy

Following the initial report, Simonton's story gained widespread media attention. Judge Carter sent a sample of the "pancake" to Major Keyhoe, director of NICAP (National Investigating Committee On Aerial Phenomena), for analysis. However, NICAP returned the sample without analysis, claiming it was sent without proper consultation. This refusal led to significant criticism, with publications like FLYING SAUCERS and SAUCER NEWS questioning NICAP's stance. Judge Carter expressed frustration, suggesting NICAP should be renamed the "National Suppression of Aerial Phenomena." He defended Simonton's credibility, noting that the story had cost Simonton time and money and that he had nothing to gain from fabricating it.

Further details emerged regarding the analysis attempts. NICAP sent the sample to Prof. C. A. Maney, a board member, but he was ill. The sample was then sent to Lex Mebane, an officer of the N.Y. Civilian Saucer Intelligence and a NICAP adviser. Mebane's preliminary tests indicated the substance was a type of hydrogenated-oil shortening that melted at body temperature. The delay and eventual lack of definitive analysis were attributed to financial crises at NICAP, the high cost of further tests ($100 for chromatographic, $180 for isotope analysis), and Mebane's busy schedule. NICAP stated they could not afford extensive analysis for fear of being inundated with similar requests.

APRO's Involvement and Other Accounts

The Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO), headed by Coral E. Lorenzen, took a different approach. APRO learned from member Alex Mebane that NICAP's 'pancake' sample could not be afforded for analysis by NICAP. Mr. Lorenzen offered to perform an analysis but could not guarantee immediate results. Simonton, by this time, was reportedly weary of the affair. He had originally possessed four samples, consuming one, giving one to NICAP, and keeping one, with the fourth given to J. Allen Hynek.

APRO's Director experimented with ingredients to duplicate the "pancake," finding that a mixture of corn meal, flour, sugar, and water, when cooked on a hot griddle with oil, yielded a similar-looking, leathery, perforated item. The article notes that the Simonton sighting was speculated to be a fabrication to boost tourism in Eagle River, but this was countered by the observation that Simonton would not have directly benefited.

Corroboration of a sort came from Savino Borgo, an insurance agent and scoutmaster, who claimed to have seen a "saucer" on Highway 70 around the same time and location as Simonton's experience. Borgo described the object as rising diagonally and flying west.

The article concludes by noting that the APRO obtained a tape of the account from Mrs. Hess, and Simonton sounded sincere, offering no explanation other than the possibility of extraterrestrial origin. APRO suggested further investigation, including hypno-analysis, was needed.

Publication Information and New Releases

The Saucerian Bulletin also includes a section on new publications available from Saucerian Headquarters. These include George Adamski's book "FLYING SAUCERS FAREWELL," Truman Bethurum's enlarged edition of "VOICE OF THE PLANET CLARION," and the "REINHOLD SCHMIDT STORY." The publication reiterates its need for clippings and news about saucers and encourages readers to order books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of THE SAUCERIAN BULLETIN is one of persistent reporting on UFO phenomena, even amidst financial difficulties and the cessation of other similar publications. The magazine champions an open-minded, unbiased approach, directly challenging perceived suppression by organizations like NICAP. The Simonton "pancake" case serves as a prime example of the magazine's commitment to investigating and disseminating controversial UFO accounts, highlighting the challenges of obtaining credible analysis and the potential for institutional resistance. The publication positions itself as a vital source for UFO news, relying on reader support and contributions.

Title: THE BULLETIN
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 1
Date: October 1961
Publisher: The Saucerian Bulletin
Content Focus: UFOs, flying saucers, paranormal phenomena, book reviews, and community news.

Editorial and Subscription Information

The editorial section begins by encouraging readers to support THE BULLETIN by renewing their subscriptions, emphasizing that renewals are crucial for the publication's survival. The subscription price is noted as $2.00 for 6 issues or $2.00 for 12 issues. The editorial also mentions that orders for books from the publication are helpful due to the small profit derived from them, which aids in keeping THE BULLETIN going.

Obituaries and Tributes

The issue reports with sadness the passing of several significant figures in the field of flying saucer literature and research:

• Harold T. Wilkins: Author of "FLYING SAUCERS ON THE ATTACK," "FLYING SAUCERS UNCENSORED," and "STRANGE MYSTERIES OF TIME AND SPACE." Despite a sometimes ponderous literary style, Wilkins was noted for injecting a magical sense of wonder into his work. His personal correspondence was filled with a wry sense of humor that could have enhanced his books.
• Edward J. Ruppelt: Author of the "REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS." He died of a fatal heart attack. The issue notes that a new edition of his book was published, containing additional chapters that seemed to controvert the earlier edition, and suggests remembering him for the first edition.
• H. Percy: Described as a famed authority on the moon, and sometimes confused with H. T. Wilkins. He had written books of interest to UFO enthusiasts.
• Arthur Constance: Known for his philosophical approach to universal mysteries, he also wrote about saucers.
• Meade Layne: Described as having a "supra-cosmopolitan air," Layne approached death as a change rather than an end. His work with the Borderland Sciences Research Associates (B.S.R.A.) gained respect for its fair, open-minded approach and new concepts. Layne theorized that saucers were materializing from co-existing realms of higher vibrational status. He was instrumental in publicizing the mediumship of Mark Probert and published two notable publications, "ROUND ROBIN" and "CLIPS, QUOTES & COMMENTS."

The editorial suggests that these departed individuals are likely continuing their quest for knowledge and evolution on "the Other Side."

Saucery Notes from Here and There

This section compiles various anecdotes and reports related to flying saucers:

• Phillip Wayne Sighting: A 13-year-old newsboy from Sacramento reported seeing two shiny aluminum objects, described as flying saucers, one larger than the other, hovering about 80-100 feet above the ground. The objects had corrugated pipes and seemed to be standing still. The newsboy claimed the paper was jerked from his hand, and he felt an upward suction. Air Force officials reportedly listened gravely and claimed to be investigating.
• George H. Williamson Report: A correspondent reported that UFO author George H. Williamson, originally from Prescott, Arizona, was not present when a scientist friend visited. The friend was told Williamson was a very old man, appearing to be 80-90 years old.
• George Hunt Williamson Clarification: A clipping from the Telegram Tribune of San Luis Obispo, California, detailed a wedding ceremony. Among the guests were Prince Michel d'Obrenovic-Obilic van Lazar, Duke of Sumadija, and his wife and son, Marc, of Paris. The prince is identified as an anthropologist with the pen name George Hunt Williamson, currently on a lecture tour of the United States.

Mystery Surrounds Major Wayne Aho

Major Wayne Aho, director of Washington Saucer Intelligence, was admitted to the mental ward of Bellevue Hospital in New York on March 29th and later transferred to Central Islip. He was released afterward. His detention followed a lecture he gave on March 25th. According to a Non-Scheduled Newsletter by James W. Moseley, Major Aho changed his lecture topic to a religious discussion, and it was suggested that the speaker appeared to be "controlled" or under hypnotic influence.

Commentary on "S.P.A.C.E."

Norbert Gariety, in his publication "S.P.A.C.E.," is quoted criticizing a research group for potentially softening American morality for Communists. Gariety praised Major Aho's attitude and suggested that a tactic used against opponents is to harass them into nervous breakdowns, have them examined psychiatrically, and then committed to mental hospitals.

Commercial Announcements and Book Sales

The Bulletin solicits commercial support to maintain its financial stability and publishing schedule. It informs readers about new publications in the UFO and allied fields:

• FATE Magazine: Back issues are available, including most from the complete 1951 file and early issues from Vol. 1, No. 1. Issues from Volumes 6-9 are 35¢ each.
• Ray Palmer's FLYING SAUCERS: Most issues are in stock at 50¢ each.
• Out-of-Print Saucer Books: A limited number of shelf-worn or used copies are available:
• "BEHIND THE FLYING SAUCERS" by Frank Scully ($3.95)
• "IS ANOTHER WORLD WATCHING?" by Gerald Heard ($3.95)
• "FLYING SAUCERS ON THE ATTACK" by Harold T. Wilkins ($3.50)
• Original unrevised edition of Ruppelt's "THE REPORT ON UNIDENTIFIED FLYING OBJECTS" ($3.50), with the new revised edition available for $3.95.
• "THE EXPANDING CASE FOR THE UFO" by M. K. Jessup ($3.95).
• Other Publications:
• "THE STORY OF THE MITCHELL SISTERS' contacts" booklet ($1.00).
• Howard Menger's "FROM OUTER SPACE TO YOU" ($4.50).
• Howard Menger's record, "MUSIC FROM ANOTHER PLANET" ($4.95).
• Edgar Leoni's "NOSTRADAMUS: LIFE AND LITERATURE" (823 pages, $12.50).
• "THE SKY PEOPLE" ($4.50).

The publication states that orders for these items will help them through difficult times.

How to Identify Flying Saucers

This section presents a guide, "somewhat with tongue in cheek, and strictly without the cooperation of Project Bluebook," to help identify Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The guide suggests that easier identification would simplify investigators' jobs.

• Obsolete Navy Pancake Style Aircraft: Described as traveling at around 25,000 miles per hour and performing impossible maneuvers, outdistancing jets.
• Mirage: Often explodes with terrific noise and breaks store windows.
• Hallucination: Characterized by rapid color changes from silver to bright red to dazzling blue, accompanied by an odd humming sound. The ground is reportedly scorched after it "takes off."
• The Planet Venus: Often misinterpreted as rocket ships or flying saucers. When chased by jet planes, the phenomenon ends. Readers are advised to avoid it for personal safety.
• Skyhook Balloon: Dimensions are about 300 to 500 ft. wide, travels at fantastic speeds, and may be seen in formation with other balloons, discharging smaller ones. Scientists reportedly deny their existence.
• Weather Inversion: Caused by cold and hot air, distinguished by its solidity when hit by an airplane. Plane occupants encountering them are usually disintegrated. Readers are advised to consult the Air Force or Donald Menzel's "FLYING SAUCERS."
• Detergent Bubble: Described as dropping strips of stuff like tin foil, paper, or ice, which disintegrates quickly. Human-like figures have reportedly been observed inside.
• Jet Airplane: Considered obvious and seldom mistaken for interplanetary craft. Jet airplanes can change shape, appear transparent, materialize, and dematerialize, ranging in size from two feet to that of ocean liners.
• Cobweb: Appears on radar as a rapidly-moving disk. It is described as a harmless annoyance to Air Force pilots, often taking a dive or changing course just before a collision.

Saucerian Roundup

This section provides a collection of recent news and reports:

• James Dalton Incident: Patrolman James Dalton was seriously burned on Legion Avenue when he picked up a mysterious substance from the street that flashed and sparked. Detectives were investigating, with the paper suggesting it might be a "mysterious object from another planet or the work of some sadistic Halloween prankster?" (Thanks to Bert Macauley).
• Otis T. Carr's Legal Issues: Otis T. Carr, known for his alleged free-energy flying saucer invention, was reported to be in jail in Oklahoma City, according to the London Daily Express. New York attorney-general Louis Lefkowitz warned investors about "Space Age con-men." Carr was reportedly imprisoned for selling unregistered stock. His failure to demonstrate his prototype saucer previously caused some believers to lose faith. The report questions whether Carr was a victim of unscrupulous men or if his invention was too advanced for the world to understand, possibly suppressed by a "Silence Group" fearing competition with commercial power interests.
• Usable Quote: Ruth Netherton is quoted stating, "The best bomb shelter a person can have is the one inside himself."
• Utah Sightings: According to clippings from the Salt Lake City Desert News and Telegram, AF officers suggested that a sighting by Waldo J. Harris in Sunset, Utah, was either the planet Venus or a research balloon. Harris disputed this, stating the object was saucer-shaped, grey, moved under intelligent control, and was much closer than Venus. He emphasized it was not a balloon, as it flew against the wind at high speed.
• Three Saucers Sighted: Renolds A. Miskin, head of a local research group in Sunset, Utah, reported seeing three saucers, his first such sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of THE BULLETIN revolve around the ongoing mystery of flying saucers, the personalities involved in their study and reporting, and the challenges faced by researchers and enthusiasts. There is a clear editorial stance of supporting the UFO community, evident in the call for subscriptions and the detailed reporting of various sightings and incidents. The publication also engages in a critical, yet often humorous, approach to identifying UFOs, suggesting mundane explanations while acknowledging the persistent public interest. The obituaries highlight the dedication of individuals who contributed to the field, underscoring the long history of UFO research. The inclusion of book sales and commercial announcements indicates a practical approach to funding the publication and disseminating related materials. The overall tone is one of earnest inquiry mixed with a touch of skepticism and a desire to inform and engage its readership.