Saucers, Space & Science - No 57

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 57, of "SAUCERS SPACE & SCIENCE" from 1969, is a quarterly publication focused on UFO phenomena and related mysteries. The cover features a striking illustration of two figures observing a hovering disc-shaped UFO. The magazine is edited and published by Gene Duplantier, with its editorial office located in Willowdale, Ontario, Canada. The price for a single copy is 60¢.

Personality Profile: Otto O. Binder

The issue features a profile of Otto O. Binder, a writer with a long career spanning science fiction, comic scripts (including Captain Marvel and Superman), and science articles. Binder initially wrote an article debunking flying saucers but later became a believer after receiving feedback. He edited SPACE WORLD magazine from 1960 to 1963 and has since written articles on UFOs for publications like SAGA and has authored books on flying saucers. He posits that science fiction today can become fact tomorrow, referencing his own past predictions.

UFO Detector Advertisement

A product called the "SENTRY" UFO detector is advertised, described as a breakthrough for UFO believers. Testimonials from Richard Dawson (actor) and Kurt Glemser (UFO writer) praise its effectiveness. The device is priced at $10.00 ppd and is offered by AERIAL RESEARCH SYSTEMS.

Editor's Notes

The editor, Gene Duplantier, shares snippets of correspondence. He mentions Carlos Allende admitting the "Allende Letters" were a hoax and references an article in THE APRO BULLETIN about Edgar Jarrold's "silencing." News is shared about John Keel issuing a new newsletter called ANOMALY. A rumor about Al Bender committing suicide is mentioned, with a promise of more details in the next issue. The editor also recounts hosting Dr. Miran Lindtner from Australia's Flying Saucer Review, who shared intriguing stories. Tragically, the notes conclude with the report of Dr. Lindtner's death in a train accident in Frankfurt, Germany, on August 29, 1969.

The cover illustration is credited to Hal Crawford, from the book "THE ALIENS" by Crawford, Kietha, and Hayden Hewes.

Canadian Reports

This section details numerous UFO sightings across Canada:

• Allanville, Saskatchewan (May 20, 1969): Mr. and Mrs. Ed Young reported seeing two large red globe-like objects. One moved south-east and disappeared, while the other moved south-west and then rose vertically into a cloud. A tremendous roar was heard later. Two packets of tinsel-like material and plastic containers were found nearby, with traces of the substance found in other locations.
• Bladworth, Saskatchewan (May 20, 1969): Billie Turanich, age 12, saw a "flying saucer" object that was glowing red, changed to silver, moved at high speed, and appeared to be revolving. It later reappeared as if landed.
• Porter Creek, Yukon (May 24, 1969): Residents observed an oblong, orange-glowing object with visible partitions and protrusions, descending into a valley.
• Meath Hill, Ontario (June 2, 1969): Mrs. John McLaren's children found a 30-foot ring on a slope, described as embossed into the ground, similar to other reported circles.
• St. Lawrence River, Quebec (June 5, 1969): Witnesses reported a shiny, round object falling into the river.
• Moncton, New Brunswick (June 11, 1969): Mr. Charles Morris saw a bright light that appeared to change size and lasted about 30 seconds.
• Hotchkiss, Alberta (early June 1969): Five men reported a brilliant object hovering in their fields at night, which caused their car lights to malfunction when facing it. This is noted as the third year such objects have haunted the area.
• Merritt, British Columbia (July 1969, 2nd week): Mrs. A. Patensude saw a bright colored object crossing the horizon swiftly, described as long and round with orange vapor-like fire and fins.
• Calgary, Alberta (July 10, 1969): Ten-year-old Tony Holmes saw a bright object overhead, round with wings and a glow, which disappeared and reappeared.
• Petawawa, Ontario (July 13, 1969): Mr. Edgar Paquette and a companion reported being chased by a light that followed their car. The UFO descended to within 60 feet of the ground, and after Paquette exited the car, it hovered above his house.
• Hines Creek, Alberta (August 1969, 8:40 p.m.): Mrs. Steve Tachit reported a large, white object moving slowly, described as brown with scallopy convolutions.
• La Sarre, Quebec (July 17, 1969): Mr. Emmanuel Duquette and others saw two objects on a rock that took off at high speed and returned.
• Galt, Ontario (August 5, 1969): Residents reported a bright ball of fire that exploded into beams.
• Gold River, British Columbia (November 13, 1968): Mrs. Carol Lutes reported her car and radio went out of control, and she perceived a blinding light, possibly due to contact with a landed UFO.
• Ridgetown, Ontario (July 30, 1969): John Papenborg and his family saw a bright object that hovered, appeared to flutter, and was golden with a black dome.
• Fairview, Alberta (August 15, 1969): Four local men photographed an oblong object that changed color several times.
• Whiteshell, Manitoba (August 15, 1969): Two anonymous men reported seeing a rectangular-shaped object that was bright and appeared large.
• Simcoe, Ontario (August 25, 1969): Three residents saw a brilliant oval-shaped light that moved swiftly and disappeared.
• Steinbach, Manitoba (September 5, 1969): Mrs. Ilo Edbom saw two bright lights, one with a revolving searchlight, that stayed for an hour before taking off.

Mail Box

This section contains letters from readers:

• Mrs. Sylvia Sutton (Moorabbin, Victoria, Australia): Reports strange occurrences at Bealiba, Victoria, including a "Bealiba Beast," a cigar-shaped object hovering, and eerie experiences related to a ploughed field.
• N. Weis (Kenmore, N.Y., USA): Describes multiple sightings in the Evangola State Park area on Lake Erie, including cigar-shaped ships parked motionless over the lake. Also mentions UFO activity near Lake Chautauqua.
• John A. Rimmer (Liverpool, England): Expresses enjoyment of SS&S and believes the UFO phenomenon is complex, with ufologists now realizing its intricacy.
• Geo. Strich (Bridgeport, Conn., USA): Appreciates SS&S for filling a need for UFO information.
• Paul Gregory (Clayton, England): Is re-investigating the Cynthia Appleton contact affair and asks for details on similar "Space Children" cases.
• Joseph M. Brill (Franklin Park, Ill., USA): Is collecting information on UFO sightings worldwide, noting the lack of interest from major wire services.

Would You Believe?

This article by Armand A. Laprade presents accounts that challenge conventional explanations:

• Houston, Texas (1963): Louis Johnson's car was reportedly lifted into the air, turned around, and placed back on the highway, all while he was driving. Meteorologists suggested a tornado, but the car was only partially turned, and nearby trees were undisturbed.
• Yorkshire, England (1963): Eileen Welch, age 16, was reportedly lifted high into the air from a school playground and then fell, sustaining severe injuries and later dying. Over 30 schoolmates witnessed the event, and meteorologists indicated that winds of at least 110 mph would be needed for such an occurrence, yet the morning was quiet.
• Quebec Poltergeist Case: The article references a report about priests claiming to witness a "Diabolical Phenomenon" in Quebec. It then details an incident involving Mr. William Meyer of Millville, Iowa, in 1959, where objects flew across the room, furniture toppled, and mud and eggs splattered. This occurred while Mr. Meyer was bedridden after breaking his hip at age 82. The incident is presented as potentially excluding theories involving children or spirits.
• Captain Livingston Incident: A curiosity seeker named Captain Livingston reportedly experienced being thrown from Mr. Meyer's bed by an unknown force, with the mattress landing on top of him.
• Oliver Larch Case: Mentioned as a case where someone was lifted into the night sky and never seen again.
• Warminster Mystery: Referenced in relation to poltergeist and UFO activity.

Strange Creature Found

Two boys in Grand'Mere, Quebec, found a strange aquatic creature. Biologists were unable to identify it definitively, with one suggesting it was a "skate" or "ray" from the sea. However, a rumor circulated that the creature was from a flying saucer that had previously been seen plunging into the Saint-Maurice River.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of numerous UFO sightings, particularly from Canada, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena beyond typical aerial objects, such as poltergeist activity and unusual creature discoveries. The magazine appears to maintain an open stance towards UFOs, with its editor actively collecting and publishing reader accounts and investigative efforts. The inclusion of a personality profile on Otto O. Binder, a writer who transitioned from skepticism to belief, suggests an editorial leaning towards accepting the reality of UFO phenomena. The "Mail Box" section highlights reader engagement and diverse perspectives on UFO investigation. The "Would You Believe?" section specifically focuses on accounts that challenge conventional explanations for strange events, often involving unexplained forces or phenomena.

This issue of SS&S (Saucers, Space & Science) from 1969, identified as No. 57, is a compilation of UFO reports, curious anecdotes, and related news. The cover prominently features the question, "Are UFOs spying on our nuclear projects?", indicating a central theme of the issue. The magazine covers a wide range of topics, from the humorous 'Apolloddities' related to the Apollo 11 mission to serious investigations of alleged UFO activity near sensitive government installations.

Apolloddities

The issue begins with a section titled 'Apolloddities,' which highlights unusual and entertaining events surrounding the Apollo 11 moon landing. These include unexplained noises heard from the spacecraft, described as resembling a fire engine, air siren, and even a giggle, which baffled Mission Control. Another anecdote mentions a dog named Babe giving birth to ten puppies named 'Apollo 11' while the astronauts were on the moon. Humorous incidents also include a realtor filing a deed for development in the Sea of Tranquility and a Toronto taxi company owner applying for a cab concession on the moon. The astronauts themselves are quoted in lighthearted exchanges with Mission Control regarding musical selections and unusual requests.

UFOs and Nuclear Projects

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reports of UFO sightings in proximity to nuclear facilities. The article "Are UFOs spying on our nuclear projects?" details numerous sightings in areas such as Deep River, Douglas Point, Chalk River, and Pinawa, Manitoba. These reports suggest a pattern of UFO activity around these sensitive locations, raising questions about surveillance. Specific incidents include sightings of bright lights, unusual objects, and phenomena observed by multiple witnesses, including law enforcement and military personnel.

Notable Sightings and Encounters

Beyond the nuclear-related reports, the magazine chronicles various other UFO sightings and encounters from different locations. These include:

• Petawawa, Ontario: Thirteen individuals, including police officers, reported seeing a bright light in the sky on July 13th. Another report details a UFO observed on July 2nd.
• Deep River and Chalk River, Ontario: Sightings were reported on February 7th and 8th, respectively.
• Chapeau, Quebec: A waitress and another witness reported a close-range sighting of a UFO on September 3rd, describing it as real and having red and white lights.
• Kinloss, Ontario: A farmer experienced unusual atmospheric conditions, including stillness and tractor malfunctions, on May 26th, coinciding with a UFO sighting.
• Kincardine Area, Ontario: Residents reported loud booms and a hovering light on June 10th.
• Tauranga, New Zealand: Reports of high-frequency short-wave radiation causing the death of manuka trees in a circular pattern, with imprints found on the ground, are detailed.
• Rice Lake, Ontario: A teacher reported seeing a UFO splash into the lake on September 12th.
• Van Horne, Iowa: A charred circle was found on a soybean field, with a UFO reportedly hovering above it shortly before.

UFOs and Dates

The issue explores the significance of certain dates in UFO history, particularly June 24th. It notes that Kenneth Arnold's seminal flying saucer sighting occurred on June 24, 1947. The article also points out a pattern of deaths among prominent ufologists that have occurred on or around June 24th, including Willy Ley, Frank Scully, Frank Edwards, Arthur Bryant, and Richard Church, raising speculative questions about a possible connection.

Canadian UFO Reports and Publications

The magazine highlights Canadian contributions to the UFO field. It mentions a suburban Longueuil, Quebec machine shop credited with producing landing legs for the lunar module. Furthermore, it introduces 'Canadian UFO Report,' a new bi-monthly magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena in Canada. Several other UFO-related publications and clubs are listed, including 'UFO Newsletter,' 'CAPER NEWS,' 'UFO PROBE,' 'SPACE NEWS,' 'FLYING SAUCER BULLETIN,' 'COSMOS,' 'COS-MOS,' 'COSMIC FRONTIERS,' 'KANSAS NEWSLETTER,' and 'MONTREAL UFO NEWSLETTER,' providing contact information for editors and subscription details.

Book Reviews and Features

'A Look at Books' reviews several recent publications on UFOs, such as "A UFO Manual for Investigators and Researchers," "UFOS AND RELATED SUBJECTS - AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY," "THE INTELLI GENT MAN'S GUIDE TO FLYING SAUCERS," and "WHY ARE THEY HERE?" The 'Eyewitness' section features reports from the Ohioan UFO Investigations Network, and 'Kansas Newsletter' provides midwest UFO reports. The issue also includes a brief mention of a Russian-made photo showing a 45-foot-wide caterpillar-like track on the ocean floor and displays related to Baghdad batteries and advanced computers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings, particularly in areas of potential strategic importance like nuclear facilities, and the exploration of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and anecdotes without necessarily endorsing them as definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine encourages reader participation by soliciting personal stories and reports. There is a clear interest in documenting and disseminating information about UFOs, UFOlogists, and related events, reflecting the growing public fascination with the topic in the late 1960s.