Space Review - Volume 2 number 1 - 1953 01

Magazine Overview

Title: Space Review
Issue: Vol. II, No. 1
Date: January, 1953
Publisher: Albert K. Bender
Location: Bridgeport, Conn., U.S.A.

This issue of "Space Review" is the first of Volume II and is dedicated to reporting on the activities of the International Flying Saucer Bureau (IFSB) and documenting flying saucer sightings from around the world. The magazine features news of IFSB's expansion, international representation, and member theories, alongside a collection of recent UFO reports.

IFSB of Britain Organizes

The issue highlights the formal organization of the IFSB in Great Britain, with retired Captain E. L. Plunkett of the 8th Army appointed as the British Representative. Mr. Plunkett resides in Horfield, Bristol, England, and is assisted by his son, Denis Plunkett, who is currently serving in the Royal Air Force. Captain Plunkett has shown significant interest and initiative in forming the IFSB in the British Isles, with articles appearing in local newspapers. He plans to organize local lectures and film showings using an edipiascope, and also intends to speak at the local Toc-H club, a society for semi-war veterans. Many learned individuals, including members of the Armed Forces, the British Inter-Planetary Society, Aero-Dynamists, and newspaper reporters, have contacted Mr. Plunkett, showing great interest. Weekly meetings are held at his home to discuss IFSB and flying saucers. Further information about the British Representative can be found on page twelve.

Luis Luhring Named Puerto Rican Representative

Mr. Luis Luhring of Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico, has accepted the position of Representative for Puerto Rico. He will manage all IFSB business on the island and can be contacted via Box 23, Punta Santiago. Mr. Luhring is described as a capable man who will greatly aid the IFSB.

Franklin, Indiana Joins IFSB En Masse

The city of Franklin, Indiana, has become the only city in the world with the most IFSB members. This significant accomplishment is attributed to the efforts of Mr. Louis Frahm (businessman), Mr. Jack W. Moore (policeman), Mr. Robert Wolf (civilian defense director), and Mr. Dick Campbell (IFSB Representative for Indiana). At the time of publication, Franklin has 20 members, with ten from nearby towns, totaling 30. Mr. Frahm plans to form a city group with its own chairman, secretary, and treasurer. The group intends to purchase a telescope and a Graflex camera for their activities. They also plan to build a radar set if finances permit. Franklin and its surrounding towns have reported at least four sightings in the past summer, two of which were witnessed by Mr. Frahm and Mr. Moore, and are reviewed in this issue.

Our President Hears from Prof. Einstein

Mr. Albert K. Bender, President of IFSB, received a letter from Professor Einstein. In his reply, Professor Einstein stated, "Having no experience and only superficial knowledge in the field -I regret not to be able to comply with your requests." Mr. Bender had sought his opinion on flying saucers.

Saucers in the News

This section provides a compilation of recent flying saucer sightings from various locations:

• Mayaguez, Puerto Rico (October 3, 1952): Two individuals sighted red objects cruising East around 10:30 p.m.
• Norway and Sweden (October 13, 1952): The Norwegian Government reported a strange object resembling a saucer landing on Norwegian soil. German experts suggest it is of Russian origin, matching descriptions from Stockholm, Sweden, which also reported sightings.
• Melbourne, Australia (September 13, 1952): A young woman reported a noiseless green ball flying too fast to be a plane or meteor, with a smell like a rotten egg.
• Stuttgart, Germany (November 1, 1952): At the third International Astronautical Congress, 200 scientists from 12 countries stated that saucers are not from Mars or other planets but are optical and atmospheric illusions.
• Long Island, New York (October 1952): A powerful air explosion occurred over a small area, breaking windows and cracking sidewalks, with no planes scheduled at the time.
• International Airport, New York (October 16, 1952): A blue flame, described as a fiery ball-like object, flashed over the airport at 7:33 p.m. A Hayden Planetarium official suggested it might be the trail of a meteor.
• Topcliffe, York, England (September 20, 1952): During "Mainbrace" exercise, RAF pilots sighted a silver, circular object at 15,000 feet. It moved slowly, descended, swung like a pendulum, followed aircraft, and revolved on its axis before taking off.
• Washington, D.C. (October 16, 1952): The Navy announced launching rockets from giant balloons to altitudes of about 40 miles.
• Paris, France (October 7, 1952): Two Air France pilots sighted a flying saucer over Southern France.
• Western Korea Front (October 29, 1952): U.S. troops reported seeing half-dozen mysterious spark-throwing "cartwheels," about 18 inches in diameter, moving in a 15-foot circle.
• Gaillac, South of France (October 29, 1952): Twenty townspeople observed white circular objects in formation, grouped around a "giant flying cigar." The objects dropped white threads that melted like ice upon touch. A police officer described the thread as looking like glass wool.
• Oloron, France (October 17, 1952): About a dozen people, including a schoolmaster, saw flying saucers surrounding a cigar-like object flying at about 6,000 feet.
• New Zealand: The office is receiving numerous clippings and stories from New Zealand, necessitating a dedicated page in the April issue.

Readers are encouraged to write to IFSB for more detailed information and to date their clippings, noting the source.

Sutton, West Virginia Monster May Be "Collier's" Rocket!

Rev. S. L. Daw, IFSB Representative from Washington, D.C., shares his personal experiences and research into a reported "monster" sighting in Sutton, West Virginia. He claims to have photographed flying saucers six times and personally photographed the landing site of one in Charleston, West Virginia. He also spoke with two eyewitnesses and a police officer in Wheeling, West Virginia, who was burned by a saucer. His cousin treated the officer. Rev. Daw attempted to photograph an object over Melessa Pass, West Virginia, but the picture was unclear due to mist. He describes an object that landed in Charleston as a large metal ball that emitted a white light. Two small men in red emerged, looked around, and then departed. He suggests this phenomenon might be related to rocket experiments, referencing a description in Collier's magazine (October 11, 1952) of a device used in attempts to shoot rockets to the moon. This device, described as a jet-propelled apparatus with motors on the wings, throws off a large metal disc that emits red color, potentially resembling a small person. The "monster" seen in Sutton, West Virginia, is also compared to a description from the Washington Daily News, which mentioned an object estimated at 10 feet tall, four feet wide at the bottom, shaped like a man, with flashing lights and a noise like escaping gas. Rev. Daw concludes that the United States may be experimenting with secret technology and that rocket ships are imminent.

Civilian Saucer Investigation of New Zealand Contacts IFSB

The Civilian Saucer Investigation (CSI) of New Zealand was established on October 13, 1952, with the goal of proving or disproving the existence of saucers. CSI is independent of any government or armed forces. Its members have studied flying saucer reports for at least five years and represent diverse professions including astronomers, scientists, aviators, and laymen. The committee includes Mr. H. H. Fulton (President, R.N.Z.A.F. Sergeant), Mr. R. J. Lavaris (Secretary, Territorial Air Force), Mr. G. H. Gilmore (aviation engineering inspector), D. Lavaris (student), and E. J. Greager (astronomer and engineer). CSI aims to correspond with similar organizations globally to determine the origin of flying saucers. Mr. Fulton and Mr. Lavaris have been appointed to the International Council of IFSB. CSI has provided IFSB with a detailed map of New Zealand showing saucer sighting locations and their histories, with a full report to be published in the next issue. IFSB hopes to establish a representative in New Zealand.

Editorial

The editorial draws a parallel between Christopher Columbus's discovery of the New World in 1492 and the potential future exploration of space. Columbus faced ridicule and disbelief for his endeavor, yet he proved his critics wrong. The editorial posits that a similar great adventure awaits humanity in the form of rocket ships that will explore space, discover new worlds, and encounter new peoples. It acknowledges that this endeavor will likely be met with laughter and ridicule, but asserts that "impossibilities become realities," citing the automobile, airplane, radio, telephone, telegraph, television, and the atom bomb as proof. The author expresses a strong belief in the possibility of space exploration for those who believe.

From the Associate Editor's Desk

Max Krengel, Associate Editor, discusses the enduring fascination with space. He notes that the vastness of space is difficult to comprehend, even for astronomers, who use terms like "light years" to describe distances. The number of celestial bodies is unknown, with estimates ranging into the millions. Krengel argues that given the vastness of space, it is unlikely that intelligent life exists only on Earth. He believes that these numerous celestial bodies must serve a purpose beyond mere twinkling. The IFSB is published quarterly by Albert K. Bender (Editor) and Max Krengel (Associate Editor), printed by Reliable Press in Bridgeport, Conn. The subscription price is $1.00 for four issues for members and $1.40 per year for non-members. Individual copies cost $0.35. It is the exclusive publication of the IFSB, with correspondence directed to P.O. Box 241, Bridgeport 2, Conn., U.S.A.

Science Fiction News

This section, written by Alan C. Rievman, covers various science fiction-related items:

• Victor Root (Illinois Rep. of IFSB): Offers Science-Fiction magazines for sale or exchange.
• FATE Magazine (December 1952): Recommended for IFSB members, featuring an article by Curtis Fuller titled "Let's Get Straight About the Saucers," which discusses the scoutmaster incident from the January issue.
• New Pocket Books: Mentions Dell No. 627, "When Worlds Collide" by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer, and Pocket Book No. 908, "New Tales of Space and Time," edited by Raymond J. Healy.
• Ray Palmer: Thanked for a letter in the December issue of "Other Worlds."
• Viking Press Book: "Across the Space Frontier," edited by Cornelius Ryan, priced at $3.95.
• Random House Book: "By Space Ship to the Moon," by Jack Coggins and Fletcher Pratt, with a foreword by Willy Ley, priced at $1.
• Science Fiction News-Letter: From "Bob" Tucker, P.O. Box 702, Bloomington, Illinois.
• The United States Rocket Society: Box 29, Glen Ellyn, Illinois.
• Hollywood Movies: "War of the Worlds" and "The Conquest of Space" are noted as upcoming films.
• Saucer Review: By Elliott Rockmore, P.O. Box 148, Wall St. Station, New York 5, N.Y.
• Tape-respondence International (T.R.I.): Encourages owners of tape recorders to join for correspondence via voice recordings.
• Borderland Sciences Research Associates: Located at 3524 Adams Ave., San Diego 16, California, inviting IFSB members to join.
• New Science Fiction Magazines: Mentions Tops in SF, Science Fiction Quarterly, and Fantastic as notable publications.
• S-F Books: Recommends "Robots Have No Tails" by Lewis Padgett and "Player Piano" by Kurt Vonnegut.
• IFSB Booklet: The IFSB officers are planning a 12-page booklet titled "IFSB Reports on the Saucers," to be issued next year, containing a complete record of collected saucer reports. It will cost 50c.
• Member Photos: Members are asked to send in snapshots for potential publication.
• Future Page Elimination: The "Science Fiction News" page will be eliminated in future issues and replaced with articles on "saucers."

"My Theory"

This section presents various theories from IFSB members regarding the origin and nature of flying saucers:

• Theory No. 6 (Barbara Knorr, Connecticut): Believes intelligent life exists only on Earth, but other planets in other Solar Systems could support it. She does not believe these beings wish to destroy humanity and suggests that what we see might be beings themselves.
• Theory No. 7 (Louie Masonick Jr., Minnesota): Thinks saucers are from other planets, possibly within our Solar System. He believes they are not a menace and are merely observing us, suggesting IFSB can help reveal their nature.
• Theory No. 8 (Alan Rievman, Connecticut): Believes flying saucers are real and from our Solar System. He thinks they are not from Earth because their presence would be difficult to keep secret, and not from foreign governments due to the risk of being shot down.
• Theory No. 9 (Victor Root, Illinois): Proposes that "flying saucers" are manned ships operated by intelligent creatures scouting Earth. They avoid contact due to human warlike nature and diseases. He anticipates future contact as humanity explores space.
• Theory No. 10 (Alan Stazer, California): Suggests "flying saucers" originate from the solar system of Alpha or Proxima Centauri, likely from the third or fourth planet, estimated to be about 4000 miles in diameter. He notes that Centauri is too distant for observation of such a small planet, but its star is similar to our Sun.

All theories become the property of IFSB and cannot be returned.

Highlights About Representatives

This section provides updates on the activities of various IFSB representatives:

• Dick Campbell (Indiana): Instrumental in making Franklin, Indiana, the city with the most IFSB members (over twenty), assisted by Louis Frahm and Jack Moore.
• J. Ronald Albert (Ontario, Canada): Will be appointed Representative of Canada at Large. Praised for his work.
• Victor Root (Illinois): Created a map of the United States showing saucer sighting locations and is a poet. He presented the IFSB with the map. He may move to California.
• Earl D. Broaddus (Kentucky): Obtained two new members, one of whom, Mrs. Glenn C. Fuller, saw a flying saucer. Her report will appear in the next issue.
• Diane Buchanan (Iowa): Obtained a new member and has clippings to send to IFSB.
• Gail Sprague (Wisconsin): A cartoonist who sent in a humorous cartoon. She also obtained a new member.
• Allan Levinsky (Maine): Reports few saucer sightings in Maine but is working to generate interest.
• Robert R. Ritter (Tennessee): Gained another member for IFSB.
• Luis Luhring (Puerto Rico): Sent numerous clippings from Puerto Rico and plans to increase membership.
• S. L. Daw (Washington, D.C.): The first clergy member to represent IFSB, Reverend Daw is doing great work and his photos of saucers are eagerly awaited.
• Ronald Kinnear (New York): Advertised IFSB in his state and had 50 postcards printed.

The representatives are urged to submit monthly reports.

Directory of Representatives

This section lists additional representatives appointed since the last publication:

• British Representative: Edgar L. Plunkett (Horfield, Bristol 7, England); Assistant: Denis Plunkett.
• Puerto Rican Representative: Luis Luhring (Punta Santiago).
• Colorado: Verna M. Hampton (Denver).
• Maine: Allan Levinsky (Portland).
• Missouri: Ralph Hetzel (St. Louis 17).
• New Jersey: August C. Roberts (Jersey City).
• North Carolina: David T. Benton (Greenville).
• Ohio: Robert C. Schnelle, Sr. (Cincinnati).
• Oregon: G. L. McColly (Silverton).
• District of Columbia: Rev. S. L. Daw (Washington).
• West Virginia: Gray Barker (Clarksburg).

These names will not be published again. Anyone wishing to correspond with other members should send permission to print their name and address.

Let's Look at the Magazines

This section reviews articles about flying saucers and space travel in various magazines:

• Readers Digest (July 1952): "Have We Visitors from Space," and "Flying Saucers-New in Name Only."
• True Magazine (September, October, December 1952): Articles include "The Flying Saucers and the Mysterious Little Men," "We Flew Above Flying Saucers," and "What Radar Tells About Flying Saucers."
• Quick Magazine (October 20, 1952): "Moonbound," Page 18.
• Collier's (October 18, 25, 1952): "Man on the Moon" and "More About Man on the Moon."
• Pic Magazine (November 1952): "How Do Saucers Fly?"
• Sir Magazine (December 1952): "Flying Saucers and the Air Around Us."
• Mr. Magazine (January 1953): "Is Washington Afraid of Flying Saucers?"
• Man to Man Magazine (January 1953): "Flying Saucers Are Not New."
• The Mystery of Other Worlds Revealed (Fawcett Book No. 166): Highly recommended, excellent pulp with news of Space Travel, Flying Saucers, and Rocket Development.

These magazines are part of the IFSB Library. Written information can be provided upon request.

Coming in April "Space Review": "Sauceritis" by John Armitage of England.

A complete listing of all IFSB officers and council members will also be published.

Greetings from England

Captain Edgar L. Plunkett, British Representative, sends greetings from England. He expresses belief that humanity is on the verge of a significant discovery and quotes Captain Eddie Rickenbacker on the number of people who have seen flying saucers. Plunkett discusses the nature of energy and its connection to orbital structures, suggesting that the riddle of this energy might have been solved, leading to the possibility of "Flying Saucers." He theorizes that these craft could control magnetic lines of force between celestial bodies, enabling travel at the speed of light and facilitating sharp turns. He believes flying saucers exist and that coming years will vindicate pioneers in this field. He encourages IFSB members to "carry on the good work" and not be discouraged by skepticism.

Poems

• "Mysterious Craft" by Gail Sprague: A poem describing strange craft descending from space, their mission, and their decision not to land again on Earth due to its "Wars, corruption, prejudice and greed."
• "Out There" by Victor Root: A poem expressing a longing for space, beyond the clouds and where "man has not yet gone," describing a desire for a "silver ship" to travel among the stars.

Saucer Sightings by IFSB Members

This section details specific sightings reported by IFSB members:

• Sighting No. 4 (Franklin, Indiana, July 28, 1952): Three strange objects appeared in the sky, one larger and brighter than the other two. The larger object emitted a white light, while the smaller ones had orange and reddish lights and engaged in maneuvers described as a "dog fight," including barrel rolls, loops, spins, and 90/45 degree turns. Their speed was estimated between 1500 and 10,000 mph, and their altitude around 15,000 feet. They appeared round and flat like saucers and were observed for four hours and fifteen minutes. The sighting was verified by multiple police departments and military personnel. Mr. Moore and Mr. Rund are IFSB members.
• Sighting No. 5 (Long Prairie, Minnesota, April 20, 1952): Louie Masonick Jr. sighted a dull gray, round object traveling Northeast at about 250 MPH. A low hum was heard as it ascended. It was at an altitude of about 5,000 feet and visible for about 45 seconds, traveling East to West.
• Sighting No. 6 (East Los Angeles, September 22, 1952): Alan K. Stazer sighted a disc-shaped object, yellowish-white in color, stationary for about 4 seconds, about 12 degrees above the horizon. It was approximately 50 feet in diameter and traveling due north.

Members are reminded to include the date of their sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of "Space Review" are the expansion and organization of the IFSB globally, the reporting of numerous flying saucer sightings from diverse geographical locations, and the exploration of various theories regarding the origin and nature of these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and belief in the reality of flying saucers, encouraging members to continue their research and not be deterred by skepticism. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific and investigative aspects of UFO study, with a clear interest in potential extraterrestrial or advanced technological origins. The magazine also highlights the intersection of UFO phenomena with science fiction and future space exploration.

Title: SPACE REVIEW
Issue: 11
Date: Not specified, but the "Next Issue" date is April 1, 1953, suggesting this issue is from late 1952 or early 1953.
Publisher: Not specified.
Country: U.S.A.
Language: English

Article: Excerpts from a Summary of a Five-Year Flying Saucer Investigation

This article, authored by George D. Fawcett of the International Council, IFSB, details the author's extensive five-year investigation into the phenomenon of "flying saucers." Fawcett began his investigation in the summer of 1947, coinciding with the initial "saucer scare" in the United States. His work involved interviewing astronomers, scientists, pilots, guided missile experts, and eyewitnesses across the U.S., as well as mailing out questionnaires. He also compiled bulletins and scrapbooks, and even wrote a six-page pamphlet titled "The Flying Saucer Phenomena" while attending college. Fawcett has lectured on the topic to several groups in Lynchburg.

A significant personal experience for Fawcett was his sighting of an "orange disk-like globe" that hovered for four minutes over the Lynchburg College administration building in Lynchburg, Virginia, on July 6, 1951. This event intensified his interest but also led him to conclude that the investigation is "too big a job for one person to handle," emphasizing the fantastic and fascinating nature of the phenomena.

Fawcett speculates that "landings" of flying saucers might occur soon, noting that they are being seen more frequently, in groups, and for longer durations. He also observes that these craft seem to come and go at will, suggesting they might be stationed as satellites. He expresses a strong belief that the U.S. government is aware of these phenomena, possibly conducting an "educational program regarding interplanetary travel." He posits that "space ships from other planets are already here!" Fawcett criticizes the government for "releasing, denying, suppressing and even plating reports," suggesting motives such as preventing controversy or panic, or other undisclosed reasons.

He concludes by quoting Lynchburg College student Charlie Lineberry, who said, "things are really looking up." Fawcett adds a personal reflection, wondering if "some things aren't looking DOWN, too," and expresses a desire to "find out" sooner rather than later.

An "EDITOR'S NOTE" indicates that Mr. Fawcett's discussions and opinions will be featured in future issues of Space Review.

Attention Members and Officers

This section is a call for interest in purchasing an emblem for IFSB members. The emblem would feature the club letters "IFSB" engraved on a saucer background. The club needs to gauge interest to place an order, and the price is approximately $1.00 each. Members are asked to respond as soon as possible.

We Want You to Meet: Edgar L. Plunkett, British Representative

This section introduces Edgar L. Plunkett, the British Representative for the IFSB. Born in Bristol, England, on December 26, 1903, Plunkett has a diverse background. He worked as a radio operator at sea from 1922 to 1936, traveling extensively in the U.S.A. and other parts of the world, and has memories of the prohibition era, gangster activities, and notable figures like Jack Dempsey, Babe Ruth, and Lou Gehrig. He has been involved in promoting Anglo-American friendship for many years.

Plunkett served in the military, being called to service in 1939. He was rescued from Dunkirk Beaches on June 1, 1940, served in three Western Desert Campaigns with the British 8th Army in the Middle East starting in 1941, and was commissioned in Palestine after the fall of Tunis. He was then posted in Egypt and returned to England after four and a half years of overseas service as a Captain. He is currently employed by his original firm as a clerk.

He is married with three children: Denis (21, with the RAF), Diana (18), and Michael (14). His hobbies include writing, reading, poetry, and a desire to travel. He has also become a qualified instructor for Civil Defense and lectures weekly to industrial personnel.

The article concludes by stating that Mr. Plunkett has shown "great interest in IFSB activities" and is expected to be a "most valuable foreign representative."

Back Cover Information

The back cover contains the "POST OFFICE BOX 241, BRIDGEPORT 2, CONN., U.S.A." address, with "Return Postage Guaranteed." It also notes "(Next Issue—April 1, 1953)" and has a "To:" field, suggesting it might be a mailing label or part of a subscription form.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on the topic of flying saucers and UFO phenomena, as indicated by its title, cover headline, and the content of the featured articles. The editorial stance, as suggested by the inclusion of Fawcett's detailed investigation and Plunkett's role as a foreign representative, is one of serious inquiry and international scope within the UFO community. The publication seems to encourage discussion, personal accounts, and the sharing of information among its readership, as evidenced by the call for emblem interest and the note about future contributions from Fawcett.