Spacecrafter - 1959 04 - April

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SPACECRAFTER
Issue: Vol. II, No. 1
Date: April, 1959
Publisher: Spacecraft Research Association
Location: Phoenix, Arizona

This issue of The Spacecrafter, the monthly publication of the Spacecraft Research Association, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and related speculative topics. It features a directory of officers, a table of contents, and several articles covering events, research, and commentary on flying saucers.

Key Articles and Features

Panel Discussion at April Meeting

The April meeting of the Forum Division of S.R.A. was scheduled for April 17, 1959, at the home of Mrs. Julia Peterson. The agenda included planning for study groups focused on spacecraft and metaphysics, followed by a panel discussion. Members were requested to bring extra chairs.

Williamson Gives UFO World Report

Dr. George H. Williamson delivered a lecture on March 25th at the Odd Fellows Hall, discussing the global situation regarding UFOs. He noted that many foreign governments are more open with information than the United States. Dr. Williamson presented research from Brazil, showing slides of terrain carved in patterns visible from the air, and shared experiences from Italy related to UFO investigations. He also mentioned developments concerning a letter from the 'Lady of Fatima.'

International Flying Saucer Contact Weekend

Reprinted from 'Flying Saucer Review,' this section announces the FIRST INTERNATIONAL FLYING SAUCER CONTACT WEEKEND, scheduled for Whitsun week-end, May 16-18, 1959. The initiative aimed to move beyond passive observation to actively establish contact with space ships and their occupants. Participants were encouraged to use methods such as radio waves, light waves, or telepathy. Amateur radio operators ('hams') were invited to join, with a specific mention of the Interplanetary Space Patrol network in Abilene, Texas. The article suggests sending friendly thoughts and making a direct request for contact, positing that 'space people' do not choose individuals but are chosen. It also advises dividing into small groups and seeking out-of-the-way spots for potential landings.

Giant Rock Convention May 23 and 24

The 6th Annual Interplanetary Spacecraft Convention was to be held at Giant Rock Airport on May 23 and 24, 1959. The event promised new contact stories, pictures, a demonstration of an 'out of space' principle, and stunts by Hollywood stunt men. Speakers included individuals new to the convention. Campers were advised to bring supplies, and motel reservations were recommended to be made early.

South African Group Making World UFO Survey

The Interplanetary Craft Research Society of Southern Africa was compiling an international survey of UFO sightings from the past ten years and requested cooperation from UFO groups and researchers worldwide. Findings were to be published upon completion.

Did Jonathan Swift Know About "Saucers"?

Authored by Jerrold E. Baker, this article draws parallels between descriptions in Jonathan Swift's "Gulliver's Travels" (1726) and modern UFO accounts. The 'Flying Island' described in the Voyage to Laputa is analyzed for its characteristics: a vast opaque body, circular shape (7837 yards diameter), a flat bottom, and the ability to move through the air, inhabited by people. The article notes that Swift's description of the island's movement and its inhabitants' control over it is remarkably detailed. It also touches upon Swift's description of the island's construction and its astronomical instruments, including telescopes that magnify far beyond contemporary capabilities. The author speculates on the source of Swift's information, noting that the physical discovery of Mars's satellites by Asaph Hall occurred 175 years after Swift's writing. The article concludes by calling the subject 'vast and mysterious,' referencing Frank Scully.

OTC-X1 Unveiling Postponed

The demonstration of Otis T. Carr's OTC-X1 electro-gravitational spacecraft, initially planned for April 5, 1959, at Space Frontiers, Oklahoma, was postponed to April 19, 1959. The demonstration was to feature a 6-foot model and a 45-foot prototype, with the craft propelled by electricity generated by a 'utron electrical accumulator.' The larger prototype was structurally identical to the craft Carr intended to pilot to the moon on December 7, 1959. Interested individuals were directed to write Horizons Unlimited for housing information.

News From Here and There

• This section compiles various news items:
• UFO Journal (Saginaw, Michigan): Reports that Russians are conducting scientific experiments in the Himalayas to prepare for a man on Mars, with conditions replicated to simulate the Martian environment. Dr. Lloyd Motz of Columbia University is cited as stating that Russian experiments suggest animals can live on Mars.
• Fact Sheet (Department of Defense): This monthly report is alleged to be for discrediting UFO sightings by defining them as conventional phenomena. Air Force Regulation 200-2 is mentioned, stating that only conventional explanations are released publicly. UFO reports are categorized as balloons, aircraft, astronomical, satellite, reflections, searchlights, birds, kites, blimps, sun-dogs, etc. JANAP 146 imposes severe penalties for revealing classified UFO reports made through the armed forces emergency communication system.
• US Air Force Spending: The U.S. Air Force has spent two million dollars investigating flying saucers, a fact highlighted as ironic given the government's classification of such phenomena.
• Saucers, Space & Science (Toronto, Ontario):
• A Reuters report from London (Jan. 26, 1959) states that radioactive fallout is blamed for raising zebra stripes on cows in Wales, with a farmer planning legal action.
• A Russian spacecraft, capable of carrying a man, was launched and recovered during the weekend of February 1st, 1959, after circling the Earth three times.
• The AVRO Saucer is reported to be ready for flight tests by May 1959. The Canadian government has spent $396,740, the U.S. government $5,000,000, and Avro $3,000,000 on its development. Two saucers have been built, with specifications for supersonic speeds and vertical take-off/landing, powered by jet engines. Larger versions could cross the Atlantic in 2.5 hours. Production is estimated to be two years away, requiring an Ottawa subsidy of $5-10 million.

A Message From Etheria

This section presents a message purportedly from 'Etheria' to 'Earthians,' emphasizing universal Love and Brotherhood. It urges readers to open their hearts and minds to realities beyond physical senses and to recognize the inner self. The message speaks of witnessing Earth's struggles and offering aid to overcome emptiness. It stresses the interconnectedness of all life, encouraging love for brothers, lesser brothers (animals), plants, and the Creator. It advocates for a chain reaction of love to transform Earth into a paradise, contrasting this with the current state of fear, distrust, greed, avarice, and war fueled by negative influences. The message concludes by stating that fear can escalate into hatred, leading to more wars and division.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, the possibility of contact with non-human intelligences, and the dissemination of information within the UFO community. The Spacecraft Research Association positions itself as a non-profit organization dedicated to these pursuits. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, critical of government secrecy and attempts to dismiss sightings, and hopeful about the potential for communication and understanding with extraterrestrial visitors. There is also an undercurrent of spiritual or metaphysical exploration, as seen in the 'Message From Etheria' and the mention of metaphysics in study group plans. The magazine actively promotes events and research within the UFO field.

This issue of THE SPACECRAFTER, dated April 1959, presents a diverse collection of articles and communications, primarily focusing on UFO sightings, government responses, and broader societal and political concerns. The magazine also includes a notice for an upcoming convention.

Nature's Rebellion and Inner Search

The issue opens with a reflection on negativity and its impact on Planet Earth, suggesting that natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, and volcanic eruptions are signs of nature rebelling. It urges readers to search their own hearts for seeds of love or discord, to act with the desire to share, and to consciously radiate love and kindness. The text emphasizes that unkind thoughts, words, or actions create 'ugly weeds' in the 'Garden of Love.' It states that 'Etherian Brothers' are patiently watching those who make a sincere effort to live and love as their Creator intended, and will lend help when needed, but only if the recipients are worthy and ask in the name of Love.

This section concludes with a telepathic communication received by Franky G. Miller, signed by 'Your Etherian Brothers,' wishing readers peace.

Buck Nelson Convention Announcement

A notice announces the Second Annual Spacecraft Convention at Buck's Mountain View Ranch in Mountain View, Missouri, scheduled for June 27-28, 1959. The event is open to the public, with a free will offering, numerous speakers, and a horse show. Attendees are requested to bring their own camping equipment, water, food, chairs, and sleeping bags.

MYSTERY DISCS TRAIL PLANE HERE

This article, reprinted from The Detroit Times and written by Al Leaderman, details a sighting on February 25, 1959. Thirty-five passengers and crew aboard an American Airlines DC-6 flying from Newark to Detroit witnessed three illuminated 'flying saucers' escorting their plane for 45 minutes. Captain Peter Killian, with 15 years of flying experience, described the objects as yellowish lights in a single horizontal line that moved in formation, sometimes appearing to 'dance.' He contacted two other American Airlines planes, whose captains confirmed seeing the objects. The objects were described as round-like, with varying intensity of lights, and one witness thought he saw a 'tail' like an exhaust. Dr. Orren C. Mohler from the McMath-Hulbert Observatory stated there was no astronomical explanation for the reported sightings.

UFO Investigator and Government Silence

A contributed section discusses the publication 'The U.F.O. Investigator' and the Air Force's response to the sighting. The Air Force was silent for three days before issuing a statement attributing the sightings to the Belt of Orion or suggesting witnesses were deluded or lying. The article criticizes the Air Force's approach, questioning the secrecy if the objects were mere mirages and why the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) tracked them by radar. The pilots felt insulted by the explanations.

London and US Government UFO Reports

Two days after the American Airlines sighting, British Air Ministry officials admitted a glowing disk was seen over London Airport. Initially described as a bright yellow light that moved rapidly upward, it was later identified as the nose cone of a civilian plane, the planet Venus, or an aircraft navigation light combined with Venus. NICAP also reports that the Independent newspaper in St. Petersburg, Florida, was ordered by government authorities to cease publishing details of a UFO sighting from December 13, 1958, marking the first instance of a US government official flatly ordering a paper to stop commenting on a UFO sighting.

THEY CAN READ YOUR THOUGHTS

This section recounts an event in Catania, Sicily, on August 26, 1958. Signor Franco Brancatelli and Signor Guiseppe Bocchetti were discussing UFOs when Signor Bocchetti recalled seeing a large UFO with a sudden right-angled turn and rapid decrease in diameter. They then witnessed a brilliant green object with a reddish tail travel noiselessly across the sky. After its light went off, it continued to move in the dark, observable due to the moonlight. Signor Bocchetti concluded this proved that 'space people' can read thoughts, as they had been discussing them just prior to the sighting.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This section features a letter from Martha Jane Wood, O.D., responding to a Mr. Seeley. Wood discusses Communism, stating that its aim is world domination through infiltration and subversion, not military force. She argues that propaganda creates a receptive condition for Communism and that many people unknowingly further its cause. She reiterates that it is everyone's duty to understand how subversion works. A postscript mentions an Associated Press release about a House Committee of un-American Activities investigation, noting that Communists are now presenting themselves as loyal to the US and working with various groups for the nation's good, with a focus on direct action to infiltrate community affairs.

SECRECY OVER FLYING SAUCERS ANGERS PILOTS

This article, reprinted from 'Flying Saucer Review,' reports that commercial aviation pilots are incensed by the US Air Force's secrecy regarding flying saucers. A group of 50 pilots who fly into Newark reported seeing UFOs but were told they had seen a mirage and were warned of up to ten years in prison for revealing military secrets. The pilots question the secrecy if the objects are mirages and why the CAA tracks them by radar, finding the situation insulting.

STUDENT SEES MANY UFO'S OVER HAWAII

Barry Bowman from Kamuela, Hawaii, shares his experiences seeing UFOs. He believes some are friendly and some unfriendly, and that they are human. He has seen them multiple times at high altitudes, appearing as dots to button shapes, and coming down to cloud level in formations, camouflaging themselves by turning water into steam. He also recalls seeing a cigar-shaped craft stationary over the Arizona desert for 5.5 hours.

A CLASSROOM SOMEWHERE OUT IN SPACE

This is a humorous, fictional dialogue between a teacher and students at 'Intercosmic College.' The students discuss planets, their vast distances, and the possibility of hearing voices from them. The dialogue culminates in a concealed loud speaker announcing, 'MAN HAS CONQUERED THE WORLD - ITS LANDS AND SEAS, AND ITS SKIES. HE WILL SOON CONQUER THE STARS.' A student identifies the planet as Earth, implying humanity's self-importance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of The Spacecrafter include the prevalence and mystery of UFO sightings, the perceived secrecy and dismissive attitude of government and military bodies (particularly the Air Force) towards these phenomena, and the potential for extraterrestrial or advanced beings to communicate or interact with humanity, as suggested by the 'Etherian Brothers' and the 'space people' in the Sicilian sighting. There is a strong undercurrent of distrust towards official explanations and a call for open investigation. The magazine also engages with contemporary political anxieties, specifically concerning Communism and its methods of subversion, framing it as a significant threat to freedom and national security. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official narratives, openness to unconventional explanations for observed phenomena, and a concern for individual liberty and awareness in the face of both external threats (Communism) and unexplained aerial objects.