SPACE CRAFTER

Magazine Overview

Title: SPACE CRAFTER
Issue: VOL. IV, NO. 3
Date: MAY-JUNE-JULY, 1961
Publisher: Spacecraft Research Association
Location: Phoenix, Arizona, USA

This issue of The Spacecrafter, the publication of the Spacecraft Research Association (SRA), a non-profit organization dedicated to the investigation of spacecraft, extra-terrestrial phenomena, mysticism, and the occult, presents a variety of articles, reports, and announcements. The cover features a stylized drawing of a flying saucer, the Earth, a crescent moon, and stars, with the magazine's title prominently displayed.

Directory of Officers and Association Information

The issue lists the officers of the Spacecraft Research Association, including President Jack R. Myers, Vice President William Emery, Recording Secretary Bernice Garbett, Corresponding Secretary Gladys VanDerslice, Treasurer Esther Frank, and Trustees Gertrude Cummings and N. Horner Agnew. E. Victor Curtis serves as Editor, and Julia Peterson as Librarian. The association's purpose is detailed: to investigate UFOs and related subjects, disseminate information, present lecturers, and encourage public support for projects.

Notices are included for advertisement rates and membership applications. The SRA offers Forum and Associate Divisions for membership, with annual dues specified.

Announcements and Meetings

A regular monthly meeting was scheduled for July 21st at the home of Gladys VanDerslice, with a speaker announced and the promise of "all the watermelon you can eat." Another notice addresses overdue rental library books, urging members to return them promptly.

Articles and Features

Lectures and Speakers

The SRA hosted several speakers in April. Dr. Frank Stranges, an ordained minister, presented information from an Air Force source indicating 700 UFO sightings per week and questioned the public's readiness for such information. Robert Short, an archeologist, gave lectures on "Prophecies and Revelations" and "The Planet Preparers," suggesting that "Space People" are educating humanity.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

"STRANGE VISITORS": This section recounts a story from Edward L. Jackson, manager of "The Mystery Spot," about three visitors on September 14, 1954. They claimed their purpose was "To change the temple guard" and demonstrated levitation. Jackson also noted instances of nylon stockings changing color after contact with these visitors.

"LATEST UFO SIGHTINGS REVEALED": This article, continued from a previous issue, details the "Red Bluff" sighting of August 16, 1960, where a glowing UFO was observed by residents and police officers, described as oval-shaped and emitting a red glow. The object was chased by a patrol car but outdistanced it. The article also highlights a prior, even more astounding sighting on July 17, 1960, in Chico, California, where Tom Malmquist observed three circular spaceships, 125-150 feet in diameter, inspecting the ground before flying off at high speed. The author, Michael X, plans to investigate this sighting further.

"MASSACHUSETTS SIGHTING": A student, Dennis Kloepfer, reports seeing a large, circular, steady white light moving rapidly without sound on a clear evening.

"AND FROM 'DOWN UNDER'": Reports from Australia mention scientists at the Woomera rocket range photographing an object circling the Earth, similar in size to a satellite, its origin unknown.

"SAUCER NEWS OF BRAZIL": An excerpt describes sightings of two saucers, one white and one reddish, over Ubatuba, Sao Paulo, which caused a delay in a local movie showing.

"Our Girl Friday Learns About Vibrations From Space People": A report by "Zip Dobyns" from the Oregon Journal details a Universariun Space Light Convention in Portland. Speakers discussed topics like "Unidentified Flying Objects Relative to Scripture" and the idea of humans becoming "sun and fire people." One speaker, Miss Hope Troxell, mentioned "contactees" being "sucked up" by large spaceships.

"SIGHTING BY A SKEPTIC": Lynn Mitchell recounts an experience from October 1954 where she and her husband saw a large metallic object, shaped like two inverted saucers, hover over their car before speeding away. She notes the lack of fear experienced and a sense of respect.

"LOCAL SIGHTINGS": Gertrude Cummings of Glendale reports two sightings: one on a Wednesday night in April in downtown Phoenix, involving a large light with smaller balls of light emanating from it, and another in early June, where a peculiar object stopped, weaved, and shot ahead.

"YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!": Vic Curtis shares a story from Dragoon, Arizona, about a "hand" with letters emanating from its fingers that communicated a partial message before disappearing.

Scientific and Philosophical Discussions

"Scientist Doubts Spacemen Will Find Life On Planets": By Joseph L. Myler, this article features Dr. Philip H. Abelson, director of the Carnegie Institution's geophysical laboratory. Abelson expresses caution about the search for extraterrestrial life, fearing contamination of other planets by Earth organisms and vice versa. While he believes life might exist on Mars, he finds the evidence unconvincing and emphasizes the need for thorough investigation before costly space ventures.

"The Editors Talkin'": E. Victor Curtis discusses the power of human thought and the "infinite energy" accessible through the mind. He encourages readers to explore their intellectual faculties and psychic talents.

"Nothing To Granie!": This section by Bernice Garbett explores books on hypnosis and past-life regression, referencing "The Three Lives of Naomi Henry" and "Man's Unknown Journey." It discusses hypnotic subjects describing the "next" or astral plane and the concept of mental contact.

Other Content

"BOOKS AVAILABLE FROM OUR LIBRARY": A comprehensive list of books related to space, UFOs, spirituality, and mysticism is provided, with prices for each. Titles include works by Buck Nelson, T. Lobsang Rampa, George Van Tassel, and Donald Keyhoe.

"PUBLISHING NEWS": A new book by Michael X, titled "The Seven Golden Prophecies," is announced, offering insights into the "New Age."

Convention Schedules: Announcements are made for the Fourth Annual Space Craft Convention in Mountain View, Missouri (June 24-26, 1961) and the annual conference of The Borderland Sciences Research Association in Harmony Grove, California (July 1-4, 1961).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFOs and related phenomena, encouraging open-mindedness and the sharing of information. There is a strong undercurrent of interest in mysticism, spiritualism, and the potential for advanced civilizations or beings influencing human development. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity, exploration, and a belief in the significance of these subjects, while also acknowledging scientific perspectives and the need for careful research. The publication serves as a platform for members to share experiences, research, and opinions within this specialized community.