The Spaceviewer Vol 1 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: THE SPACE VIEWER
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 4
Date: November, 1958
Publisher: U.F.O. STUDY CLUB, Kansas City, MO.

This issue of THE SPACE VIEWER, published by the U.F.O. Study Club of Kansas City, MO., in November 1958, focuses on upcoming events, recent lectures, and UFO-related news and commentary.

Featured Speaker: George W. VanTassle

The club announces that George W. VanTassle, of Giant Rock, California, will be their open forum speaker on Thursday, November 13th, 1958, at 8:00 P.M. at Drexel Hall. VanTassle is described as the author of two books, "I Rode A Flying Saucer," and "Into This World and Out Again," and has spent ten years researching the "Saucer picture." He also publishes PROCEEDINGS, a monthly paper, and has sponsored the Giant Rock Space Convention. The club urges members to attend and bring friends, emphasizing the importance of this event.

Membership and Costs

An incidental note discusses membership rates, explaining that the club is nearing 600 names on its mailing list, which incurs costs. To help cover expenses for the library, paper, halls, speakers, and postage, the club encourages new memberships. The donation for the event is $1.00 for card-bearing members, $1.50 for others, and 50¢ for Juniors.

Lecture by Otis T. Carr

The issue reports on a lecture given by Otis T. Carr on Sunday, October 12, 1958. Mr. Carr presented a model of his "saucer," which he claims operates on "free energy." He stated his destination is the moon, with a flight planned for December 1959. Carr is currently busy with his project in Baltimore. He explained his craft's principles, focusing on a "wheel within the wheel" concept, which, when in direct ratio with Earth's rotation, supposedly makes the ship airborne by interacting with the Earth's magnetic field. Interestingly, Carr was not conscious of this principle being stated elsewhere until after he explained it.

An incidental note congratulates Major Wayne S. Aho on his marriage to Dorothy Shaeffer, humorously suggesting Mr. Carr might need to build a larger ship.

Sightings and Air Force Reports

The "SIGHTINGS" section highlights a case reported in Newsweek (October 20, 1958) concerning a denial by U.S. Air Force officials. The incident involved missilemen at a Nike station in Derwood who saw a light skittering over treetops that landed and cast a weird glow. A three-man team found nothing on the ground, concluding it was a falling star or meteorite, with a 200-watt bulb in a farmer's barnyard also suggested as a cause. The author expresses skepticism about the conclusion, questioning the observers' training and the explanation of the glow.

Front Page News and Air Force Policy

The "FRONT PAGE NEWS" section addresses the Air Force's claim that all but two percent of flying object reports have been explained. The publication states it does not intend to discredit the Air Force but questions their policy when it seems difficult to fathom. The editor shares a letter written to another paper's editor regarding this claim. The letter recounts the editor's experience as a prisoner of the Japanese on Wake Island during World War II, where he accessed Honolulu radio broadcasts that contradicted the official accounts of attacks on Wake Island.

Board Meeting Announcement

An announcement calls for all members of the U.F.O. Study Club to attend board meetings, held on the third Sunday of every month at the Kansas City Museum. The club is seeking help for open positions, including Treasurer and Program Chairman. Members are encouraged to call Mrs. Bennett (WA 1-8170) or Paul Wheeler (CL 2-3351) for meeting times and dates. The meetings are intended for closer interaction, presenting literature, books, and available tapes.

Member Resignation: Mrs. Francie Park

The Board regretfully accepted the resignation of Mrs. Francie Park from all club duties. Her reasons are described as worthy, and her help has been invaluable. Mrs. Park, the past Vice President and Program Chairman, expressed her appreciation for the fellowship in the UFO field and encouraged other members to take initiative. She stated that personal affairs now preclude her continuing in official roles but that she will retain her club membership and active interest.

Story of the Week

A brief anecdote, "STORY OF THE WEEK," tells of a person who, upon hearing that "saucers were flying," prepared to observe them by sleeping outdoors, only to fall asleep and miss the event. The story concludes with a reminder to "Keep awake!"

Original Poem: UFO'S

An original poem titled "UFO'S" by Mrs. Julia T. Brogan is included. The poem reflects on shining discs in the sky, questioning their origin, destiny, and purpose, and asking if they are guides to a deeper life or brothers who have trod the Earth.

Parting Thought

The issue concludes with a "PARTING THOUGHT" quoting John 3:30-31, emphasizing increase and decrease, and the heavenly origin of a speaker from above. It encourages readers to keep their thoughts and eyes in that direction. A teaser for December's "WHO'S WHO" is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, the nature of flying saucers, and the perceived lack of transparency or adequate explanation from official sources like the U.S. Air Force. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging members to question information and form their own judgments, while also promoting active participation and fellowship within the UFO Study Club. There's a strong emphasis on the importance of research, personal experience, and open discussion within the UFO community.