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The Ufologer - 1957 10 - October - Vol 1 No 5
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Title: The UFOLOGER Issue Date: October 1957 Type: Monthly Saucer Publication
Magazine Overview
Title: The UFOLOGER
Issue Date: October 1957
Type: Monthly Saucer Publication
This issue of The UFOLOGER, Vol. 1, No. 5, is a Halloween-themed publication dedicated to exploring the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related subjects. The magazine features a hand-drawn cover depicting flying saucers and a banner proclaiming 'HALLOWE'EN ISSUE'. The editors, Jim Villard and Dan Washburn, aim to cover the latest news in the 'Saucer world', including conventions and sightings, and also delve into the occult and new age sciences, believing these subjects are interconnected.
Introduction by Robert K. Krandall
Robert K. Krandall's introduction welcomes readers to the fifth issue and introduces the editors, Jim Villard (focusing on Flying Saucers/UFOs) and Dan Washburn (focusing on the Occult and New Age Sciences). He encourages readers to send in letters of criticism, praise, and questions. Subscription rates are mentioned: $2.00 for 6 issues, with single issues costing 35¢. The publication comes out monthly. The editors' addresses are provided: Jim Villard at 3312 R Street, N.W., Washington 7, D.C., and Dan Washburn at 4301 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington 16, D.C.
The Scope of Ufology by M. K. Jessup
M. K. Jessup discusses Ufology as an emerging science, noting its origins in the study of UFOs. He argues that a comprehensive study of flying saucers requires understanding underlying scientific and cosmic knowledge. Jessup cautions against attributing divinity to UFOs or their occupants, suggesting they likely possess comparable intellectual development to humans. He emphasizes the need for broad investigation, including physics, astronomy, earth sciences, archaeology, anthropology, and psychic phenomena, while urging caution against gullibility and the repetition of unsubstantiated claims, particularly in occult and metaphysical fields. Jessup advises readers to 'Watch---wait---be careful---but watch.' The UFOLOGER editors comment that Jessup's article seems to criticize magazines like their own, questioning why an author would denounce the publication he is writing for.
The Editorials
The editorial section provides updates and news from the editors' perspective. They note a current lull in major saucer news but mention potential visits to Washington D.C. by George Adamski and George Hunt Williamson. There's a humorous mention of confusion regarding the origin of the 'International Bankers' concept, with conflicting sources attributing it to Gray Barker or George Hunt Williamson. A letter from Howard Neuberger indicates hoax letters are circulating. Buck Nelson is mentioned as growing his hair like Venusians to aid thought transference. Trance medium Enett Bradey is expected in Washington. Helen and Bryant Reeve, authors for Ray Palmer's 'Flying Saucers' magazine, are also in Washington. Neva Dell Hunter, another trance medium, visited D.C. Major Wayne Aho's lectures are ongoing. The editors encourage readers to participate in a 'sticker barrage' by placing saucer stickers on their mail and offer these stickers for sale. They also highlight an article in 'FATE' magazine about energy from cones and pyramids, with an editor reporting a positive experiment involving a metal cone and a radio.
The Crossing of a Frontier by Arnold Kruckman
Arnold Kruckman, Director of The Junior Skywatch of the Americas, reflects on historical pioneering in aeronautics, mentioning free-flying balloons, dirigibles, the Wright Brothers, Glen Curtis, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell, Marconi, and Lee Deforest. He shares his personal experience of living through these technological advancements and knowing many prominent figures, including several U.S. Presidents. Kruckman contrasts past frontiers with the current frontier of space exploration and quotes four lines from 'The Kasidah' by Sir Richard Burton on self-reliance and self-made laws.
Saucer Sightings
This section details several reported UFO sightings:
- Denver, Oct. 10: A large fireball, described as house-sized, narrowly missed a Navy transport plane. The CAA identified it as a meteor, while Dr. La Paz suggested it was a stray fireball from the Giacobinid Comet.
- Pennsylvania: The CAA and US Public Health Service are investigating mysterious chunks of ice, weighing 20 to 100 pounds, that reportedly fell from the sky.
- Washington D.C. area, Oct. 7: Ken and Patsy Barrett reported seeing a white light moving erratically, which then sank below the trees. Later, four bright lights were observed NNW of Falls Church, moving with speed bursts and in circles.
- Washington D.C., Oct. 11: A large white fireball was sighted by a telephone switchboard operator.
- Australia: Several sightings have been reported.
Venusian Messages
Bob Ewing, associated with Enett Brady, claims to have tape recordings of conversations with Venusians. These messages suggest that Venusians are observing Earth in scout ships and mother ships, hovering at 15 miles altitude. They are described as highly developed beings with a lifespan of 400-500 years, whose purpose is to prevent space pollution from atomic and hydrogen bombs and to prevent atomic war, though they do not take sides. They can transfer thought at a rate of 50,000 words per minute. These messages reportedly come from Hamamatra and Cymatrali on Venus. Enett Brady is said to have predicted a satellite's orbital deviation, which later occurred.
Satellite Reverberations by Major Wayne S. Aho
Major Wayne S. Aho discusses the impact of the Soviet satellite launch, noting public reactions and demands for space control. He asserts that UFO researchers are not worried, viewing saucers as friendly observers. Aho believes that those who accept the reality of interplanetary visitation are more stable than others in the face of new concepts like the satellite, calling saucer believers 'realists'. He suggests that with increased understanding, humanity will eventually accept the reality of space craft.
The National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena
This section announces the formation of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) in Washington D.C., directed by Major Donald E. Keyhoe. NICAP has thousands of members worldwide and publishes 'The UFO Investigator'. Copies of its publication can be obtained for $1.00.
Sympathetic Vibrations by Dan Washburn
Dan Washburn explores the concept of sympathetic vibration, linking it to both occult science and modern science. He explains that everything exists in a state of vibration, with mental and emotional states having unique rates. Induction is presented as the principle of sympathetic vibration, where energy can reproduce itself in a second object without direct contact. Washburn quotes a writer who describes how waves of feeling, political enthusiasm, or religious fervor can sweep over communities, influencing behavior.
Other Items
- Air Force Unidentified Flying Objects Program: Information is provided about the Air Force's program established in 1947 to identify and analyze aerial phenomena. Reports peaked in 1952 with 1,700 sightings and dropped to 429 in 1953. It's determined that over 60% of sightings are explainable as known objects. A document released by the Department of Defense is mentioned, and copies are available for 25¢.
- Edward J. Ruppelt's Report: Copies of 'Report on Unidentified Flying Objects' by Edward J. Ruppelt are available for $2.25.
- Walt Disney Film: Walt Disney has filmed a movie on space ships, satellites, and flying saucers, scheduled for release on Disneyland on December 7, 1957.
- Letters to the Editor:
- Henry Serrano inquires if radio telescopes could be used for communicating with visitors from outer space. The editors respond that they are unaware of such reports for saucers but mention radar observations and that radio telescopes are typically receivers, not transmitters.
- Bruce McGregor questions if the Soviet satellite launch implies they may have previously sent unofficial spacecraft, and if other countries, including the U.S., could have done the same. The editors agree this is possible.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue of The UFOLOGER include UFO sightings, the scientific and metaphysical study of Ufology, extraterrestrial communication, and the broader implications of space exploration and potential alien contact. The magazine adopts an open-minded yet cautious editorial stance, presenting various theories and reports from contributors while encouraging critical thinking and investigation, as exemplified by M.K. Jessup's advice to 'watch and be careful.' The editors explicitly state they do not necessarily endorse all published views, aiming to provide a platform for diverse opinions within the UFO community.
This document is identified as 'THE UFOLOGER Supplement No. 2' and is titled 'SAUCER SIGHTING REPORT SHEET'. It is a form intended for individuals to report their observations of unidentified flying objects.
Content and Features
The report sheet is structured to gather comprehensive data about a sighting. It begins by requesting basic personal information from the witness, including:
- Name
- Address
- Age and present occupation
Following the personal details, the form prompts for specific characteristics and circumstances of the sighting:
- Date and time of sighting
- Size
- Shape
- Speed
- Altitude
- Direction of movement
- Color
- Sound
- Length of Time observed
- Sky Conditions
- Visibility
- Direction of wind (if any)
A final open-ended question, 'Anything else you can tell us about the object(s):', allows for supplementary details.
The concluding section of the form provides instructions and assurances to the reporter. It states: 'Please fill this form out and send it right away to The UFOloger. We will acknowledge all sightings. Your report will go through intense study by a highly trained staff. Your co-operation will be greatly appreciated.' This indicates that 'The UFOloger' is an organization or publication that collects and analyzes UFO reports.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The primary theme is the systematic collection of data related to UFO sightings for the purpose of study and analysis. The editorial stance, as conveyed by the form's design and accompanying text, is one of serious inquiry and a commitment to investigating reported phenomena through a dedicated, trained staff. The emphasis is on encouraging public participation and cooperation in gathering information on this subject.