UFO Informations - No 35 - Special vague - 1er trim 1982

Magazine Overview

This issue of U.F.O-INFORMATIONS, identified as number 35 and published in the first quarter of 1982, is dedicated to a special investigation by Jean Sider titled "SPECIAL VAGUE DE 1897 AUX U.S.A." (Special Wave of 1897 in the USA). The magazine is published by the Association des Amis de Marc Thirouin, with the Commission d'Enquête sur les O.V.N.I. Drôme Ardèche also mentioned. The cover features a prominent circular graphic with the letters 'AAMA' and the magazine's title.

The 1897 UFO Wave in the USA

Jean Sider's extensive article delves into a wave of UFO sightings that occurred in the United States in 1897. He argues that the "myth" of UFOs is not a modern phenomenon, as some researchers like Carl Jung have suggested. Sider aims to demonstrate this by presenting historical testimonies and analyzing them in parallel with contemporary UFO phenomena. He critiques the "new wave" of ufologists for often ignoring historical precedents and for developing hypotheses that are "fumeux" (fume-like), lacking in rigor, and selectively using evidence.

• Sider points out several weaknesses in the hypotheses of some contemporary researchers, including:
• An absence of references to established schemas of the phenomenon.
• An ostensible ignorance of strong "cases" that would invalidate their hypotheses.
• Limitations in the spatial and temporal scope of the cases they cite.
• A tendency to rely on secondary sources, especially foreign ones, which may suffer from translation issues.

He specifically criticizes researchers who focus primarily on events post-1947, neglecting earlier cases. He mentions Michel Monnerie for "forgetting" 1897 in his first book and Bertrand Meheust for potentially writing "Science-Fiction et Soucoupes Volantes" without fully investigating the 1897 events.

Sider also dismisses the arguments of Pierre Berthaud (alias Vieroudy) and Jean Giraud (alias Jean d'Aigre), the latter accused of altering history to fit his theory, particularly concerning the 1897 wave.

The study is based on a rigorous selection of 770 cases out of an initial 1200, with an additional 500 cases awaiting translation and 50 more recently updated by his US correspondent. The article focuses on providing a parallel between the present and the past, nearly a century apart, by examining "schemas" developed by the "airships" of the late 19th century.

Sider contends that modern socio-psychological, collective unconscious, or psycho-physical explanations for UFOs are insufficient because they often ignore the bulk of established facts and historical patterns. He suggests these theories are more "intellectual" or "folklore" than scientific.

UFOs in 1897: Descriptions and Characteristics

Sider details numerous sightings from the 1897 wave, categorizing them by various characteristics:

"Conditions Météo" (Weather Conditions):
Many sightings occurred under overcast skies, with rain, making confusion with stars or celestial bodies unlikely. Reports often mentioned the airship being associated with Venus or other celestial bodies, which was used to dismiss the phenomenon.

"Forme Géométrique" (Geometric Shape):
The most common description was "cigar-shaped." However, other shapes were reported, including conical, flat, like a wagon, like a "flying whale," and a "red disc." Sider notes that none of these descriptions matched Jules Verne's "Robur-le-Conquérant."

"Fenêtres" (Windows):
Witnesses frequently described "windows" on the airships. Sider questions whether these were actual windows, suggesting they might be something else, as advanced technology might not require them for occupants to see.

"Lumières" (Lights):
Numerous reports detailed lights of various colors (red, blue, green, yellow, white) that changed hue, flickered, or pulsed. Some lights were described as extremely bright, brighter than stars, and some objects emitted a significant light source, sometimes described as a projector.

"Projecteur" (Projector):
About a hundred cases involved descriptions of projectors. Objects were reported to emit flashes of light, disappear and reappear as if a steerable projector was being directed at the ground or into the sky.

Sider concludes that these phenomena, whether in the form of lights, shapes, or projectors, are not unique to our era and have appeared episodically throughout history, not just in "waves."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance, as articulated by Jean Sider, is that UFO phenomena have a long historical precedent and that modern research often fails to adequately account for this history. The editorial emphasizes the importance of rigorous, evidence-based investigation and criticizes speculative theories that ignore established facts or historical data. The issue champions the idea that understanding UFOs requires looking beyond recent events and considering a broader historical context, challenging purely socio-psychological or myth-based explanations. The recurring theme is the continuity of the UFO phenomenon across different time periods, with 1897 serving as a key historical anchor.

This document, likely an issue of 'Flying Saucer Review' or a similar publication, focuses on a compilation of historical sightings of unidentified aerial phenomena, specifically referred to as 'airships,' from 1897. The content is presented as a collection of dated reports from various newspapers across the United States, detailing observations of these objects.

Detailed Report Analysis

The document meticulously lists numerous sightings, categorized by date and location, often quoting directly from contemporary newspaper articles. These reports describe objects exhibiting a range of characteristics:

Visual Descriptions: Objects were frequently described as cigar-shaped, but also as conical, egg-shaped, or disc-shaped. They were often noted for emitting bright, sometimes blinding, lights of various colors (white, red, green) and powerful beams, akin to projectors or searchlights. Some reports mentioned wings, turbines, or other structures, while others focused solely on the luminous aspects.

Flight Characteristics: The observed flight patterns were highly unusual and varied. Common descriptions include erratic movements, zig-zagging, oscillating, sudden stops, hovering, rapid ascents and descents, and sharp changes in direction. Some objects were reported to move at incredible speeds, far exceeding contemporary aircraft capabilities.

Auditory Phenomena: While many airships were described as silent, some reports mentioned various sounds, such as humming, buzzing, a 'criss-cross' sound, and even a 'terrible rumbling' or 'grinding' noise.

Interactions and Effects: Several accounts detail the impact of these sightings on humans and animals. Animals, particularly horses and dogs, often reacted with extreme fear, bolting or becoming agitated. Human reactions ranged from curiosity and detailed observation to panic, with some attributing the phenomena to supernatural or diabolical causes.

Specific Incident Examples:

• April 10, 1897 (Crete, Illinois): A large projector-like beam was seen in the northern sky, resembling that used by steamships.
• April 12, 1897 (St-Louis, Missouri): An object emitted a light beam like an electric projector, sweeping the ground.
• April 16, 1897 (Dallas, Texas): A cigar-shaped airship with two powerful projectors was observed.
• April 19, 1897 (Atlanta, Texas): An object projected a powerful white light beam, illuminating a 30-foot circle.
• April 22, 1897 (Lynchburg, Virginia): An object dispensed penetrating rays from a large projector.
• April 22, 1897 (Flatonia, Texas): A powerful projector light blinded observers.
• April 25, 1897 (Dull-Creek, Texas): An airship projected powerful beams at regular intervals.
• April 3, 1897 (Independence, Kansas): An airship exhibited zig-zagging and vertical undulations.
• April 8, 1897 (Evanston, Illinois): An object with multiple lights, including a large projector-like one, was seen.

Categorized Schemas: The document further organizes these reports into thematic schemas:

• "Schéma 'progression'" (Progression Schema): Details the movement patterns of the airships, noting their ability to move erratically, stop abruptly, and change direction.
• "Schéma 'Intérêt apparent'" (Apparent Interest Schema): Focuses on cases where the airship seemed to show interest in trains and railway lines, sometimes flying parallel to them or even stopping when the train stopped.
• "Schéma 'Bruits'" (Sounds Schema): Lists reports that include auditory phenomena associated with the airships, ranging from humming to loud rumbling.
• "Schéma 'Mothership'" (Mothership Schema): Describes rare cases involving a large, luminous object accompanied by smaller lights or smaller objects.
• "Schéma 'Vol groupé'" (Group Flight Schema): Documents instances where multiple airships were observed flying together.
• "Schéma 'effets secondaires'" (Secondary Effects Schema): Covers reactions of animals and humans, including fear, panic, and even physical effects like the clock stopping.
• "Schéma 'Odeur de soufre'" (Smell of Sulfur Schema): Reports instances where a sulfurous odor was detected.
• "Schéma 'Nuts and Bolts'" (Nuts and Bolts Schema): Discusses observations that suggest the objects were three-dimensional vehicles made of material, not mere projections.
• "Schéma 'Fumées, condensations'" (Fumes, Condensations Schema): Includes rare cases involving smoke or white, non-dissipating substances.
• "Schéma 'Réactions humaines violentes'" (Violent Human Reactions Schema): Notes instances where people fired at the airships.
• "Schéma 'réaction des populations analphabètes'" (Reaction of Illiterate Populations Schema): Highlights that fear was more pronounced among certain segments of the population, particularly the Black community, sometimes linked to religious interpretations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout the document are the widespread nature of these sightings in 1897, the consistent descriptions of advanced aerial technology (albeit referred to as 'airships'), and the often unusual or inexplicable behaviors of these craft. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, presenting these historical accounts as credible evidence of phenomena that predate modern UFO reports. The authors emphasize that these observations were made by credible witnesses and reported in mainstream newspapers, suggesting that the phenomenon was widely acknowledged at the time. The document implicitly argues against dismissive explanations, highlighting the consistency and detail in the reports and questioning the psychological or fraudulent explanations often offered.

This issue of "Flying Saucers UFOs Magazine," identified as number 5 and dated 1897, delves into a collection of reported airship sightings and related phenomena primarily from the United States during that year. The magazine adopts a stance of information collection, presenting various accounts with a degree of caution regarding their veracity, while also expressing a commitment to not omitting potentially significant information.

Airship Sightings and Photography

The magazine begins by addressing the delicate topic of 'photographs' of airships. It references an early UFO photograph taken by astronomer Bonilla in Mexico in 1883, noting that rationalists have not contested it. More pertinently, it details a report from the "Chicago-Times-Herald" on April 12, 1897, concerning an airship photographed by Mr. Walter MacCann in Roger Parks, Illinois, early on April 11, 1897. The article describes the airship as having two superimposed cylindrical bodies. Experts reportedly examined the photograph and declared it authentic. However, the "Chicago-Evening-Post" suggested it was a model suspended by a wire, a claim that led to conflicting expert opinions.

Further accounts of airship sightings and photographic evidence are presented:

• Grand-Rapids, Michigan: Wendelle C. Stevens claims another airship photo was taken an hour after MacCann's, but this is not corroborated by local newspapers.
• Lincoln, Illinois (April 12, 1897): Journalist Ira Paisley reportedly photographed an airship despite poor visibility, rain, and lightning.
• Schaller, Iowa (mid-April): Mr. C.B. Wallace described an airship and sent a photo, but the "Marshalltown-Times-Republican" found the alleged airship resembled a bird and did not publish the photo.
• Sunbury, Ohio (April 25, night): Mr. W.F. Whittier, editor of the "Sunbury-News-Item," photographed lightning and, upon developing the plate, discovered what appeared to be an airship silhouette next to a lightning bolt.
• Dayton, Ohio (April 28, 1897): The "Dayton-Daily-Journal" published a photo showing an airship next to a lightning bolt.

The magazine notes that Wendelle C. Stevens also claims photos were taken in Baring-Cross, Michigan, and Little-Rock, Arkansas, on April 26, 1897, but these are not in their files.

Alleged Landings and Encounters

The issue then shifts to cases involving alleged landings or encounters with occupants.

• Uvalde, Texas (April 20): An alleged landing was reported but later denied by the sheriff.
• Bartonville, Illinois: Railroad workers claimed to have seen an airship land and spoken with its three male and one female occupants, dressed in U.S. Army uniforms. An investigation by the "Peoria Times" revealed this to be a hoax.
• Northwood, Iowa: Farmer CARSON reported seeing an airship land and conversing with its two occupants, who claimed to be Théodore DEVON and Charles GUNDERSON from Glennville, Iowa. An investigation found these individuals to be unknown in Glennville, and the correspondent F.A.KERR was also untraceable.

The magazine expresses skepticism towards many such stories, particularly those involving occupants who identify themselves with Anglo-Saxon names, suggesting they might be scams. It highlights the potential for deception, with occupants offering to show the 'machinery' of their craft and making vague allusions to military applications.

Edward Joel PENNINGTON is mentioned as a 'brilliant swindler' who spent his life defrauding people and was believed by many Americans to be an authentic pioneer of the airship, despite having left the U.S. in 1895.

Other peculiar accounts include:

• Virginie de l'Ouest (April 17, 1897): Occupants described as 10-11 feet tall, speaking Chinese, and from Mars, consuming one pill per month.
• Wisconsin (April 15, 1897): Individuals speaking through gestures and pointing to the moon as their origin, with a short tail.
• Gas-City, Indiana: A witness saw an airship and six occupants who invited him aboard, but he refused out of fear of his wife's reaction.
• Farmersville, Texas: A marshall reported seeing two men and a Newfoundland dog with an airship, who resembled Spaniards and were suspected of being spies. Another witness heard three occupants singing.
• Pine-Like, Michigan: A witness provided sandwiches to airship occupants who paid with Canadian currency and asked for a corkscrew.
• Chambers Creek, Texas (April 19, 1897): Aeronauts claimed to be survivors of one of the ten tribes of Israel, reinforced by descendants of shipwrecked expeditions.
• Nora, Illinois: A railway worker who helped airship occupants repair their craft was rewarded with a black parrot that spoke a foreign language.
• McKinney, Texas: An occupant exclaimed about needing to 'put the pedal to the metal' and mentioned a 'crown of thorns.'
• Winamac, Indiana (April 30, 1897): An occupant gave a witness $15 to buy bread and refreshments.
• Conroe, Texas (April 24, 1897): Airship occupants entered a restaurant for a meal.
• Prairieturg, Iowa (April 22, 1897): The owner of an airship offered to sell tickets for an excursion to Mars.

"Connected Phenomena" and "Crashes"

The magazine then explores "connected phenomena," including reports of "flying men."

• Abbott, Texas (mid-April): Farmer Mr. Eugene Apling reported that a man named BROWN told him about seeing seven "flying men" (one older man and six young boys) descend from the sky near Abbott, land briefly, and then ascend again.

The issue also touches upon mysterious cattle deaths, but dismisses them due to a lack of detailed descriptions and the failure of organized hunts to find a responsible "beast."

Regarding "crashes," the magazine notes that Mr. Jacques Scornaux laments that these incidents seem to occur only in the USA. It states that information of this type must be handled with caution.

• Aurora, Texas: The crash reported here is dismissed as a hoax.
• Bethany, Missouri (early April): A crash of an airship was reported, with no further details.
• Moberly, Missouri (April 10): It was claimed that near Moberly, the wreckage of an airship was discovered, containing the unrecognizable remains of two men.
• Rhodes, Iowa (April 10, evening): A large crowd gathered to witness a brilliant light descending. The object, described as a "monster," made a loud noise and crashed into a lake, causing the water to become extremely hot. A description of the machine was promised upon its recovery.
• Lanark, Illinois (April 10): A crash was reported but quickly proven to be a hoax by a telegraph employee.
• Winamac, Indiana (April 12): An airship reportedly landed in the Pink Mink marshes, and fragments of what appeared to be a wing were found protruding from the marsh.
• Jefferson, Iowa (April 15): A local newspaper reported a "corseted" story about an airship crashing north of town, with many people going to see the resulting hole.

The magazine acknowledges that some of these reports may be exaggerated or even meteorites, but emphasizes that they are not invented and are part of a larger "folklore."

Alleged Abductions

The magazine presents three cases of alleged abductions.

• St. Louis, Missouri (April 4, 14:00): Mr. JOSLIN reported an encounter in Forest Park with an extraordinary, bizarre creature resembling a Chinese dragon, about 100 feet long, with six eyes and large wings. Smaller, red-skinned bipeds were also present. He was compelled to board the creature and was held captive for nearly three weeks, subjected to torture. He has no memory of how he returned, only that he woke up in a hospital, his case attributed to alcoholism.

The magazine highlights the passages that suggest a connection to modern abduction scenarios, noting the simplicity of the description. It also mentions another case where an airship was described as a "flying dragon."

• Caldwell, Texas (April 10, afternoon): A Black man was reportedly captured by two crew members of an airship that landed in a cotton field and taken aboard. The report suggests this might be a case of non-restorative abduction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the widespread reports of airship sightings and related phenomena in 1897, a period characterized by significant public interest and media coverage of these events. The magazine meticulously documents various incidents, often citing specific newspaper articles and dates, demonstrating a commitment to archival research. However, it consistently tempers these reports with a critical perspective, acknowledging the prevalence of hoaxes, misinterpretations, and potential scams. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, aiming to collect and present information without definitively endorsing its veracity, leaving the final judgment to the reader. The magazine also hints at a larger intelligence manipulating these events, seeking to avoid identification and control the narrative through various means, including witness manipulation and memory alteration.

This issue of "L'Écho des Mystères" (N° 10) is a French-language publication focused on anomalous phenomena, specifically delving into the historical "airship wave" that occurred in the United States in 1897. The content is primarily analytical and investigative, presenting detailed case studies and critiquing various explanations for the reported sightings.

The Nebraska Case of 1884

The issue begins by recounting a specific incident from June 1884 in Nebraska. A flamboyant object reportedly crashed, causing intense heat and leaving behind melted sand and grass. A witness named Williamson was severely burned when he attempted to approach the object, requiring medical attention. The object was described as cylindrical, approximately 50-60 feet long and 10-12 feet in diameter, with a significant effervescence around it. The site was later examined by E.W. Rawlins, who noted that small pieces of the machine had cooled and could be approached but not seized. A metal piece resembling a propeller blade and a wheel fragment were recovered, noted for their remarkable lightness.

The 1897 Airship Wave

The core of the issue is dedicated to the 1897 airship wave. The publication presents this as a significant historical event, distinct from later UFO phenomena, and emphasizes its detailed documentation. The airships were described as having large, curved, flapping wings, similar to those of birds, and sometimes a tail described as fish-like or fan-shaped. The article highlights that this phenomenon was not limited to a single location but spanned across 25 states, with reports appearing in newspapers.

Critiques of Explanations

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to deconstructing and refuting common explanations for the 1897 wave, particularly those proposed by researchers like Mr. Monnerie and Mr. Meheust.

Refutation of Monnerie's Theory

Mr. Monnerie's theory, which suggested a "psycho-physical" phenomenon drawing models from science fiction, is heavily criticized. The author argues that science fiction was virtually non-existent in the US in 1897, and Jules Verne's works, while translated, did not describe the observed airships. Furthermore, Monnerie's idea of a collective psychosis is dismissed by pointing out that the US was experiencing industrial expansion and economic prosperity in 1897, not conditions conducive to mass hysteria. The author also questions why such a phenomenon would not be permanent and global if it were purely psychological.

Refutation of Meheust's Theory

Mr. Meheust's hypothesis, also leaning towards a "psycho-physical" explanation influenced by science fiction, is similarly challenged. The article asserts that the airships observed in 1897 did not resemble the typical science fiction craft of the time, particularly those described by Jules Verne in "Robur-le-Conquérant." The author contends that Meheust's theory fails because the observed phenomena did not align with the limited science fiction available and that the societal conditions of 1897 did not support a widespread psychological event. The author also points out perceived errors in Meheust's case citations.

Refutation of Giraud's Theory

Mr. Giraud's explanation, which attributed the wave to numerous American inventors experimenting with their devices, is also deemed inadequate. The author criticizes Giraud for relying on a limited number of cases and for allegedly misrepresenting historical facts, such as the existence of motorized, piloted dirigibles in 1897. The article also disputes Giraud's claims about the competence of historical aeronautics experts like Mr. Charles H. Gibbs-Smith and the Smithsonian Institution, suggesting Giraud's arguments are based on flawed research and a misunderstanding of aeronautical history, including the function of balloon valves.

Alternative Interpretation: Unknown Intelligence

Instead of psychological or science fiction explanations, the authors of this issue propose that the 1897 airship wave, and potentially other anomalous phenomena like UFOs, are manifestations of an unknown intelligence operating with technology far beyond human capabilities. This intelligence is suggested to be using advanced means, possibly including vehicles, to achieve unknown objectives. The article emphasizes that its conclusions are based on a multitude of established facts, analyzed discursively and intuitively, rather than on fantasy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of conventional explanations for anomalous aerial phenomena, particularly the 1897 airship wave. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical of psychological and sociological interpretations, advocating for a more direct, fact-based investigation into the possibility of non-human intelligence. The authors position themselves as rigorous researchers who have meticulously gathered and analyzed data, contrasting their approach with what they perceive as flawed methodologies employed by other researchers. They emphasize the importance of primary sources and historical accuracy, particularly concerning the 1897 events, and suggest that the phenomenon is far more complex than commonly assumed, possibly involving advanced technology beyond current human understanding.

This document is a scanned page from the publication 'LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT' (Lights in the Night), a regional delegation for Drôme-Ardèche, declared in accordance with the law of July 1, 1901. The issue date is indicated as July 1, 1901. The document is primarily administrative, detailing the composition of the bureau and the association's correspondents.

Bureau Composition

The bureau of the association is detailed as follows:

• PRESIDENT: DUQUESNOY David
• VICE PRESIDENT: CHALOIN André
• SECRETAIRE GENERAL: DORIER Michel
• SECRETAIRE ADJOINTE: FIEVEE Charlotte
• TRESORIERE: DORIER Rolande
• TRESORIERE ADJOINTE: ROUGON Marie
• CONSEILLER A L'INFORMATION: REBULL Jean Marc
• CONSEILLER TECHNIQUE: ROUGON Gérard

Correspondents

The publication also lists its correspondents for various regions:

• ARDECHE SUD: PATTARD Jean Pierre
• DROME SUD: FIEVEE Charlotte
• ARDECHE NORD: REYNAUD Lionel
• DROME NORD: VINCENT Luc

Administration, Subscriptions, and Redaction

Information regarding administration, subscriptions, and redaction is provided:

• ADMINISTRATION & ABONNEMENTS: Located at "La Berfie", ARTHEMONAY, 26260 SAINT DONAT - FRANCE. The telephone number listed is (75) 45.70.72.
• REDACTION: Managed by A.A.M.T. DORIER Michel, also based in 26260 SAINT DONAT - FRANCE.

Call for Contributions and Information

The bulletin encourages reader participation, stating that "This bulletin is the fruit of the analysis and reflection of each person. To contribute, do not hesitate to send us your articles and suggestions." It also urges members to "Make it known and make us known in your regions, so that 'Long live our association for your information.'"

Legal and Copyright Information

The document includes important legal notices regarding the content:

• "Our articles, photos and drawings are protected by the law of 1957 on artistic reproduction."
• "Partial reproduction is authorized on the express condition that the source (Author and publication) is cited, with the exception of articles marked 'Reproduction forbidden without the author's authorization.'"
• "Articles published are under the responsibility of their author. Unused manuscripts are not returned."

Printing and Legal Deposit

The bulletin is "PRINTED ON OFFSET by AAMT: 'La Berfie' ARTHEMONAY, 26260 SAINT DONAT - FRANCE."

• DEPOT LEGAL: Dès parution (Upon publication)
• COMMISSION PARITAIRE N°: 60 112

Director of Publication

The Director of Publication is DORIER Michel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this document is organizational and administrative, focusing on the structure and operational aspects of the 'LUMIÈRES DANS LA NUIT' association. The editorial stance is one of encouraging participation and dissemination of information related to the association's activities, which appear to be related to unexplained phenomena given the name of the publication. The emphasis on legal rights concerning reproduction suggests a professional approach to content management. The association is presented as a collective effort, valuing the analysis and reflection of its members.