UFO MAGAZINE

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO MAGAZINE
Issue: Volume 4 Number 8
Date: Winter 1967-1968

This issue of UFO Magazine delves into the controversial topic of a potential UFO base within Ohio's Wayne National Forest. The cover prominently features a map of the forest with the headline, "IS THERE A UFO BASE HERE?" and promises a continuation of the discussion from the previous issue.

Editorial and Staff

The editorial staff includes Rick and Janie Hilberg as Editors, with Edward M. Biebel, Thomas Nealings, Karl P. Gawell, and Robert S. Easley serving as Associate Editors. The editorial section urges readers to plan for the 1968 Congress of Scientific Ufologists, emphasizing its importance due to the Condon project's impending findings and the growing number of mysterious "three men" cases and bolder UFO sightings. The editors express concern over a decline in UFO publicity and interest, advocating for action and coherent discussion within the Ufology field. They also mention a personal concern for an associate who experienced frightening encounters with a mysterious individual.

Featured Content

"Saucer Album" Book Review

A printed book titled "Saucer Album," compiled by the staff of UFO Magazine, is highlighted. It contains information on the 1965 saucer flap and previously unpublished accounts from the 1966 flap in Michigan and the Midwest. The book also explores the connection between UFO sightings and ancient landmarks in England, as well as the mysterious "green fireballs" observed in the Southwest during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

"Structuralism and the Interplanetary Theory" by Edward Biebel

This article explores the interplanetary theory of UFOs, acknowledging that while it is a likely explanation, certain evidence doesn't fit conventional expectations of alien behavior. Biebel discusses various theories, including secret weapons and natural phenomena, but favors the interplanetary explanation. He introduces Claude Lévi-Strauss's theory of structuralism, which posits that human thought operates within certain patterns, and suggests that Ufologists struggle to comprehend alien logic because it may not conform to these patterns. The article posits that Ufologists are uniquely positioned to confront alien intelligence directly.

"RE THE OHIO UFO EXPEDITION: a letter from John Keel"

This section features a letter from John Keel to Ed Biebel regarding an expedition to the Wayne National Forest in search of alleged UFO bases. Keel criticizes the expedition's approach, suggesting a lack of thorough research into local Indian legends, mounds, caves, and magnetic deviations. He pinpoints the main activity area as running from the Ohio Valley north from Marietta to Zanesville and south to Chillicothe, extending east to Huntington, West Virginia. Keel provides detailed advice for future expeditions, emphasizing operating in total darkness, avoiding lights and compasses, and dressing casually to avoid appearing as a uniform. He describes potential sightings of faint luminous purple spots, flickering red lights, and crystal-clear white lights with red lights on top, which may respond to ground signals. He also warns of "little men" and large, hairy creatures near landing sites, describing them as dangerous. Keel stresses the importance of thorough research and caution, noting that UFOs do not want their locations known.

"AROUND AND ABOUT THE SAUCER WORLD" by Rick Hilberg

Rick Hilberg discusses the current state of the UFO field, noting a decline in public interest and expressing concern that the field might collapse if the Condon project yields a negative answer. He suggests the need for an "underground" scientific investigation, possibly through the Congress organization. Hilberg also mentions a saucer convention being held by Desmond Leslie in England. The section concludes with a note about the magazine's upcoming book on the UFO enigma by Robert Easley and Rick R. Hilberg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on potential extraterrestrial bases and the interplanetary theory. There is a strong emphasis on the need for rigorous research, coherent discussion, and active participation in ufological events like the Congress of Scientific Ufologists. The editors express a proactive and concerned stance regarding the future of the UFO field, urging readers to engage and contribute to the ongoing investigation of the UFO enigma.