UFO Newsclipping Service - 1969 06 - no 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Monthly Clipping Service, dated June 1969, is a compilation of various newspaper clippings from across North America, focusing primarily on unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings and related phenomena. The service aims to provide subscribers with a broad range of reports and perspectives on the subject.

Editorial Stance and Subscriber Information

The introductory letter from the publisher expresses hope that subscribers will enjoy the enclosed clippings, noting an increase in coverage from Canada due to new arrangements. The publisher also solicits names of potential new subscribers to improve coverage and apologizes for any delays in replying to letters, asking for patience. A reminder is given to those who have not paid in advance.

Farmer Sees 'Saucers' in Quebec

A report from CHAPEAU, Quebec, details how local farmer Leo Paul Chaput claims to have seen 'flying saucers' land on his farm. He describes a large white light illuminating the field, making it 'just like day.' Chaput and his wife, along with their eight children, report that strange machines have visited their farm multiple times. The evidence presented includes three large circles of singed or matted grass, each about 27 feet in diameter, with a perimeter of about one foot. Two small singed trees within one of the circles are being analyzed by the Ontario lands and forests department.

Jet Refueling May Have Led to UFO Reports in Moberly, Missouri

Several individuals in the Moberly, Missouri area reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) moving at high speed from east to west on June 6, 1969. The object was described as green, red, and blue. Air Force authorities suggested that a jet refueling operation over the area around that time might be the cause. Witnesses described the object as moving at a 'fairly low' level and appearing to be green and 'pulsating.' One witness, Matthew Hasson, described it as 'something like a mirror' and noted that others at the Sun-N-Fun swimming club also saw it, with one suggesting it divided into three parts. Larry Yoder, a local UFO investigator, proposed that 'aluminous plasma of electrified (ionized) air' could be the explanation.

Downstate UFOs Labeled Meteors

An expert on aerial phenomena in Denver stated that flying objects spotted over Downstate Illinois and Missouri on Thursday night were likely meteors. Reports of these sightings came from over 50 people, including residents of Morris, Illinois, and Galesburg, Illinois, as well as St. Louis. Herbert E. Roth, director of the Volunteer Flight Officers Network, received the report from a pilot flying from Chicago to Los Angeles. Roth denied that a man-made satellite could have caused the spectacle, which appeared as a large blueish or silver flame followed by smaller flames. He indicated that satellites would not behave in such a manner.

The World Couldn't Take It If UFOs Proved, Expert Says

Dr. James A. Harder, research director of the Aerial Phenomenon Research Organization, stated in Calgary that if the Condon commission had concluded that UFOs were real, they would not have made it public due to the potential global impact. He suggested that earthlings might not be able to cope philosophically with the existence of a superior intelligence controlling UFOs. Dr. Harder cited evidence that he believes is beyond reasonable doubt, supporting the thesis that UFOs are under extraterrestrial control. He is particularly interested in UFO propulsion and the composition of metals used in their manufacture, hypothesizing that their propulsion is not similar to jet rockets and may be based on gravity fields.

Actor Admits Seeing UFOs

Hollywood actor Roy Thinnes, known for his role as an astronaut, admitted to believing in UFOs and having seen them. He expressed hesitation in admitting this publicly, fearing it might be perceived as a publicity stunt related to his role in 'The Invaders.'

UFO Probe Erred, U.S. Scientist Claims

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, professor of astronomy and director of Dearborn Observatory, criticized the recent U.S. Air Force Condon report on UFOs, calling it a 'roadblock in front of scientific investigation.' He argued that the report erred by focusing on 'what' UFOs are rather than determining if they exist. Hynek stated that the public often confuses UFO phenomena with extraterrestrial intelligence and emphasized the need to gather all facts first. He noted that the best reports often come from initially skeptical individuals and that the scientific establishment shows a general disinterest in the subject.

'Orange Ball' Eyed in Sky in Anchorage

A 'reddish orange' ball was reported as Anchorage's latest UFO sighting. Residents and police reported seeing the object hovering in the area. State Troopers observed it between 2:43 and 3 a.m. near McHugh Creek, describing it as a bright orange ball that faded away. The object reportedly trailed the troopers to their station. Air police at Elmendorf Air Force Base also reported sightings. Officials assured troopers they would continue studying the phenomenon.

Nessie is 50 Seals, Says M&HW Expert

Ivan T. Sanderson, acting Director of the Society for the Investigation of the Unexplained, suggested that the Loch Ness monster is likely '50 landlocked giant seals with long tails, long necks and small heads,' or possibly giant sea cows. He based this on underwater sonar studies indicating four flippers. Sanderson believes there are multiple Nessies, not just one, due to the need for reproduction.

Astronauts Silenced On UFOs, Space Researcher Claims

Dr. Garry C. Henderson, a senior space research scientist, claimed that American astronauts have sighted UFOs and taken photographs, but have been instructed by NASA to remain silent to avoid ridicule and potential cuts to the space program. He criticized the Condon report for being premature and stated that government support for UFO investigations is lacking.

UFO Sighting Here Studied

An unidentified flying object (UFO) that emits a dazzling ray of light was reported in the Palatine-Lake Zurich area and is being investigated by Northwestern University's astronomy department. The object, described as saucer-shaped, frightened two teen-age boys and alerted stable employees. Dr. J. Allen Hynek stated that the reports appeared genuine and that the investigation aims to determine if the UFO can be explained, noting similarities to other UFO reports. The object was described as having a bright light, unusual humming noise, and blinking red and green lights. It was estimated to be about 50 feet in diameter.

Flying Object Poses Mystery in Pascagoula, Mississippi

Tom Broach of Pascagoula described seeing a 'green mist' that looked like a boomerang and later changed into a perfect circle with a tail. He also reported seeing shooting stars and another shape. The lights seemed to explode within each other. The color was described as reddish, greenish, and purplish. One theory suggested the lights were high-altitude explosions for research purposes.

Them Thar Critters Are on the Loose

Edwin H. Bohl Jr. of Logan, Kansas, reported seeing a UFO on Highway 24, five miles east of Hill City, that allegedly killed the motor of his car. He stated the object had different colored lights, came down close to the ground, and moved slowly without noise. He also reported that a similar incident occurred near Tribune a few years prior where a UFO stopped mid-air and caused a car's motor to stop. The object was described as having brightly colored lights and moving slowly and silently.

UFO Sighting Reported in Stockton

UFOs are reportedly back in the Stockton area. Edwin H. Bohl Jr. saw an object that moved toward Stockton. The object was described as having brightly colored lights and stopping mid-air, closely resembling previous reports from Stockton.

Rural Hinton Woman Tells of Strange 'Swish Noise'

A woman in Hinton, Alberta, reported hearing a loud 'swish noise' around 8:30 p.m. on April 23, 1969. She described it as unusually loud, like a big truck. Her husband and son also heard the sound, but they did not see anything. The sound lasted long enough for a big truck to pass by their farm home.

Taber Youths Report UFO Southeast of Town

Randy Russell and John Jensen, along with two other boys, reported seeing a bright white light with a hazy halo moving in a V-shape southeast of Taber, Alberta. The object seemed to hesitate and then veer off to the east-northeast, gaining altitude. They described an 'odd smell' that was 'very nauseating.' The boys reported that the object traveled at a speed they had never seen before.

New Canadian Paper for UFO Sightings

John Magor, a B.C. publisher, is launching 'The Canadian UFO Report,' a bi-monthly publication dedicated to UFOs and the UFO movement in Canada. Magor states there is significant evidence pointing to the existence of UFOs and admits to being a believer.

Flying Saucers Worry Professor

Dr. P. M. H. Edwards, a professor of linguistics at the University of Victoria, expressed concern about UFOs, stating, 'I wish they didn't exist. They worry me I don't know what they're after.' He criticized the ridicule of UFO subjects, citing massive evidence. Edwards suggested that many explanations for baffling phenomena, such as religious or psychic experiences, might be misinterpretations of UFOs. He also indicated that the military is aware of and believes in UFOs and is suppressing information.

Arden Pair Sees UFO

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Harder of Arden, Manitoba, reported seeing a strange flying object that shone like a beacon and illuminated trees. The object, described as bright red, moved quickly and changed colors. Mrs. Harder confirmed her husband's account, stating, 'I saw it myself.' They observed the object through their kitchen window.

Strange Light Sighted at Portage

Three local families reported sighting an 'unidentified flying object' in the sky near Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. The object was described as a white light moving north to south at an estimated height of 1,000 feet. It was seen flashing and moving up and down. Investigations with local authorities and the Portage Flying Club yielded no explanation.

UFO Expert to Speak in Calgary

Dr. Garry Henderson, a senior space research scientist, was scheduled to discuss the possible existence of unidentified flying objects at the Centennial Planetarium in Calgary.

Loud Noise and Bright Flash - What Was It?

A mysterious explosion and a brilliant flash of light were reported near the Le Mars city library in Iowa. Police patrols found nothing unusual. A local girl reported seeing red and green flashing lights moving slowly. The object was described as not being a propeller or jet plane, but having a whining noise. The Le Mars public library has a new book on 'Identifyable Flying Objects' by Robert Loftin. The article notes that fear of ridicule often silences reports of UFO sightings and criticizes government policy for discrediting such reports.

Logan Man Spots First Flying Saucer of the Year

Edwin H. Bohl Jr. of Logan, Kansas, reported an unidentified flying object (UFO) on Highway 24, five miles east of Hill City, on April 14, 1969. He stated the object had different colored lights, came down close to the ground, and killed the motor of his car. He observed it for about three minutes while it was stopped mid-air at a 45-degree angle. The object then moved slowly and silently toward Stockton. This report is consistent with a similar incident reported near Tribune a few years prior.

Sky Object Probably Meteorite

A luminous object was seen in the skies of Buncombe, Henderson, and Transylvania counties in North Carolina. The best guess was that it was a meteorite that fell soundlessly. Airports, radio stations, and police departments received numerous calls. The Asheville Airport reported no overdue or missing planes. Reports also came from Spartanburg and Greenville, South Carolina. NASA tracking stations did not pick up anything unusual. Some reports suggested the object fell in the Etowah section or between Caesar's Head and Brevard.

UFO Follows Car

Three individuals from Tyndall, Manitoba, reported seeing a huge, bright, mysterious light in the sky about 10 miles out of Winnipeg. They stated that when they noticed the light, they stopped their car, and the light stopped moving above them. It then started going again and moved along with them before suddenly disappearing. A similar incident occurred a year prior when a large unidentified flying object followed a man down a highway.

Yoder Says UFO's Pose Danger to Earth People

Larry Yoder, a resident of Moberly, Missouri, believes that UFOs are from outer space, carry intelligent life, and pose a danger to Earth people. He has been investigating UFOs since March 15, 1969, and has collected reports and interviewed witnesses. Yoder claims to have seen a UFO himself in 1962 near Lake Spring, Missouri, describing it as a bright light about 30 feet in diameter. He believes that aliens aboard UFOs may be able to hypnotize people and erase memories. Yoder is concerned about the threat UFOs pose to civilization and is urging a Senate investigation. He theorizes that UFOs are made of magnesium, are electrically propelled, and refuel in rural areas. He suggests that aliens are observing Earth people with the intent of taking over.

Flying Object Said Sighted in Redlands, California

A suspicious 'flying object' that 'literally went up in smoke' was reported by a Redlands, California woman. She was informed by her sisters about a 'shining object' over Norton Air Force Base that 'didn't look like an airplane.' The object reportedly flew straight up and appeared to 'blow up in a dark cloud of smoke.' A police officer did not observe anything unusual.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different geographical locations and the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and belief in the phenomena. Several articles highlight the reluctance of witnesses to report sightings due to fear of ridicule, and the perceived disinterest or suppression of information by government and scientific institutions. The issue presents a range of perspectives, from those who believe UFOs are extraterrestrial visitors posing a potential threat, to those who offer more conventional explanations like meteors or atmospheric phenomena. The editorial stance, as suggested by the compilation of these diverse reports and the inclusion of expert opinions that lean towards the reality of UFOs, appears to be one of open inquiry and a challenge to dismiss the subject outright.

Title: The Charleston Gazette
Issue Date: Wednesday Morning, June 4, 1969
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of The Charleston Gazette focuses heavily on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), with multiple articles detailing sightings, expert opinions, and a critical review of a major scientific study.

Flood of UFO Reports in State

The lead article reports on a prediction by Ted Owens, known as "The Philadelphia Prophet," who claims to be in communication with "space intelligences" and foresees a "flood" of UFO sightings in West Virginia during June. This prediction coincides with the sixth annual assembly of the Congress of Scientific Ufologists in Charleston. Gray Barker, a national leader of the group, sent a letter to members anticipating this "saucer flap" and urging them to bring equipment for investigation. Barker acknowledges that prophecies and ESP are often frowned upon by scientific circles but defends Owens's predictions, citing past accuracy.

Unexplained Object Seen Over Webb

This short piece details a sighting of an unexplained phenomenon near Webb, USA. A bright yellow light, described as moving slowly and appearing about the size of a football from the point of observation, was seen in the night sky by at least four people. The object's color reportedly shifted to blueish-green at times, and it briefly increased its speed. The phenomenon remained visible for about an hour.

First UFO of The Year (Moncton Transcript)

This clipping from the Moncton Transcript reports on a UFO sighting in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. A red light, described as a fireball, was seen hovering over the northeastern section of the city, followed by light aircraft. While local residents reported the object, officials at the weather office and police headquarters had no official reports. An RCMP spokesman suggested it might have been a prank by university students. Don McClure of the Moncton Flying Club expressed skepticism about most UFO reports, attributing many to optical illusions or light aircraft.

Johnny Hopkins To The Rescue (Calgary Herald)

This article recounts an incident where Dr. Garry Henderson, a senior research scientist, was stranded in Spokane, Washington, due to bad weather while en route to give a lecture in Calgary, Canada. The Calgary Flying Club, with pilot Ed Jordan and engineer Bill Cummings, flew a Bonanza plane to pick him up. The flight back was challenging due to foul weather, causing Dr. Henderson to arrive late for his lecture.

UFO Interest Continues (Lethbridge Herald)

This article discusses the ongoing public interest in UFOs despite the Condon Report's findings, which offered little encouragement for further study. The author suggests that the report's length and complexity mean few will read it, and many will dismiss official findings as part of a conspiracy. The article posits that the idea of extraterrestrial visitation can offer a sense of hope, comparable to messianic expectations, especially during times of uncertainty. It notes a polarization between "believers" and "unbelievers," with belief in extraterrestrial intelligence often based on faith rather than proof.

Rio Más Puzzle (Konora Miner & News)

A clipping from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, reports a large unidentified flying object seen over the city. The object, described as moving at high speed and emitting blue, green, orange, and yellow light, was reportedly twice the size of a full moon.

What city family thought was flying saucer may have been 'copter (Ottawa Citizen)

This article details a sighting by an Ottawa, Canada family of a "flying saucer" near Hammond. The object was described as saucer-shaped, about 30 feet long with spotlights, and it followed high-tension wires, seemingly drawing power. Despite the family's conviction, a research officer with the National Research Council stated that no helicopter agencies had craft operating at that hour. The officer noted the witness was reliable and gave a "chic live and sane report," but suggested it sounded like a helicopter, which are not typically seen at night.

A propos de soucoupes volantes... (Sherbrooke La Tribune)

This is a letter to the editor from André ROY, Director General of "Station Proxéter" in Thetford Mines, Quebec, Canada. He states that his organization collects testimonies regarding UFOs in the asbestos region and surrounding areas. He asserts that UFOs have been manifesting in their region for at least two years and that the phenomenon is not just passing through, citing numerous cases.

The UFO Report: Condon Study Falls Short (Scientific Research)

This is a review by Robert M. L. Baker Jr. of the Condon Report on Unidentified Flying Objects. Baker criticizes the report's organization, stating that the most provocative and unexplained sightings are hidden within extensive discussions of explained cases and technical background material. He notes that the report practically buries intriguing sightings by astronauts and that the analysis of W. K. Hartmann, which concludes that truly extraordinary sightings total less than 2 percent of all UFO sightings, is also difficult to find. Baker questions the report's contention that no intelligent life from elsewhere can visit Earth within 10,000 years, as he could not find a comprehensive analysis to support this figure. He suggests that while the report has gathered and analyzed significant facts, its organization and interpretation are problematic. He concludes that the study seems to justify scientific investigation into many general and specialized frontiers, but the facts themselves are not subject to criticism.

Observatory requests reports on sightings (Humboldt Journal)

This article reports that a bright meteor, green in color and breaking into pieces, was seen across northern Saskatchewan, Canada. Astronomers are interested in whether a piece of the meteor survived and hit the earth. The Saskatoon office of the Dominion Observatory is investigating and requests reports from communities to help calculate the meteor's path. They are particularly interested in sounds caused by the meteor, such as a rumbling sonic boom.

Unidentified Flying Objects Are Seen Again (Ashland Press)

Fresh reports of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) are mentioned in the Ashland, Oregon, USA area. Mrs. Robert Grage and other witnesses describe the UFOs as a chain of brilliant stars floating in the sky, similar to Fourth of July lanterns. They have been seen between Highbridge and Ashland, appearing as bright red, pulsating lights, and moving erratically.

UFO Sighting Is Made (East Tawas Iosco Co. News)

This brief report from East Tawas, Michigan, USA, mentions that UFO sightings are occurring again, similar to reports from two or three years prior. Deputy Sheriff Joe VanDette received a call about an unidentified flying object seen over Sand Lake, which then followed a woman's car before ascending straight up.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and public fascination with UFO sightings, the tension between scientific skepticism and the desire to believe in extraterrestrial intelligence, and the critical examination of official reports on the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and discussions, while also engaging in critical analysis, particularly regarding the Condon Report. There's an underlying acknowledgment of the persistent public interest and the possibility of unexplained phenomena, even when couched in scientific terms or dismissed by official studies.