UFO Newsclipping Service - 1969 08 - no 4

Magazine Overview

This document is a compilation of newspaper clippings from June and July 1969, primarily focusing on Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings and related discussions. The clippings originate from various North American publications, including Canadian and U.S. newspapers.

Key Articles and Reports

"Many Shy on UFO Tales" (Spokane Chronicle, July 22, 1969): Dr. J. Allen Hynek, chairman of astronomy at Northwestern University, discusses his 20 years of experience investigating UFOs for the Air Force. He acknowledges that 60-70% of sightings are explainable, but emphasizes that the remaining 30-40% are deeply mystifying and deserve thorough investigation, similar to FBI cases. Hynek believes there is a "vast reservoir of unreported sightings" due to ridicule and encourages people to report what they see.

"Balloon 'Saucer' Mystifies Morro Bay Area Residents" (Fresno Bee, July 26, 1969): Residents in Morro Bay, California, reported a large "saucer-like" object landing on the ocean. It was described as over 20 feet long with a bubble-like covering. A Coast Guard official identified it as a weather balloon, estimated to be 10 feet in diameter and made of aluminized material.

"Police, Citizens Sight UFO" (Pembroke, Ontario, July 19, 1969): Two police constables and several other individuals reported seeing a brilliant light, described as a "cylindrical-shaped brilliant Sunday," near Pembroke early Saturday morning. The object was seen at about 1,500 feet in the sky and appeared to be a "large star, no body, no form, just a light."

"Another 'Burned Circle'" (Cobden Sun, Ontario, June 12, 1969): For the second time in a month, mysterious circles burned into the grass were discovered in the Ottawa Valley. One was found near Meath Hill, Westmeath Township, following a similar discovery the previous month. Witnesses reported seeing a "big white light" before the burned places were found.

"UFO Reported By 2 Men, Boy" (Calgary Herald, July 11, 1969): A 10-year-old boy and two men reported seeing unidentified flying objects. The object was described as "greyish-white" or off-white, flying north at "terrific speed." It was visible for about sixty seconds.

"'Saucer' Identified" (Kitchener Waterloo Record, July 7, 1969): A large round object seen in the sky above Grey and Bruce counties was identified by two amateur astronomers as a weather balloon, estimated to be 25 to 35 feet in size.

"UFO Sighted Near Vegas" (Las Vegas Review Journal, July 16, 1969): A very bright object was seen heading northeast to southwest near Sloan, Nevada, sparking calls to the sheriff's office. Airport towers also reported seeing the object, theorizing it might be "space junk."

"'UFO' reported at Chickasaw" (Charles City Press, July 7, 1969): An unidentified flying object was seen over fields west of Chickasaw. Witnesses described it as round and aluminum-colored or silver, resembling a "pressure cooker with the lid on."

"UFO Investigator To Speak At UNLV" (Las Vegas Sun, June 27, 1969): Gordon I. R. Lore Jr., assistant director of the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP), was scheduled to lecture on UFOs at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

"Fraternity men sight UFO" (Ypsilanti, The Press, July 11, 1969): Police were called to investigate a report of an unidentified flying object seen by members of an Eastern Michigan University fraternity.

"Policemen among witnesses to unidentified flying object" (Page 2, multiple sources): Several reports detail police constables and other witnesses seeing unidentified flying objects. These include sightings near Pembroke, Ontario, and in the vicinity of Mattoon, Illinois, where objects were described as flashing red, green, and blue.

"'Mysterious Light' Scares Five Alone Forest Hill Road" (Memphis, Tenn. Commercial Appeal, July 1, 1969): Five people reported seeing a brilliantly glowing orange ball, the size of a house, rolling, darting, and bouncing along Forest Hill Road.

"UFO Sighted Over City" (Journal Gazette, July 14, 1969): A flashing object northwest of Mattoon was described as a "star-like object" with flashing and moving in unusual patterns. It was observed for over two hours.

"UFO reported seen by 13 people at Petawawa" (Toronto Telegram, July 14, 1969): Thirteen people, including police and military personnel, reported seeing an unidentified flying object at Petawawa, Ontario. It was described as a slow-moving bright light.

"FLYING OBJECT PUZZLES LOCAL CITIZENS" (Harriston Review, July 9, 1969): A large, round object seen in the sky above Wellington, Bruce, and Grey Counties might have been a weather balloon, but its stationary behavior for two hours puzzled observers.

"Sky Object Shakes Up Boise Folks" (Boise Statesman, July 11, 1969): Boise residents observed an unidentified, silver-colored object in the southwest, estimated to be about 100 feet in diameter and at approximately 45,000 feet.

"Aberdeen Men See Strange Object In Sky" (Aberdeen Times, July 24, 1969): Two men in Aberdeen, Idaho, reported seeing a strange object in the sky, described as a bright light in the center of a white cloud.

"Have astronauts from other planets already been on earth?" (Toronto Daily Star, July 23, 1969): This article discusses the hypothesis that Earth may be visited by astronauts from other planets. Scientists like Hermann Oberth and Dr. James E. McDonald are cited, with Oberth concluding that UFOs are likely surveillance craft from another planet. McDonald views the Condon Report as "sloppy" and "atrocious."

"Saw humanoid figures" (Page 5, Toronto Daily Star): This section details a case investigated by Dr. James McDonald involving a police officer in Socorro, N.M., who reported seeing an egg-shaped craft from which two 3-feet tall humanoid figures emerged.

"Two strange objects sighted over Neepawa" (Neepawa Press, July 10, 1969): Two strange objects were sighted over Neepawa, Manitoba. One was described as a shiny object that changed shape, possibly a weather balloon. The other was a very brilliant object that seemed to hover.

"Weather Office Identifies UFO" (Halifax Chronicle Herald, July 7, 1969): A large white object seen by many residents was identified by the Halifax weather office as a stray weather balloon, estimated to be between 200 to 300 feet wide.

"Expert To Give Lecture UFO Spotters 'Not Wacky'" (Calgary Herald, June 13, 1969): Dr. R. L. Sprinkle, a psychology professor from the University of Wyoming, states that UFO spotters are often of above-average intelligence and that UFOs likely exist and are observing Earth from a distance.

"See Any UFO's?" (Around Our Town, June 21, 1969): This piece references Dr. James McDonald's belief that UFOs are real and from outer space. It recounts three sightings investigated by McDonald, including one at China Lake involving an object that appeared to be chasing a missile.

"Was it a saucer?" (The Herald, Melbourne, Vic., Australia, June 23, 1969): The secretary of a golf course in Sydney believes a flying saucer may have landed on the 17th fairway, leaving a triangular burn mark with deep impressions.

"UFO a Spellbinding Sight for Family" (Salina Journal, June 24, 1969): A family in Hays, Kansas, reported watching a wedge-shaped object with a bright light climb, dive, and veer for 15 minutes. They described it as resembling an inverted pyramid and having the light intensity of an auto headlamp.

"UFO May Be Survey Teams" (Page 7, multiple sources): This article discusses the possibility that some UFO sightings might be related to geodetic survey work involving triangular towers and blinking lights used for communication, or blimp-like balloons.

"New 'Whatzit' Brings Search But 'Wherezit'" (Kincardine News, June 18, 1969): Residents reported hearing swishing sounds and seeing a large red object hurtling to the ground, which disappeared behind evergreens.

"Area sky-watchers spot flying object" (Bend Bulletin, July 11, 1969): An object described as a hemisphere or "half moon" was observed drifting high over Central Oregon for nearly four hours.

"Spooky Headlamped Firefly Makes Appearance in Hays" (Hays Daily News, June 24, 1969): Similar to the Salina Journal report, this article details the Marvin J. Werth family's sighting of a wedge-shaped object with a bright light.

"Flying Saucer Buffs Meet, Hear APRO Net Explained" (Centralia Sentinel, June 30, 1969): This article covers a meeting of UFO enthusiasts who discussed the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis. They referenced the Condon Report negatively and highlighted the work of APRO in collecting and analyzing UFO data.

"Creatures from beyond 'Believer' convinced UFOs are real" (Windsor Star, June 18, 1969): Daniel Rahn, a Windsor enthusiast, shared his experiences of UFO sightings since 1945, expressing his conviction that Earth is being watched by beings from beyond. He described a sighting of a "mother ship" enveloped in clouds.

"UFO's Sighted" (Hotchkiss, Fairview Post, June 12, 1969): Reports of flying objects, commonly known as UFOs, haunting the Hawk Hills area, with one incident involving lights on a vehicle going out when facing the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout these clippings are the prevalence of UFO sightings, the skepticism and ridicule often faced by witnesses, and the ongoing debate between conventional explanations and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. Several articles highlight the work of researchers like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. James McDonald, who advocate for serious investigation of unexplained phenomena. There's a consistent undercurrent of "government secrecy" or a tendency for agencies to "play down" UFO reports. The editorial stance, as reflected in the selection of these articles, appears to be one of reporting on the phenomenon with a degree of seriousness, acknowledging both the unexplained aspects and the attempts at rationalization.

Some articles express a belief in the Extraterrestrial Hypothesis, suggesting that UFOs are advanced craft from other planets. The articles also touch upon the psychological aspects of UFO spotting, with some experts suggesting that spotters are often intelligent and educated individuals. The compilation suggests a growing public interest in UFOs during this period, fueled by media reports and the ongoing space race.

Title: The Ottawa Citizen
Issue Date: Wednesday, July 23, 1969
Page: 25
Publisher: Victoria Times, B.C. (as indicated by the masthead, though the article itself is from The Ottawa Citizen)
Country: Canada
Language: English

This edition of The Ottawa Citizen features a prominent article on UFOs, highlighting John Magor, a publisher dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects. The issue also includes various reports of recent UFO sightings from different locations, alongside commentary on UFO investigation and theories.

UFO Publisher Hasn't Ever Seen One

The main article, by Ed Gould, focuses on John Magor, an expert on unidentified flying objects who has never personally seen a "flying saucer" and prefers to maintain "dispassionate objectivity." Magor publishes "Canadian UFO Report," a bi-monthly journal dedicated to space phenomena and the "UFO movement in Canada." He and his publication avoid the term "flying saucer" due to its association with sensationalism. The introduction to the "Canadian UFO Report" states a belief in the existence of UFOs, citing abundant evidence that points to their reality.

Magor's background in newspaper and magazine editing is noted, including an honor from Columbia University in 1963. He believes "something is going on out there in space" and that his full-time dedication to UFOs has strengthened this conviction. He describes sightings as falling into distinct variations, such as cigar-shaped objects or lights. Magor mentions that the study of UFOs has expanded due to interest in radio astrology. He also recounts a story about his brother, Lincoln Magor, who was interested in space exploration from a young age. Magor investigated a report of an exploding ball of light in the Yukon, which was corroborated by other sightings. He also checked out reports of pulsating lights over Koksilah, which turned out to be a logging operation, but a logger there provided details of a genuine UFO sighting involving a cigar-shaped object.

Magor's publication, "Canadian UFO Report," is available from Box 758, Duncan, B.C. The article also includes a brief mention of Dr. R. L. Sprinkle, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Wyoming, who stated that most UFO spotters are above-average intelligent and well-educated, and that there is nothing "weird or wacky" about people who claim to have spotted unidentified flying objects.

UFO Spotter Says It's Tit for Tat

This section reports on a sighting by John Lovagi of 203 Bertona St. in Ottawa. Lovagi, his brother-in-law Brian Thompson, and two other men were in Lovagi's backyard listening to a football game on the radio when they noticed an object streaking southward through the clear night sky. Lovagi estimated the object's speed at 15 times faster than any airplane he had ever seen. Minutes later, he spotted a second object moving at the same speed. The Uplands control tower reported no unusual activity on their radar screen at the time. Lovagi's sighting is supported by the three men who were with him. He noted that the object "wasn't flashing, but flicked off every now and then." They were so excited that they missed the last part of the ball game.

Recent UFO Sighting Routinely Investigated By Kingsley Officer

This article, by Vince Kohler, from the Klamath Falls, Ore. Herald & News (July 13, 1969), details an investigation by 1st Lt. Larry Haapanen, a UFOs officer at Kingsley Field. The article begins with a letter from Gail Bumala, 12, describing a sighting on June 30 with her brother, Mark, 16. They saw a slow-moving light with a wide vapor trail over KAGO Hill, which then disappeared and reappeared without a trail, disintegrating in a puff of smoke. They also observed something small falling into the hills and believed the object had four engines.

Lt. Haapanen, who has investigated several UFO sightings in the Klamath Falls area, explained the Air Force's official stance: there is insufficient evidence to classify UFOs as extraterrestrial, but the possibility of life on other planets is not denied. He urged the public to report sightings, stating that while many are identified as aircraft or natural phenomena, about two percent remain unexplained.

Haapanen emphasized the importance of detailed reports, including time, duration, elevation, size, shape, behavior, and sky conditions. He mentioned the "McMinnville, Ore., sighting in the early 1950s" as a notable unexplained case, particularly because the witness produced movies. He also referenced the Condon Committee's study of UFOs, which found that some cases, like the McMinnville sighting, lacked a good explanation. Haapanen recommended three books: the Condon Committee's report, "UFOs Identified" by Philip J. Klass, and "Anatomy of a Phenomenon" by Jacques Vallee. The investigation into the Bumalas' sighting was pending, with similar sightings reported simultaneously over Dunsmuir and Medford.

'UFOs Said Ready To Ride Along With Apollo 12

This article from the Orlando Sentinel (July 6, 1969) discusses the Florida UFO Study Group's prediction that unidentified flying objects will be present during the Apollo 12 moon launch on July 16. The group notes that July and December historically produce the largest number of UFO sightings. The article lists the 1969-70 officers of the Florida UFO group. It also mentions that despite a worldwide increase in UFO reports, major news wire services are not circulating them. The group acknowledges that many sightings are later identified as fakes, military planes, or balloons, but insists that some remain unexplained. They highlight the proximity of mysterious objects to Cape Kennedy and speculation about their relation to the space program. The article notes that NASA and NORAD cannot satisfactorily identify at least four UFO sightings made by American astronauts during flight missions.

One peculiar sighting described is from Lakeland, Florida, in October. Mr. and Mrs. W. L. 'Buck' McMullen, Miss Sharon Burgess, and two students witnessed a mystery object from a nearby hill. During the incident, audio and visual interference were observed on their TV. After the UFO left, a Lakeland police cruiser dispatched to the area found its motor non-functional. The McMullen dog broke a screen porch in an effort to escape the object. Eyewitnesses reported a smell like ammonia that burned their eyes and nose. The UFO appeared to be about 13 feet wide and 8 feet high, hovering seven feet above a palm tree for 20 minutes. Through its transparent dome, two occupants, about four feet high and dressed in "white tight-fitting" outfits and headgears, were observed.

Phenomenon Streaks Through Deloit Field

This report from the Grand Prairie Daily Herald Tribune, Alta. (July 13, 1969), by Tom Schulte, describes a strange phenomenon on Eldridge Winey's farm in Deloit. On a Saturday morning, Winey and his son-in-law, Wendell Argotsinger, discovered a path cutting through a cornfield, measuring 18 to 20 inches wide and 80 rods long. Winey initially suspected a fireball from lightning. The path cut down corn stalks uniformly. It started on the south side of a cornfield and headed north, stopping by a fence line. The debris was all on the north side. Winey noted that the middle stalk was cut closer to the ground, while the end stalks were cut higher, suggesting a circular object. The leaves on the side of the path were not cut, but the middle stalks were cut sharply, sometimes in multiple places, without any burning or scorching. The phenomenon, if a fireball, traveled over two waterways. Winey speculated that it might have ended at the north fence line where the electric fence grounded it. He found it unlikely that a machine or animal could have created such a path. A farmhand had noticed it Thursday afternoon but didn't pay much attention. The event remains a mystery to Winey, who wishes for an expert opinion.

Strange Objects Sighted in Sky

This article from the Chester, PA. Del. Co. Times (June 30, 1969) reports on multiple sightings of unusual objects in the sky. Mrs. Louis Dallam reported seeing four objects in the evening sky with her family. She initially thought they might be kites but decided they were too large and stationary for that. Her family member brought out binoculars, and they observed four hovering objects. Mrs. Dallam described one object as having a glow around it and being larger than the others. She also noted a red one and a green one. A neighbor couple, Mr. and Mrs. Pullian, also witnessed the triangular-shaped objects through binoculars. They watched the objects until about 9 p.m. when it became too dark to see them. Mrs. Dallam's niece also reported seeing similar "things that seemed like kites" over Delaware County. Mrs. Laurice Miller, another observer, reported seeing unidentified objects at about 7:30 p.m. Using binoculars, she saw four objects, one red, hovering. They appeared to remain still but slowly ascended. Bernard Larson reported seeing "block-like things circling around," described as brownish in color and mostly stationary, but moving forward at times. Parastudy, Inc., a group that investigates UFO reports, also received similar sightings. The Franklin Institute, which also received calls, had no explanation for the objects but stated that it was not a predicted astrological occurrence.

More about UFO's

This letter to the editor of the Fort Erie Times Review (June 18, 1969) addresses previous correspondence about flying saucers. The author notes that their UFO reports are often dismissed as weather balloons, swans, or hallucinations, and that these are mistaken for alien visitors. The author states that while good public pictures are scarce, the Air Force must possess more information. The letter quotes several notable figures:

• Dr. Hermann Oberth, rocket scientist: "I believe in U.F.O.'s."
• Kurt Hammersjold, director-general of internal air transportation association: "The hypothesis that these U.F.O.'s are extra-terrestrial surveillances I regard as most likely."
• Dr. James MacDonald, physicist: "At first without any questions, I thought it was all stuff and nonsense, but not any more."
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek, astrophicist: "Our wise old owls, and skeptics, might appear wiser, if they take another look also."

The author suggests that "skeptics" might benefit from reconsidering their views. The letter also includes a quote from Air Chief Marshall Lord Dowding: "The existence of these machines is evident and I have accepted them absolutely."

Another quote attributed to an unnamed source suggests that "peasants who elected them, would panic if told the truth. It is time we were given all the facts about U.F.O.'s in the hands of the government at this time", attributed to Mr. Barry Mather, M.P. (New Westminister), and James Richardson of Fort Erie.

'UFO' sighted

A brief report from the El Dorado Times (June 18, 1969) states that an "unidentified flying object" was reported in the sky above El Dorado that morning. The object moved slowly, attracting attention, and gave off a warm, bright glow. Upon closer observation, it was identified as the sun.

Department of the Air Force Letter

A letter dated May 9, 1969, from the Department of the Air Force to Senator Jackson, in reply to a letter from Mr. Rod Dyke, concerns the University of Colorado report on unidentified flying objects. The letter states that a Panel of the National Academy of Sciences was appointed to provide an independent assessment of the scope, methodology, and findings of the University of Colorado study. The Panel's task was to review the report and assess its scope (whether it covered relevant topics), methodology (scientific approach), and findings (conclusions warranted by evidence). The Panel consulted papers by technically trained persons, including works by William Markowitz, James E. McDonald, Donald H. Menzel, and Lyle G. Boyd, as well as reports from USAF Scientific Advisory Board committees and a symposium on UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this collection of articles is the persistent interest in and reporting of UFO sightings, particularly in the context of the late 1960s, coinciding with significant space exploration events like the Apollo missions. There is a clear division between those who actively investigate and report on UFOs, often advocating for their reality and the need for open investigation (e.g., John Magor, the Florida UFO Study Group, and the authors of the letters), and the more cautious, official stance of bodies like the Air Force and the Condon Committee, which often seek conventional explanations but acknowledge a small percentage of unexplained cases.

The editorial stance, as inferred from the selection of articles and their framing, leans towards acknowledging the phenomenon as worthy of serious attention, even if definitive conclusions about extraterrestrial origins are not always reached. The articles highlight the challenges in UFO investigation, the importance of detailed reporting, and the public's fascination with the unknown. There's an underlying sentiment that "some things you can't ignore," as one headline suggests, and that the subject warrants continued scrutiny beyond dismissive explanations.