UFO Newsclipping Service - 1973 06 - no 50

Magazine Overview

This issue of U.F.O. magazine, dated June 1973, features a prominent cover story detailing the ongoing investigation into the alleged grave of an Unidentified Flying Object pilot in Aurora, Texas, following a reported crash in 1897. The magazine includes reports on UFO sightings from various locations, scientific analysis of potential UFO debris, and commentary from UFO researchers.

Key Articles and Reports

'2 narrow hunt for UFO pilot's grave'

This lead article by Bill Case reports on confidential information provided by two Aurora residents regarding the burial site of a UFO pilot in the Aurora Cemetery. The crash reportedly occurred on April 19, 1897. The crash site, located at a well on the Brawley Oates property, and the cemetery have been subjects of intensive scientific investigation. Earl F. Watts, a Dallas astronomer and investigator for MUFON, used metal detectors at the grave site, which yielded signals similar to those from unidentifiable light metals found at the crash site. Watts stated that the evidence linking the grave and the crash site was too solid to be coincidental. Reporters recovered additional samples of extreme lightweight and strong metal, one magnetic and one non-magnetic, which are being sent for analysis by a major aircraft company. A court order for exhumation may be sought if the analysis reveals materials unknown on Earth or developed after the crash date. Hayden Hewes, director of the International UFO Bureau, had previously issued an injunction against digging at the site.

'FLYING SAUCER IN THE NIGHT'

This report by Jim Auburn details a UFO sighting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Derk Kruger in Queenstown. The Krugers reported a strange droning sound and a dull light between 3:30 and 4 a.m. While they did not see the UFO itself, mysterious 'pad marks' were found on their lawn the following evening. The police, including Commandant Lieut-Col. L. K. Knox, admitted to being baffled by the symmetrical nature of the marks. The marks were described as four oval impressions, each 23 cm long and 15 cm broad, with the grass inside remaining green.

'EXHUMATION OF 1897 UFO 'PILOT' BODY ASKED'

This article from the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner reports that the International UFO Bureau spokesman stated they would go to court to open a grave in a North Texas cemetery containing the body of an alleged 1897 astronaut. Hayden Hewes, director of the group, indicated legal means were being pursued for exhumation, hoping to obtain unusual metal from the pilot's clothing or bones, similar to pieces found at the crash site.

'Texas Woman Recalls 'UFO' Crash In 1897'

This piece from the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner features an interview with 91-year-old Mary Evans, who recalled the night of April 19, 1897, when an airship crashed into Judge Proctor's well. She stated the pilot was buried in the community cemetery. The article notes that the Wright Brothers' first flight was in 1903, leading some to believe the 1897 airship was extraterrestrial. Dr. Tom Gray, a physicist at North Texas State University, tested a metal sample and found it unusual, being 75% iron but lacking common iron properties, and not magnetic.

'UFOs' glow spreading- spotted in Lead Belt area'

This report from the Globe-Democrat details sightings in Farmington, Mo., and surrounding areas. Experienced pilots Kenneth Pingel and Marvin Colyer reported chasing a bright, white-colored disc-shaped object that outdistanced them. The object was described as circular, turning yellow and orange, and giving off heat waves. It emitted a beam of white light and exhibited incredible speed and maneuverability. Other residents also reported seeing strange lights. Jewell Hensen reported seeing objects nightly over Ironton, Mo., described as emitting bright white shafts of light. Mrs. Raymond Stucker reported seeing a large, metallic-colored disc-shaped object land or take off near Ellsinore, Mo., leaving scorched trees.

'Pilots Fuel U.F.O. Story'

This Associated Press report corroborates the Farmington, Mo., sightings, with pilots Kenneth Pingel and Marvin Colyer describing a chase of a glowing disc-shaped object. They noted its incredible speed and maneuverability. The report mentions that sightings have become a common occurrence in southeast Missouri since mid-February.

'UFOs light suburbs and switchboards'

This Chicago Today article describes hundreds of residents in Northwest suburban Chicago reporting sightings of nine bright, pulsating lights. Police and residents observed the objects hovering and moving at high speeds. Sgt. Fred Schmidt of the Schaumburg Police Department described them as 'round vapor lights.' State police suggested the lights were reflections from planes landing at O'Hare Airport, but local police were skeptical.

'Piedmont Observer Believes UFO Landed'

This report from the Piedmont Observer suggests that a flying saucer may have landed near Ellsinore, Missouri. Dennis Keeney, an engineer for radio station KPWB in Piedmont, stated that sightings had been frequent, and a possible landing site in a disturbed area with broken and burned trees was being investigated by representatives of the UFO Bureau.

'Kutztown Joins UFO Sighter List'

This article from the Express in Easton, PA, details a sighting by Kutztown police officers and residents of a small red, white, and green flying object. The object hovered and then disappeared. The report notes a recent discovery of spent aerial flares in the area, suggesting a possible prank.

'Light' Identified As Meteor'

This Daily News report from Indio, California, discusses a mysterious light spotted in the sky that was identified as a meteor by Roy Ortis, curator of meteors at Griffith Observatory. The loud 'explosion' heard was attributed to the meteor entering the Earth's atmosphere.

'UFOs's glow spreading- spotted in Lead Belt area' (Continued)

This continuation of the Lead Belt article discusses the scientific investigation of UFOs. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, chairman of Northwestern's astronomy department, is quoted stating that UFO reports come from credible individuals and that the phenomena defy simple explanation. He suggests that UFOs might represent a 'quantum jump' in understanding, possibly involving other dimensions or extraterrestrial visitors. He also criticizes the press for focusing on hoaxes rather than significant sightings.

'9 UFOs sighted in northwest suburbs'

This Tribune article details a sighting of nine UFOs by residents and police in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. Lt. James Dillon of the Schaumburg Police Department reported seeing objects with red and white lights. The article mentions that J. Allen Hynek, a Northwestern University professor and UFO authority, believes the sightings are peculiar and that the press often ignores significant reports.

'UFOs's glow spreading- spotted in Lead Belt area' (Continued)

This continuation of the Lead Belt article mentions that a team of professors from a nearby university is planning an instrumental study of UFOs. The article also touches upon the possibility of UFOs originating from other dimensions or spheres of existence.

'UFO Claim Reported A.'

This report from the Centre Daily Times describes a sighting by a Gregg Township resident and two companions of a huge, bright object that changed colors and hovered. The object was described as oval or round in shape and emitted a fluorescent light.

'Egg-shaped UFO reported in Charleston'

This article from the Enterprise-Courier reports Mrs. Dorothy Thompson of Charleston, Missouri, sighting an egg-shaped UFO with a red top and solid white bottom. The object made no sound and traveled at treetop height.

'U.F.O.'s in Pennsylvania May Have Been Fireworks'

This AP report from Fleetwood, PA, suggests that a police chief may have discovered that spent fireworks were the source of nightly UFO sightings in the region. The fireworks were found in an area ideal for launching them and emitted colors matching those reported in UFO sightings.

'UFOs, Flashing Lights Seen In Missouri Area'

This article details numerous reports of strange flashing lights in the Piedmont, Mo., area. UFO expert Hayden C. Hewes believes these sightings are significant and well-documented, possibly related to a mining expedition from outer space. Witnesses described the lights as red, then multi-colored, spinning, and moving without sound. Photographic evidence from Maude Jefferis shows an object shaped like a child's top or gyroscope. Reggie Bone, a basketball coach, reported a bright light following his car.

'Jersey Shore woman reports sighting UFO'

This report from the Loch Haven Express describes a Jersey Shore woman's sighting of an unidentified flying object described as 'like a star' but larger and shinier, changing colors from red to white to green. The object was seen over the Jersey Shore Cemetery.

'Three 'Sober' Adults Report UFO Sighting'

This article from the Altoona Mirror reports three sober adults in Gregg Township, PA, sighting an oval-shaped, fluorescent white UFO that changed colors and direction before disappearing. Police were reportedly baffled.

'Anyone see UFO in sky?'

This Burlington County Times article recounts a woman's call to the newspaper inquiring if anyone else had seen a low-flying object with bright lights. She described the object as more or less square in shape and noted that it disappeared suddenly.

'UFO Claim Reported'

This report from the Centre Daily Times details a sighting by a Gregg Township resident and two companions of a huge, bright object that changed colors and hovered. The object was described as oval or round in shape and emitted a fluorescent light.

'Nanticoke Neighbors See 'Blinking' UFO'

This Times-Leader, Evening News, Record article describes neighbors in Nanticoke, PA, witnessing a strange 'red flashing light' that appeared to be coming from the West Side and blinked for over half an hour.

'Smoke Rings'

This article by Robert H. Forister describes the author's personal experience of witnessing a UFO over Piedmont, Missouri. Initially a skeptic, he describes seeing an amber-colored light moving parallel to the horizon, which he felt was directed by another being.

'Riverside County Residents Report Flaming Object'

This article mentions reports of a large, flaming object crashing in the desert near Indio, California.

'UFOs Or Liquor'

This Associated Press report from Lourenco Marques, Mozambique, mentions a rash of UFO sightings, mostly from the nightclub district.

'450 Report UFO Sightings During 1972'

This San Diego Union article quotes Dr. J. Allen Hynek, chairman of Northwestern's astronomy department, stating that UFO sightings created a stir in 1972, with about 450 reports. He emphasizes that reports come from credible individuals and that UFOs are phenomena that defy simple explanation.

'UFOs light suburbs and switchboards' (Continued)

This continuation of the Chicago article discusses the scientific investigation of UFOs. Dr. J. Allen Hynek suggests that UFOs might represent a 'quantum jump' in understanding, possibly involving other dimensions or extraterrestrial visitors. He also criticizes the press for focusing on hoaxes rather than significant sightings.

'Pacific Beach, Calif. Sentinel May 16, 1973'

This Sentinel article discusses Dr. J. Allen Hynek's work and his belief that UFOs are real and defy simple explanation. It mentions his role as a consultant to the Air Force's Project Blue Book and his research into stellar spectroscopy.

'UFO Claim Reported' (Continued)

This continuation of the Centre Daily Times report details the sighting of a large, bright object that changed colors and hovered.

'UFOs sighted in N. W. suburbs' (Continued)

This continuation of the Tribune article mentions that J. Allen Hynek, a Northwestern University professor, believes the sightings are peculiar and that the press often ignores significant reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights UFO sightings as credible phenomena, often supported by eyewitness accounts from seemingly reliable individuals such as pilots, police officers, and scientists. There is a clear emphasis on ongoing investigations, scientific analysis of potential evidence (like metal fragments), and the baffling nature of these encounters for authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting UFOs as a genuine mystery that warrants serious attention, rather than dismissing them as hoaxes or misidentifications. The recurring theme is the increasing frequency and quality of sightings, suggesting a growing phenomenon that defies conventional explanations.

This issue of the "Herald" from Colac, Victoria, Australia, dated April 11, 1973, features a prominent report titled "UFO in Colac sky." The document is a compilation of various UFO sightings and related incidents from different parts of the world, suggesting a widespread interest in the phenomenon during that period.

UFO Sighting Over Colac

The main article details a sighting over Colac on Monday night, April 11, 1973. Mrs. Margaret Elwood, a former teacher, described the object as a bright light trailing a heavy white cloud of smoke, seen flashing across the sky from west to east. She noted its trajectory appeared fairly flat but gained height slightly as it moved east. Mrs. Elwood compared the light and smoke to a rocket taking off, but stated it was not like a jet's vapor trail. She estimated its size to be about that of a star and mentioned its great speed and lack of noise. The object was seen for a few seconds. The "Observer" newspaper also reported the incident, with reporter Tom Fort describing it as "nothing I've ever seen before." Other witnesses, including Mrs. Celia Porter, described it as saucer-shaped with something attached. The Meteorological Office stated it couldn't have been a weather balloon as they fly at much higher altitudes. Slough Police Chief Inspector Charles Cranmer noted no unusual reports in the area.

Other UFO Reports

New York Sighting

A woman in New York reported a phenomenon on Tuesday evening, May 30, 1973. She and about eleven others saw "weird" lights facing north towards 74th Street. They went to the roof to observe two dark clouds with lights shining from behind them. A small red light within each cloud was seen traveling in circular motion, then straight up and down. This spectacle lasted until about 10:30 p.m. The woman contacted Timothy Beckley of the "Manhattan Gazzette" due to his interest in UFOs.

Collinsville, Illinois Sighting

On Monday night, April 30, 1973, at 9:06 p.m., Collinsville police received a report of a UFO in the southern sky from 15-year-old Richard Barker. Barker described the object as casting a flashing red light that changed color, and later a large white light appeared when it stopped. The object made no sound. Police suggested it might be a balloon, but Barker was skeptical. Neighbors also witnessed the event. The sighting was relayed to Scott Air Force Base, which forwards UFO reports to the FAA.

Los Angeles, California Sighting

The "Los Angeles Times" reported on May 22, 1973, that a Casterton family watched a mystery flying object pass over the town on Monday night. Mr. Les Twigg and his family saw two definite lights, one white in front and one red at the rear, making a vapor trail. The object appeared to be rising and passed swiftly to the south.

Piedmont-Farmington Investigation

An article from May 31, 1973, discusses the continuing search for the source of mysterious lights in the sky over Piedmont-Farmington areas. Dr. Harley D. Rutledge, head of the physics department at Southeast Missouri State University and director of Project Identification, stated that the investigation is scientific and not a flying saucer hunt. The project uses observation posts, telescopes, cameras, and spectrum analyzers. A radar unit is being deployed. Rutledge noted several sightings but would not speculate on the source.

Bronte Area Sighting

An "Oakville Daily Journal Record" from April 18, 1973, reports that two teenagers, Russell Anderson (14) and Larry Masters (15), sighted an unidentified flying object in the Bronte Beach area. They described it as a bright orangish-yellow light that stayed in one spot for 10 minutes before moving. Anderson, an astronomy hobbyist, stated it was not a shooting star and appeared close and larger than a plane.

Queenstown, South Africa Sighting

A "Daily News Correspondent" report from Port Elizabeth, dated May 12, 1973, details a UFO landing in Queenstown. Mr. and Mrs. Derk Kruger awoke to a droning sound and a light, later finding four "pad marks" on their lawn. A UFO detector machine, imported from Switzerland, reportedly gave a negative magnetic field result but a positive gamma ray result over the marks. Mr. J. J. Gerber, the owner of the detector, concluded that a UFO had landed. A scorch mark was also found on a porch pillar. Similar markings were reported on a nearby property.

Heywood, Victoria Sighting

The "Express" from Heywood, Victoria, on April 12, 1973, reports a mystery object seen over the district. A Casterton family watched a mystery flying object pass over the town on Monday night. Mr. Les Twigg and his family saw two definite lights, a white one in front and a red one at the rear, making a vapor trail.

Greenock, Scotland Sighting

The "Greenock Telegraph" on March 1, 1973, reported "Mystery lights over the town again." Multiple calls reported "balls of fire" appearing high over Greenock Golf Course. Some callers saw up to six lights. The Glasgow Weather Centre suggested they might be satellites, but Dr. A. E. Roy from Glasgow University disagreed, stating the objects were definitely seen and did not fit astronomical explanations. An official UFO Investigation Officer for Scotland, Mr. Duncan Hogg, requested people to contact him with sightings.

Kingscliff Beach Sighting

The "Sunday Mail" from Brisbane, Queensland, dated April 29, 1973, features a report titled "Lights 'draw UFOs'." Two Brisbane men, Mr. Osborne Davis and Mr. Robert McGregor, claim to have lured a UFO to Kingscliff Beach by flashing car lights in a pattern. They described the object as orange, saucer-shaped, with a ball of light above it. The object merged with the light and separated multiple times. Mr. McGregor declined to reveal the code used.

Rings of a Farm's Burning Mystery

The "Herald" from Melbourne, Victoria, dated April 6, 1973, presents a mystery involving "rings of a farm's burning mystery." Farmer Geoff Bibby discovered two almost perfect rings of bare earth on his property at Navarre. The rings, 18 inches wide with a 42 ft. diameter, had lush grass inside and outside, with the earth appearing scorched. His father suggested it might be "boys from outer space having a picnic." Mrs. Lorna Slorach, a neighbor, believes the markings correspond to a flying saucer she saw in November 1969. Her brother-in-law, Mr. Frank Raeburn, also reported a similar marking on his property. An RAAF spokesman called the report "very interesting."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across different continents and the consistent descriptions of unusual aerial phenomena. There is a clear public fascination with these events, often met with official skepticism or a lack of definitive explanation. The articles highlight the efforts of individuals and some scientific groups to investigate these occurrences, while also capturing the bewilderment and speculation of witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events as they are presented by witnesses and investigators, without necessarily endorsing any particular explanation, but acknowledging the persistent nature of UFO reports.