UFO Newsclipping Service - 1974 03 - no 59

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. NEWSCLIPPING SERVICE, dated March 1974, is published by the UFO RESEARCH COMMITTEE and focuses on UFO phenomena and related experiences. The cover story highlights "How UFO Changed 2 Men's Lives," referring to the widely reported Pascagoula incident.

The Pascagoula Incident: A Soul-Searing Visit

The lead article details the experience of Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker Jr., who claimed to have been abducted by a UFO while fishing in the Pascagoula River. They described being taken aboard a craft and examined by three pale, wrinkled creatures. Despite initial skepticism, investigators placed the report in a special category due to its inexplicable nature. Authorities acknowledged it was a "soul-searing experience" for Hickson, a shipyard foreman, and Parker. Hickson expressed his ongoing struggle to understand the origin and purpose of the encounter, stating, "I don't reckon I'll ever get over trying to figure out where they came from and why they picked me." Parker was reportedly in shock and blacked out during the encounter. A polygraph test later supported their accounts, and an attorney noted Parker suffered a "complete physical and emotional breakdown."

UFO Reported Seen Friday By County Residents (Stuart, Florida)

This report from Stuart, Florida, details a sighting on Friday evening around 9:30 p.m. by residents of Coral Gardens. Laura Stuckey of The Stuart News was alerted by a resident and, along with Jack Scott, investigated. Scott described seeing a bright object about 5,000 feet off the ground that blinked on and off like a light bulb, disappearing after about 15 seconds. He noted the clarity of the night sky and the unusual blinking of the object compared to other stars, suggesting it was not a conventional aircraft.

UFOs No Longer A Joking Matter (Costa Mesa, Calif. Daily Pilot)

Authored by Dr. Fred M. Johnson, a physics professor at Cal State Fullerton, this article argues that UFOs should be taken seriously. Dr. Johnson, a former skeptic, explains that while the scientific community is often dismissive due to the "NIH factor" (not invented here), the sheer volume and consistency of reports, coupled with the advanced technology implied by UFOs, make them imperative to study. He draws parallels to historical scientific skepticism, such as that faced by Galileo, and argues that UFOs represent a potentially more efficient and advanced form of transport that could be relevant to solving Earth's energy crisis. He criticizes the influence of science fiction and "fringe" types for distorting the subject and calls for a thorough reevaluation of UFO data.

UFOs: Is Somebody Out There? (Los Gatos, Calif. Times Observer)

This article summarizes a talk given by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a renowned astronomer and consultant on UFOs. Dr. Hynek addressed a large audience, discussing his 20 years of experience investigating UFO reports for the U.S. Air Force and his current work with the Center for UFO Studies. He noted the emotional reactions the subject often elicits and stated that while many people believe in UFOs, the credibility of reports is often undermined by "crackpots." He emphasized that the patterns in UFO sightings are global and corroborative, suggesting they are not merely mental figments. Dr. Hynek cited the need for dignified study and mentioned the Center's efforts to gather accurate information and provide a hotline for law enforcement agencies.

Local Couple Say 'Glow' Was U.F.O. (Naples, FLA., Daily News)

This brief report describes a sighting by George Roger Summerow and his wife on San Remo Avenue. Summerow saw a glowing red object, took photographs, but it was gone by the time deputies arrived. His wife described it as a "ball of fire" unlike an airplane.

UFO Reported Seen Friday By County Residents (Stuart, Florida)

(Duplicate of the report on page 1, confirming the sighting in Coral Gardens).

Agate Woman Reports UFO (Shelton, Wash. Mason Co. Journal)

Mrs. Joe Fadden of Agate reported seeing an unidentified flying object that emitted a bright light for about five minutes before disappearing.

UFO Sightings Reported By Two Manatee Residents (Bradenton, Florida)

Patrick Thrush, 16, reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) hovering over the Braden River. He described a silvery, reflecting object with a tube extending into the water. He took photographs of the object. He also reported hearing "several loud clanks" and a splash. The object, estimated to be 25-35 feet in diameter, changed color from bluish-green to reddish-orange as it moved away. George Montgomery, also in Palma Sola, reported seeing multiple objects in the sky that converged and vanished. Additionally, a ham radio operator friend of Thrush's reported losing communication on a specific band during the time of the sightings. Thrush developed a theory involving magnetic fields and mercury pools to explain the UFO's propulsion.

Did A Creature From UFO Land Here? (Jacksonville, Florida Journal)

This article recounts the experience of Norman R. Chastain, who reported seeing strange lights and an object like "half of a ball" over the St. Johns River. He later encountered a "devil's head" creature in his yard, which he described as having teeth, big eyes, and pointed ears. He also found a plant that resembled the creature's head. Chastain believes UFOs are a serious subject and decided to report his experience after learning of the UFO Research Institute's investigation.

Top UFOlogist Hynek Expresses Interest In 'Credible' Creature Cases (Arkansas Gazette)

This article reports on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's continued interest in UFO phenomena, particularly "credible" close encounter cases. He discusses a case involving a man and his wife in New Hampshire who reported seeing creatures picking up rocks. Hynek acknowledges the difficulty in accepting such reports but emphasizes their existence and the need for investigation. He also mentions a case where a dog reacted fearfully to unseen entities.

Scientists On Jet Film Weird Object (Paris)

Pictures taken by scientists aboard a Concorde supersonic jet during a solar eclipse showed a bright, mushroom-shaped object. French scientists classified it as an unidentified flying object, while other witnesses described it as resembling an airship from Mars. The object was observed at an altitude of 56,000 feet.

7 UFOs Seen in Mississippi (Arkansas Gazette)

Several residents in Forrest County, Mississippi, reported seeing seven unidentified flying objects, described as about the size of a small house. Harold Stanton, a TV engineer, described the objects as having a "neon type of glow" and moving in formation. A college professor also witnessed the event and noted the objects changed color from dim blue to bright orange.

UFO Reported Seen Over Romanian Town (Arkansas Gazette)

Residents of Piatra Neamt, Romania, reported seeing an unidentified flying object emitting green light and leaving a multicolored trail.

Report seeing unidentified flying object over county (Iroquois County Times, Watseka, Illinois)

Law enforcement officers in Iroquois County, Illinois, reported observing a bright, star-like object with four different lights that appeared to hover or move slowly. The object was described as larger than the Northern star and changed colors. Some officers attempted to follow it. The report notes a rash of UFO sightings in October and November 1973, some attributed to pranksters but others unexplained. It also mentions Dr. J. Allen Hynek's call for a government agency to investigate UFO reports.

UFO Seen Hovering Over Wyalusing (Towanda, Pa. Daily Review)

A Wyalusing couple reported seeing a UFO hovering over the community for about half an hour. They described it as football-shaped with white lights in the center and a red light at the top.

Area policemen sight 3 UFO's (Culpeper Star-Exponent, Culpeper, Va.)

Police officers in Fauquier County, Virginia, reported seeing unusual lights in the sky. Deputy Sheriff John Payne and Trooper William M. Neal observed a glowing circular form with red and green lights. In Manassas Park, Officer Joseph Scalici reported seeing two lights that stopped high in the sky, with one dropping to hover above treetop level before both disappeared.

Astronomer pursues UFOs (Elgin, Illinois - Courier News)

This article discusses Dr. J. Allen Hynek's dedication to the study of UFOs. It highlights his belief that the vastness of the universe makes it unlikely Earth is unique and that UFO reports, when credible, should be taken seriously. Hynek's involvement began in 1948 when approached by the Air Force. He expresses a desire for an answer to the UFO phenomenon before he dies and emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge. He also mentions the Center for UFO Studies and its goal of providing accurate information and a forum for study.

UFO Reported Here (Norman, Okla. Transcript)

A woman visiting Norman reported seeing a "beaut of a flying saucer" shaped like a cone with flashing lights and smoke trails. The object ascended vertically very fast and disappeared from sight.

UFO sighting reported by three officers (Denver, Colorado Rocky Mountain News)

Three Jefferson County sheriff's officers reported sightings of unidentified flying objects. Deputy Ken Fitzpatrick described an object with six or seven white lights and red and green lights, about the size of three jumbo jets. Deputies Tom Bobay and Joe Cope also reported seeing a similar object with numerous lights of various colors, which disappeared into the west.

Minister Calls UFOs 'Work Of Satan' (Indianapolis News)

Reverend Bill Riddick, pastor of Ocean Springs Baptist Church, interprets UFO sightings as the work of Satan, designed to deceive people about the second coming of Christ. He claims to have interviewed Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker and believes the biblical explanation for UFOs involves "fallen angels."

UFO Sighted By Laguna Residents (Laguna Beach Post)

Two Laguna Beach residents reported seeing an unidentified flying object off the shore. Police officials suggested it was likely an aircraft, but the sighting was reported to the UFO Center in Chicago.

Fleet of UFO's in Hattiesburg area (Biloxi-Gulfport Daily Herald)

A formation of unidentified flying objects was reported in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Witnesses described seven objects that flew in formation, landed, and then zipped across the sky. A college professor also witnessed the event and noted the objects changed color.

Many Of County's UFO Sightings Remain Unsolved (Mount Airy NEWS)

This article discusses numerous UFO sightings in Mount Airy and Surry County that remain unsolved. It highlights the global nature of UFO encounters and mentions reports of UFO occupants. The article cites specific cases, including one involving a "small three-foot creature" and another where a car engine and headlights stopped when a UFO landed nearby.

UFO Reported Seen Over Romanian Town (Arkansas Gazette)

(Duplicate of the report on page 6, confirming the sighting in Piatra Neamt, Romania).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the personal impact of UFO encounters, the scientific investigation and skepticism surrounding UFOs, and the variety of reported sightings and phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly evident in Dr. Johnson's and Dr. Hynek's contributions, is that UFOs are a legitimate subject for serious scientific inquiry, despite public ridicule and the challenges in gathering conclusive evidence. There's a consistent emphasis on witness credibility and the need to move beyond dismissive attitudes to understand what these phenomena represent.

This issue of PIX-PEOPLE MAGAZINE, dated February 28, 1974, focuses heavily on reports of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and cryptid sightings from around the world, with a particular emphasis on North America and Australia. The cover story, "Is your neighbour a Spaceman?", explores the scientific speculation that extraterrestrial visitors might resemble humans.

Is Your Neighbour a Spaceman?

The lead article discusses the possibility of alien visitors from outer space not looking drastically different from humans. It cites Willy Ley, a leading US expert on space exploration, who suggests that common depictions of aliens are "rubbish." Based on scientific principles of biological construction, scientists have theorized that potential visitors would likely have a human-like appearance. The article references the work of Michael Harvey, who has compiled numerous UFO reports, and Dr. C. H. Mackenzie, who believes governments tend to "draw a veil of secrecy" over such phenomena. It also details a specific sighting by four youths in Sydney, Australia, who described a UFO with two lights, one large and bright at the front, and a smaller red one at the back, which illuminated the area beneath it.

UFO Sightings from Around the World

The magazine presents a collection of UFO sightings from various locations:

• Iowa, USA: Ramona Dicks and her daughters reported seeing a "lime-green domed object, glowing yellow" in a soybean field near Neola, described as "cupcake-shaped but a little flatter."
• California, USA: Laguna Beach police confirmed a sighting of a "brilliant light" described as a "long cigar shape with a green light on the rear and a red light on the side," which moved sideways and went southeast.
• Texas, USA: Four employees at the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport reported seeing five "unidentified flying objects" that were "bigger and brighter than large stars" and appeared in a line like "flat flying saucers."
• Oklahoma, USA: A dairyman near Vinita reported a "silvery, flashing object" emitting a "shrill whistle" that frightened his herd and dog.
• Wyoming, USA: A report from Casper suggested that a sighting of a "boat shape" object that increased in brightness might have been the comet Kohoutek.
• Canada: Reports from Truro, Nova Scotia, detail increasing UFO sightings, including one by youths near North River Elementary School, coinciding with brief power outages. Similar sightings are noted in Rotorua, New Zealand.
• Australia: Sightings include one near Deniliquin, described as a "bell-like shape" object, and another at Moe in 1963.
• United Kingdom: A housewife in Sunderland reported seeing a "long black oblong" object with colored lights that hovered over a school. A mystery explosion and streak of light were also reported in North Wales.

The Weetekow and Sasquatch

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of large, hairy, human-like creatures, often referred to as Sasquatch or Bigfoot. The article "Horror of the Weetekow" focuses on reports from Manitoba, Canada, where the creature is known as the Weetekow or Easterville Monster. Conservation officer Bob Uchtmann discovered three large, human-like footprints, 21 inches long, on an ant hill near The Pas. These prints are described as indicating a stride of five feet. The article notes that local Indigenous legends speak of the Weetekow, and that the prints are considered "ridiculous" by some but lack alternative explanations. Dr. Gover Krantz, an anthropologist, is quoted stating that "the animals do exist" and that the Manitoba reports are the easternmost verified sightings of such creatures.

Further accounts of encounters with these beings are detailed:

• Manitoba, Canada: June Emerson, a former teacher, recounts two separate incidents of seeing a "seven-foot or more" creature, once described as "hurdling the willows or small bushes" and another time standing upright on the side of the road. She describes it as having "flashing green eyes" and "long arms."
• Manitoba, Canada: Former Easterville school principal Don Jones and teacher Allan Skrumeda recount an encounter with a "hairy" creature, described as "ape-like, but more humanoid," with "deep-set" eyes and "long, hanging arms," that crossed the road in front of their car.

Other Phenomena

• Frankenstein Monsters Are Beyond Belief: This section features an account from Gary Holochuck and Joanna Moore who encountered a "semi-grayish, brownish white" creature running across the road in Manitoba, described as "like a tawny color" and "like an ape," with "really big steps."
• Vanishing Planes Tied With UFO's: John Wallace Spencer, an author and member of the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena, asserts that many plane and ship disappearances in the "Limbo of the Lost" area of the Atlantic Ocean are linked to UFO activity. He claims the U.S. government has ordered a cover-up of data related to these phenomena.
• Capsule Stirs Talk, Rumors: A 21½-ton, stainless steel, bullet-shaped capsule recovered off Santa Rosa Island, California, sparked rumors of it being a spaceship or spy device, though the Navy denied ownership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO and cryptid sightings as credible phenomena, often quoting experts who acknowledge the existence of unexplained events and evidence. There's an underlying theme that official bodies may be withholding information or downplaying these occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these unusual reports, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The recurring theme is the persistent reporting of strange aerial objects and large, unknown creatures, suggesting a global pattern of unexplained encounters.