UFO Newsclipping Service - 1974 10 - no 66

Magazine Overview

This issue of the U.F.O. Newsclipping Service, dated October 1974, is a compilation of various reports and articles related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) from across North America and beyond. The cover prominently features the headline "It Was Orange, But Was Not The Great Pumpkin," highlighting a specific incident involving an unusual object and its aftermath.

Key Articles and Reports

"It Was Orange, But Was Not The Great Pumpkin" by James Pletcher Jr. (Courier Staff Writer) details an incident in Connellsville, Pennsylvania, where Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Loyal reported an orangish-fire-burst flying low over their home. The object was described as egg-shaped and traveling about 50 feet high. Following the sighting, their car was covered in white specks resembling bird droppings, which left tiny burn marks. The Westmoreland County UFO Study Group investigated, analyzing the residue as magnesium oxide, commonly found in flares. Stan Gordon, head of the group, noted a 400-foot path of these specks around the Loyal's home and mentioned about 15 similar sightings in the surrounding counties within the past month and a half, all characterized by low-level sightings with no audible noise.

"UFO sighted Saturday near Lake Lefferts" (Matawan Borough, NJ) reports on an incident where about 15 people sighted an unidentified flying object. Police described it as having a red light at the front and a blue light at the rear, and it disappeared quickly. FAA officials suggested it might have been a plane with fluorescent lights.

"UFO Lights Over Area?" (Westfield, NJ) from The Daily Journal describes a young man's report of seeing three or four red and green beams of light circling high above, estimated at 10,000 feet. An FAA spokesman at Newark Airport noted good visibility that night.

"Babysitters See a 'UFO'" (Butler, PA) from the Eagle details two girls babysitting who saw a round, bright yellow light in the sky. It hovered for seconds before moving toward Pittsburgh.

"U.F.O. 'message' turns skeptic to believer" by Geof Gray-Cobb (reprinted from The Georgia Straight, Vancouver, B.C.) recounts a personal experience from October 22, 1965, while Gray-Cobb was working at the South African Deep Space Instrumentation Facility. He describes how a radio telescope designed to track spacecraft detected an unusual, powerful radio energy source, which he believes was a UFO. The incident involved abnormal signal strength readings, overloading equipment, and unusual audio signals, which ceased as abruptly as they began.

"A Noise, a Shape, 6 Shots, a Scream..." by Bob Brink (Palm Beach Post) reports on Cary Kanter's encounter with a large, hairy creature, about seven feet tall, with a strong odor, near Wellington, Florida. Kanter, a security guard, fired six shots from his revolver at the creature, which then fled.

"UFOs Reported in N.H." (Franklin, NH) mentions reports of colored lights and three UFOs seen on Sanborn Street hill. Fay Mahoney described a green tear-shaped object, and others reported seeing flower-shaped designs and bright stars.

"Lighted Plane W... Reports About 'UFO'" (East Liverpool, Ohio) suggests that an airplane with advertising lights may have been mistaken for a UFO.

"See Object In Sky" (Salem, Ohio) describes a sighting by Mr. and Mrs. George Balta of a strange object that looked like a balloon, which moved in circles and then sped away.

"More Police Officers Spot UFOs Over Capital Area" (Concord, NH) reports on multiple police officers in the Concord area witnessing unidentified flying objects. Patrolman James J. McGonigle Jr. described four objects hovering high in the sky with a pattern of lights. Northfield Police Chief Kris W. Meinhold also reported similar sightings.

"Bright lights sighted at night" (Centralia, WA) details a sighting by a mother and daughter of "very bright red lights hovering in a triangular formation" south of Olympia.

"Weird, flying objects reported to police by Alfalfa-Powell Butte area residents" (Bend, Oregon) compiles several reports of "very bright" objects seen in the sky, described as pulsating and moving in unusual ways. Some witnesses initially thought they were airplanes or satellites.

"Round, Metallic, Red Blue UFO Appears in Eastern Oregon" reports on sightings in Malheur County, Oregon, of a round, metallic object with red and bluish lights, described as hovering and moving erratically.

"2nd sighting is made of strange glowing object in Farmington sky" (Farmington, MO) details a sighting by Mrs. Frank Voertmann and her sister, Mrs. Cheryl Smock, of a "misty pink object hovering over the road." The object appeared to move quickly west. They also noted a pulsing or "breathing" appearance.

"UFO Sighted in Dupont Sunday" describes a sighting by a coon hunter of a "saucer-shaped" object about 1,000 feet away, with red flames ejecting from its sides, which then moved towards the observer.

"Pulsing lights puzzle Glamor Lake area" (Minden, Ontario, Canada) reports on strange, pulsating lights that moved erratically, with smaller objects emerging from a larger one. Constable Roy Telford witnessed part of the display.

"UFO sighted" (Calgary, Canada) describes Gordon Parker's sighting of an unusual object in the western sky that would change from a star-like form to a snake-like one, varying in color.

"UFO reported seen near Glen Robertson" (Alexandria, Ontario, Canada) mentions two objects hovering over an area for 45 minutes, with flashing green and red lights.

"Baffle Experts" (Trenton, Ontario, Canada) discusses "ghost ships" picked up by radar near missile test sites, puzzling scientists.

"Suddenly, there was something strange way up there in the sky" (Bailey Island, ME) reports Deputy Sheriff William Medary and another officer seeing three unidentified flying objects that moved straight up, changed colors, and disappeared.

"Lights Hovered Over Broad Street School" (West End, ME) details residents seeing three unidentified flying objects with colored lights circling over a school.

"UFO reported seen near New Brighton" describes a sighting of a "slow-flying airplane at a high altitude" by residents and a sheriff's deputy.

"Center Residents Report UFO Sightings" (Beaver County, PA) mentions reports of a large orange globe of light with a tail hovering over the Monaca Road area, which split into two pieces.

"UFOs spotted near Libertyville, at Kingsley, Remsen, Orange City" reports on multiple sightings of red, green, and white UFOs in the Iowa area, some moving erratically and one making a loud boom.

"Saline County Area Has UFO Reports" (Omaha, NE) compiles reports from Nebraska of multiple bright objects seen in the sky, possibly vapor trails or military helicopters.

"UFO reported seen" (Bozeman, MT) mentions a deputy sheriff seeing a mysterious visitor Saturday night.

"CENTER FOR UFO STUDIES" lists UFO Central calls and classifications for September 1974, including sightings in Seattle, WA; Ottawa, IL; Newton, NJ; Sheldon, IA; Albuquerque, NM; Virginia Beach, VA; Canton, NY; Stillwater, MN; Ft. Pierce, FL; Decatur, GA; Livingston, NJ; Belvidere, IL; Inkster, MI; Garden City, MI; Racine, WI; Largo, FL; Madison, WI; Walnut Creek, CA; Santa Rosa, CA; Highland Beach, FL; Brunswick, ME; Edina, MN; Midland, PA; LaCrosse, WI; Greenbay, WI; Dubuque, IA; Mt. Prospect, IL; Topeka, KS; Sturgeon Bay, WI; Jefferson City, WI; and Sarasota, FL.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes throughout this issue are the widespread nature of UFO sightings across diverse geographical locations and the consistent reporting of unusual aerial phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on witness accounts, often involving law enforcement personnel, and the physical characteristics of the objects observed, such as their shape, color, lights, and erratic movements. The publication appears to present these reports factually, often quoting witnesses directly and including details about investigations or analyses, such as the residue found in the Connellsville case. The editorial stance seems to be one of documenting and disseminating information about UFO phenomena, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also acknowledging skepticism and potential explanations like aircraft or weather phenomena. The inclusion of a list of UFO Central calls from J. Allen Hynek's organization suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of reported events within a specific timeframe.

This issue of the Middlesex Chronicle, dated August 9, 1974, features a prominent cover story titled "SAUCER SAGA - THE FOLK WHO SEEK THE TRUTH" by Mark Donlan. The magazine delves into the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), exploring public interest, witness accounts, and the efforts of various organizations dedicated to their study.

Cover Story: Saucer Saga - The Folk Who Seek The Truth

The main article by Mark Donlan highlights the growing belief in UFOs, citing an opinion poll where one in three people believe in them. It introduces the North-West Kent UFO Society, formed 18 months prior, which has 38 local members investigating sightings. The society interviews witnesses, checks for conventional explanations like planes or satellites, and examines photographic evidence. Chairman John Miller notes that many credible sightings are made by responsible individuals, including policemen on night patrol.

The article recounts a particularly striking local incident near Ruxley, Swanley, about 18 months ago, where a bright light hovered low over a field, leaving a track with damaged corn and a peculiar 90-degree turn. The society could not explain this phenomenon, suggesting the object had travelled down the field. The article also mentions that famous people have reported sightings. The society can be contacted at 14, Dallin Road, Bexleyheath.

Another incident detailed is from the 1800s in Chalk, North Kent, where an object resembling an airship appeared, dragging a rope with an anchor that got caught on railings. The anchor was melted down and made into church equipment, found to be an alloy unknown at that time.

Other UFO Sightings and Reports

Several other news clippings from various English publications are included, detailing numerous UFO sightings across the UK:

• Middlesbrough Evening Gazette (August 17, 1974): Reports of "mystery lights" in the night sky over Tyneside, with dozens of people spotting strange objects they believe to be flying saucers, possibly influenced by predictions from entertainer Kreskin.
• Newcastle Journal (August 17, 1974): A magician's predictions for Tyneside have seemingly come true, with many sightings of mystery lights. Newcastle Airport officials cannot dismiss these as planes. Professor A.C. Hardy of Newcastle University is mentioned as a witness.
• Liverpool Echo (August 20, 1974): A spate of sightings of "UFOs" over Merseyside, with reports of silent, brilliant objects travelling fast. Mr. Nigel Howard and friends saw an object travelling east-west.
• Portsmouth News (August 21, 1974): A report about a party of UFO observers on Winchester Hill who witnessed three separate incidents: a cloud splitting, two pale yellow "dancing" lights, and a very intense blue light.
• Merseyside, ENGLAND (Paper Unknown, August 21, 1974): Claims of seeing a "flying saucer" in the sky on Sunday night were refuted by a Liverpool Astronomical Society spokesman, who identified the object as the Skylab space station.
• Middlesbrough Evening Gazette (August 19, 1974): A woman in Ballburn reported seeing a "bright light" hovering over the fields before shooting off at terrific speed. Another report from Saltburn described a flashing object soaring high in the sky.
• Liverpool Echo (August 13, 1974): A young couple, Sylvia and Brian Charlton, were left shaken by bright orange lights that grew bigger and changed shape over Kenton, Newcastle.
• Bristol Evening Post (September 10, 1974): Mr. Donald Speed of Coventry contacted the paper seeking local UFO spotters. He was put in touch with the British Flying Saucer Bureau, which is conducting a project called "UFO's In Retrospect."
• Warley News-Telephone (August 15, 1974): Reports of an "Odd Spot" and "Bleep, Bleep" lights seen by Brian Blair and his mother, who are keen astronomers.
• Stevenage Gazette (August 15, 1974): A Hitchin couple reported seeing a glow similar to that observed by a Stevenage man the previous Sunday. Another anonymous reader claimed to have sighted a mysterious "thing" at the same time and place.
• Dartford and Swanley Chronicle & Kentish Times (September 12, 1974): Ivor and Edna Bell reported seeing a "redish-orange" glowing object resembling a parachute over Dartford Heath.
• Ramsey Post (August 29, 1974): Astronomer Raymond Purvis sighted a rare fireball that hovered over Huntingdon before disintegrating.
• Minden Progress (August 15, 1974): Strange lights were seen outside Dongola by Shirley and Ron Newman, described as nine lights, each "as bright as the sun," in the shape of a 100-yard triangle.
• Erin, Ont. Advocate (August 7, 1974): Workers at Muskoka Centre reported an unidentified flying object that remained stationary for about two hours.
• Mississauga Times (August 14, 1974): A man reported seeing an "oval-shaped, white fluorescent disc" travelling rapidly across the sky, coinciding with reports of a loud explosion in the Erindale area.
• Minden Progress (September 25, 1974): Two fast-moving, low-flying unidentified flying objects were seen over Gull Lake.
• Mainichi Daily News (September 29, 1974): Townsfolk in Sawara, Hokkaido, Japan, have become "insomniacs" due to frequent sightings of "flying saucers" over Mt. Komagatake.
• Saturday Evening Mercury (September 21, 1974): A report of a UFO sighting over Scamander, Tasmania, is considered one of the best made in Tasmania, involving a pale yellow object with colored lights.

Bigfoot and Other Forteana

The issue also includes articles on related phenomena:

• Roseburg, Oregon, The News-Review (September 9, 1974): "Bigfoot Sighting Brings 'Pros' To Search Area" details how Mrs. Steven Fitzgerald's sighting of two Bigfoot creatures near the Umpqua National Forest attracted researchers from organizations like the American Yeti Expedition Film Co. and North American Wildlife Research. The article discusses the challenges of verifying Bigfoot's existence and the conservationist approach of some researchers.
• Longview, Wash., Daily News (September 21, 1974): "Scientific crew spent 4 months hunting Bigfoot in Cougar area" reports on Bob Morgan's American Yeti Expedition, which aims to find scientifically acceptable evidence of Bigfoot. The article discusses the creature's names, habits, and the expedition's methods, including the analysis of hair samples found near footprints.
• Longview, Wash., Daily News (September 21, 1974): "Strands of Hair Deepen Sasquatch Riddle" details how hair found near Bigfoot footprints was identified as human, potentially suggesting a mutation or evolutionary link.
• Toronto Sun (August 6, 1974): A brief mention of a "Vampire" on trial for murder and blood-drinking.
• Klamath Falls, Ore., Herald & News (September 3, 1974): Two men died when a "perpetual motion" machine they were working on exploded.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of unexplained phenomena, and the skepticism and scientific inquiry surrounding them. There is a clear emphasis on witness accounts and the efforts of amateur and professional researchers to gather evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various sightings and theories without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the need for scientific verification and the challenges involved in proving the existence of such phenomena. The inclusion of Bigfoot reports suggests a broader interest in cryptozoology and the unexplained.