UFO Potpourri No 386

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO POTPOURRI
Issue: no. 386
Date: December 1994
Publisher: JOHN F. SCHUESSLER
Content Focus: The 1897 Airships, Part III.

The 1897 Airships: Part III

This section presents two articles from the ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH concerning the 1897 airship phenomenon.

GOLDEN HAIRED GIRL IS IN IT: The Airship Discovered in Southwest Missouri

This article, dated April 19 (year not specified, but context implies 1897), details an astonishing account from W.H. Hopkins, a general traveling agent for the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company. Hopkins reported seeing an airship a few miles from Springfield, Missouri, and not only observed the craft but also interacted with its aerial navigators.

The report, confirmed to be in Hopkins' handwriting by his employer and his wife, describes his initial skepticism towards numerous airship reports, attributing them to vivid imaginations. However, his own experience dispelled these doubts.

Hopkins recounts wandering through hills east of Springfield when he saw a sight that rooted him to the spot. In a clearing, a vessel similar in outline to one previously shown in the POST-DISPATCH rested on four legs. Its surface reflected rays like burnished aluminum. The vessel was approximately twenty feet long and eight feet in diameter, with propellers about six feet in diameter. Two wheels were positioned horizontally at the bow and stern, while another propeller at the stern was oriented perpendicularly for propulsion.

Near the vessel, Hopkins encountered a being he described as the most beautiful he had ever beheld. She was of exquisite form and features, dressed in nature's garb, with golden hair that hung to her waist. She was plucking flowers and speaking in a language he could not understand, her voice like silvery bells.

In the shade of the vessel lay a man of noble proportions with a majestic countenance, dark auburn hair, and a full beard. Both the man and woman were fanning themselves, seemingly oppressed by the heat.

Hopkins, astonished, wondered if he was dreaming or if Adam and Eve had returned to Earth. He approached, and the woman, hearing the rustle of leaves, looked at him with wonder and fear, shrieking and rushing to the man. The man then sprang to his feet, embracing her and glaring at Hopkins threateningly.

Through signs, Hopkins attempted to convey that he meant no harm. After some initial apprehension, the man extended his hand, and Hopkins kissed it. He tried again to communicate his peaceful intentions. The man's face then lit up with pleasure, and he spoke to the woman. She hesitantly approached, and Hopkins took her hand and kissed it fervently, causing her to blush and withdraw her hand.

When asked by signs where they came from, they pointed upwards and pronounced a word that sounded like 'Mars' to Hopkins.

Hopkins expressed his wonder at the ship, and the man led him towards it. Inside, he saw a luxurious couch and a curious ball suspended from the ceiling, connected by a metal strip. When struck, the ball illuminated with soft scenes. Similar balls and mechanisms were attached to the propellers and the vessel's structure. When struck, these balls rotated with intense rapidity, emitting lights of different colors: intense white at the prow, green on one side, and red on the other.

Hopkins noted that the two beings examined him with great curiosity, feeling his clothing, looking at his gray hair with surprise, and examining his watch with wonder. Communication was limited due to the inadequacy of signs.

He pointed to the balls attached to the propellers, and the man struck the strips. The balls revolved rapidly, and the vessel began to rise. Hopkins quickly sprang out, and the vessel shot away like an arrow, disappearing within minutes.

The man and woman stood laughing and waving to him, described as a vision of loveliness and manly vigor.

Hopkins concludes by stating that if he ever drank liquor, he would immediately seek more, implying the extraordinary nature of his experience. He provides his address for further inquiries: 517 Security Building, St. Louis.

Verification of Hopkins' Account

This section details the verification process of W.H. Hopkins' letter. The letter was taken to the St. Louis office of the Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Co. at 517 Security Building, where it was shown to C.C. Gardner, the manager.

Gardner confirmed that the handwriting was indeed Mr. Hopkins', who was in that territory and had been at Springfield on the named day. He vouched for Hopkins' character, stating he was not a romancer, did not court notoriety, and was reliable. Gardner emphasized that Hopkins does not drink and has been with the company for a long time, making his account credible.

Clerks at the office compared the letter's writing with recent correspondence from Hopkins, conclusively proving it was from the same hand.

When Hopkins' wife was questioned about his propensity for jesting or hoaxes, she stated the contrary, describing him as serious. She highlighted that a 50-year-old man would not write such a letter if it were untrue. She also mentioned his membership in the Maple Ave. M.E. church and his many friends in the West End, suggesting he wished to share his experience with them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Potpourri appears to be dedicated to historical UFO/UAP accounts, specifically focusing on the 1897 airship sightings. The editorial stance, as evidenced by the presentation and verification of the W.H. Hopkins account, is one of serious consideration and validation of witness testimony, particularly when corroborated by credible sources and individuals. The magazine seems to aim at documenting and preserving such accounts for public awareness.