The Ufologer - 1957 06 - June 17 - Vol 1 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: THE UFOLOGER
Issue: No. 1, Vol. 1
Date: June 17, 1957
Publisher: NORTH JERSEY U. F. O. GROUP
Country: USA
Language: English

This is the inaugural issue of "The UFOloger," a monthly magazine dedicated to the study of flying saucers and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on their connection to the occult sciences. The magazine is published by the North Jersey U. F. O. Group.

Editorial Introduction and Staff

The magazine opens with "The UFOloger Story" by R. Krandall, introducing the publication and its editors, Jim Villard and Dan Washburn. Villard is responsible for articles on Flying Saucers, while Washburn covers the Occult Sciences. They encourage reader feedback and announce a special feature called "The Information Saucer" for answering questions. The editors believe that saucers and the occult are closely related. Subscription rates are provided: $2.00 for 6 issues (sample copy $0.35), and $2.00 for 12 issues annually. The editorial staff also includes J. Villard as Photo Technician and UFO Expert, D. Washburn as E.S.P. Expert, and R. Krandall as Technical Advisor.

"New Light on Moseley"

This section features a letter from an anonymous writer concerning James W. Moseley, a prominent UFO researcher and publisher of "Saucer News." The letter, originally sent to "Cosmic News" and then published by Gray Barker in "The Saucerian Bulletin," alleges that Moseley is a paid operative of the U.S. Air Force. The writer claims to have researched Moseley's background through military contacts, revealing he is a reserve First Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force who worked in Intelligence in Germany from 1950-1953 and has since been a liaison officer with ATIC in Dayton, Ohio. The letter further suggests that Moseley, who claims to be 25 and interested in treasure hunting in South America, is actually 32 and his trips are to an Air Force Base in the New Jersey area where he works in a civilian capacity. The writer believes Moseley is in a prime position to expose the true nature of the UFO mystery but chooses not to. The letter also mentions Moseley's involvement with George Adamski and his offer of a $1,000 reward for proof that saucers come from outer space. The editors express interest in the outcome of this information, inviting reader comments.

"Using the Planchette" by Dan Washburn

This article explains the use of the Planchette, a heart-shaped board with legs, used as a tool for mediumship and automatic writing. The writer describes how to use it, emphasizing patience and caution. It advises against asking questions immediately and suggests sitting at a regular time. The article warns readers to be suspicious of messages from spirits claiming to be historical figures like Julius Caesar or Napoleon Bonaparte, as these are likely false.

"The Story of the Junior Skywatch of the Americas"

This section announces the formation of the Junior Skywatch of the Americas (JSA), an organization for young people in Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. The JSA aims to foster interest in the social, cultural, economic, and political backgrounds of Western Hemisphere countries and to organize groups for observing and studying aerial phenomena, astronomy, meteorology, and weather variations. Membership costs $1.00 and includes a newsletter and eligibility for forming local posts and attending meetings. Applications should be sent to the JSA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Letter from Aime Michel

A letter from Aime Michel, written in French and translated by Jim Villard, is included. Michel responds to a letter about George Adamski's books, acknowledging Adamski's significant contribution but questioning the verification of his claims. Michel expresses his research results on the subject.

"The Editorials"

In their first editorial column, the editors provide general news and seek reader response. They mention an upcoming space craft convention in Franklin, Pennsylvania, from June 20-23, attended by Neva Dell Hunter, Howard Menger, and others. They also report a rumor about a "Hyper-dimensional TV camera" that can see into the spirit world, possibly using a special quartz lens found in Canada. The editors note that Al Bender predicted the Air Force would speak about UFOs in August and suggest a breakthrough might occur in the fall or late summer. They also mention Richard Shaver and his theories. The editors discuss the challenges of printing the magazine, opting for mimeograph for the initial issues due to cost, with plans to switch to offset printing once subscriptions increase. They express a desire to include more pictures.

"FRANA-Life Force of the Universe" by Dan Washburn

This article defines "Prana" as the life force of the universe according to Eastern wisdom. It explains that Prana is absorbed by living things and translated into nerve food, and its absence leads to death. The article highlights that Yogis of the East can take in large amounts of Prana through breathing exercises, which can lead to good health and healing power. It suggests that rhythmic breathing can increase efficiency and encourages readers to explore books on Yoga and breathing.

"The Book of Wisdom" by Stephen Crane

A short poetic piece about meeting a seer and being shown "The Book of Wisdom," which the narrator, despite claiming to know much, finds themselves suddenly unable to read.

"SPACE CRAFT CLUBS"

This is a call for readers to share information about their saucer clubs, with the promise to print it in the magazine.

"THE INFORMATION SAUCER"

This section invites readers to submit questions and comments, which will be published if space permits.

"DEATH BY RADAR BEAMS - FACT OR FICTION?" by Dan Washburn

This article examines the newspaper claim that a 42-year-old man died within two weeks of standing in front of a radar transmitter for less than a minute, experiencing a sensation of heat. Washburn explores the possibility that microwaves from radar transmitters could cause a rise in body temperature, similar to ultraviolet and X-rays. He acknowledges the complexity of the issue, considering that pilots and passengers are constantly exposed to radar waves, and suggests further research is needed.

"THEY KNEW TOO MUCH ABOUT FLYING SAUCERS" by Gray Barker

This section recommends Gray Barker's 256-page book, "They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers." The book reportedly begins with an account of the Flatwoods monster case. Barker is described as an investigator for the International Flying Saucer Bureau, which collapsed after Al Bender was "shut up." The book is recommended for UFO investigators and costs $3.50.

Reader Subscription Offer

To encourage subscriptions, the first 20 people who send in their subscription money will receive a copy of M. K. Jessup's "The UFO Dictionary" as a prize.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly emphasizes the perceived connection between UFO phenomena and the occult sciences, a recurring theme throughout several articles. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded yet critical, particularly concerning figures like James Moseley, whom they present with allegations of being a government operative. There is a clear effort to engage readers and solicit their contributions, as evidenced by the calls for letters, comments, and information about reader clubs. The publication also aims to be a comprehensive source of information on UFO sightings, research, and related topics, while also exploring less conventional subjects like the Planchette and Prana. The editors express a desire to improve the magazine's production quality as subscriptions grow.