UFORUM - 1956 04 - Vol 1 No 02

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOrum
Issue: VOLUME ONE NUMBER TWO
Date: APRIL 1956
Publisher: GRAND RAPIDS FLYING SAUCER CLUB
Price: 25¢

UFOrum is presented as a monthly publication of the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club, described as a non-profit educational organization. The cover features the title 'UFOrum' and a drawing of a flying saucer, with the subtitle '*Official U.S. Government designation for Unidentified Flying Objects*'. The issue is dedicated to sharing saucer sightings and experiences.

Detroit Man Tells of Saucer Contacts

This section details a talk given by Lee Childers of Detroit before the Grand Rapids Study Group on Interplanetary Relations on February 4, 1956. Childers recounts several encounters with a space man named Commander Markeson, who introduced himself as being from the planet Tythan.

First Contact and Markeson's Mission

The first contact occurred on August 14, 1954, in Caro, Michigan. Markeson explained that his people piloted the round ball-like object that landed. He revealed that Tythan is a planet in a system of 20 planets orbiting the star Wolf 359. Markeson himself is described as an ordinary-looking man, about 5 feet 7 or 8 inches tall, weighing 145 pounds, appearing around 28 years old, with baby-like skin and a powerful voice.

Markeson stated their purpose on Earth was not to conquer, but to prevent civilization's destruction by atomic and hydrogen bombs. He explained, "Nations of your Earth have atomic, hydrogen, and biological bombs which can destroy civilization" and "We are not coming to conquer or to take over. We are coming to stop an eventual war which would engulf all nations of Earth in an atomic conflict."

Saucer Encounters and Technology

Childers describes being taken to a saucer, which was sitting astride railroad tracks and appeared to be of liquid molecular construction. Around the saucer stood a short man, a very tall man, and a girl, who was Markeson's sister. The ship was about 60 feet in diameter at the rim and 35 feet in the cabin. They entered through a magnetically locked circular door and sat on circular seats. Childers was unaware of motion until informed they were at 40,000 feet altitude, traveling at 250,000 MPH. He estimated the trip lasted one hour.

During a later encounter near Caro, Michigan, Markeson explained that the mother ship, called TREJANOM, was a sphere type and that the trip from Tythan took one month and three days. He also stated that Saturn was considered the "seat of deity" for their solar system, and that records of individuals in our solar system are kept on Saturn.

The last contact occurred on November 23, 1955. Childers was drawn to Jefferson and Vinewood, where he met Markeson. They were lifted into another saucer, similar but larger than the first, by what Childers guessed was a magnetic vortex. The craft was traveling at 250,000 MPH.

Inside the Mother Ship 'TREJANOM'

Childers was taken aboard the mother ship, TREJANOM. The dome part of the ship was partially retractable. He saw a viewscreen showing Soviet Russia, and witnessed several planes and two missiles easily outdistanced by their craft. Approaching a small round ball, their speed was stated to be 500,000 miles per hour. They entered a mile-long tunnel in the mother ship, passing six huge doors into a gigantic hangar filled with numerous spacecraft. The beings he saw varied in height from four to nine feet and all had long hair.

Childers was taken to the astrodome, which contained telescopes, radio, and other research instruments, including a large Telescreen showing the universe. He was told that atomic and hydrogen bombs could disrupt the solar system. Markeson also explained that the Mind is the most powerful part of the human body, capable of transmitting thought across space. Their ships transmit themselves by cosmic forces created by the sun, using a magnetron for propulsion that allows any desired speed and can also enable them to transmit into a fourth dimension, becoming invisible.

The last contact Childers had was on February 4, 1956.

Communication with UFOs

This section discusses the desire of many people to contact space visitors and the challenges involved. Two pioneers in space communication by means of infra-red light beams are highlighted: John Otto of Chicago and "Ric" Williamson of Prescott, Arizona.

John Otto's Experiments

John Otto, in a December 1954 article in 'SAUCERS', stated that while telepathy and mysticism have possibilities, he advocates for practice in the field of extra-terrestrial visitors. He believes that light beam communication offers the best means, provided a simple and economical receiver unit can be developed. Otto experimented with an RCA 923 photo-cell and voice reproduction circuits, achieving some results with rapid code and half syllables. He also constructed a full battery-powered unit using high-frequency infra-red photo cells to filter out surface lighting disturbances, believing visitors could utilize a beam unseen by the naked eye.

Otto reports an instance where five 'Saucers' were observed going north, followed by a singular craft flying south. He also recounts a case in Michigan where a 'Saucer' hovered over a house, throwing a greenish light into it. In another experience, after transmitting for two weeks, modulating music and words, Otto received a jumbled answer followed by "How is my readability? Go ahead...", which reportedly floored the communicator.

The article notes that accompanying sketches are basic and modifications are possible. This series on infra-red light-beam research is to be continued, and the G.R. Flying Saucer club is interested in forwarding any results to John Otto.

SKYQUAKES

This section discusses 'skyquakes', mysterious blasts that can occur. The editor recounts an experience on December 2, 1954, when a terrific blast rocked East Lansing, Michigan. Initially dismissed as an explosion, it was later identified in Major Donald Keyhoe's 'FLYING SAUCER CONSPIRACY' as a 'SKY QUAKE' that concerned the Air Force.

According to Keyhoe, the Air Force investigated and stated that no supersonic planes were involved, and Air Force planes were forbidden to break the sonic barrier. An article from the February-March issue of 'The Little Listening Post', taken from 'Flying Saucer Review', London, suggests that skyquakes could be due to hovering saucers starting up suddenly, causing an explosion as air rushes into a vacuum.

A mysterious skyquake that rocked over 100 square miles of sparsely populated Lapland is also mentioned.

A diagram illustrates a "typical voice production unit" and an "Amplifier unit" that could be coupled to a telescope for observing light beams in space.

Grand Haven Reporter: Stephen Vozar Sighting

This report from Carroll Myers, Grand Haven Reporter, details an event on February 28, 1956. Mr. Stephen Vozar, Jr. of Grand Haven noticed instability in his TV picture and then saw a brilliant light in the sky. His immediate conclusion, based on his Coast Guardsman training, was a pirotechnic or distress flare. He alerted the local police, Coast Guard Lifeboat Station, and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter 'Woodbine'.

Mrs. Vozar also observed the light for about thirty minutes. She described it as a vertical cylinder of red and green with a brilliant white light immediately below. She estimated its size to be 3/8 to 1/2 inch at arms length. The colors blended, with green at the edges and red in the center. The white light then moved off to the right, appearing to lower as it moved. Police Chief Richard Klempel confirmed that Mr. Vozar expressed wonder at the unusual red, white, and green flare.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOrum are direct contact with extraterrestrial beings, the advanced technology of UFOs, and the potential for communication with them. There is a strong emphasis on the 'contactee' experience, particularly through the detailed account of Lee Childers. The publication also explores unexplained aerial phenomena like 'skyquakes' and investigates methods of communication with UFOs, such as infra-red light beams. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting accounts and theories for the reader's consideration, with a clear interest in promoting the study of UFOs and related phenomena.

This document appears to be a collection of articles and reports from a magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena, likely from the 1950s, given the references to satellite launches in '56 and population predictions for the year 2000. The content ranges from eyewitness accounts of aerial phenomena to interpretations of biblical texts and discussions on government secrecy and scientific speculation.

Article 1: Unidentified Light Over Lake Michigan

The first article details an observation of an unidentified light over Lake Michigan. According to First Class Quartermaster Barrens of the USCG Cutter Woodbine, the light was first observed at 8:50 PM and described as a brilliant white light, considerably larger than any star, with possible traces of blue. He observed it through binoculars and determined, using a sextant, that its elevation angle decreased by one degree in two minutes. Barrens emphatically stated that this fact, along with its size, proved it was not a star or other heavenly body. The observation continued until about 9:30 PM. Lt. Commander Carter, the Commanding Officer, also observed the light through binoculars and described it as white, possibly with a little red, which he attributed to the prismatic effect of the glasses. He later drove to the beach to observe the relative difference in bearing angle, concluding it appeared to be a great distance out over Lake Michigan. Carter was positive it could not have been a flare because it remained in the same position for over thirty minutes. He felt it must have been a star or planet that had not been noticed before. The Grand Haven Lifeboat station reported being unable to spot any distress signal or other signs of distress, leading the author to believe they might have been concentrating their search too low on the lake's surface.

Article 2: Flying Saucers in the Holy Bible

This essay explores the possibility of flying saucers being mentioned in the Holy Bible. The author addresses the common argument that the Bible does not mention other planets or beings from them. The article focuses on the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, suggesting that Ezekiel's description of living creatures and wheels could be interpreted as a flying saucer sighting rather than a divine vision. The text quotes Ezekiel Chapter 1, verses 1-14, describing a whirlwind, a great cloud, fire, brightness, and four living creatures with faces of a man, lion, ox, and eagle, and wheels that moved with them. The author posits that this description sounds more like a saucer sighting than a vision of God and aims to provide a new insight for those seeking confirmation of saucers within the Bible.

Incident Report: Mofjell, Norway

A brief report from Mofjell, Norway, describes an encounter by Mrs. Aasta Solvang and her sister Edith Jacobsen. While picking berries, they encountered a dark-skinned man with long hair who communicated by drawing circles and pictures of heavenly bodies on paper. He led them to a craft described as two saucers sandwiched together. The creature entered the disc, which then rose into the air, rotated, and disappeared with incredible speed. The being wore khaki overalls without buttons. This report is noted as an excerpt from 'Flying Saucers, CSI, NZ'.

News Briefs and Speculation

Several short items cover various topics:

• The Saucer Race is On: This section suggests governments are trying to imitate flying saucer technology. It mentions France and Canada working on disc-shaped craft, a U.S. patent on a disc-shaped craft, and speculation about Canada's investment in a 1500 MPH project. Physicists are reportedly conferring on 'new' propulsion, and persistent reports indicate the U.S. has launched a satellite or a rocket that 'kept on going'.
• Every Day Modern Communication Pierces Another Veil: A brief mention of Morgan Beatty from NBC.
• What Goes Here????: Reports on work progressing for a Big Space Lab at Yucca Valley, costing $26,000. George 'Ric' of 'Adamski Contact' has reportedly acquired 10 acres in Arizona for a 'Light Beam Lab' for direct interstellar communication.
• Einstein Quote: A quote attributed to Einstein: "Be content to learn a little more of life's mysteries every day."
• Cataclysm: Geologists are predicting a major flood due to shifting earth's axis, described as 'periodic' and 'almost due again'. Um. F. Libby of AEC suggests an atomic calendar shows a catastrophe around 875 B.C. that caused sea levels to rise. Signs in the sun, moon, and stars are noted, and the text warns that humanity is close to the possibility of world suicide.

Article 3: Educator Sees 'Steel Balls' in Sky

This article reports on an investigation by Civil Defence officials in Whitsett, N.C., following reports from an elementary school principal, H.D. Lambeth, Jr., and over 100 students. They witnessed objects described as 'steel balls' darting across the sky for 25 minutes, during which a substance called 'angel hair' fell. Lambeth, a former aerial observer, described the 'angel hair' as a light-colored, wispy material similar to Christmas decoration or cotton candy, in two to three-inch strips. Similar reports of 'angel hair' were noted in nearby Burlington, described by some as spider webs. Lambeth observed one 'steel ball' and had a teacher time its descent from directly overhead to the horizon, taking a minute and a half. He contacted the Civil Defense office in Greensboro, and Capt. Murray Thornton planned to investigate. Lambeth stated there was no way to judge the height or speed of the objects due to the lack of clouds, noting they moved straight and did not wobble, though they stopped momentarily. The article also mentions that the British Air Ministry will not make public the results of its 5-year Saucer Probe, with an unnamed 'authority' suggesting the lid will blow off next year.

Spotlight on Gravity

This section discusses recent developments in understanding gravity. The New York Herald Tribune published three articles on gravity, selling out each issue. The National Bureau of Standards is holding a meeting, and it's noted that the pull of gravity differs at various locations on Earth. An apple tree, inspired by Newton, is to be placed on the Bureau's lawn. Martin Aviation of Baltimore is advertising for engineers to work on the gravitational problem. The University of Rome confirms the annihilation of matter with negatrons (anti-protons). Commercial and military groups are reportedly investigating this secret, with predictions of a 'space vehicle de-gravitized, then directed at will by radar.' A quote from Marshall Foch is included: "THERE IS NO POWER ON EARTH LIKE A HUMAN SOUL ON FIRE...."

Article 4: Flying Saucers May Be Key to Planes of the Future

This piece references a headline from the Air Force Times suggesting flying saucers could be key to future aircraft. It questions how the Air Force can copy phenomena they deny exist, noting their silence despite global commentary. Dan Fry, in his forthcoming book 'Steps to the Stars,' is quoted as saying men will stand on Venus and Mars without rockets, using a simpler method. The article poses the question of whether it's time to stop fighting gravity and work with it to reach the stars, suggesting a need to forget current knowledge.

Coming Events and Predictions

Several 'coming' items are listed: a million-dollar study of hurricanes, nerve surgery for polio, mighty-midget transistor radios with 500 hours on one flashlight battery, and an X-ray that operates for 20 years without recharging. A new island has appeared in the Pacific, pushed up by a volcano, and two new stars have been born in Orion.

Satellite

A 31-year-old man is heading a project with a $38 million cost for a satellite. Speculation exists that one purpose of sending up satellites is to observe what else is circling Earth's globe. The Soviet Union claims it will launch a satellite in '56. Comments from NBC and Linkletter are included, suggesting a new era ahead.

Keyhoe Strikes the Keynote

This section urges readers to write to their senators and representatives to demand the Air Force release all saucer reports for study by newsmen. It warns that without public pressure, the subject will remain secret, and sudden information could impact the economic world. Keyhoe's press conference on his latest book was well-attended, but stories were suppressed. Keyhoe told LLP that the Air Force knows what saucers are but not why they are here. Two schools of thought exist: one believes they are here to help, while the other fears them. The question of a law quarantining warring humanity to Earth is raised, with a prominent source stating that crossing space is becoming a necessity and questioning if humanity will forsake war.

Spacecraft Convention

An announcement for the Annual Convention featuring UFO researchers and authors, to be held on April 28-29 at Giant Rock Airport, California. Information can be obtained by writing to G.W. Van Tassel.

Article 5: Fireballs Flash Over Oregon in Daylight

This article reports on multiple sightings of fireballs over Oregon on January 9, 1956, occurring in daylight. On the same date, saucers and jets were reportedly seen over Bedford, Indiana. The Eugene Register Guard reported that residents in Klamath Falls and Lakeview saw the first fireball around 5 PM, described as a green ball traveling at terrific speed, vanishing west of Klamath Falls. Two more reports of a second fireball came shortly after, seen speeding south between Bend and Burns. Eileen Dunn, a deputy county clerk in Eugene, reported seeing the fireball flash across the sky, initially green, then turning to orange and red as it disappeared. The article analyzes the geography and timing of these sightings, suggesting that the fireball seen by Miss Dunn, being at least 80 miles west of Bend, could not have been the same object seen between Bend and Burns due to the Cascade Mountain Range. The report is attributed to C.R.I.F.O. ORMIT, Cincinnati, Ohio.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of unidentified flying objects (UFOs), their potential origins, and the implications for humanity. There's a strong undercurrent of government secrecy and a call for transparency, particularly from the Air Force. The magazine explores both scientific and pseudoscientific explanations, including interpretations of ancient texts like the Book of Ezekiel, and speculative theories about gravity manipulation and future space travel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to question official narratives and consider extraordinary possibilities, while also acknowledging potential dangers and the need for humanity to overcome its conflicts. The inclusion of various news briefs and incident reports suggests a commitment to documenting and disseminating information within the UFO community.

Title: Flying Saucer Review
Issue: Pages 21-23
Date: December 1955
Publisher: Flying Saucer Review
Country: United Kingdom
Language: English

This section of the magazine focuses on UFO and related phenomena reports from around the world, including unusual events in Fiji, Uganda, India, and the United States.

METALLIC FRAGMENTS SPRAY OVER FIJI

The lead story details an event on December 27, 1955, in Yakobu, Vatulele, Fiji Islands, where a village was showered with metallic fragments during a lightning storm. The origin and purpose of the fireball were described as inexplicable, behaving like a ranging missile. The Auckland Star reported this event, suggesting a possible explanation of a meteorite exploding at a low level, causing a flash mistaken for lightning. Samples of the metallic shower were to be sent to the Fiji Mines Department. Harold Fulton of C.S.I., New Zealand, sent this news item and noted his intention to contact Vatulele authorities for samples.

The article then draws a parallel to the bizarre affair of the Joyita, a 70-ton cruiser that steamed out of Apia, Western Samoa, for the Tokelau Islands on October 3, 1955, with 25 people aboard. The vessel never reached its destination and was found on November 10, wallowing lifelessly. No one was aboard, and the ship had a burned-out semi-circular section on its topside. The article speculates that the Joyita might have experienced a similar "lightning storm" as observed over Yakobu.

THE POOR PUBLIC

This section reports that the British Air Ministry has "obligingly" announced that the result of its 5-year Saucer Probe will not be made public. However, a top F.S. (Flying Saucer) research "authority" has stated that "NEXT YEAR THE LID IS GOING TO BLOW OFF" due to the extensive involvement, suggesting unprecedented revelations.

Flying Saucer Review, London, England

Uganda Sighting

The appearance of a flying saucer over Kawango, a village 50 miles west of Kampala, Uganda, near the Katonga River, was described by a local resident, Mr. L.A. Pellissier. He reported the object was about 20ft or more in diameter, hovered motionless at about 1,500 ft., and was a light green color, appearing to be made of glass. It emitted a light humming noise. An engineer, Mr. Pellissier, observed the object descend, pass close to him, and then increase speed, disappearing in the direction of Lake Victoria. The object seemed to rotate, and the noise was described as a light humming. Mr. Pellissier could not identify any means of propulsion, such as propellers. Several Africans also witnessed the object. Meteorologists at Entebbe airfield confirmed no balloons were aloft and had no record of such an object.

India Sighting

A dazzling green spherical object shooting through the air at about 3,000 ft. altitude was observed by Dum Dum airport flying control staff in September. The phenomenon was also seen by a pilot flying north a few miles from Calcutta. The pilot, Captain Sadler, signaled Dum Dum airport, confirming the sighting, which was visible to the naked eye.

MORE SKY NEWS

This section provides brief updates:

• "Flying Barrel" receives Navy go-ahead with Kaman Aircraft Corp.
• Canada aids "crate" flyers, allowing homemade planes to fly within 25 miles of home during the day, but without passengers.
• The C.A.A. at Idlewild is implementing a million-dollar Control Tower to manage air traffic complexity across 30 airports and a significant portion of the Atlantic.

ALLEN'S BOOK SHOP

This is an advertisement for Allen's Book Shop located at 37 Fountain Street N.W., Grand Rapids 2, Michigan. They specialize in books on UFO and Allied Subjects, listing titles by Keyhoe, Ruppelt, Adamski, Velikovsky, Bernstein, Sugrue, and Fort. They also carry technical and public school books and are happy to special order. They announce the opening of their basement in March with a large selection of paper-back books.

C.R.I.F.O. ORBIT

This section reports on recent Ohio activity and mentions news from Indiana. Frank Edwards, News Director for WTTV, Indianapolis, sent a note to CRIFO about a sighting near Lafayette, Indiana, reported in local papers. Another unusual sighting occurred on January 9th by GOC people near Bedford, Indiana, where jets from Louisville were dispatched to chase objects that turned out to be "high-speed hallucinations, capable of outmaneuvering the Air Force jets."

Call for Submissions

"ALL SAUCER SIGHTINGS or EXPERIENCES ARE WELCOME!" is announced, with UForum presented as an open forum for those interested in the discussion and dissemination of saucer information.

UFO-RUM

This appears to be a contact address for UFO-RUM: BOX 60 ROUTE #1, ADA, MICHIGAN.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on unexplained aerial phenomena, often drawing parallels between seemingly disparate events and suggesting a need for further investigation. There's an underlying theme of potential government secrecy regarding UFO information, as highlighted by the British Air Ministry's decision. The publication actively solicits reader contributions, positioning itself as a forum for discussion and information sharing on UFO topics.