UFORUM - 1956 05 - Vol 1 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOrum
Issue: Volume One, Number Three
Date: May 1956
Publisher: Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club
Type: Magazine

Key Articles and Content

Keyhoe Exposes Air Force Cover-Up

This section details a speech given by Major Donald E. Keyhoe (Marine Corps Retired) on April 13th at the Detroit Masonic Temple to approximately 750 people. Keyhoe, author of several books on flying saucers, spoke on "The Truth About the UFO" and challenged the Air Force to reveal the truth about Unidentified Flying Objects to the American public. He discussed topics ranging from "Foo Fighters" encountered during World War II over Japan and Europe, which appeared on radar, to more recent incidents like the "Kimross Case." The "Foo Fighters" were a mystery to both Axis and Allied pilots. The "Kimross Case," occurring on November 23, 1953, over the Soo Locks in Michigan, involved a UFO detected by ground radar. An F-89 fighter was dispatched to intercept it, chasing it over Lake Superior at 500 MPH. The radar observers watched as the F-89 appeared to overtake the object and then merge with it on radar, after which neither the F-89 nor its crew were ever seen again, despite a thorough search. Keyhoe also stated that several private industrial corporations, including Loar of Grand Rapids, Martin, and Convair, were working on anti-gravitational-field propulsion systems based on saucer technology, which the Air Force claimed did not exist. He revealed that the Air Force had completed its UFO investigation in 1953 but had not released the findings by mid-1955. He discovered in May 1955 that a release was scheduled for that month, coinciding with the publication of his book, "The Flying Saucer Conspiracy." Due to delays in his book's completion, its publication was postponed until November 1955. The Air Force subsequently published its report in October 1955, which Keyhoe characterized as a deliberate attempt to mislead the public by dismissing the saucer idea as hallucination. When asked about personal sightings, Keyhoe stated he had only seen saucers on radar, but had witnessed the Washington sightings where UFOs were tracked by capitol radar observers for several successive nights. He explained a "G" field as an artificially produced gravitational field that carries air molecules, with a glow produced at the fringe where air molecules slip, but without friction, sound, or heat, thus avoiding a shock wave and the sound barrier. He noted that if a saucer lost its "G" field, it would likely disintegrate. Keyhoe concluded by demanding to be put on active duty and court-martialed if his statements were untrue. He, along with the Detroit Flying Saucer Club and the Interplanetary Foundation, urged the audience to send a form letter to their congressmen demanding transparency regarding potential extraterrestrial visits and the use of advanced aircraft by potential adversaries.

Steep Rock Flying Saucer

This section contains a letter to the editor detailing a personal sighting by a couple in Steep Rock, Ontario, Canada, on the evening of July 2, 1950. The couple, who frequently fished in the flood waters of Sawbill Bay, were in a small, secluded cove when they felt the air vibrate. The narrator climbed to get a better view and saw a large, shiny object resting on the far shoreline, approximately a quarter of a mile away. The object appeared to be two saucers stuck together, one upside down on top of the other, with round, black-edged ports. As the bottom was on or near the water, the underside was not visible. The top had hatch covers open, and approximately 10 "queer-looking little figures" were moving around on its surface. A hoop-shaped object rotated slowly in the air about eight feet above the main object. When the hoop rotated to a point directly opposite them, it stopped, and the figures also stopped. The narrator and his wife instinctively ducked. They observed a deer come to the water's edge, and the figures and the circle pointed at the deer. As the circle moved left, they ducked again, counting 20 figures. The object circled, and the figures moved, seemingly unconcerned about the deer. They believed they were shielded from a ray or energy by the rock wall behind which they hid. They could see the whole thing seemed to be operated from a central point below the circling ray by a figure on a small stand, who wore a red skull cap, while other figures wore dark blue caps. These figures were estimated to be 3 to 4 feet tall, dressed in a shiny metallic substance over their chests, with darker material for legs and arms. Their faces were indistinguishable, appearing as blank surfaces. The figures moved like automatons, changing direction by moving their feet, with the leg on the high side appearing shorter to maintain balance. One figure was observed lifting a green hose and drawing in and discharging water. A quiet "hum" filled the air. Later, everything disappeared from the surface of the machine, which was then about eight feet in the air. A red-and-blue tinged-with-gold color shone on the water's surface, appearing about 15 feet thick at the center and 12 feet at the edges. The object tilted to about a 45° angle, and with a rush of wind and a flash of yellow, red, and blue, it departed northward faster than the eye could follow. The narrator estimated its diameter to be 48 feet. He noted that after this experience, he and his wife felt the wind again on a subsequent visit and saw something flash beyond the trees, prompting his wife to suggest they leave and never return. Despite this, the narrator remained intrigued.

Those Saucers Are Back!!!

This report from Ocala, Florida, dated November 1, indicates a resurgence of flying saucer sightings after a period of apparent absence. Dozens of objects, described similarly to those that caused a nationwide furor years prior, were reported over the area for two consecutive nights. The numerous and well-substantiated reports prompted a team of Jacksonville Air Force officers from the 4574th squadron, Ground Observer Corps, to investigate. The investigation was initiated following communications with Reginald Giles, Marion County Deputy Civil Defense Director. Giles stated that about 15 people were interviewed, and their testimonies were taken back to civil defense headquarters. Captain C.F. White led the investigative group, but no official explanation was provided. Unidentified objects were sighted on Sunday and Monday nights between 8 PM and 1 AM, traveling at high altitudes in groups of one to twelve. The closest observation was reported by a Levy County deputy sheriff and a Williston police officer. The deputy, A.H. Perkins, was driving from Williston to Gainesville when an object swooped down within 150 feet of his car. The men estimated the object to be 30 to 35 feet across and emitting a bright light. Perkins initially mistook the lights for falling stars but then observed the object move down, up, level off, pick up speed, and slow down without any sound. C.F. Bell, a night policeman in Williston, reported seeing six objects and felt heat from the bright light of one that came close. An entire Civil Air Patrol class at Taylor Field, along with Ocala Police Capt. Curtis Pope and several police patrolmen, also witnessed the objects around 10 PM on Sunday. The article also briefly mentions that American scientists are working on programs to solve the secrets of gravity and universal gravitation, implying that such a discovery would be of immense importance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFOs are real and that there is a significant amount of information being withheld from the public, particularly by governmental and military bodies like the Air Force. The editorial stance is one of advocating for transparency and informing the public about these phenomena. The publication actively encourages readers to share their own sightings and experiences, positioning itself as a platform for disseminating such information. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations that dismiss UFOs as hallucinations or misidentifications, and a strong belief in the existence of advanced technology, possibly of extraterrestrial origin, capable of anti-gravity propulsion. The magazine also highlights the efforts of private research groups and individuals dedicated to investigating these phenomena.

This document appears to be an issue of a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena, likely from around 1956, given the astronomical chart for that year. The content blends scientific speculation about extraterrestrial life with interpretations of ancient texts, particularly the Book of Ezekiel, as descriptions of UFO encounters.

Worlds Beyond the Solar System?

The first article, released by United Press, highlights the scientific community's growing belief in the existence of other worlds. Dr. Helen S. Hogg of the National Science Foundation is quoted stating that observatories are searching for 'Gravitational proof' of planets around other stars. The article posits that millions, or even billions, of life-bearing worlds may exist, and that advancements like space stations will improve astronomical observation capabilities. Benjamin Adelman suggests establishing an observatory on the moon as a means to see other worlds, while Dr. Donald Menzel believes life may exist in millions of places, potentially including human or superhuman forms. Organized projects at Sproul Observatory and Northwestern's Dearborn Observatory are mentioned as actively seeking evidence of nearby planetary systems. The concept of 'Gravitational Proof' is explained as detecting the influence of satellites on the gravitational fields of nearby stars, analogous to the discovery of Pluto.

Sun, Moon and Planets During the Year 1956

A detailed astronomical chart illustrates the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets throughout the year 1956. It includes celestial constellations and indicates key astronomical events like 'LUNET OF OPPOSITION' and 'LINE OF OPPOSITION'. This visual aid likely serves as a reference for astronomical context within the issue.

Flying Saucers in the Holy Bible (continued)

This lengthy article draws parallels between the biblical account of the Prophet Ezekiel's experience and modern UFO sightings. The author assumes Ezekiel encountered a living creature and was not hallucinating, and challenges the Air Force's dismissal of similar accounts. The article meticulously compares Ezekiel's description of the object – a 'whirlwind, a great cloud and a fire infolding itself' – with characteristics reported in 1947 and later UFO sightings, such as whirlwind-like motion and fiery appearances. Capt. James Howard's description of a 'dark object' is also noted. A prominent theory discussed is that saucers are propelled by an 'electro-magnetic-gravitational field method', which creates a force field around the craft similar to Earth's gravity. The article illustrates this with diagrams comparing a simple bar magnet's field to an electromagnetic-gravitational field. Ezekiel's description of the object's brightness, color ('amber'), and 'fire' (possibly yellow, orange, or red) are linked to potential saucer colors. The mention of 'lightning' (white) and 'wheels' with colors like 'beryl (green)' are also analyzed. The changing colors of the saucers, often observed with changes in speed, are compared to the Northern Lights and Aurora Borealis, suggesting a connection to electromagnetic phenomena. The article notes that Ezekiel refers to the beings as 'Cherubims' and 'living creatures with the likeness of man', and that they had hands like a man. Drawings based on Adamski's photographs of saucers are presented, with comparisons made to Ezekiel's descriptions of 'wheels' and 'rings'. The article discusses the 'eyes' or 'portholes' on saucers and the concept of the 'spirit' controlling the craft's movement, linking it to Ezekiel's belief in supernatural control.

Further analysis of Ezekiel's descriptions includes the 'terrible crystal' firmament and a 'sapphire stone' appearance, which are compared to Adamski's descriptions of a domeshaped craft made of translucent carbon and a round, glowing ball at the top. The article concludes this section by returning to Ezekiel's statement about the craft moving on 'four sides' without turning, which is interpreted as a sophisticated form of maneuverability that defies conventional understanding of motion, similar to how modern automobiles are thrown by turns.

The Physics of Saucer Flight

This section explores the physics behind UFO flight, suggesting that saucers defy gravity and fly along 'electro-magnetic-gravitational lines of force'. They are believed to draw power from cosmic rays, converting them into energy for internal coils. The rotation of parts of the ship is thought to generate an electromagnetic field. The author speculates that overcoming or working with gravity makes conventional concerns like centrifugal force irrelevant. The article mentions ongoing government and private research into gravity, suggesting that a deeper understanding could lead to the development of craft that fly within their own gravitational fields, capable of immense speeds.

IN THE MAIL

This section contains correspondence from flying saucer clubs. A form letter from the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club proposes pooling resources to organize speakers, tape recordings, movies, and inter-club conferences for Michigan clubs. A tentative meeting in Lansing, Michigan, on May 5, 1956, is suggested. A brief note from Buck Nelson indicates no news yet from Washington D.C. The section also includes a bibliography for the article 'Flying Saucers in the Bible', listing various books and magazine articles, including works by J. Carnell, D. Keyhoe, Adamski, L. Cramp, Cedric Allingham, G. Heard, and F. Hoyle.

SAUCERS RETURN TO GREENFIELD AREA

This report details a sighting on December 8th in Ashfield, Massachusetts, where several individuals observed a strange aircraft. Described as cigar-shaped with brilliant reddish lights and smoke trails, the object moved slowly and noiselessly. Rev. Albert Baller notes this as the second report in weeks from the Greenfield area, with earlier reports from Bernardston, South Deerfield, and Sunderland. Mrs. Lillian Steiner, a witness, described the object as silver, cigar-shaped, and trailing four short tails, possibly black exhaust, and heard a distant sound like a jet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential existence of extraterrestrial life and advanced civilizations, the interpretation of ancient religious texts as descriptions of UFO phenomena, and speculative theories on the physics of UFO propulsion, particularly concerning gravity and electromagnetic fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting both scientific speculation and unconventional interpretations of historical and religious accounts as plausible avenues for understanding UFOs. There is a clear effort to connect biblical narratives with modern sightings, suggesting a long history of such phenomena.

Title: UFOrum
Issue Date: December 1955
Publisher: G.R. Flying Saucer Club

This issue of UFOrum, a publication of the G.R. Flying Saucer Club, focuses on UFO sightings and related topics, featuring reports from Massachusetts in December 1955. The magazine includes a cartoon with the caption "General there's nobody here who says she holds Proof Positive chat, the Martians have made Landings", attributed to US Army Intelligence.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The primary content details several UFO encounters. One report from Shutesbury mentions an object that was difficult to discern its shape, with some suggesting it tapered or ended abruptly.

A more detailed account comes from Greenfield, Massachusetts, on December 13th, 1955. A man and his wife reported seeing a "peculiar cucumber-shaped object" in the sky, which was brilliantly lighted and appeared to float slowly before disappearing. They also observed two fiery balls moving across the sky.

Further substantiation is provided from Greenfield, Mass., on December 15th, 1955. Leo Bousquet, Jr. and James Graves, Jr. informed Rev. Albert Baller of spotting a slow-moving craft. They described it as resembling a cigar or frankfurter, long and rounded at both ends. The object had a row of approximately 7 or 8 white lights along its center side and a cluster of white lights at the rear. Notably, the boys reported no sign of wings. The craft emitted a noise similar to a jet plane but moved very slowly. This case is identified as C.R.I.F.O.-Orbit.

Book Shop and Publication Information

An advertisement for Allen's Book Shop, located at 37 Fountain Street N.W., Grand Rapids 2, Michigan, promotes books on UFO and Allied Subjects. Featured authors include Donald Keyhoe ("The Flying Saucer Conspiracy"), Edward J. Ruppelt ("The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects"), George Adamski ("Inside the Space Ships"), Immanuel Velikovsky ("Earth in Upheaval"), John G. Fuller ("The Search for Bridey Murphy"), and Charles Fort ("The Books of Charles Fort"). The shop also mentions expanding its selection of paper-back books in March.

Additionally, the issue includes a subscription offer for UFOrum itself, encouraging readers to "Subscribe Now!!!" and send payment to UFOrum, Box 60, Route 1, Ada, Michigan. Subscription options include a single copy for 25¢, 12 issues (1 year) for $2.50, and 5 copies of any one issue for $1.00.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, with a particular focus on specific incidents in Massachusetts during late 1955. The magazine appears to be a platform for sharing witness accounts and potentially encouraging further investigation into these phenomena. The inclusion of a bookshop advertisement suggests an effort to provide readers with resources for deeper study of the subject. The editorial stance seems to be one of open reporting and dissemination of UFO-related information within the UFO community.