UFORUM - 1956 06 - Vol 1 No 04

Magazine Overview

Title: UFORUM
Issue: Number Four
Volume: One
Date: June 1956
Publisher: NORTH JERSEY U. F. O. GROUP
Country: U. S. A.
Price: 25¢

UFORUM is presented as a monthly publication of the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club, a non-profit, educational organization. The magazine encourages the submission of saucer sightings and experiences. It lists its co-editors as Art Gibson, Bob Hizlary, and Don Plank, with C.L. Myers serving as West State Reporter and E.T. Maier as South State Reporter.

State Saucer Clubs Form Federation

This section reports on a significant meeting held on May 5th, 1956, in Plainwell, Michigan, where representatives from six Michigan Flying Saucer Research groups convened to discuss forming a more closely working state organization. The goal was to coordinate efforts and keep individual groups informed of national, state-wide, and local happenings related to Flying Saucer research. The meeting was reported by the Kalamazoo Gazette on May 6th, 1956.

Eight representatives (from six clubs) attended the meeting at the Red Brick Tavern, called by Earl William Maier, acting chairman of the Kalamazoo Flying Saucer Study Club. They agreed to form the 'Michigan Flying Saucer Federation.' Maier described it as a 'very informal organization.' A secretary, Mrs. Edward Johnson of Battle Creek, would act as a clearing point for information on incidents and sightings, disseminating data through a newsletter. Affiliated clubs would also share movies and tape recordings of talks and interviews.

Maier, a photo-engraver, noted that people from diverse backgrounds were joining these clubs. He cited the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club having a mailing list of about 1000 and a Detroit club having a list of some 3000 names. When asked why Michigan might have more Flying Saucer clubs than other states, Maier speculated, "Maybe because we know they exist and we're doing something about it."

The clubs represented were: three Detroit clubs (though only the Detroit Interplanetary Study Group made it to the meeting), the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club, the Flying Saucer Research Club of Benton Harbor, the Battle Creek Flying Saucer Club, the Plainwell Flying Saucer Club, and the Kalamazoo F. S. Study Club. The Grand Rapids club was represented by editors Don Plank and Art Gibson.

Atom-Hydrogen Bombs & Tornadoes

This article addresses a recent article in the Grand Rapids Herald by a weather expert who suggested that the rash of tornadoes experienced in Michigan, including Grand Rapids and Hudsonville, might be due to a shift in the jet stream. The jet stream, a high-altitude band of air moving at high speeds, had reportedly moved north in recent years, bringing more tropical weather. When questioned about the cause of this shift, the expert stated that no one seemed to know the answer. He flatly denied any possibility that atomic bombs or hydrogen bombs could be related to the shift or the tornadoes.

Unidentified Object Sighted Locally

This section details a sighting reported by Mr. R.T. of Grand Rapids. On Friday, May 4th, 1956, at approximately 7:15 PM, while driving along M-37 between Caledonia and Middleville, his son pointed out a bright white light in the western sky. Upon stopping, R.T. observed an object that initially appeared to be a jet vapor trail but was shorter, tapered at both ends with no fuzzing, and had rounded ends. No plane was visible. The object's brightness was difficult to ascertain, possibly due to the setting sun backlighting it. The sun set around 7:45-7:46 PM. The object maintained its position relative to the sun, appearing about two hand-spans away at a 10 o'clock position relative to the sun. It was estimated to be about the size of R.T.'s hand (sideways) and had a nebulous appearance, shaped like a cucumber standing on end, with a halation effect around the edges.

As they drove on, they stopped occasionally to observe the object. After about 12 miles and 15-20 minutes, the object had diminished to about a fifth of its original size. The last sighting was between 7:35 and 7:40 PM, with the object drawing away to the west and its position relative to the sun unchanged, though it had tilted 15 degrees from its original upright position.

The article then presents a similar experience from Mr. R.H., a Lear employee living in southwest Grand Rapids. On May 4th, 1956, at 7:45 PM, while traveling west on the south beltline (bypass US 16), he and his wife observed an object that first appeared like the 'evening star.' It was saucer-shaped, inclined at 45 degrees, moving from east to west at a moderate speed, and stayed low to the horizon. Over five minutes, it seemed to get larger, and by 7:50 PM, it appeared nearly twice as large as when first observed. The article notes that a saucer-shaped object viewed from different angles can appear as a disc, cigar, or other shapes, suggesting the doubling in size might be due to the object tilting.

A third account comes from West-state reporter C. L. Myers of Grand Haven, detailing a sighting by Mr. Austin Angel, a truck driver. On the evening of May 4th, 1956, at 7:35 PM (EST), while driving home and passing Holland, Angel saw a very bright white object to the left of the setting sun. He pulled over to observe it. The object appeared several times larger than Venus at its brightest and was so brilliant it bothered his eyes. Angel described it as wedge-shaped, broad at one end and tapering to a point (the 'tail'). The 'tail' changed direction several times. The object was observed for about 20 minutes, appearing to get smaller as it moved away. At 7:55 PM, while Angel was still watching, the object 'just disappeared!' It did not fade or speed away, but vanished. Angel expressed surprise that other drivers did not seem to notice it. He felt that the Air Force might know about these things and chose not to reveal the information to the public.

This sighting was reported in the Grand Haven Daily Tribune under the caption "Angel Sees Object in Sky" on Saturday, May 5th.

Saucer Film Released May 9th by Hollywood

This brief note announces the first showing of a motion picture titled "Unidentified Flying Objects" on May 9, 1956, for the press by United Artists Corp. The film is described as a straight-forward, non-fiction exposition, reportedly compiled from films analyzed by Navy and Air Force scientists. It claims to disclose facts 'never before told' about the Flying Saucer controversy and was showing in Detroit, Michigan, during May and June.

Mysterious Fireball Seen in Straits

On the night of June 7, 1956, a television newscaster reported a large ball-of-fire seen in the Straights of Mackinac area. Official sources checked lake craft and airplanes and found none reported missing or on fire. The announcer suggested the sighting might have been a searchlight or spotlight from the Mackinac bridge project, which was searching for a dead worker's body. The article likens this official explanation to Air Force 'brainwashing techniques' used to discredit witnesses. The Friday Grand Rapids Press (June 8, 1956) carried an AP release from Cheboygan stating that State Police were unable to account for reports of a brilliant flash of light spotted between the mainland and Bois Blanc island. A search of the shoreline yielded no clues, and the U.S. Coast Guard reported no trouble. State Police also confirmed no aircraft were unaccounted for. Cheboygan Police Sgt. George Faught described the fireball as appearing to blossom about a half-mile offshore, 150 feet high and as wide as a city block.

Roseville Man Cites Saucer Experiences

Mr. Frank C. Gallagher of Roseville, Michigan, shares his personal history with saucer research, beginning in 1946 when the news first broke. He collected clippings, listened to radio and TV, and later followed Frank Edwards' broadcasts. Through Edwards, he connected with Len Stringfield, publisher of the monthly newsletter C.R.I.F.O. ORBIT from Cincinnati, Ohio. Gallagher subscribed and became fascinated, leading him to research other newsletters nationwide. He began to realize that "something BIG was going on in our skies," which he felt the Air Force deemed necessary to censor, while simultaneously allowing private letters to reveal truths the AF denied. He notes that individuals reporting saucer sightings were often ridiculed by newspapers. Gallagher suggests that Air Force censorship might lead to a complete loss of explanation if saucers were to land en masse or appear in large numbers. He also poses hypothetical scenarios, such as the President's disappearance or plane 'radio silence,' as potential consequences if such events were to occur without explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFORUM revolve around UFO sightings, the organization and activities of flying saucer clubs, and the perceived secrecy or censorship by government agencies, particularly the Air Force, regarding UFO phenomena. The publication actively promotes the idea that UFOs are real and that there is a concerted effort to downplay or conceal information about them. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation and critical of official explanations that dismiss sightings. The formation of the Michigan Flying Saucer Federation highlights a desire for organized, collective research and information sharing within the UFO community. The inclusion of weather-related phenomena like tornadoes and fireballs, and their potential, albeit denied, connection to advanced technology or atmospheric shifts, also touches upon the broader scope of unexplained aerial events.

Title: UFOrum
Issue: Second issue
Publisher: Detroit Interplanetary Relations group
Date: April 23, 1956

This issue of UFOrum, the second publication from the Detroit Interplanetary Relations group, presents a collection of articles and reports concerning UFO sightings, potential extraterrestrial intelligence, and related phenomena. It critiques the lack of public information on these subjects and challenges official explanations.

Cover Headline and Main Articles

The cover headline is not explicitly stated, but the content suggests a focus on UFOs and the need for an informed public regarding government commitments and research. The issue includes several key articles and reports:

The Need for an Informed Public

The opening paragraphs emphasize the importance of an informed public to support government commitments, particularly in light of significant spending on rocket and spacecraft research. It questions the claim that life is impossible on other planets, citing numerous unusual phenomena observed by astronomers. These reports are often confidential, despite their potential to affect all life on Earth and possibly end war.

Astronomical Observations and Lunar Anomalies

One astronomer from Minneapolis is highlighted for sighting a bridge on one of the moon's craters, reported to be about 20 miles long, one and a half miles wide, and 5000 feet high. This report was confirmed by the Royal Astronomical Society of Great Britain. Additionally, cone-shaped objects, pure white in color, have been reported on the moon's surface. These observations, along with others over the past century, suggest an unknown intelligence from outer space that may be reacting to Earth's atomic explosions, possibly to prevent similar disastrous experiences.

Celestial Phenomena and Unexplained Events

The issue discusses curious astronomical events, including brilliant explosions on Mars and a newly reported artificial 'moon' near Mars. It suggests that such facts are kept from the public, possibly due to fears of disrupting the economic system if publicized.

Saucer Sightings and Characteristics

Thousands of saucer sightings are mentioned, described as unusual lights seen at night, often blinking on and off with different colors and moving at high speeds. These lights have caused near misses with air transports, forcing pilots to swerve. The article poses questions about the origin and purpose of these lights, suggesting the Air Force may have some answers but not all. It posits that civilian organizations are crucial for bringing the saucer subject to public attention.

The 'Little Green Men' Phenomenon

The report delves into the fascinating, yet reputation-risking, stories of 'little green men.' It references a LIFE magazine report from Europe about peasants seeing small men with different body shapes emerging from crafts from the sky. In the USA, similar reports originated from farmers in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. The article also recounts an incident where teenagers in their car lights saw a small, green, glowing creature about 20 feet tall with clay-like hands and a dark face, carrying a glowing rod. Another account describes a woman in Cincinnati seeing a green little man step in front of her headlights while driving through Georgia. The author notes that these reports, despite their science-fiction nature, cannot be dismissed, especially when coming from credible sources. The possibility of space intelligence having a physical appearance completely different from human standards is raised, yet possessing a highly developed mind.

Personal Sightings and Experiences

The author shares personal UFO sightings. In November 1953, he and his wife observed five round silvery objects hovering and moving in a circular pattern for 14 minutes. In the spring of 1954, he saw a pure white round light flying at high speed under the moon. In the fall of 1954, he witnessed two strange, top-shaped clouds moving across the sky. In April 1955, while a member of the Ground Observer Corps, he observed a tube-shaped object that appeared to be a vapor trail, which changed color from silver to red-orange and moved away slowly. He also recounts a sighting of a white light that blinked out and reappeared miles away, followed by two white lights and one red light moving in formation. In September, he reported a bright light following a jet that suddenly went out, leading to a 20-minute questioning by the Filter Center.

Detroit Visitor Reports Sighting

This section details a sighting by Mrs. Ada Holden of Livonia, who observed a bright 'donut' shaped object spinning into view. She described it as having an aluminum-type construction, with the bottom part spinning while the top remained stationary. The object appeared to be made of a transparent substance like plexiglass, and she estimated its size to be capable of filling a 9' x 12' room. The object angled towards trees and 'vanished' before reaching them.

Straits Flash and Flint Birth Rates

A brief report mentions a brilliant flash visible for 20 seconds, followed by a dull glow for five minutes, reported by R. E. Hunt, general manager of radio station WOCBY. It also notes a 100% increase in premature births in Flint since 1950, questioning if H-bombs could be a cause.

Editorial Response to Grand Rapids Press

This section addresses an editorial in the Grand Rapids Press that was critical of a Hollywood film about flying saucers. The Press editor likened UFO enthusiasts to 'faddists' and dismissed the existence of flying saucers. The author of this section, identified as the 'Editor of the Press' responding, finds it unusual that the Press would discuss flying saucers after ignoring the subject for eight years. He points out that while the Air Force explains away many sightings, the count of 4,965 official sightings includes observations by trained personnel like Air Force pilots and radar operators. He argues that the Air Force's claim that they are trying to build a saucer-like ship is disingenuous and suggests the Press editor lacks intellectual curiosity for not exploring the subject further.

Little Listening Post and Radioactive Fallout

Brief reports mention a saucer club forming in Washington D.C. and a Soviet Academy member believing saucers are from space. A United Press release from Harwell, England, quotes Dr. W. G. Marlcy, a health-physics director, predicting that radioactive fallout from an H-bomb test will take 10 years to reach the ground, with a significant annual stratospheric fallout rate, questioning its effect on weather.

Allen's Book Shop and UFOrum Subscription

The issue includes an advertisement for Allen's Book Shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offering books on UFOs and allied subjects, including titles by Keyhoe, Barker, Adamski, Ruppolt, Velikovsky, Bernstein, and Gaul. It also features a subscription form for UFOrum, providing subscription rates and a mailing address in Ada, Michigan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence and mystery of UFO sightings, the potential existence of extraterrestrial intelligence, and the perceived secrecy and inadequate explanations from government and military bodies. The editorial stance is critical of official dismissals of UFO phenomena and advocates for greater public awareness and investigation. There is a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards conventional explanations and a belief that significant, potentially world-altering, information is being withheld from the public. The issue also touches upon the potential dangers of atomic and hydrogen bombs, linking them to both potential extraterrestrial concerns and environmental impacts like radioactive fallout.