UFORUM - 1957 06 - Vol 1 No 12

Magazine Overview

Title: UFORUM
Issue: Volume One, Number Twelve
Date: June - July 1957
Publisher: Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club
Type: Monthly publication (when possible) of a non-profit, educational organization.

Editorial Content

This issue of UFORUM, published by the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club, is dedicated to the ongoing study and reporting of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and flying saucers. The cover prominently features the title "UFORUM" with the subtitle "*Official U.S. Government designation for Unidentified Flying Objects*" and a drawing of a flying saucer above futuristic buildings, indicating the publication's focus.

Michigan Flying Saucer Federation Convention

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Michigan Flying Saucer Federation Convention held in Detroit on Saturday, June 29th, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the modern flying saucer phenomenon, which began with Kenneth Arnold's sighting on June 24, 1947. Approximately two hundred investigators and enthusiasts from Michigan and surrounding areas gathered. The event featured special guests including George Adamski, Rose Hackett Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Bryant Reeves, Dr. A.G. Dittmar of the Tape-Recorder Information Service, and Dr. John Brinson. Chairman Bill Maier of Kalamazoo opened the convention. The Reeves shared their experiences, Dr. Dittmar offered tape-recordings, and George Adamski noted Detroit as having the largest active saucer group. Lec Childers also spoke about his experiences.

Dr. John Brinson delivered a talk titled "The UFO in the Bible," discussing his transition from engineering to ministry and his views on religion versus scientific proof, suggesting UFO study could bridge these extremes. A panel discussion on flying saucers by eight Detroiters followed. George Adamski also gave an evening talk and showed a movie, which the editor found to contain little new information, suggesting it was a prelude to his upcoming book.

International Saucer Sighting Round-Up

The magazine includes a comprehensive section detailing numerous flying saucer sightings from around the world. These reports are presented as "Saucer Sightings from C.R.I.F.O. 'ORBIT'" and also as "International Saucer Sighting Round-Up."

Key incidents reported include:

• Lisbon, Portugal (9-29-56): An elliptical, metallic saucer with a dome was observed hovering for three minutes before speeding away.
• Brazil (no date): A contact story reported by the Flying Saucer publication involved a Mr. F.A., a former physics teacher, who claimed to have been aboard a flying saucer with a Russian crew member from Jupiter's satellite, and taught him propulsion formulas.
• Ubatuba, Brazil (9-19-55 & 10-29-55): Captain Elson Van Der Linden reported a luminous object hovering at high altitude, followed by a continuous flash, and later a red-white luminous ball.
• Tokyo, Japan (3-13-57): Three students and two bicyclists observed a black-grey cigar-shaped object that hovered, moved on a course, and then climbed vertically into the clouds.
• Nagoya, Japan (4-20-57): Three mystery objects appeared, one described as red with a yellow ring, traveling NW to E. Another report mentioned two objects, one oscillating, flashing yellow-orange to red with a bluish-green tail, and another blue-white object that made a sharp turn and ascended rapidly. An unofficial report from Komaki U.S. Air Base indicated a UFO 'blip' on radar.
• Aboard the Kitsukawa Maru (4-19-57): Two metallic, silvery craft were spotted descending from the sky and diving into the sea, causing violent turbulence. The objects were disc-shaped, about 10 meters long.
• Los Angeles, Cal. (5-19-55): Three silvery disc-shaped objects were seen between 1915 and 2015.
• Shimizu, Japan (2-5-55): A UFO with a long blue tail was observed at 0500, illuminating the road before streaking toward the Pacific and disappearing with an explosive sound.
• Stockholm, Sweden (5-2-55): Four Swedish 'Flying Barrel' jet fighters crashed on Glottern Lake, killing all pilots, attributed to misjudgment of distance due to low clouds.
• Near Ladison, Wisc. (5-22-55): Two F-80 jets encountered bad weather; one disappeared without a trace despite a search.
• Rhineland, Germany (6-9-55): A Sabrejet carrying ammunition exploded, killing the pilot and injuring four others.
• Ramstein (implied location, after crash): Lt. Gen. Robt.M. Lee stated an "Unidentified Plane" picked up on ground radar was involved in a crash, and it was unknown if it was an enemy plane.
• Coimbra, Northern Portugal (7-1-55): Eight jet planes of the Portuguese Air Force crashed due to bad visibility or a mid-air collision.
• Roseville, Mich. (4-8-55): A white bar-shaped object, described as sharp, rigid, and frosted, moved from NE to SW against the wind for 20 minutes, estimated to be one mile long and 10 miles high.
• Cape Province, So. Africa (12-7-54): An object was observed moving from the west after a red balloon was released for upper wind observation.

Other Content

The issue also lists "Suggested Periodical Readings," including "The Visitor," "Little Listening Post," "Flying Saucer Review," "Flying Saucers - Civilian Saucer Investigation," "Proceedings of the College of Universal Wisdom," "The Flying Saucer," "A.P.R.O. Bulletin," "Dorderland Science Research Associates," "Australian Saucer Record," and a "Newsletter of National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena."

An article on "GRAVITATION - Levitation" concludes from page 19, detailing experiments where a loss of weight was recorded, coinciding with subjective feelings of the lifters becoming lighter.

Editorial Stance and Support

The publication welcomes "ALL SAUCER SIGHTINGS OR EXPERIENCES." UFORUM is supported entirely by donations, and readers are encouraged to send their name and address to the provided PO Box in Ada, Michigan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings from diverse global locations, the organization and activities of flying saucer enthusiast groups, and the reporting of conventions and research efforts. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry and information sharing, encouraging readers to contribute their own experiences and supporting the publication through donations. The magazine aims to be a central hub for UFO research and discussion, presenting a wide array of reported phenomena and expert opinions.

This issue of UFORUM (Issue 12) from the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club, published in August 1955, covers a range of topics including UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the phenomenon of levitation. The cover features a health-related advertisement for 'Abundavita'.

UFO Reports

Case 96: Outer Space (May 4-10, '55)

The issue details a strange body in space first seen from Rangiora, Christchurch, New Zealand. Astronomer L.R. Beaumont of Auckland reported the sighting, which R.A. McIntosh, Director of the Meteor Section of the Royal New Zealand Astronomical Assn., initially claimed was a new comet with an elliptical head and short tail. However, other astronomers could not locate it, and McIntosh later dismissed it as a chipped reflector on his telescope.

Case 97: No. Kentucky, Cincinnati, Columbus and Lancaster, Ohio (August 5, '55)

At 20:40, a large, brilliant, teardrop-shaped object was witnessed by thousands flying swiftly and silently from south to north across the city skies. It had a straight horizontal path without a visual arc. Witnesses described it as appearing as large as a dime held at arm's length, tapering behind a round, brilliant-white mass with a short fiery tail of bluish green. Its speed was too fast for aircraft but too slow for a meteor. A similar report from Columbus described a bright yellow ball of fire with a red and green fringe. In Lancaster, a glowing white, pear-shaped object with a red and orange tail was seen traveling rapidly from south to north. Len Stringfield interviewed over 50 people who confirmed the sighting.

A Fantastic Story From Out of This World - Part II

This section continues the narrative of Harry Garvin, a world-famous atomic scientist who reportedly went missing, presumed drowned. His best friend reveals that Garvin never went near the water. The story unfolds as the friend receives a package from Garvin's solicitor containing a letter. Garvin instructs that the story of his experiences be given to his friend, John, to be released a year after it was received, to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, such as the police. Garvin emphasizes the importance of the world knowing the danger ahead and making common cause to combat it, swearing that his experience was real and evidenced by a mark on his chest.

Garvin's Report to the Atomic Commission

Harry Garvin, a professor of physics at the University of New Zealand and scientific advisor to the government, states that he reported his findings to the Atomic Commission in 1949. He was part of a team of four other scientists tasked with investigating flying saucers, with carte blanche and cooperation from the Army, Navy, and Civil Authorities. One of the most detailed reports came from the Everglades area of Florida.

The Everglades Sighting

Army authorities confirmed the veracity of three witnesses who described a boat-shaped object, definitely broader in the beam, light grey in color, very maneuverable, and traveling at great speed without smoke or noise. Garvin traveled to Florida to investigate and interviewed the witnesses, satisfying himself of their accounts. While wandering the Everglades, he encountered a small lake with charred vegetation along its bank. He then heard a sound like a bird in a power dive and saw a semi-luminous, grayish-blue, boat-shaped object at an altitude of 3000-4000 feet, moving fast. The object dropped noiselessly onto the lake. Garvin, unthinkingly, walked into the water towards it. After reaching dry land, a flash came from the vessel with no sound, and he felt a blow on his chest, leading to complete oblivion.

Inside the Saucer

Garvin regained consciousness inside the Flying Saucer, lying on a soft, springy floor. The interior was bare except for a large cupboard of clear plastic containing flagons of various colored liquids and globular containers. The interior was lit, and he noted two dials with colored knobs but no visible machinery. He discovered the roof was made of clear crystal, giving the impression of no roof, and the air temperature was the same as outside. He bumped his head on the roof, which he hadn't noticed due to its transparency.

Encounter with Martians

Upon colliding with the roof, Garvin heard a child-like laughter and then sounds of movement and voices speaking an unknown, soft, soothing language. He felt a hand on his brow, which he identified as soft flesh. A girl or woman then materialized before him. She was about 4'9" tall, well-proportioned, and golden in color, including her eyes, hair, skin, and nails. She wore a transparent robe. Garvin learned from her and her companions (four males and another female) that they were from Mars, which they called 'Maas' or 'mother'. The leader, Paari, spoke perfect English. They explained that their visits to Earth began about 50 years ago and had become more frequent in the last five years. Their purpose was to acclimate to Earth, gather information, and prepare for colonization because their own world was old and dying. The Martians were aware of human conflicts and weapons like the atom bomb, noting that one of their party was killed investigating its first explosion. They had harnessed solar energy and magnetic fields for their spacecraft. The ornaments they wore around their necks were powerful instruments for invisibility. Their spaceships, made of a metal lighter than duralumin, were not yet invisible. Mars had experienced peace for nearly five centuries, with an egalitarian society governed by a Council. Their lifespan was about 250 Earth years, with procreation similar to humans but a longer gestation period. Parents could influence the sex and space of their offspring. The Martians debated when the exodus to Earth should occur, with Paari believing it would be in his lifetime (nearly 200 years old), while his daughter and sister thought it would be at least 100 years away. On the third day, Paari informed Garvin they were returning to Mars that evening and that Oona, his daughter, wanted Garvin as her mate, and they would return for him within the year. Garvin was returned to shore, and the saucer departed at incredible speed.

*(Note: The issue includes a postscript by Hector Tyler, author of the story, announcing that it is fiction and he is writing a sequel.)*

GRAVITATION.....second in a series - Part II Levitation

This section discusses the phenomenon of levitation, often associated with anti-gravitation devices. It notes that most levitation cases are dismissed as fraud, but acknowledges some amazing examples that warrant scientific research.

Cases Attributed to D.D. Home

Some of the best-documented cases are attributed to D.D. Home, a 19th-century medium. One instance on December 13, 1868, involved Home levitating out of one window and re-entering another, 70 feet above street level, with a 7'6" gap between them.

Sir William Crookes' Observation

In 1874, Sir William Crookes observed Home levitate himself 18 inches off the floor, allowing Crookes to pass his hands around and under him.

Hereward Carrington's Experiment

Hereward Carrington, a psychic investigator, conducted a controlled experiment to test the 'lifting game,' a parlor stunt where four people lift a fifth seated in a chair. Carrington used a 2000 lb. capacity Toledo scale. The total weight of the participants was 712 lbs. During the experiment, the scale indicated a loss of weight: 52 lbs. on the first lift, 52 lbs. on the second, and 60 lbs. on the third.

Advertisement

The first page features an advertisement for 'Abundavita', a natural food supplement, highlighting benefits such as potency, vitamins, minerals, ingredients, and guarantee. A six-month supply is offered for $24.00. It is available from Don Plank, Box 142, Route 1, Ada, Michigan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFORUM appears to maintain a stance of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and related topics like alien contact and advanced physics (levitation). The inclusion of detailed, first-hand accounts, such as Harry Garvin's alleged Martian encounter, suggests a willingness to explore extraordinary claims, even while acknowledging potential skepticism or fictional elements (as noted with Tyler's postscript). The magazine also touches upon health and diet, as evidenced by the cover advertisement, suggesting a broader interest in alternative or unconventional subjects.