UFORUM - 1957 08 - Vol 2 No 01

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOrum
Issue: Volume Two, Number One (Issue 13)
Date: August-October 1957
Publisher: Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club
Type: Magazine

Editorial Introduction and Content

UFOrum, published by the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club, a non-profit, educational organization and member of the Michigan Flying Saucer Federation, presents its latest issue. The editors apologize for the tardiness of recent publications due to business and studies, with one editor having recently earned a Master's Degree in Education. The publication aims to cover UFO research and welcomes original articles and sightings.

The issue highlights a quiet period for saucer sightings in Western Michigan during the summer, with one notable exception. The editors express a sentiment that the 'saucer scene' sometimes becomes a battle between the 'lunatic fringe' and 'scientific investigation.' George Van Tassel's candidacy for President is mentioned as a sign of the times.

Featured Articles and Reports

U.F.O. Zig-Zags Across South Kent Skies

This section details a sighting reported by the Grand Rapids Press on September 9, 1957. Two local men, J.C. Proctor and Claude Loring, observed an unidentified object for 30 seconds as it moved in a zig-zag course across the sky around 0930 on September 9, 1957. Proctor described the object as white, grapefruit-sized when held at arm's length, round, and with a sharp outline. It flew silently in a southwesterly direction, faster than a jet, and left no smoke or vapor trail, though it appeared to zig-zag slightly. Despite the weather bureau suggesting it might have been a weather balloon, Proctor was certain it was not a meteor. The report questions how many sightings go unreported due to lack of corroboration.

Huge Fireball Seen in Denver

This brief report, dated October 10, 1957, relays information from the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) about a 'huge fireball' observed over Denver shortly after 0400 MST. The CAA spokesman stated it was 'undoubtedly a meteor' and that it disappeared in the southwest. An unconfirmed report suggested that the meteor or part of it may have landed near Myton, Utah.

South American Saucer Contact ??

This is a significant account related by Mr. Enrico Bossa, an Italian architect and World War II pilot living in Venezuela. On May 15, 1950, while driving in the desert near Bahia Blanca, Argentina, Bossa encountered a silvery object on the ground about 300 meters from the road. As he approached, he noticed portholes and a translucent dome. He stopped the car and observed the object, initially considering it wreckage but ruling that out due to its strange form. He noted a strange effect on the object's surface when clouds passed over the sun. Approaching on foot, he realized it was a flying saucer, about 10 meters in diameter, composed of two parts: an upturned saucer bottom and a cylindrical top with a dome and a spherical 'lantern.' The object was about 4 meters high, had rectangular portholes, and was the color of polished chrome. It lay on the ground at an angle of about 20 degrees. Bossa entered the object through an open door, smelling garlic and finding the interior dim. Inside, he discovered a circular cabin about 6 ft. 10 in. high. In the center, a man about 1.20 meters tall, dressed in a grey overall, sat rigidly in a chair. The man had sparse, fair hair, his head was bent, and his hands, tobacco-colored, gripped control handles. His face was also tobacco-colored. Bossa touched the man's arm, finding it rigid and cold. He observed that the man was not attached to his seat. The control panel featured 'magic-eyes,' a horizontal band with a vertical needle and strange signs, and a circular disc resembling a TV screen. Two other men were found lying on divans, appearing dead with terrified expressions and swollen mouths. A third divan was unoccupied. Bossa felt uneasy about the disappearance of a fourth crew member. A transparent sphere, about 25 cm. in diameter, was noted above the control board, and a glittering lamp emitted a white-orange light, making him realize the 'engine' was alive. He experienced panic but regained his calm. Upon leaving the cabin, he felt dizzy and noted the heavy atmosphere. His car's ignition was affected, but he managed to start it. As he drove away, the trouble disappeared. In the nearby village, he postponed his departure and the next day, upon returning to the site, found a mound of reddish ashes about 2 meters high and 5 meters in diameter, which were smoking slightly.

The Three Best U.F.O. Pictures Published to Date

This section presents and analyzes three photographs considered the best ever taken of UFOs. The first is the Adamski photo, first published in the book "Flying Saucers Have Landed." The second is the Coniston picture, taken by 13-year-old Stephen Darbishire on February 15, 1954, near Lake Coniston in Lancashire, England, while he and his cousin were trying to photograph birds. This photo was first published in "Space, Gravity & the Flying Saucer" by Leonard Cramp. The third is the Menger photo, taken around August 4, 1956, by Howard Menger of High Bridge, New Jersey, using a Polaroid camera, showing the silhouette of a spaceman. The editors note that while suggestions of fakes have been made for all three, no proof has been offered. They argue that evidence suggests the craft in the Adamski and Coniston pictures are of a similar type, based on analyses by Cramp and the Archer's Court Research Group. The Menger photo was taken after these analyses were completed.

International Saucer Sighting Roundup

Galt, Ontario (July 30, 1957): Fifteen-year-old Jack Stevens reported seeing a circular flying saucer with a 'queer kind of singing hum' hovering over a corn field about 300 yards away. He estimated it stayed in the air for about 40 minutes before landing. The object was described as about 40 feet in diameter, with a turret and portholes, and was silver-colored. Upon landing, Stevens ran home. The next day, he and a friend, Harold Milroy, found a burned circle and two three-toed footprints in the corn stubble. The farm owner, G.S. Knapp, noted that if it was a hoax, he didn't know how it could have been done. Knapp pointed out 6 or 8 burned patches, suggesting a field fire would have destroyed the whole area. The footprints were 10 inches wide at the toes and about 18 inches long, tapering to a point, indicating they were made by a heavy object. NICAP investigators Peter Heggs and Roy E. Smith reported that three burned spots formed an isosceles triangle, 20 feet to a side, theorizing that the footprints could be from the landing gear.

Suggested Periodical Readings

The issue lists several related publications and organizations for further research:

• The U.F.O. INVESTIGATOR: Published by the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena, Washington D.C. ($7.50 yr.).
• The VISITOR: From the Interplanetary Relations Group, Belleville, Michigan.
• FLYING SAUCER REVIEW: Published by Flying Saucer Service Ltd., London, England.
• FLYING SAUCER: From Civilian Saucer Investigation, Auckland, New Zealand.
• The FLYING SAUCER: From Flying Disks Research Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
• PROCEEDINGS: From the College of Universal Wisdom, Yucca Valley, California.
• Australian SAUCER RECORD: From the Aus. Fly. Sau. Res. Soc., Kilburn, South Australia.
• U.F.O. NEWS REPORT: From the Flying Saucer Research Group, Yokohama, Japan.
• UFO NEWSLETTER: From the North Jersey U.F.O. Group, Morristown, New Jersey.
• LITTLE LISTENING FOST: Located at 4811 Illinois Ave., N.W., Washington 11, D.C.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFOrum revolve around the documentation and analysis of UFO sightings and photographic evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into the phenomenon, while acknowledging the skepticism and sometimes sensationalist aspects of the UFO community. The publication actively seeks contributions and provides a platform for sharing information and research from various international sources. There is a clear emphasis on presenting detailed witness accounts and photographic evidence, encouraging readers to draw their own conclusions while offering the editors' analyses.

This issue of UFORUM, dated August 1957, is a compilation of UFO sighting reports and related phenomena from various locations and time periods, primarily focusing on the 1950s. The magazine acts as a clearinghouse for such accounts, crediting sources like Flying Saucer Review and the Detroit News. It also includes discussions on related topics such as human levitation and historical atmospheric anomalies.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue presents a series of condensed sightings from different regions:

• San Francisco, California (August 2, 1957): A circular area of wilted grass and bushes was noted after a landing. Simultaneously, a brilliant bluish-green object was seen traveling north and disintegrated over Yreka, California, with an explosion heard across Siskiyou County. Fragments were reported to have fallen straight down. Reports varied on the object's direction of travel over San Francisco Bay.
• Taegu, South Korea (April 22, 1957): Four smoking, egg-shaped objects were observed for five minutes, zig-zagging across the sky and leaving smoky trails. One was red-orange, while the others were greenish-blue. No sound was reported.
• Middle East (May 8-12, 1957): UFO formations were reported flying over the Middle East during this period.
• London, United Kingdom (September 18, 1957): North London residents reported a cigar-shaped blue-green object moving over the city. The air ministry confirmed multiple similar descriptions but declined to speculate.
• Grand Haven, Michigan (October 5, 1957): A strange blue-white, tear-drop shaped object, as brilliant as an arc-lamp, was spotted descending. It was described as baseball-sized at arm's length. After descending, it exploded, with particles momentarily suspended before vanishing.
• Kansas City, Missouri (Date not specified): A witness reported seeing an almost round, brilliant pinky-red saucer at 3:15 a.m. The glow was soft, attributed to a haze. The witness ruled out the sun or moon due to the time and direction.
• Adelaide, Australia (February 15, 1957): A strange 'meteor' with a greenish-blue glow, similar in brightness to the rising moon, left a feathery trail and was observed crossing the sky in the NW section with a great roar.
• Edwards Air Force Base, California (Date not specified): A civilian operator at Edwards AFB reportedly took a moving picture of a 'round, reflective and not too speedy' object, which was tracked by special camera equipment.
• State of Victoria, Australia (May 19, 1957): An estimated 23,000 sighting reports were received after a flaming object, described as silver with a white or blue vapor trail, crossed the state at approximately 5 p.m., estimated to be traveling at 2000 mph at an altitude of 40,000 ft.
• Wright-Patterson AFB (July 12, 1957): NICAP reported that the Air Force admitted AF pilots had fired on UFOs, though an ATIC officer qualified this by stating all UFOs were later determined to be conventional objects.

Condensed Sightings from C.R.I.F.O. Orbit (Cases 98-101):

• Case 98 (N. Cincinnati, August 6, 1955): A blinding white ovoidal object, 15 ft. wide, was seen resting on the ground before ascending soundlessly and streaking towards the Fernald atomic plant.
• Case 99 (Cincy-Columbus, Ohio, August 14, 1955): A bright kelly-green fireball, shaped like a drop of water, streaked silently north. Over Columbus, a 'ball-of-fire' with a greenish tinge shot swiftly from east to west, making no sound.
• Case 100 (Cincinnati, August 23, 1955): Three UFOs were confirmed by radar between Columbus and Cincinnati. Jets scrambled to investigate and encountered the UFOs, one of which hovered pendulum-like over a tower before disappearing at incredible speed. Erratic flights were also reported in surrounding areas.
• Case 101 (NW of Cincinnati, August 25, 1955): A huge object, described as 'bright, round and tennish in color,' was witnessed near the Fernald atomic plant. Police officers reported its altitude at 5,000 ft., directly above the plant.
• Case 102 (Cincy, Ohio, July 22, 1955): A witness near a peach tree reported being pelted by a peculiar dark red liquid substance from a pear-shaped object. The substance caused burns, and the next morning the peach tree and its fruit were dead and petrified.

Gravitation-Levitation: Can Humans Fly?

This section discusses the controversial claim by author Richard Church that he possessed the ability to float through the air unaided since childhood. Church's disclosures, made public by the London Sunday Times, describe experiments where he floated down a staircase. The article also includes accounts from Harold Cook and Richard Mansfield, who claim to have met others with similar abilities. Psychologist Bernard Singer offers a skeptical explanation, suggesting the experiences might be due to suggestion and inhaling air.

Historical Atmospheric Anomalies and 'Rains'

Several pages are dedicated to cataloging historical accounts of unusual substances falling from the sky, drawing heavily from Charles Fort's work:

• Rains of Blood: Mentions of blood showers are cited from ancient authors like Homer, Virgil, and Plutarch, with specific instances in Clermont, France, and Harbin, China, where a rain of blood coincided with an epidemic.
• Yellow Substances: Reports include a golden yellow rain in Peckloh, Germany, containing microscopic organisms, a yellow substance falling by the bucketful in Pictou Harbor, Nova Scotia, and yellow substances in Genoa, Italy, and France/Spain that resembled cobalt blue, starch, or carbonized animal matter.
• Red Substances: Accounts detail red rains in Newfoundland, Australia, and Europe, sometimes described as red mud. A red rain in the Mediterranean region reportedly gave off an animal odor when burned. Other instances include red hail in Tuscany and a thick, viscous, putrid reddish substance in France.
• Other Colored Rains and Substances: Black rains and snow are reported in Ireland and Switzerland. A 'shower of ink' occurred at the Cape of Good Hope. Two black rains fell in Clyde Valley. Australia experienced a massive fall of mud for three days. A peculiar substance consisting of red iron ochre and carbonate of lime fell in March 1872. Lavender-colored substance fell in Oudan, France. A 'bloodlike' coagulated substance fell in Cochin, China. Ulm experienced a rain of thick viscous red matter. Siena had four red rains in six days. Wilson County, Tennessee, reported a fall of blood and pieces of flesh. Amherst, Massachusetts, reported a brilliant light and a nap-covered object that turned red when scraped.

The issue concludes by questioning Charles Fort's theories on the cause of these phenomena, suggesting possibilities like 'debris from interplanetary disasters' or a 'space-dump'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), historical anomalies, and the potential for extraordinary human abilities like levitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to consider all evidence and remain open to possibilities, even those that seem far-fetched. The magazine actively promotes NICAP, suggesting a leaning towards serious investigation of UFO reports. There is a cautious skepticism towards sensationalism but a clear interest in documenting and disseminating accounts of the unexplained. The inclusion of historical accounts and discussions on scientific and psychological explanations indicates a desire for a comprehensive approach to the subject matter.

Title: UFORUM
Issue: 21
Publisher: Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club's
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFORUM, identified as issue number 21, presents a compilation of UFO sighting reports and unexplained incidents, primarily from the 1950s. The publication appears to be supported by donations and is distributed by the Grand Rapids Flying Saucer Club's.

Case Reports

Case 103: Cincinnati, Akron, Ohio & Michigan (August 22, 1955)

At 2200 hours, John Kluemper and other residents of Woodlawn witnessed a brilliantly colored object in the sky, described as "definitely not a star." The object consisted of three distinct lights: red, green, and white, and was in view for 45 minutes, blinking on and off before vanishing. In Akron, Geo. Popowitch and GOC observers saw a bright, soundless orange ball flying from north to south. On the same night, a flashing luminous object was reported in the sky over central and western Michigan, logged by GOC to the Air Filter Center in Grand Rapids. In Cutlerville, Sgt. Earl Kirkpatrick observed a red and green object moving in a counterclockwise arc. GOC observers Frank Gallagher and Dom Sondy reported a strange light following a jet into Selfridge Field. The Saginaw GOC reported an object with a bluish tinge.

Case 104: Cincinnati (September 3, 1955)

Frank Flaig and his wife, driving west of Cincinnati over dark Boomer Road, observed a round, metallic gray airborne object descending before them. While attempting to follow, Flaig went to the side of his house, behind which the object dropped. He was surprised to find the object hovering about a foot from the ground. When his wife called out, the spheroid, approximately 4 feet in diameter, began to rise silently at a 45-degree angle.

Case 105: Brooklyn (Date Unknown)

Jesse Leaf of Brooklyn took snapshots of a TV newsreel of H-Bomb tests. To his surprise, a helmet-like UFO was found on the print.

Case 106: Korat, Thailand (May, 1954)

Captain Uthai Lunayatjata, an instructor in the Royal Thai Air Force in Korat, reported an encounter with a strange object. While returning to Korat in a T-6 aircraft with his student at 3,000 feet, he saw what appeared to be an orange fireball about 6 feet in diameter. The object passed their plane at the same altitude, and he calculated its speed at 800-1000 mph. He phoned the control tower and was informed that no other planes were in the area. His student also saw the object. To keep the fireball in sight, they made a 180-degree right-hand turn, at which point a smaller, blue fireball appeared attached to the right side of the orange ball. Both appeared to move together. The blue fireball then reduced speed to match the T-6's 150 mph and accompanied it for a while. The center of the orange fireball was described as dark, "as though there were nothing there," while the blue light appeared around its rim.

Case 107: Between Honolulu and San Diego (Late Summer, 1939)

A military transport plane carrying 13 men left San Diego on a routine flight to Honolulu. Three hours at sea, the plane radioed that it was in distress, after which all contact was lost. The craft eventually limped back and executed an emergency landing. All the crew were dead except the co-pilot, who died three minutes after landing. The bodies had remarkably large gaping wounds. The 45 Colts carried by the pilot and co-pilot had been emptied, with shells lying on the floor. A rotten egg odor pervaded the atmosphere, and personnel who handled parts of the plane showed a mysterious skin infection.

Case 108: Medicine Bow Peak, Wyoming (October 6, 1955)

A DC-4, flying at over 200 mph, crashed 30 minutes after taking off from Denver. The aircraft was 35 miles off course and at the wrong altitude when it hit the 12,005 ft. peak. The report questions how and why it got off course, noting that the pilots knew the terrain and had full radio equipment, including OMNI directional radio apparatus.

Case 109: Shinnecock Inlet, Long Island, NY (August 26, 1955)

Earl Kane, a veteran test pilot for Republic Aviation, was killed when his Thunderflash aircraft mysteriously exploded during a routine flight. Kane had radioed 5 minutes before the crash reporting "minor difficulties." John Borucke of Southampton reported seeing two planes just before the explosion, but Republic insisted only one plane was in the area. The report questions if the second object was a UFO.

Other Reports and Information

UFO Sightings and Observations

An observation continued from page 7 describes a saucer estimated at 600 meters altitude, with a picture taken by the observer. Above this craft, another was seen, and immediately above that, a stationary cigar-shaped craft. The two saucers climbed diagonally towards the cigar, which was inclined in the direction the saucers were traveling. They then joined the cigar and disappeared. At that moment, the space ship acquired speed in a "terrific burst of acceleration," estimated at 12,000 K.P.H.

Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14

Dr. Leon Davidson has printed (by photo offset) Air Force Project Blue Book Special Report No. 14, which the Air Force had previously stated was too expensive to print. The report is available for $1.50 each. Inquiries should be sent to Dr. Leon Davidson, 64 Prospect St., White Plains, N.Y. (All orders must be prepaid).

Falling Object Launches Hunt

Policeman James Dravelin reported from Port Huron, Michigan (September 16, 1957) that he saw a "bluish-green light that was trailing smoke fall into Lake Huron." Two truckers crossing the Blue Water bridge also reported seeing the object fall into the lake.

Subscription Information

UFORUM is supported entirely by donations. To subscribe, send name and address to UFORUM, Box 142, Route #1, Ada, Michigan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFORUM are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and mysterious aviation incidents. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these events for public consideration, encouraging reader contributions through donations and subscriptions. The publication also highlights official reports, such as the Air Force Project Blue Book, and makes them accessible to the public.