Vimana - Vol 01 No 03 - 1955

Magazine Overview

Title: The Vimana
Issue Date: January 30, 1955
Volume: Volume One, No. 3
Publisher: Detroit Flying Saucer Club
Type: Official Publication

Documentary Film Chronicles: Unforgettable Saucer Evidence

The issue prominently features the documentary film "WE HAVE SEEN THE SAUCERS," described as the world's first documentary motion picture on Flying Saucers. It is presented as a breakthrough of composite, documentary, and factual information, produced over a year in California by Ande Vail Productions. Several individuals involved in the film reportedly feared losing their jobs but felt compelled to share their testimony. The film allegedly shows a "fireball" and a Saucer, photographed in 16mm colorfilm by a prominent California executive. Photographic experts examined the film and declared it authentic. While details are scarce, the Saucer is described as a very intense, white light with a visible force-field in transparency. A highlight mentioned is Sgt. Murphy's sighting at White Sands, New Mexico, where two Saucers allegedly trailed an experimental rocket to an altitude of 110 miles and then departed at 7,200 mph. The film concludes with the caption: "Hold Open For Further Entries," suggesting ongoing developments.

Meet Tom Eichoff

Tom Eichoff is introduced as a speaker at the first DFSC meeting of 1955. He is described as exceptionally qualified and a champion of the UFO cause, seeking facts rather than publicity. Eichoff is concerned that the government has not taken a definitive stance on whether Flying Saucers have contacted Earth. His presentation, "What Can We Believe About U.F.O. Evidence," is based on hundreds of hours of interrogating officials, citizens, pilots, and staff from the Pentagon and Wright-Patterson.

Next Program: Major John D. Craig

Major John D. Craig is announced as the next speaker, described as an "Adventurer Extraordinary." He is lauded as one of America's finest lecturers, a Deep Sea Diver, Army photographer, and author. Craig's research in the Caribbean and Baja California is noted. He will present unbelievable pictures from the Eniwetok Atomic Tests using a "Smear Camera" capable of 1,000,000 frames per second. His lecture topic is "ATOMS and ATOLLS."

Bryant and Helen Reeve Relate Outstanding Saucer Experience in Mexico City

Bryant and Helen Reeve, former Detroiters and DFSC founders, are reported to be spreading the "Saucer message" in Mexico City. They have been playing Adamski, Bethurum, and Williamson tapes and met a man who claims contact with a being from outer space. According to a letter from Mrs. Reeve, she assisted a newspaper editor in Mexico City by providing information on Flying Saucers, leading to weekly articles and small group meetings. The Reeves encouraged organizations and meetings to be conducted through the local editor. A meeting on January 7th, attended by 300 people, featured testimonies and a talk by Bryant Reeve.

The account of the Mexican contactee, Salvador Villanueva Median, describes an encounter near Valles. While waiting for a mechanic after his taxicab broke down, he saw a man with a very white face dressed in a suit with a belt that lit up. The man had fine features, penetrating eyes, and wavy hair. He identified himself as an "aviator" and pointed to his "machine" (aeroplane) behind a hill. The spaceman's belt emitted a noise like a sewing machine and lit up. Bryant and Helen Reeve explored the site and found damage to bushes and trees, taking soil samples for analysis. The man later claimed to have spent the night talking in his cab with the spaceman and a companion.

Latest Saucer News from the West Coast by George Hunt Williamson

George Hunt Williamson reports on activity from Arizona and California. He mentions the planned upgrade of the 200-inch telescope on Mt. Palomar to the equivalent of a 2000-inch telescope using an electronic device. A spaceman named "Jepp" is reported to have landed in Nevada or Utah, contained within a force field. Williamson also discusses a new documentary film, "WE'VE SEEN THE FLYING SAUCERS," and the discovery of a new element called "Telonium" on George W. Van Tassel's Giant Rock Airport property. Telonium is noted for its ability to reduce background radiation and has unique properties verified by mining engineers. Williamson also reports that several electronic firms and universities are engaged in light-beam communication work, with one midwestern company in Indiana having successfully contacted discs via this method. Research centers are operating in secrecy.

Detroit Flying Saucer Club Field Lectures

Scheduled appearances for the DFSC Staff group are listed for February and March 1955, including talks at the Air Force Association, Cleveland Flying Saucer Club, Hamtramck Rotary Club, and the Resident Wives Association of Henry Ford Hospital. Henry Maday and John Hoffman also presented a joint talk to physicians at Grace Hospital, which was well-received.

From Guessing to Thinking by Baird Wallace

This guest editorial by Baird Wallace, a graduate electrical engineer, discusses the technical side of interterrestrial spacecraft and UFOs. Wallace argues that the realization of spacecraft from other worlds inspires inquiry that extends beyond imagination, affecting all areas of human interest. He suggests that current phenomena are causing a re-evaluation of science and philosophy, challenging dogmatic concepts and theories. Wallace contends that many scientific fields rely heavily on "guesses" presented as theories, leading to a confusion between truth and fiction. He calls for a shift from "guessing" to "thinking" to better understand uncharted phenomena.

Poetry and Quotes

The issue includes two poems: "WHITE REVELATIONS" by Georgie Starbuck Galbraith, which touches on the overwhelming nature of truth, and "The Coming Choice" by Adelaide Love, inspired by Col. John D. Craig's presentation, discussing destiny, the power of the atom, and the choice between suicide and apprenticeship with God.

A notable quote from a lecture states: "Son, you mean there won't be any more discoveries in science?...remember, it's what you learn after you know it all that counts!"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of Flying Saucers and UFOs, presenting evidence from films, eyewitness accounts, and scientific research. There is a strong emphasis on seeking "facts" and moving beyond speculation. The publication encourages public engagement and discussion, as seen in the DFSC's lecture series and the Reeve's activities in Mexico. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of extraterrestrial contact while also critically evaluating evidence. The issue highlights the growing interest in the subject across various sectors of society, including scientific and professional communities.

This issue of VIMANA, published by the Detroit Flying Saucer Club, focuses on the ongoing investigation into a mysterious white substance reportedly dropped from unidentified flying objects. The magazine presents witness testimonies, scientific analysis, and discussions surrounding UFO phenomena, alongside updates on related publications and events.

The White Substance Dropped from Saucers

The lead article details the perplexing nature of a white substance provided to the Detroit Police Department. Initial analyses by Wayne University and other laboratories have yielded inconclusive results, describing it as "no known element, or substance." While not radioactive, the material exhibits magnetic properties and is believed to be organic in nature. The article expresses frustration over the prolonged analysis period and the difficulty in finding a laboratory willing to investigate without prejudice.

Witness Accounts and 'Angel's Hair'

The issue connects the white substance to reports of 'angel's hair,' a phenomenon discussed in relation to the movie "WE HAVE SEEN THE SAUCERS." It recounts the experience of two Ohio school teachers, Betty Jane Quinlan and Mrs. Ellen Dittmar, along with principal Mr. Romney R. Warrick, who witnessed a cigar-shaped craft leaving a three-mile trail of "angel's hair." Mr. Warrick described the substance as resembling asbestos. Mrs. Dittmar's letter to Miss Quinlan details how the children alerted them to a silver, shiny cigar-shaped object that hovered briefly before accelerating away at tremendous speed, emitting a blinding light and filling the air with white tufts.

Broader Implications of UFO Sightings

An article by Wallace (continued from a previous issue) reflects on the increasing number of reported sightings of glowing discs and craft from outer space. It argues that the physical existence of such craft challenges conventional scientific thought, refuting claims of hallucinations or supernatural phenomena. The author contends that the universe operates under natural law and encourages a scientific approach to understanding these sightings, viewing them as opportunities to explore the unknown and expand knowledge.

"Up in the Air!" - News and Events

This section provides updates on various individuals and events within the UFO community. Dan Fry, author of "The White Sands Incident," is mentioned as being busy with work but planning to share recorded tapes. Laura Marxer's presentation on "Saucers up to date" in Dearborn was well-received, and she introduced Larry Cardenas, a witness to a saucer sighting. Singapore Joe Fisher, a world-traveler and lecturer, is noted for warmly mentioning the Detroit Flying Saucer Club. Admiral Donald B. MacMillan, initially skeptical, has become more receptive to the 'Saucer Story' after hearing a credible account from a friend.

"Saucer Signs in These Times"

This segment highlights recent media coverage of UFOs, including a short story in the Saturday Evening Post and a piece in the American Magazine. Radio broadcasts featuring John Otto of Chicago and his 'Light Beam' contacts are mentioned, as is a report by newscaster Gabriel Heatter suggesting landings have spread to Germany. Clare Boothe Luce is also noted for speaking on interplanetary discs. Truman Bethurum, author of "Abroad A Flying Saucer," was featured on Don McNeil's show, and George Adamski is slated for a future appearance.

Saucer Publications and Recommended Reading

This section reviews several books related to UFOs. "Aboard a Flying Saucer" by Truman Bethurum chronicles his experiences with space people. "Space, Gravity and Flying Saucers" by Leonard Cramp details the engineering of Adamski-type saucers. "Flying Saucer from Mars" by Cedric Allingham presents a British naturalist's study. Max Miller's monthly publication, "SAUCERS," from the West Coast, is also recommended.

Editorially Speaking

Editor Henry Maday addresses the challenges faced by the VIMANA publication, noting that subscription numbers are insufficient for practicality, necessitating reliance on magazine sales at monthly programs. He also discusses the club's meeting schedule, explaining the difficulty in finding large venues due to increased interest and the decision to have either two meetings per month or one meeting every two months. The editorial touches upon the prophecy of "the end of the world" for December 21st, 1954, and its association with Dorothy Martin's prophecies, expressing skepticism about the 'space people' working in such a manner. It also warns about the dangers of Extra Sensory Perception, advocating for its cultivation only by those with a strong spiritual foundation.

Saucer Clubs Throughout the Nation

A comprehensive directory lists various UFO research organizations and clubs across the United States, England, France, and Rhodesia, including their addresses and contact persons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of physical evidence related to UFOs, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the dissemination of information through media and publications. The editorial stance emphasizes objective investigation, a scientific approach, and a healthy skepticism towards sensationalism or cult-like adherence. The club positions itself as a "listening post," aiming to understand UFO phenomena within the framework of natural law rather than resorting to speculation or unfounded beliefs. There is a clear encouragement for members and readers to engage critically with the subject matter and to pursue knowledge diligently.