Wonders - Vol 5 No 3 - 1998

Magazine Overview

WONDERS is a magazine dedicated to exploring mysteries and seeking truth. This issue, Volume 5, Number 3, dated September 1998, is published by MARK A. HALL PUBLICATIONS in Minneapolis, USA. The cover features the title 'WONDERS' and headlines 'Bighoot' and 'The Giant Owl,' accompanied by a striking illustration of a large owl. The issue is priced at US$ 4 plus postage for individual copies.

Editorial: Just Another Millennium

The editorial reflects on the arbitrary nature of calendar dates and the upcoming turn of the millennium. The author argues that while the transition from 1999 to 2000 might be celebrated, it holds no mystical significance. The piece contrasts the excitement around the internet today with the excitement surrounding the telephone a hundred years ago, anticipating similar life-changing impacts. It also touches upon the past century's confidence in human knowledge, contrasting it with today's expectation of constant technological change and a potentially overconfident view of the world.

Bighoot - The Giant Owl by Mark A. Hall

This feature article delves into the mystery of 'Bighoot,' described as a giant owl, larger than any other known species and approaching human size. The author, Mark A. Hall, posits that this creature, though never scientifically described or catalogued, exists and has been observed in the eastern U.S.A., particularly in Ohio and West Virginia. Hall argues that Bighoot belongs to the cryptozoological cadre of unknown animals that persist despite modern understanding.

Folklore and Ancient Accounts

The article explores the historical roots of Bighoot in American Indian folklore. Tribes such as the Iroquois, Tuscarora, and Wyandot told stories of 'Flying Heads' or 'Big Heads.' These were often depicted as demonic deities, huge, bodiless heads covered in long hair, with sharp claws and fiery eyes, capable of flight. The author suggests these descriptions align with the characteristics of giant owls, particularly their red eye-shine. References are made to Erminnie Smith's collection of Iroquois stories and Hartley Burr Alexander's 'Mythology of All Races,' which notes myths of devouring heads across America. The Wyandots, in particular, described the 'Flying Heads' as dangerous beings that could appear unseen in fog or mist, causing sickness, blighting crops, and stealing game.

Modern Sightings and the 'Mothman' Connection

The modern history of Bighoot encounters is primarily linked to a period in 1966 when people in Ohio and West Virginia reported sightings of these birds. The author notes that these sightings were often conflated with the 'Mothman' phenomenon, a label applied by journalist John Keel. Hall argues that this association has incorrectly led to interpretations of these creatures as extraterrestrial or interdimensional, asserting they are simply part of the natural landscape.

Eyewitness Accounts from 'Bighoot Country'

The article details numerous eyewitness accounts, primarily from West Virginia and Ohio, spanning from the early 1900s to November 1966. These accounts describe a large, bird-like entity with a significant wingspan (ranging from 6 to 12 feet or more) and often large, red eyes. Specific incidents include:

• Early 1900s (Pt. Pleasant, WV): A large bird with a man's head and a 12-foot wingspan was seen, often preceding tragic events. It was described as having monstrous size and dark reddish feathers.
• November 1966 (Point Pleasant, WV): Two couples reported a 'flying man with a 10-foot wingspan' that could keep pace with their car traveling at 100 mph.
• November 1966 (near Clendenin, WV): Kenneth Duncan saw a brown human-like being gliding through trees.
• November 1966 (Ferry Branch, WV): A large bird with a wingspread wider than a truck was observed.
• November 1966 (Dixie, WV): A bird 'about four feet tall with red halfmoons under his eyes' was reported.
• November 1966 (8 miles north of Point Pleasant, WV): Thomas Ury saw a six-foot figure with a ten-foot wingspan hovering over his car.
• November 1966 (Cat Creek, Ohio): Four large birds, four to five feet tall with 10-foot wingspreads, were observed in daylight.
• November 1966 (West Virginia): Richard West reported seeing 'Batman,' a six-foot tall figure with a six to eight-foot wingspread and big red eyes.
• Post-World War II: Reports of being chased on highways in 'Bighoot Country' are attributed to the creatures taking advantage of artificial air currents from automobiles.

The Uncatalogued Species

Hall emphasizes that Bighoot and the Thunderbird are unrecognized species, known only to those who have encountered them. He dismisses the idea that amateur bird watchers would have reported them, suggesting a cultural taboo and fear of ridicule prevent such reports. The article concludes that these are extraordinary birds that have survived into modern times despite threats from mankind.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, folklore, and eyewitness accounts of creatures and events outside mainstream scientific understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to question conventional wisdom and consider possibilities beyond established scientific paradigms. The article on Bighoot exemplifies this by presenting folklore and anecdotal evidence as valid sources of information about unknown species, challenging the exclusivity of scientific cataloging.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated September 1998, focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly the existence and folklore surrounding giant owls, referred to as 'Bighoot,' and their potential connection to legendary creatures like Thunderbirds. The issue includes a detailed article on Ivan Sanderson and an event in Warren County, New Jersey, alongside discussions of various sightings and related folklore from North America and beyond.

The 'Bighoot' Phenomenon and Protective Mimicry

The article begins by discussing the predatory habits of large birds, referencing Native American beliefs about Thunderbirds attacking humans and owls carrying off young Indians. It introduces the concept of 'Bighoot,' a giant owl active at night, whose existence has been concealed by its effective camouflage. This camouflage is likened to that of the long-eared owl, which can assume a stick-like appearance, matching tree bark and blending with its surroundings. Lewis Wayne Walker is quoted describing how a long-eared owl's posture and coloration create an illusion of a broken log, enhancing its protective mimicry. This mimicry is presented as a key factor in the survival of these giant owls and the lack of knowledge about them.

An example of this mimicry is provided by a woman in Ohio who, in August 1982 and again a year later at Rocky Fork Lake, observed what she described as a tall, topless tree truck. This figure, approximately 9-10 feet high and 112 inches around, moved with surprising grace and silence, eventually disappearing into the woods. She later described seeing its legs and thin, short, yellowish feet with long, slender toes and a hooked nail. The article posits that she was observing an owl employing this advanced camouflage.

Sightings and Folklore

Stories of similar large, bird-like creatures are presented from various locations. In Minnesota and Pennsylvania, owls have reportedly been seen. Virginia M. Miller of Elma, New York, wrote to Fate Magazine about her father's experience on Halloween 1974, seeing a bird-like creature with a 10-foot wingspan, which he initially thought was a 'gargoyle.' His daughter later associated it with 'Mothman.'

John Keel is mentioned in relation to a sighting in Arlington, Virginia, in the winter of 1968-69, where a businessman and three others encountered a 'huge thing with large red-orange eyeballs and wing-like arms' standing by a tree, prompting a hasty retreat.

Reports from the United Kingdom, specifically Yorkshire, describe a 'Cornish Oilman' sighting in 1976 and 1978, and a Mr. Pollock's encounter with a bird that had an 8-foot wingspan, was four feet tall, and possessed large talons and a huge beak, emitting shrieks and moans.

Folklore from Chile is also referenced, noting similarities to the Iroquois 'Flying Heads,' with the 'Chon-chon' described as a vampire-like human head with wing-like ears for nocturnal flight. A 1968 report from Chile also mentions peasants seeing 'a man with arms like wings running in woods.'

Ivan Sanderson and the Warren County 'Woo-Woo'

The main article, authored by Mark A. Hall, is a tribute to Ivan T. Sanderson, a naturalist and author known for his work on unexplained phenomena. Sanderson, who lived in the USA from 1911 until his death in 1973, had several personal experiences.

One incident occurred in 1958 over the Delaware Water Gap, which Sanderson detailed in his book 'Uninvited Visitors' and NICAP's 'The UFO Evidence.' Another involved a puzzling animal in his swimming pond in Warren County, New Jersey. The most significant experience, however, took place over twenty years while he was a New Jersey resident. This event, detailed in a letter to the Blairstown-Press newspaper published on April 13, 1968, occurred in mid-June 1965.

Sanderson, along with his friends and colleagues Walter McGraw and Tom Allen (both professional newsmen), drove to his farm in Polkville, New Jersey, at dawn. After a night of driving from Washington D.C., they stopped to unload equipment. The morning was described as exceptionally beautiful and serene. Suddenly, without any warning, all the birds, frogs, and insects fell silent, creating an absolute, unnerving quiet. This silence was followed by a massive, directional noise, described as 'WOOOOOOO-WOOOO-WOO0Oooo,' which occurred in repeated bursts for about seven minutes. Sanderson, who had extensive experience studying animals and had witnessed similar silences before major earthquakes, was profoundly affected. He noted that the noise seemed to originate in the Blairstown-Millbrook Rd. area and rapidly moved west, then south, covering approximately 12 miles in four minutes, suggesting a speed of 180 m.p.h. The sound was so immense it made their eardrums ring, and echoes confirmed its direction and distance. The most incredible aspect was the simultaneous cessation of all natural sounds before the noise began and their prolonged absence afterward.

Sanderson and his colleagues, despite having professional recording equipment, were so stunned that they failed to record the event. He attributes this to a psychological reaction, noting that even seasoned professionals can be overcome by extraordinary events. He emphasizes that the noise was unlike anything he had ever heard, and its volume was comparable to a four-jet plane taking off. The directionality and speed were also remarkable, with echoes suggesting movement over a significant distance. He speculates that it could not have been a land animal, even mentioning local lore about Gray Foxes making a 'who whhooing' noise.

Approach to Study and Conclusion

The article concludes by suggesting that these giant owls pose no meaningful threat to ordinary people, being retiring and rare. It advocates for a non-violent approach, emphasizing observation and learning rather than capture or killing. The author recommends a 'telebiological' approach, encouraging patience, study of the environment, and the use of modern technology to increase knowledge without harming the creatures. The focus on the Ohio River area is due to recent records, but the article notes that American Indian lore and other reports suggest these birds were known elsewhere. The hope is that future research will uncover a widespread distribution of these rare birds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), and the intersection of folklore with potential biological realities. The magazine presents evidence and anecdotal accounts of large, mysterious flying creatures, often linking them to ancient myths and legends. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation and careful observation of these phenomena while advocating for the protection of the creatures involved. There is a clear emphasis on the need for more research and a willingness to consider extraordinary possibilities, such as the survival of creatures previously thought to be mythical.

This issue of WONDERS, dated September 1998, features a cover story titled "Twentieth Century Forteanism" by Mark A. Hall. The magazine explores the landscape of unexplained phenomena and historical anomalies as the 20th century concludes, highlighting the work of key figures in the field and discussing the challenges of scientific inquiry.

The "Woo-Woo" of Warren County

The issue begins with an account of a mysterious "Woo-Woo" sound reported in Warren County, New Jersey. The sound was described as enormous, ghastly, and hair-raising, unlike any known animal behavior. The article details how the sound was heard by multiple individuals, including a man who experienced it while on a "lovers' lane" west of Bangor. This witness, an ex-Navy man, was so terrified that he was paralyzed and unable to switch on his car lights. The sound was estimated to be no more than twenty paces away and repeated at regular intervals before fading. The author notes that while thousands of animals behaving in unison might explain such a sound, the circumstances were exceptional. Discreet inquiries among naturalists yielded no definitive explanation, though a "Gray Fox belief" was mentioned. The story gained traction when Raldo Mattioli shared his account, leading to phone calls from other witnesses. The author expresses a desire for more information and accounts from those reluctant to speak, emphasizing the need for fragments of description and behavior to advance understanding.

Twentieth Century Forteanism

Mark A. Hall's cover article, "Twentieth Century Forteanism," reflects on the century's end and the rise of "forteanism" – the pursuit of unexplained natural phenomena and historical anomalies. Hall identifies Charles Hoy Fort (1874-1932), a compiler of unexplained data from scientific journals and newspapers, as a key figure. The article notes that contemporary categories for such phenomena include psychic phenomena, unidentified flying objects (UFOs), and cryptozoology. Hall observes a growing curiosity about the physical world and a healthy suspicion of authority, though these behaviors are not as widespread as desired. The advent of the Internet is seen as a significant development, providing more information sources but also increasing the "noise-to-signal ratio." Hall predicts the Internet will create greater polarization between those who are well-informed and those who rely on traditional media.

The article critiques the modern tendency to dismiss or suppress controversial views, particularly in the face of political "conspiracy-mongering." Hall argues that maintaining respect for authority requires honesty and an open exchange of ideas. He notes a polarization between professional scientists and those seeking answers to neglected questions, leading to a divide between those who possess knowledge and those who do not. He criticizes "skeptics," "journal editors," "scientific dabblers," and "too-busy-to-bother-with-nonsense scientists" for their resistance to new ideas and their failure to engage in honest discourse.

Historical Anomalies and Encyclopedic Entries

The magazine then delves into historical anomalies, referencing the 1895 edition of Johnson's Universal Cyclopaedia as a benchmark for discussing issues alive in late 19th-century American culture. This edition, under Charles Kendall Adams, is noted for its populist approach, including discussions of topics that perplexed ordinary people. One such entry is about Madoc, a Welsh prince who allegedly sailed west in the 12th century and discovered a new continent. The article acknowledges the vagueness of Welsh bardic and historical writings supporting this theory and mentions early accounts by Humfrey Llwyd and later writers like Powel, Herbert, Howell, Haklyut, and Raleigh. It also references Thomas Stephens' critical analysis in "Madoc, an Essay on the Discovery of America."

Other entries discussed include Leif Ericson and Vinland, Andrew Crosse's experiments, the description of Fusang, and the Chinese practice of Feng-Shui. A significant entry on "Clairvoyance" is attributed to Hudson Tuttle, a spiritualist. The article also touches upon "wonder-animals" like the Kraken, discussed by Rasmus Anderson, and sea-serpent reports, with Frederic Lucas noting that while some scientists consider the possibility of a huge marine animal, most zoologists deny its existence.

Psychic Research, Cryptozoology, and UFOs

The issue examines the state of psychic research, noting that despite a century of interest, little ground has been gained. Hundreds of volumes have studied anecdotes and laboratory testings without definitive validation. Sea-serpents continue to be reported, with Bernard Heuvelmans' "In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents" being a notable work. Other cryptozoological wonders mentioned include the "Bighoot" (Booger-owl) and the "Thunderbird" in rural America, as well as "True Giants" and "Bigfoot" (though the latter term was not popularized until later).

UFOs, which appeared in newspapers as "flying saucers" after 1947, are presented as a subject on par with psychic phenomena. The article suggests that half a century of concern has not brought clarity, partly due to human reluctance to accept a potentially inferior place in the universe. The author posits that visitors might benefit from humanity's confusion and inability to comprehend their presence. The article concludes by reflecting on technological advances and the ongoing quest to understand fundamental questions about existence, the human mind, spirituality, life forms, and humanity's past.

The Influence of Fort and Sanderson

Charles Fort and Ivan Terence Sanderson are highlighted as influential figures who helped navigate the 20th century by collecting and presenting odd facts in an entertaining manner. Their works are recommended for readers interested in exploring mankind's dilemmas. The article notes that Charles Fort's books, compiled in "The Complete Books of Charles Fort," can be so engrossing that they might even lead to job loss, as experienced by Richard Ashby. Ivan Sanderson's extensive works cover natural history and fortean topics, including "Abominable Snowmen: Legend Come to Life" and "Uninvited Visitors."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of WONDERS consistently explores the boundaries of the known and the unexplained, championing a spirit of open inquiry and critical examination of phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific acceptance. The editorial stance appears to be one that encourages skepticism towards unquestioned authority and promotes a thorough, honest investigation of controversial topics. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of individual research, the critical evaluation of evidence, and the willingness to challenge established paradigms. The magazine advocates for a nuanced approach to unexplained phenomena, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and outright hoaxes, and encourages readers to contribute their own findings and perspectives to the ongoing exploration of the unknown.

This document is page 95 of the September 1998 issue of WONDERS magazine. It contains introductory remarks, a list of references under the heading 'NOTES', and an advertisement for an upcoming publication.

Introductory Remarks

The introductory text reflects on the nature of possibility and the influence of figures like Fort and Sanderson. The author encourages the reader to explore their experiences, suggesting that what seems impossible can become commonplace with a broader perspective.

NOTES

The 'NOTES' section functions as a bibliography, citing various books and encyclopedias relevant to topics likely covered in the magazine. The references include:

1. Henry H. Bauer, *The Enigma of Loch Ness: Making Sense of a Mystery* (1986).
2. Henry H. Bauer, *Beyond Velikovsky: The History of a Public Controversy* (1984).
3. A citation to page numbers 141, 143, and 205, likely from the Bauer book.
4. Martin Gardner, *The New Age: Notes of Fringe Watcher* (1988), pages 65-71.
5. *Johnson's Universal Cyclopaedia*, published in 1895 by D. Appleton and Company and A. J. Johnson Company, in eight volumes.
6. Leslie Shepard (ed.), *The Encyclopedia of Occultism and Parapsychology*, vol. 2 (1978), pages 949-50.
7. Bernard Heuvelmans, *In the Wake of the Sea-Serpents* (1968).
8. References to biographies of Charles Fort, including one by Damon Knight titled *Charles Fort: Prophet of the Unexplained* (1970). It also mentions a contemporary glimpse of Fort in H. Allen Smith's *Low Man on a Totem Pole*. Additionally, Ivan Sanderson's life is profiled in the *National Cyclopedia of American Biography*, Vol. 57 (1977).
9. Richard Ashby, "The Reincarnation of Charles Fort," in *Borderline* 1(4) (January 1964).

Coming Soon: Living Fossils

The second page is an advertisement for an upcoming publication titled "Living Fossils," described as "THE SECOND INSTALLMENT IN THE SERIES THAT EXPLAINS THE ORIGINS OF MAN'S SURVIVING PRIMATE RELATIVES." This installment focuses on "The Survival of Homo gardarensis, Neandertal Man, and Homo erectus" and is authored by Mark A. Hall. It is part of the "Primate Origins Series No. 2" and is published by Marka Hall Publications, with a mailing address in Minneapolis, MN, USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The document touches upon themes related to Fortean phenomena (Charles Fort, Ivan Sanderson), cryptozoology (Loch Ness, sea-serpents), the history of controversial scientific ideas (Velikovsky), and the study of the occult and parapsychology. The editorial stance, as suggested by the introductory remarks, appears to be open-minded and encouraging of exploration into unusual or fringe topics, acknowledging the influence of pioneers in these fields.