Wonders - Vol 6 No 4 - 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: WONDERS
Issue: Vol. 6 No. 4
Date: December 2001
Publisher: MARK A. HALL PUBLICATIONS
Subtitle: SEEKING THE TRUTH IN A UNIVERSE OF MYSTERIES

This issue of WONDERS magazine delves into the intriguing topic of "Primate Survivors," exploring the possibility that various ape-like and hominid creatures, beyond modern humans, may still exist. The cover prominently features the headline "The Dog-Headed Men and other Primate Survivors," accompanied by an illustration of a profile of a human-like head with distinct features.

Editorial: The Status Quotients vs. the True Skeptics

The editorial section, penned by Mark A. Hall, distinguishes between "true skeptics" and "status quotients." Hall argues that many who claim to be skeptics are merely "status quotients" who defend the established order and resist new ideas or challenging questions. True skeptics, in contrast, are characterized by their instinct to doubt, question, and disagree with assertions and generally accepted conclusions. The editorial emphasizes the need for more true skeptics to actively engage in preserving records and tackling difficult questions that push the boundaries of human understanding, rather than passively accepting the status quo.

Primate Survivors: Diversity Among the Highest Primates

Mark A. Hall's main article, "PRIMATE SURVIVORS: DIVERSITY AMONG THE HIGHEST PRIMATES," challenges the simplistic Hollywood portrayal of "Bigfoot" as merely a hairy, manlike creature in the Pacific Northwest. Hall argues that this narrow view is inadequate to explain the global reports of similar beings. He proposes a coherent picture of primate evolution that includes the survival of various ancient primate lines.

The Yeti

The article traces the lineage of the Yeti back to *Dryopithecus*, an ape from the Miocene period whose remains are found in Africa, Europe, and Asia. The Yeti is described as a retiring but capable creature, with reports of its tracks found in mud and snow contributing to the "Abominable Snowman" legend. The term "yeti" has been applied globally to similar hairy creatures and unexplained tracks. The text notes that creatures identical in appearance and tracks to the Yeti have been encountered in the Americas.

The True Giant

Another survivor from the Miocene is *Gigantopithecus*, described as the largest ape ever known. Its modern descendants are called "True Giants," depicted as tree-tall, man-like creatures of extraordinary height. The article suggests they once mimicked human life but retreated to mountains and jungles due to "disgusting habits," including eating humans. Their large footprints, over 20 inches long with four toes, are occasionally found, and their folklore is universal across continents.

The Water Ape-Man

The third surviving ape from the Miocene discussed is *Oreopithecus*. Hall proposes that this ape evolved into the group of creatures known as "mer-beings" (mermaids and mermen). These beings are reported in marine and freshwater environments worldwide and are described as fabulous creatures that have existed in folklore and detailed reports for centuries.

The Hominids

The article then shifts to hominids, tracing their emergence approximately 3 million years ago. It discusses *Australopithecus* (both large and small forms) as still existing and having spread from Africa. The large form, *Australopithecus robustus* (also called *Paranthropus*), is linked to "Patterson's Bigfoot" and "Neo-Giants," known from California to Alaska. Other hairy primates with different appearances and tracks are also mentioned.

The small form, *Australopithecus africanus*, is suggested to be the origin of the "Little People" or "Proto-pygmies" found in folklore globally. These beings are reported to be three to four feet tall and capable of cultural achievements, with the Menehune of Hawaii cited as an example. The article also touches upon even smaller "Wee Folk." The evolutionary significance of small size is discussed in relation to engineer Thomas Samaras' entropy theory of aging, suggesting smaller bodies are more conducive to health and longevity.

Figures and Fossil Relationships

The issue includes two figures illustrating fossil relationships. Figure 1 shows the proposed evolutionary paths for water ape-men, True Giants, and Yetis, linking them to *Oreopithecus*, *Gigantopithecus*, and *Dryopithecus* respectively, with timelines extending back 15 million years. Figure 2 illustrates fossil relationships to surviving higher primates, including *Australopithecus afarensis*, *Australopithecus africanus*, *Paranthropus*, *Kenyanthropus platyops*, *Homo rudolfensis*, and *Homo neanderthalensis*, with timelines extending back 5 million years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around cryptozoology, the exploration of unexplained phenomena, and the nature of skepticism. The magazine champions the pursuit of "truth in a universe of mysteries" and encourages readers to question conventional wisdom. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of open-minded inquiry into subjects often dismissed by mainstream science, advocating for the preservation of data that challenges the status quo and promoting a form of skepticism that actively seeks answers rather than passively accepting existing paradigms. The magazine positions itself as a platform for exploring these less conventional, yet persistent, mysteries of the natural world and human history.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated December 2001, features articles on hominid evolution and the "Mysteries of West Virginia." The magazine explores controversial theories about the survival of ancient hominid species and details various unexplained phenomena and cryptid sightings within the state.

Hominid Evolution and Living Fossils

The article "The Least-Hominid," "The Taller-Hominid," and "The Dog-Headed Men" discusses the genus Homo, which emerged approximately three million years ago. It proposes that four types of hominids – Homo erectus, Homo gardarensis, Homo neandertalensis, and Homo sapiens – are still represented among living primates. The author suggests that Homo erectus, despite its past success, may survive in remote parts of Asia as the "Least-Hominid." Homo gardarensis is linked to bones found in Greenland and potentially to "archaic Homo sapiens" and "Rhodesian Man." Neandertals (Homo neandertalsis) are presented as potentially surviving, with modern reports of "Bushmen" in Canada and "dog-headed men" in Europe being interpreted as evidence. The article critiques modern scientists' reluctance to acknowledge the survival of these "living fossils," arguing that it complicates the understanding of human evolution. It posits that the competition among hominids has been a major factor in survivability, tracing back to the Miocene epoch.

Mysteries of West Virginia

The article "MYSTERIES OF WEST VIRGINIA" by Mark A. Hall details various unexplained phenomena and alleged cryptid sightings in the state. It mentions ancient walls of earth and stone, such as a ten-mile-long wall at Mt. Carbon, which are attributed to a "fierce race of white warriors" who may have preceded American Indians. The Grave Creek tablet, found near Moundsville, is noted as an undeciphered mystery.

Aerial Mysteries

"Spook Lights," described as globes of light observed near humans, are reported in areas like Hacker Valley and on Brown's Mountain. The article also discusses "Bighoot," a giant owl also known as "Birdman" and "Mothman," most conspicuously found in the Kanawha River valley and surrounding areas. The "Thunderbirds" of American Indian legend are also mentioned as potentially real giant birds, possibly descendants of *Argentavis magnificens*, observed over the past two centuries.

The Flatwoods Monster

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to the Flatwoods Monster incident on September 12, 1952, in Braxton County, West Virginia. Following sightings of streaking lights, a large object reportedly landed, and a ten-foot-tall entity, described as having an "ace of spades"-shaped head with a circular window, was encountered. The air was noted as foul and nauseating. Despite investigations, no physical evidence was found. The article critiques Joe Nickell's attempt to debunk the event as a sighting of a barn owl, arguing that Nickell ignores the reported size of the entity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of WONDERS magazine appears to champion unconventional theories regarding human evolution and the existence of cryptids and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance seems to favor the possibility of "living fossils" and the reality of various mysterious sightings, often presenting anecdotal evidence and historical accounts as significant. The magazine encourages readers to consider alternative explanations beyond mainstream scientific consensus, particularly concerning the survival of ancient hominids and the nature of unexplained events like the Flatwoods Monster.

This issue of WONDERS magazine, dated December 2001, focuses on a collection of unexplained phenomena and mysterious events primarily located in West Virginia. The magazine explores UFO sightings, encounters with strange creatures, and historical oddities, drawing from various reports and accounts.

The Flatwoods and Sugar Creek Events (September 12, 1952)

The issue revisits the well-known Flatwoods Monster incident of September 12, 1952, in Braxton County, West Virginia. The accompanying map (Fig. 1) illustrates key locations: Flatwoods, Sugar Creek, and James Knob (also known as James Knoll), where objects were reported to have descended. The article notes that the first two locations were investigated, and something that appeared to have emerged from the objects was seen at both. The debate surrounding the meaning of these events has persisted for nearly fifty years.

Detailing the Sugar Creek event, the magazine recounts the experience of George and Edith Snitowsky of Queens, New York. Their car stalled near Frametown and Gassaway, and they detected a sickening odor that made their baby cough. George investigated the odor and observed a large spheroid object hovering over the ground, emitting a soft, violet light. He felt intense vibrations and, upon returning to the car, his wife screamed that something was behind him. George saw a figure about eight or nine feet tall with a large head, bloated body, and long, spindly arms gliding rapidly towards him. They locked themselves in the car, and George saw a long, spindly arm with a forked end stretch across the windshield before the figure glided away. Later, they saw a glowing globe rise above trees, swing, and then shoot off into space. The next morning, at a filling station in Sutton, an attendant pointed out a V-shaped brown spot on their car's hood, resembling a burn mark. The article suggests that similar beings may have emerged from UFOs at Flatwoods and Sugar Creek, and references Ivan T. Sanderson's theory that the entity might have been wearing a space suit and that the objects may have vaporized.

Strange Critters Around All the Time

This section touches upon reports of unusual animals in West Virginia, including hairy giants and black panthers, suggesting some sightings might be of surviving specimens of *Panthera atrox* (the American Lion) from the Pleistocene era.

The Thing in Gauley Marsh (Beginning 1882)

The magazine recounts a peculiar story from Pocahontas County, West Virginia, starting in 1882. A dog and then a horse died under mysterious circumstances near Gauley Marsh, with evidence suggesting poisoning by an animal with widely spaced fang marks. Suspicion fell on James Brooden, a newcomer to the swamp. The horse's owner was later found dead with a wound on his wrist showing distinct teeth marks. Brooden was arrested for murder. During his trial, as the jury visited the scene, a creature emerged from a wall at the edge of the swamp. It emitted a "low, humming wail," had a club-like body four feet long, a large heart-shaped head, and teeth that matched the wounds. It possessed poison sacs with a straw-colored venom. Brooden was released, and the creature was thought to have been killed. The article mentions that the area of Gauley Marsh is now submerged by a dam creating Cheat Lake.

The "Grafton Monster" (June 1964)

In 1995, the author visited the Gray Barker Collection, which contains files on the "Grafton Monster." The story, told by journalist Robert Cockrell to Barker, was originally covered in the Grafton Sentinel on June 18-19, 1964, but was heavily censored. Cockrell recounted his own experience on the night of June 16, 1964, on Riverside Drive in Grafton. While driving at about 50 mph, he saw a "huge white obstruction" on the right side of the road. His impressions of the creature were that it was between seven and nine feet tall, approximately four feet wide, with a seal-like skin that had a sheen. It had no discernible head and did not move as he passed. Cockrell later returned to the site with friends and found flattened brush but no tracks. They heard a low whistling sound from the river. Other teenagers also reportedly glimpsed the "monster."

The Thing in Devil's Hole

Devil's Hole, along the Cheat River in northern West Virginia, is described as a place surrounded by mystery and fantastic tales. The article recounts two incidents: Hiram Gillum encountered a creature in the water with a half-human face, goat-like horns, and a sucker-like mouth. On another occasion, Jake Price fell into Devil's Hole and was attacked by a creature with moss-covered horns and eyes like hot coals, which pulled him down and clamped its mouth over his, but only managed to get his chaw of tobacco. John Pyles threw a harpoon into the creature, causing it to bleed, and it was believed to have been killed.

A Christmas Hoax (December 1933)

This section details a front-page story in the Charleston Gazette on Christmas Day 1933, reporting that two Kanawha River boatmen, Ross Saunders and Robert Trice, had caught a three-foot octopus. The story claimed the "devil fish" had wrapped its tentacles around their boat. However, the following Friday, the Gazette published an explanation stating the story was a hoax, orchestrated by the boatmen. It was revealed that an octopus had accompanied a stolen barrel of fish, and Trice admitted to the hoax as a "swell Christmas joke."

Eight-legged Mysteries from the Blackwater River (January 1946)

In January 1946, six octopi, weighing up to twenty pounds, were reportedly killed and taken from the North Branch of the Blackwater River at Thomas, West Virginia. They were examined by people at the local school, with many attesting to their being alive when pulled from the river. The article also mentions a notice from around 1954 in "Doubt" magazine about an octopus capture near Grafton, West Virginia, with "two-foot long tentacles." The author suggests that these creatures might be a unique form of freshwater cephalopods originating from the Canaan Valley.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, local legends, and mysterious encounters within West Virginia. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts, often with a degree of skepticism or by exploring possible explanations, including hoaxes and misidentifications, while also acknowledging the enduring nature of these mysteries and the debates they provoke. The articles often cite historical sources, local folklore, and witness testimonies to explore the "wonders" of the region.

This document is the index for Volume 6 of WONDERS magazine, published in December 2001. It serves as a comprehensive listing of the topics, people, and places covered throughout the volume's issues.

Content Highlights

The index reveals a wide array of subjects explored within Volume 6, reflecting the magazine's focus on mysteries, anomalies, and fringe topics. Key areas of coverage include:

Cryptids and Mythological Creatures:

• Abominable Snowman: Mentioned on page 101.
• Ahool: Covered on page 7.
• Bigfoot/Sasquatch: Extensive coverage including "Patterson's Bigfoot" (pages 20-21, 104), "Bighoot (Giant Owl)" (pages 4-5, 114-5), and general references.
• Mothman: Featured on pages 4, 114.
• Giant Creatures: Includes Giant Owls (pages 4-5, 114-5), Giant Snakes (pages 8-9, 32), Giant Bears (page 30), Giant Crocodiles (page 30), Giant Freshwater Scorpions (page 30), and Giant Monkeys (pages 28-29).
• Mer-beings: Discussed on pages 12-13, 35-59, and 21.
• Other Creatures: Covers Lusca (page 31), Sea Monster Johnny (page 31), Sea Serpents (pages 30, 31), Spider (Ocean, page 31), Woo-Woo (page 31), and Pterodactyls (living, page 30).

Prehistoric Hominids and Human Origins:

• Australopithecus: Includes *africanus* (pages 104-5) and *robustus* (page 104).
• Homo Species: References to *Homo erectus* (page 99, 108), *Homo gardarensis* (pages 16-17, 72, 73), *Homo neandertalensis* (pages 109-10), and *Homo sapiens* (page 110).
• Other Hominids: Covers Dryopithecines (pages 26-27, 101), Oreopithecus (pages 52-59, 102), Paranthropus (page 21, 104), and Least-hominid (page 108).
• Early Humans: Mentions Archaic Homo sapiens (pages 28, 31, 72) and Marked Hominid (page 16, 109).

Exploration and Archaeology:

• Norse Discovery of America: Extensive entries related to Norse exploration, Vinland (pages 34, 67, 71), Leif Erickson (page 71), Thorfinn Karlsefni (pages 71, 94), and related topics like "In Northern Mists" (Nansen, page 89) and "Westviking" (Mowat, pages 60, 61).
• Archaeological Sites: Includes L'Anse aux Meadows site (pages 34, 74-8, 80, 93) and Kensington Runestone (page 63).
• Kennewick People: Mentioned on page 114.

Anomalous Phenomena and Sightings:

• UFOs: A significant section is dedicated to UFOs (pages 115-119), including the Flatwoods Monster (pages 115-119) and Flying Heads (pages 4, 115).
• Spook Lights: Covered on page 114.
• Lake Monsters: Discussed on pages 10-11.
• Thunderbird: Entries on pages 2-3, 115.

Notable Individuals and Publications:

The index lists numerous individuals who contributed to or were subjects of articles, including:

• Authors and Researchers: Rasmus B. Anderson, Geoffrey Ashe, Gray Barker, I. A. Blackwell, Charles M. Boland, Paul Chapman, Loren E. Coleman, Michael Crichton, Woodrow Eagle, Leif Erickson, John Fiske, Andrew Fossum, Bob Gimlin, William B. Goodwin, P. H. Gosse, John/Jonas Gran, Sivert Hagen, Richard A. Hall Jr., F. C. C. Hansen, Paul Herrmann, Richard Hennig, Helge Ingstad, James Gay Jones, Thomas Samaras, Ivan T. Sanderson, Carl O. Sauer, Kathrine Scherman, Kirsten Seaver, Edith and George Snitowsky, and Thomas Lee.
• Publications: "Field Guide to Bigfoot, Yeti, and Other Mystery Primates Worldwide" (Coleman & Huyghe), "In Northern Mists" (Nansen), "No Longer on the Map" (Ramsay), "Norse Discovery of America" (Chapman, Fossum), and "Westviking" (Mowat).

Geographical References:

Locations mentioned span various regions, including:

• North America: Canaan Valley (WV), Devil's Hole (WV), Mt. Carbon (WV), Hudson Bay, Greater Ireland, Mystery Hill.
• Other Regions: Estotiland, Gardar, Gauley Marsh, Gunnbjom's Skeries, Feather Islands, and New-land.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Based on the index, WONDERS magazine consistently explores themes related to cryptozoology, ancient mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and alternative historical narratives. The extensive entries on Bigfoot, various giant creatures, prehistoric hominids, and Norse exploration suggest a focus on challenging conventional scientific and historical accounts. The inclusion of UFOs and other anomalous sightings indicates a broad interest in the unexplained. The magazine appears to present a platform for researchers and enthusiasts interested in subjects often outside the mainstream scientific discourse.