Controversial Phenomena Bulletin

History

A. A. Laprade published Controversial Phenomena Bulletin from 48 Great Brook Valley Avenue, Worcester 5, Massachusetts, beginning in January 1964. It appeared bimonthly at 35 cents per copy, two dollars per year. Joseph L. Ferriere of Woonsocket, Rhode Island illustrated the issues, with Lionel (Mike) Renaud of 110 Fifth Avenue, Woonsocket serving as assistant illustrator. Ovila J. Larochelle (163 Beacon Avenue, Woonsocket) acted as Advisor and Co-ordinator. Mary Mogent proofread from the Worcester address.

The editorial tone was enthusiastic, self-deprecating, and unmistakably amateur in the best sense of the word. "No zine is perfect, so consider us the most imperfect if you want, as long as you read it!" the editors declared in Issue No. 3. They acknowledged their imperfect production values, thanked subscribers by name, plugged local businesses (the Kornstein Beauty Salon, Red's Book Shop, the Odd Bookstore), and peppered their editorials with in-jokes. "Larry says thank you too. (buttinsky)."

Content ranged across the full Fortean spectrum: "Unidentified Underwater Objects Run Rampant" by Larry "Fireball" Larochelle, "The Little Men From Mars?", "Was the Flatwoods Monster a Megalonyx?", "Did Astronomers Ever See a Flying Saucer?", "Amazing Air Mysteries," and late news compilations. The publication ran "Kartoon Klassiks" (cartoon illustrations by Ferriere) and reprinted historical anomaly reports alongside contemporary sighting coverage. Two volumes were produced across ten issues before the publication ceased in mid-1965.

The magazine operated on a shoestring. Mrs. Sybil Gatta of Woonsocket procured subscribers from England. Representatives sold copies locally. The editors relied on reader contributions of articles, clippings, and word-of-mouth promotion. It was, in the language of its era, a "fanzine" in the truest sense: made by fans, for fans, with more enthusiasm than budget.