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Research index · 1958–1960
Otis T. Carr in the Newspapers
From 1958 to 1966, newspapers in California, Oklahoma and beyond followed Otis T. Carr, the Baltimore inventor behind the OTC-X1 “free energy” spacecraft: the conventions, the promised moon flight, the stock-sale cases that ended in an Oklahoma conviction, and his later plans in Apple Valley. This index lists 66 stories from 83 clippings, each with a short neutral summary and the paper, date and page where it ran.
Coverage is shown as it ran, including the skeptical pieces and the court reports, so readers can judge the record for themselves.
66
stories indexed
1
page still missing
3
states so far
Show:
Date
Story and where it ran
Status
Oct 29, 1957
Anybody for the Moon? Invents Space 'Saucer'
AP: a Baltimore group claims gravity-powered “free energy” machines; Carr announces his space craft.
AP · Ran in: Independent (CA) p.1
Complete
Aug 18, 1958
Flying Saucers Will Be Convention Topic
Convention preview; Carr to explain his saucer designs and moon-trip plans.
Ran in: Contra Costa Times (CA) p.2
Complete
Aug 18, 1958
'Saucer' Show Set at Fair
Preview of the first convention; Carr to describe a $28 million plant.
Ran in: The Berkeley Gazette (CA) p.18
Complete
Aug 19, 1958
'Little Green Men' Subject of Big Parley
Pleasanton convention preview with a lightly mocking tone.
Ran in: Martinez News-Gazette (CA) p.10
Complete
Aug 20, 1958
Spacecraft Show In Pleasanton Set For Weekend
Announces the weekend convention and a working model said to be Carr’s.
Ran in: Santa Cruz Sentinel (CA) p.20
Complete
Oct 11, 1958
Space Device Inventor Will Speak Monday
Two-night talks sponsored by the Cosmic Research Club of Tulsa.
Ran in: The Tulsa Tribune (OK) p.8
Complete
Oct 13, 1958
Visitor Plans Moon Trip (Magnetic Energy May Power Space Ship)
Interview before Carr’s Tulsa talks: a moon trip by Dec. 7, 1959.
Ran in: The Tulsa Tribune (OK) p.19
Complete
Oct 30, 1958
“Moon Saucer” photo and caption (two papers)
Photo of Carr with a scale model of his “free energy” craft.
Ran in: Cloverdale Reveille (CA) p.8; The Cyril Weekly News (OK) p.6
Complete
Nov 14, 1958
Planner of moon flight to speak
Aho lectures in Yreka on the proposed “free-energy” moon flight.
Ran in: Siskiyou Daily News (CA) p.4
Complete
Dec 9, 1958
(Reader letter and reply in Leadabrand's column)
A reader asks about Russian spacecraft after a Carr lecture; the columnist jokes in reply.
Ran in: Pasadena Independent (CA) p.8
Complete
Dec 12, 1958
Carr Applies for a Spacecraft Pilot License (AP, two papers)
Carr applies for a license to pilot a spacecraft.
AP · Ran in: The Enid Daily Eagle (OK) p.1; The Tulsa Tribune (OK) p.18
Check continuation
Dec 31, 1958
People Did the Oddest Things During 1958 (continued)
Year-end roundup calls the Pleasanton saucer convention 1958’s biggest oddity.
Ran in: Contra Costa Times (CA) p.7
Complete
Apr 8, 1959
(Photo) NEW SPACE CRAFT MODEL
Photo caption of the OTC-X1 model, credited to UPI Telephoto.
UPI · Ran in: Lodi News-Sentinel (CA) p.2
Complete
Apr 9, 1959
(Photo) PRODUCE ELECTRICITY ON TWO SCALES
See the clipping.
Ran in: Tyrone Daily Herald (PA) p.7
Complete
Apr 10, 1959
(Photo) LATEST IN SPACESHIPS / Una aeronave sideral (English and Spanish captions)
Photo of the OTC-X1 scale model with Carr’s “Utron” battery.
Ran in: The Kane Republican (PA) p.8; La Opinión (CA) p.2
Complete
Apr 11, 1959
OC man prepares flying saucer test
Announces the April 19 prototype demonstration at Frontier City.
Ran in: Shawnee News-Star (OK) p.5
Complete
Apr 20, 1959
Substitute Replaces OC 'Space Ship'
Frontier City offers a mock-up ride after the planned takeoff fails to happen.
UPI · Ran in: The Tulsa Tribune (OK) p.2
Complete
Apr 21, 1959
(Photo) DEVELOPER SAYS THIS SAUCER WILL FLY
AP Wirephoto of the machine with its upper shell removed.
AP · Ran in: Valley Times (CA) p.2
Complete
Apr 23, 1959
Designer of Flying Saucer Investigated By Officials in OC (UPI, two papers)
County attorney orders a securities probe of Carr’s dealings.
UPI · Ran in: Holdenville Daily News (OK) p.3; The Altus Times-Democrat (OK) p.1
Complete
May 5, 1959
Flying Saucer Inventor Balks In OC Probe
Carr denies stock sales to Oklahomans but invokes the Fifth Amendment.
UPI · Ran in: The Enid Morning News (OK) p.10
Complete
May 20, 1959
Carr Pleads Not Guilty, Freed on Bond (UPI, three papers)
Carr pleads not guilty and posts $1,000 bond; hearing set for June 12.
UPI · Ran in: The Cushing Daily Citizen (OK) p.4; Clinton Daily News (OK) p.7; The Duncan Banner (OK) p.8
Complete
May 20, 1959
CARR PLEADS INNOCENT
AP version of the arraignment story.
AP · Ran in: Okemah News Leader (OK) p.1
Complete
May 20, 1959
Flying Saucer Inventor Faces Charge At OC
Reworded UPI arraignment story, naming a “Richard Colton” as vice president.
UPI · Ran in: The Enid Morning News (OK) p.14
Complete
May 20, 1959
Security selling without license charged to four
AP: four people charged; Carr pleads innocent and posts bond.
AP · Ran in: Shawnee News-Star (OK) p.2
Complete
May 24, 1959
Stock Frauds Hit By Board / Unlicensed Securities Hit (UPI, two papers)
State securities commission crackdown; Carr and associates accused.
UPI · Ran in: Seminole Producer (OK) p.7; The Mangum Star-News (OK) p.7
Complete
May 29, 1959
Carr Is Prohibited From Selling Stock
AP: federal judge bars Carr from selling stock in OTC.
AP · Ran in: Okemah News Leader (OK) p.1
Complete
May 29, 1959
Sale Of Stock Is Halted By Court
AP: Carr and two officials are barred from selling stock.
AP · Ran in: The El Reno Daily Tribune (OK) p.5
Complete
May 29, 1959
Court Throws Hitch In Inventor's Plan For Saucer Flight
UPI: federal restraining order against Carr and two employees.
UPI · Ran in: Seminole Producer (OK) p.2
Complete
May 30, 1959
Carr forbidden to sell 'flying saucer' stock
Federal restraining order bars Carr from selling stock.
AP · Ran in: Shawnee News-Star (OK) p.3
Complete
Jun 8, 1959
Flying Saucer Hearing Is Cancelled by Agreement
Federal hearing cancelled after Carr and OTC agree to halt stock sales.
UPI · Ran in: The Hobart Democrat-Chief (OK) p.1
Complete
Jun 10, 1959
New Cases (Filed May 28)
Court docket: SEC case against OTC Enterprises and Carr.
Ran in: Tulsa Daily Legal News (OK) p.8
Complete
Jun 13, 1959
Carr Hearing Is Continued
Hearing continued to July 10; federal injunction hearing set.
UPI · Ran in: The Enid Morning News (OK) p.5
Complete
Aug 16, 1959
Carr Pleads Innocent In 'Saucer' Stocks
Carr and two associates plead innocent in district court.
UPI · Ran in: Durant Daily Democrat (OK) p.5
Complete
Aug 19, 1959
Space Convention Set Sept. 5-6
Announcement of the Sept. 5-6 convention, with Carr featured.
Ran in: Redwood City Tribune (CA) p.10
Complete
Aug 20, 1959
Otis Carr Pleaded Innocent Friday
Carr and two associates plead innocent; trial set for September.
Ran in: The Oklahoma County News (OK) p.1
Complete
Aug 29, 1959
(Column item) Out of This World
Humorous column item quoting the convention blurb that names Carr.
Ran in: Martinez News-Gazette (CA) p.1
Complete
Aug 30, 1959
Flying Disc Spotters Whoosh Into City
Humorous preview of the second convention; Carr hopes to launch the OTC-X1 there.
Ran in: Oakland Tribune (CA) p.6
Complete
Sep 6, 1959
Gremlins Zip Over Spacecraft Fans (with photo)
Photo of the prototype at the convention; Carr explains it to a Canadian clergyman and Dan Fry.
Ran in: Oakland Tribune (CA) p.17
Complete
Sep 9, 1959
1,500 at Space Convention (Contra Costa Times, pp. 1, 14 and 16)
Front-page photo of the OTC-X1 prototype and the convention story that follows it.
Ran in: Contra Costa Times (CA) p.1; Contra Costa Times (CA) p.16; Contra Costa Times (CA) p.14
Complete
Nov 5, 1959
Judge Mills, Division No. 3 (court docket)
Court docket: Carr, Aho and Kendrick set for trial before Judge Mills.
Ran in: The Daily Law Journal-Record (OK) p.2
Complete
Nov 19, 1959
Testimony Resumes In 'Saucer' Trial
Trial testimony resumes; securities official says OTC was unregistered.
UPI · Ran in: Seminole Producer (OK) p.1
Complete
Dec 27, 1959
(Year-end roundup item)
Year-end roundup says Carr’s saucer never left the ground and he ended up in court.
Ran in: The Lawton Constitution and Morning Press (OK) p.26
Complete
Apr 16, 1960
Spaceships to Be Built in Hesperia? / Firm Plans 21-Foot Craft Carrying 4
A Hesperia firm plans amusement-park moon rides and perhaps real spaceships; Carr’s plant lease reported.
Ran in: The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) p.12
Complete
Apr 28, 1960
A Trip to the Moon...? (photo and caption)
Front-page photo of Carr with the OTC-X1; caption cites a 25-foot disc.
Ran in: Daily Press (CA) p.1
Complete
May 5, 1960
Carr Explains How the OTC-X1 Works / The OTC-X1 Works
“Exclusive” by Norman Evans Colton, using a spinning top and storage battery as analogies.
Ran in: Desert Valley News-Herald (CA) p.1-2 (cover, as xeroxed)
Missing p.6
May 14, 1960
'Flying Saucer' Inventor Asks Fine Be Erased
Carr asks the Court of Criminal Appeals to erase his $5,000 fine.
Ran in: The Tulsa Tribune (OK) p.2
Check continuation
May 19, 1960
Who Is Otis T. Carr? (Daily Press, pp. 1 and 3)
The paper’s month-long background check, covering the SEC injunction and Oklahoma conviction.
Ran in: Daily Press (CA) p.1; Daily Press (CA) p.3
Complete
May 22, 1960
'Moon Man' in Orbit Over Fun Park Rockets
Carr plans amusement-park space vehicles and an OTC-X2.
Ran in: The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) p.41
Complete
May 22, 1960
Space rides near... / Space Attention Of Man Will Be Confined To Rides (UPI, two papers)
UPI: Carr plans amusement-park space rides and will set no new moon deadline.
UPI · Ran in: Pauls Valley Democrat (OK) p.5; Sapulpa Daily Herald (OK) p.3
Complete
May 26, 1960
Carr Practically Destitute His Attorney Tells Court (Daily Press, pp. 1 and 4)
Carr’s attorney calls him practically destitute; the paper adds SEC findings.
Ran in: Daily Press (CA) p.4; Daily Press (CA) p.1
Complete
May 26, 1960
Colton Wanted
Norman Evans Colton, an OTC executive, is wanted in Oklahoma on a felony warrant.
Ran in: Daily Press (CA) p.1
Complete
Jun 2, 1960
No Stock Sales… But Franchises? Maybe! (Daily Press, pp. 1, 10 and 11)
At a Memorial Day open house, Carr denies a stock drive but floats franchises; in the editor’s question-and-answer exchange he declines to name his lenders and ends the interview.
Ran in: Daily Press (CA) p.1; Daily Press (CA) p.10; Daily Press (CA) p.11
Complete
Jul 28, 1960
What's Doing With Otis T. (Daily Press, pp. 1 and 2)
Status roundup: a California “Desist and Refrain” order and no activity at the plant.
Ran in: Daily Press (CA) p.1; Daily Press (CA) p.2
Complete
Aug 9, 1960
Promoter Appeals On Stale Charge
Carr asks the Court of Criminal Appeals to set aside his conviction.
AP · Ran in: The Enid Daily Eagle (OK) p.12
Complete
Aug 9, 1960
'Flying Saucer' Promoter Appeals
AP: Carr asks the appeals court to set aside his conviction.
AP · Ran in: Okemah News Leader (OK) p.1
Complete
Aug 10, 1960
Court Airs Plea On Flying Saucer
Shorter AP version of the appeal story.
AP · Ran in: Lawton Morning Press (OK) p.13
Complete
Aug 11, 1960
Flying Saucer Maker Charged / Sued in N.Y. (UPI, two papers)
UPI: Carr named in a New York legal action over stock sales since 1958.
UPI · Ran in: Henryetta Daily Free-Lance (OK) p.1; Stillwater News-Press (OK) p.10
Complete
Aug 12, 1960
The Trip's Off
New York attorney general gets a court order to question OTC’s promoters.
UPI · Ran in: The Register (CA) p.29
Complete
Aug 18, 1960
He'll Tell Space Parley of 'Talks With Planets'
Convention preview lists Carr as a speaker, with Fry and King.
Ran in: Oakland Tribune (CA) p.18
Complete
Aug 19, 1960
Out of This World Confab Due Here
Third-convention preview names Carr among the speakers.
Ran in: The Berkeley Gazette (CA) p.11
Complete
Aug 20, 1960
Space Craft Convention
Convention announcement says Carr will talk about space and gravity research.
Ran in: The Times (San Mateo Times) (CA) p.11
Complete
Aug 22, 1960
'Space Craft' Confab Slated at Berkeley
Berkeley space convention announcement lists Carr as a speaker.
Ran in: Enterprise-Record (CA) p.8
Complete
Dec 17, 1960
Solons Told of Radically New Aircraft
Colton tells a House subcommittee about a circular aircraft and asks for funds.
UPI · Ran in: The Record (CA) p.14
Complete
Dec 25, 1960
Carr's 'Non-Flying Saucers' in Story
Report on a True Magazine story, “King of the Non-Flying Saucers.”
Ran in: The San Bernardino County Sun (CA) p.16
Complete
Oct 23, 1961
With Carr in Jail: His 'flying saucer' spins into trouble (Daily Press, pp. 1 and 2)
New York halts stock sales while Carr is reported to be in an Oklahoma jail; p.2 recaps the July 1960 California stock-sale order and the New York attorney general’s action against Colton and Shea.
Ran in: Daily Press (CA) p.1; Daily Press (CA) p.2
Complete
Aug 2, 1966
A Closer Look: Flying Saucer Fans Sending Postcards
A 1966 TV column recalls interviewing Carr about his planned moon trip.
Ran in: Redwood City Tribune (CA) p.8
Complete
Summaries are paraphrased and clippings are not reproduced; newspaper text remains under its owners’ copyright. Each entry gives the paper, date and page so the original can be found.