When did Carl Allen begin to grasp that he was no longer an invisible, insignificant drifter but an exotic mystery man, earnestly sought after by “those who ponder the elusive disks” (Gray Barker’s phrase), himself as elusive as any of them? That Hispanicized Carlos Allende had become a hero of … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2012
The Philadelphia Experiment – Finding Carlos Allende
He wasn’t lost, at least initially. Except perhaps in a figurative sense. The files in the Barker Collection contain a letter from one Austin N. Stanton of the Varo Mfg. Co, Garland, Texas, addressed to Carl M. Allen at RFD #1, Box 223, New Kensington, Pennsylvania. The letter, dated 5 August … [Read more...]
Jury Duty
I had to listen to the recorded announcement on the telephone three or four times last night, before I could believe I’d heard it right. “All jurors summoned for Tuesday, February 7 at 8:30 a.m.—you have been relieved of jury duty. You do not have to appear. Thank you and have a nice and safe … [Read more...]