I was a kid then, and I remember my fascination when I read the newspaper story, and it was BIG news. I don't remember anyone having a television set at that time, so the word was spread only by newspapers.
No one believed the government story then that it was just a weather balloon, and most of us still don't believe it.
I was born in 1947. So, I kind of have a special . . . connection beyond my Jr High School on study of the subject.
Certainly we heard stories here in New Mexico . . . and had our own fly over by droves of them in 1957. And the crash in Aztec, I forget what year.
Nice that someone as bright and mature as you are owns up to such truths! Thanks tons.