June's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

GHOULA meets for cocktails in haunted places on the 13th of each month. “SPIRITS with SPIRITS” is a casual gathering of regional ghost hunters. Open to all, from the curious skeptic to the passionate phantom pursuer. Make friends, and toast a ghost! Let's put the “Boo!” back into “booze.” All those who attend will receive a free G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have, please wear it so others can find you.

THE DATE: June 13th, 2009 (Saturday)
THE PLACE: The Observation Bar (map)
(The Queen Mary, 1126 Queen's Highway, Long Beach)
THE TIME: 9pm to the witching hour

THE GHOSTS:

Before the mighty Queen Mary was dubbed "the most haunted ship in the world," it, ironically, had another spooky nickname, "The Grey Ghost." It was called this because of the temporary gray paint job it had during its brief wartime service as a means to transport soldiers quickly back-and-forth across the Atlantic Ocean. Luckily for locals, this historic boat is now permanently docked in Long Beach where it has made the smooth transition from luxury liner to luxury hotel.

Its history and ghosts stories have been well-documented in numerous books and TV shows. It is said that this stately ship may have over a hundred different ghosts on board. The notable sea-worthy spirits include the ghost of John Pedder (a.k.a. "The Shaft Alley Specter"), who was crushed to death in water-tight door no. 13 during a routine drill, and the spirit of Senior Second Officer W.E. Stark, who accidentally poisoned himself when he mistook carbon tecrachloride for gin. Also, there are phantoms of men in overalls, uniformed staff, formally dressed dinner guests, tuxedoed partiers, women in bathing suits, soldiers, children, a former switch-board operator, a woman dressed in white, a woman in a mini-skirt, a 1940's woman, and the victims of a knife-wielding maniac. There are disembodied voices, the sounds of laughter and children playing, footsteps that echo down empty halls, and the sorrowful moans and cries of the 338 soldiers who drowned during a tragic collision with another vessel.

That said, what makes this haunted location of real interest is the management's willingness to use ghosts to promote their unique hotel. In the beginning, the Queen Mary offered flashlight-lit expeditions into the abandon bowels of the ship. Over the years, that simple premise has evolved into elaborate walk-thru environments with theatrical lighting and special effects that rival Disneyland's dark rides. Plus, every October, the ship is converted into an old fashioned "Spook House" attraction to scare the local teenagers. In addition, plaques have been placed around the decks and other public places informing guests of locations where ghosts have been seen, a ghost guide is available in the gift shop, and the hotel hosts an event entitled "Dining with the Spirits," where guests are given a tour of the haunted spots after a gourmet dinner. There is even a 24-hour "ghost-cam" set up to capture any activity in their extremely haunted indoor pool area that can be accessed on-line. This is one place that seems to have worked all of the apparition angles.

Perhaps one day, these inspired ghostly gimmicks will serve as a model for other local hotels, who discourage any connection to the super-natural. Until that day (or until the management changes their minds), the Queen Mary is the greatest "paranormal playground" in the world.

http://www.queenmary.com/

(to see last month's SPIRITS with SPIRITS location...)