March'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: March 13th, 2010 (Saturday)
THE PLACE: The Old Spaghetti Factory
in the "Hide-Away Room" next to the bar
(1431 Buena Vista, Duarte) Map
THE TIME: 8pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

The Old Spaghetti Factory is one of the few restaurant chains in America that goes out of its way to occupy historic buildings (many of which were abandoned or no longer in use), and thus they should be recognized for their work saving these old properties from the wrecking ball, and adding another chapter to their unique histories. As an unintended byproduct of this business practice, there are many Old Spaghetti Factory's around the country that are haunted, and the one in Duarte is no exception.

Duarte's own Mission Revival-styled Old Spaghetti Factory began its life in 1909 (over a century ago) as a 5 room school house , and it was Duarte's only school until 1925. It remained an active school until the early 1950's, when it was converted to an administration building for the Duarte Unified School District (until the early 1990's). The Old Spaghetti Factory moved into the empty building in 1997.

Much of the inside is still intact, even though the class rooms, principle's office, and auditorium have now been converted into dinning areas. Along the walls, there is memorabilia pertaining to the building's life as a school, including old photos of former students from bygone eras. The little faces staring out at the diners are appropriate considering this building is haunted by their ghosts. Late at night, when the customers have left, employees will hear the pitter-patter of giggling children loudly playing in another room. When that employee investigates, there is always no on there. Who are these children? Why do they haunt this building? It turns out this cool school was the third one built at this location. The first one was moved to Monrovia (where it still stands today) because it became too small. Then, the second larger one burnt to the ground in 1908. It is unknown if anyone died in that tragic fire. Could these ghosts be children burnt alive at this site? It's something to think about as you enjoy your spumoni and stare at the little faces in the old photos.

Lastly, there is an urban legend connected to this building that is worth mentioning. It has been said that a male principle hung himself in his office, which is ironically the most popular dining room in the restaurant. The Duarte Historical Society has never found any documentation to support this claim. Plus, according to the Old Spaghetti Factory's own research, their records show that all the school's principle's were female. Then again, just because there is no documentation that doesn't necessarily mean it never happen. Perhaps the "truth" was covered up by the townspeople then. Either way, the rumors of this horrific death continue to this day.

(to see last month's SPIRITS with SPIRITS location...)
(to read more about the ghost of this location...)