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 and those that just like ghost stories. 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 one, please wear it so others can find you.

Note: At this month's gathering, the management has agreed to give attendees tours of the haunted room. In addition, there will be themed live entertainment in the bar, and some other surprises. (for more info...)

THE DATE: June 13th, 2010 (Sunday)
THE PLACE: The Aztec Hotel
(311 W. Foothill Boulevard, Monrovia ) Map
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

Although, the Aztec Hotel is best known for its link to the Southern Californian car culture as a Route 66 road-side attraction, this structure predates that famous highway. When this architectural curiosity opened in 1924, it was thought to be one of the most unique buildings in California, and artists and architects made pilgrimages to experience it. This was in large part due to the designs of architect/ explorer Robert Stacy-Judd. Not only did he specialize in a "Mayan Revival" style (that was more literal than the Mayan influenced "zig-zag" art deco popular at the time), but this eccentric artist was also an expert on the Mayan culture, and frequently traveled to Central and South America in search of lost cities (sometimes using dirigibles to explore uncharted areas). Because he was such a colorful character, the "Indiana Jones" of his day, balancing academics with adventure, some believe he may even be one of the resident ghosts.

It's interesting to note, this hotel seems to have much more in common with the "dead" Aztec culture than just sharing the same name. First of all, despite its sophistication that seems ahead of its time, "The Aztec" has always had trouble surviving. Within two years of its opening, the owner had money troubles (due to the high construction costs of the building), and its future was bleak. If the community hadn't rallied to keep it open, it would have died then. Now, here we are almost a hundred years later, and the hotel still seems like its always on the verge of extinction (and yet is still beloved). Secondly, like the Aztecs, and again despite its sophistication, it seems to always have had a barbaric reputation. From the very beginning, the Aztec has been a place of scandal (a brothel, a speak-easy, a gambling den, a gangster hang-out, a crime scene, a half-way house, etc.) When it opened, it quickly became a place where famous people (and local police) would go to be naughty, and that tradition seems to have continued through the decades. As Shirley Jackson wrote in The Haunting of Hill House, "Some houses are born bad."

This strange hotel is also widely considered the most haunted place on old Route 66 (on par with "Suicide Bridge" in Pasadena). Although ghostly activity has been experienced throughout the building, most of the activity seems to center around room 120 (and the hall outside room 120). Over the years, many people have seen "the woman" of room 120. One irate customer even complained once to the clerk that he gave him the key to an already occupied room, because when he walked in, "a woman" was sitting on the bed. The exact story as to who this female phantom is (or was) has been lost over the years, but she is known by most as "Razzle-Dazzle" and is commonly thought to have been an actress that was killed by her husband in that room. Some variations of the story present her as being a prostitute and/or the death as being an accident. Though some have named the entity "Sarah," her actual name is unknown, and no one has been able to prove that anything unusual has ever happened in that room. That said, the sightings of her (as well as other odd phenomena) continue to this day. So the next time you are driving down that historic highway, pull over and enjoy one of the "most unique" buildings in California.

(to see last month's location...)
(to read another ghost story about this location...)

Highlights from May's SwS

Thank you to all who came out for this Disney-themed ghostly event (I counted about 45 people). Thank you to The Snow White Cafe for their hospitality, and to our lone, hard-working bartender. Also, Thank you to the Boyle Heights Paranormal Project (BHPP) for their presentation about their recent investigation of the building's second floor (above the Snow White) in the Stella Adler Theater (in the former location of famous Embassy Club).

Additionally, more ghost stories about the building were discovered. As well as the ghost of a little girl, who is heard crying in one of the theaters, there have been phantom footsteps heard in the halls. There is an elevator that occasionally staff will hear distress alarms from, but when they go to rescue the trapped riders, the elevator is discovered to be empty. However, the most commonly seen ghost is that of a "man in suspenders" (described as a waiter with his coat off on an eternal break), who resides in the theater on the North/West corner of the building.

(to read more about the ghosts of this location...)

EVP's @ The Tower

On October 12 of 2009, A small group of GHOULA members were asked to investigate the ghosts of the Tower Theater in Los Angeles' Historic Theater district. This is a short film from one of the participants about that investigation.

(for more info about that night's ghost hunt...)
(for more info about the ghosts of the Tower Theater...)

May'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 and those that just like ghost stories. 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 one, please wear it so others can find you.

Note: At this month's gathering, a "lost" Disneyland artifact will be on display for the first time since its removal in 1982, and for this one night only! In addition, the author and Illustrator of "Disneyland after Dark: An Unauthorized Guide to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth" will be present. (for more info about this book...)

THE DATE: May 13th, 2010 (Thursday)
THE PLACE: The Snow White Cafe
(6769 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles) Map
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the wicked witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

Los Angeles seems to be the land of contradictions. For all the sunshine, swimming pools, and starlets, there also always seems to be a seedy under belly of sex, scandal, and savagery. Nowhere in this city do these two worlds collide like Hollywood Blvd., where the glamour seems to rub up against the grubby. No where on this boulevard of broken dreams is that dichotomy exemplified better than the historic "Snow White Cafe." Anyone who dares to enter this typical hole-in-the-wall tavern, and walk past the drunks and barflies, will be treated to fanciful murals of Snow White and the seven dwarfs (as they appeared in the 1937 Disney film) as if the walls were sprinkled with pixie dust. Why is this copyrighted character inside this alcoholic alcove?

The often told story is that the murals were a gift from a group of Disney animators, who ate breakfast there everyday (when it was a waffle-house) before going to work. However, in Gregory Paul Williams' "The Story of Hollywood," it is reported...

"After the premiere of "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" at the Carthay Circle, Disney opened the film at the Vogue. For the party afterward, a friend offered a recently purchased shop he was remodeling into a restaurant. Disney sent Josh Meador and other animators over to paint murals of the Snow White characters on the walls and on the ceiling canvas, creating the Snow White Cafe."

Aside from the association with Walt, himself, the building also has a connection to Disneyland. This Snow White-themed room would mark Disney's first attempt at creating a themed environment for people to walk through and experience. Also, years later when he would build an actual Snow White attraction in his own amusement park, because of a lack of time and money, the planned facade to the "dark-ride" was replaced with another fanciful "Snow White" mural. So for these reasons this "wishing well-watering hole" is in many ways a spiritual predecessor to Disneyland.

In recent times, it is rumored that the Walt Disney Company, in a misguided attempt to maintain brand purity, has tried many times to put this odd little piece of history out of business ,but has never succeeded. Thus, this Disney curiosity continues.

Although the management claims that there are no ghosts within the four walls that make up this tavern (even though one bartender confidentially told GHOULA that glasses sometimes mysterious slide off of the rack by themselves), the rest of the small, two-story, Spanish Colonial building (built in 1928) is well known to be haunted.

Their neighbor (on the other side of their East wall), the Hollywood Wax Museum has been plagued for decades with all sorts of spiritual activity, including dark shadowy figures that roam their section of the building. Likewise, the Snow White Cafe's neighbor on the West side (and on the floor above them), the Stella Adler theater, is also said to be haunted by a little girl, who has been seen by many witnesses. Why do so many ghosts wander through all the rooms of this building except one? Come to the Snow White Cafe and find out.

(to read more about the ghosts of this location...)
(To see last month's Disney-themed location...)

Free (Haunted) Lighthouse Tours (Pt. Vincente)

The Date: 2nd Saturday of each month

(except in March, for that month's info...)
The Location:
Point Vicente Interpretive Center
31501 Palos Verdes Drive West. [MAP]
Parking is available at the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall
30940 Hawthorne Blvd. [MAP].

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about. As such, docents and staff at this event may not wish to discuss this landmark's haunted history.

The Ghost(s):

The Point Vicente Lighthouse in Palos Verdes has been helping visiting ships navigate these local rocky waters since 1926. However, it's the lighthouse's role with something else visiting this coast line that has intrigued ghost hunters for decades. Apparitions of a woman in an old-fashioned white dress (blowing in the wind) have been seen (most often during heavy fogs) inside the glass-encased lens room on top of the lighthouse, or pacing along its exterior catwalk, as well as wondering (sometimes running around) the grounds surrounding this historic landmark and near the cliffs. Sometimes her long black hair is described as "tangled" or "wet."

Over the years, two separate stories have developed as to her identity. She is either the depressed wife of a sailor (killed in a shipwreck at that location), who committed suicide from the tower (or nearby cliffs), or she is the wife of a former lighthouse keeper, who accidentally fell from the tower (or the nearby cliffs), or she is actually two different female ghosts (one haunting the tower and one haunting the grounds).

Also, it is commonly believed that this phantom is connected to two events in the lighthouse's history. Some say this "woman" first appeared after WWII when the window panes on the land-side of the lighthouse were painted (as to not disturb the house in the surrounding hills), and that she disappeared (and has not been seen since) when the same panes were repainted in 1955. There may be truth to these claims, but then again the U.S Government generally frowns on such stories. So, any recent sightings by federal employees would most likely go undocumented. Also, some claim that the sightings of this glowing white figure are actually the result of an illusion created by the bright white light shinning through the coat of paint on the panes. The real story surrounding this well-known local ghost (and her issues with painted glass) may be unknown, but that doesn't stop ghost hunters from visiting this lighthouse for themselves, looking for any lingering proof of her existence.

http://vicentelight.org/index.htm

Highlights from April's SWS

Thanks to all who came out. Also, thank you to the staff of Tam O'Shanter's Inn, who made us feel so welcomed. Those that stayed late into the evening were treated to the busboy, who threw a table cloth over his head, and ran around the Bonnie Prince Charlie Room moaning like a ghost. And just like a real ghost, he managed to just miss getting his picture taken by all those with their cameras.

We were also treated to a few additional ghost stories...

It is believed that the ghosts of the Bonnie Prince Charlie Room are connected to the grocery store that was originally on that spot, which burned to the ground, making room for the Tam to expand the dinning area on to that property.

A busboy claims to have seen (on several occasions) a man in a mask walking in the upstairs hall outside of the restaurant's office. The prevailing theory is that he might have been a burglar, and perhaps is also connected to the fire that may have claimed the other lives.

A waiter told us confidentially that many elderly patrons have died in this restaurant, and one such elderly woman is believed to haunt the table that was the site of her last meal. Late at night, while closing, people still see her sitting there. If you too want to eat at this haunted table, it's table #13 in the room off of the main dinning room.

With regard to the restaurant's connection to Walt Disney, we were told that he used to sit at the bar and use cocktail napkins to jot down ideas he had for his future theme park. It is well known that Disney would show up at W.E.D. (now called Walt Diseny Imagineering or W.D.I.) in the morning with his ideas sketched on napkins. So, it seems those drawings were made the night before at the historic Tam. This also makes sense when considering how close this restaurant is to the park bench, where he daydreamed about his theme park. Apparently, on his way to the Tam, Disney would stop at the bench and work out his ideas in his head and then write them down as soon as he got to the Tam.

(To read more about the ghosts of The Tam O'Shanter Inn...)

(the following pictures are table #13, and then Walt Disney's favorite table)

The portrait of "The Bonnie Prince Charlie," which the child ghost is said to resemble.

LOST: Haunted Theater #1

As part of GHOULA's mission to preserve the haunted history of greater Los Angeles, periodically GHOULA will spotlight a haunted building from our great city that is no longer with us, in an effort to prevent these stories from being forgotten (even if their ghosts are also no longer with us).

THE BELASCO THEATER

337 S. Main Street (in the heart of Downtown). map

Los Angeles, like just about every other city in the United States, has a Main Street that runs through its core. However, unlike most towns, the Main Street of Los Angeles is nothing to boast about. It’s a derelict section where most of the city’s homeless congregate, and a sad and depressing place to visit. Though it may be hard to believe today, it was apparently worse fifty years ago.

It was back then that the Belasco Theater (aka "The Follies") presented strip shows and other bawdy entertainment for those brave enough (or crazy enough) to go to that part of town at night. The area was said to be so dangerous, that an artist who rented a room above the theater was able to paper the walls of his little room with all the sensational newspaper articles about the various former strippers who had been murdered, or had committed suicide. With all the tragic lives coming to an end in that area, the building naturally became haunted by one of those doomed girls who died too young.

Witnesses said the ghostly figure was that of an attractive redheaded woman, always scantily-clad, and always wandering around backstage before vanishing into thin air. Although the theater was demolished many years ago, the redhead still crosses the now vacant lot, every now and then, offering cheap thrills to anyone who happens to see her near-naked body in the moonlight.

The Belasco Theater was located at 337 S. Main Street in the heart of Downtown. A second Belasco Theater was built in downtown Los Angeles, adjacent to the Mayan Theater, in 1926 on Hill Street to host "legitimate theater" and cinema. After its construction, the original Belasco was renamed the Follies.

(note: the 2nd Belasco also has a ghost story)

If you know of another ghost story (or another version of a story mentioned), or if you have personally experienced something strange at this theater, please leave a comment.

(to read about another local haunted theater...)
(to read about the 2nd Belasco's ghost...)

April'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 and those that just like ghost stories. 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 one, please wear it so others can find you.

Note: At this month's "Spirits with Spirits," GHOULA will be celebrating the release of Ghoula Press' first book, Disneyland after Dark: An Unauthorized Guide to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth. The book will be available for purchase, and the author will be present.
(for more info about this book...)

THE DATE: April 13th, 2010 (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: Tam O'Shanter Inn (in the bar)
(2980 Los Feliz Boulevard, Los Angeles) Map
THE TIME: 7pm to 9pm

THE GHOST(S):

When The Tam O' Shanter Inn first opened in 1922, Los Feliz Blvd was a dirt path, the exterior was French, and the interior was designed to resemble the Witch's house from the popular story "Hansel and Gretel" (about a witch who is murdered by two children, after she attempts to kill them). For a number of reasons the French/Fairy-tale theme didn't work, and after a couple of years this tavern was overhauled with a Scottish theme to reflect the less popular folk tale of Tam O Shanter (who similarly outsmarts a coven of witches). This Scottish/Fairy-tale formula was a huge success, and as a result affected popular culture in two important ways.

First, the idea of serving customers food in their cars was invented here (to accommodate the hungry crowds) and thus paved the way for the Drive-In/Drive-Thru establishments that would populate Southern California in the decades that followed.

Secondly, the themed exterior, the themed interior, and the themed costumes of the friendly staff clearly influenced Tam's O Shanter's #1 fan, Walt Disney, when he was creating his own "theme-park," Disneyland.

Although, this was his favorite restaurant and today one can sit at the "Walt Disney Table" in the main dining room, Walt actually very rarely ate at that table, preferring instead to sit in the bar with the owner (and restaurant pioneer) Lawrence Frank. Not only did Disney try to capture this fantasy atmosphere in his own "land," but he would also copy elements of Frank's other restaurant, Lawry's. Incidentally, the original interior of "Toad Hall" in "Mr. Toad's Wild Ride" at Disneyland looked remarkably similar to Tam's main dining room. Coincidence?

Disneyland aside, Tam O' Shanter's has more folklore connected to it than just the famous Scottish tale. It is also home to a few ghost stories. All of which take place in the "Bonnie Prince Charlie" room at the far end of the restaurant, which oddly was added-on much later and is not part of the original structure. The most famous apparition in this room, a small child, has been nicknamed "Charlie" because of his strong resemblance to the portrait of "The Bonnie Prince Charlie" on the wall. Also, a phantom party of dinners has been witnessed enjoying themselves at the corner table on the far end of the room. It has also been said that a former manager, at the end of the night (before turning on the alarm), would shut the doors to this room, and lean chairs against it, as if to protect the rest of the restaurant from what ever was inside.

On a lesser note, a bartender told GHOULA that he has had a couple of inebriated clients claim to have seen the ghost of Robert Burns (dressed in a kilt). Although, it seems very unlikely that this Scottish ghost would travel so far from home, it is interesting that its happen more than once. The bartender personally believes these particular sightings have more to do with the alcohol than the super-natural.

It is also worth mentioning, one of Tam O'Shanter's specialties is the Welsh Rarebit (a cheesy sauce/spread). In earlier times, it was believed that this food would cause vivid dreams. Maybe if you combine Rarebit and Booze, you too will see the ghost of Robert Burns. Or, Maybe even visions of your own "Theme Park."

Incidentally, Lawry's Restaurants Inc (which owns The Tam O'Shanter Inn) also owns two other local restaurants that are said to be haunted, Lawry's (in Beverly Hills) and Five Crowns (in Corona del Mar).

http://www.lawrysonline.com/

(To read more about the ghost of The Tam O'Shanter Inn...)
(To learn more about Lawry's...)
(To see last month's location...)

NEW from GHOULA Press

Disneyland After Dark:

An Unauthorized Guide

to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth

By Richard Carradine

A guide to all the super-natural folklore and ghost stories that have circulated about the Magic Kingdom for the last couple of decades. (130 pages)

Price: $13.00

THIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT!

(but is available under the new title "The Park After Dark")

(To see other books available on GHOULA Press...)

Highlights from March's SWS

Thank you to all those who came to the old Duarte school house. Special thanks also to the management of the Old Spaghetti Factory, who not only gave us a private tour of this historic building, and shared their own ghost stories, but also allowed us to stay after the customers had left to explore the empty rooms.
One new story was about a female employee, who was closing up the restaurant alone when she heard someone walking around in the building. Scared, she called the police and waited outside. When the policemen arrived and greeted the woman, all the interior lights were turning on and off inside the restaurant, so they went inside to investigate, but (of course) could not find any one, or any reasons for the flashing lights (which mysteriously stopped shortly afterward).
Additional ghost stories included sightings of a person in the downstairs bathroom, the sounds of a girl laughing over the telephone intercom system, an old man's voice that was simultaneously broadcast over two cell phones belonging to diners in the "principle's office," and a chair that moved by itself one night.
Also, Bobby G pointed out that the Duarte Hanging Tree (where criminals paid the ultimate price) was nearby (behind the 7-11). Perhaps the proximity of this notorious hanging tree is the inadverted source of the rumors about a man hanging himself here.

Staff member talking about the night he went home early because a chair moved by itself.

The wait-staff station where a girl's laughter was heard.


The "principle's office" where the old man's voice was heard (and the possible site of the suicide of a former principle).


The private late-night tour of the old schoolhouse.


A possible "death portrait" of a child.

P.S. The staff told us about two other local Old Spaghetti Factories that have ghost stories. The Fullerton location (a former train station) where phantom people are seen on the tracks outside one of its windows, and the Riverside location (a former orange packing factory) where the lower half of a man has been seen walking throughout the building. Unfortunately, both locations are outside of GHOULA's jurisdiction, so we will not be going there (as a group) anytime soon.

(to read more about the ghost of Duarte's Old Spaghetti Factory...)

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...)

Haunted Hospital Meet and Greet

The good people of the Boyle Heights Paranormal Project (in collaboration with Linda Vista Hospital) invite all family, friends, and fans to the Iconic (and very haunted) Linda Vista Hospital to celebrate their Website Launch Event. Dare to experience the mystery and lore of one of Paranormal world's most famous haunted places. There will be guest speakers, BHPP team members, and snippets of the new documentary by BHPP titled " My Boyle Heights Ghost Story."

THE DATE: March 12 (Friday)

THE TIME: 9:00pm-Midnight

THE PLACE: Linda Vista Hospital

610 S St Louis St, Los Angeles(map)

THE GHOST(S):

When this hospital (originally built for Santa Fe Railroad employees) opened in 1904, it may have had a simple design on the outside, but it was all state-of-the-art on the inside. Among the many (then) high-tech gadgets found here were automatic elevators (push-button), automatic fire escapes (using body weight to lower slowly), and automatic wheelchairs (???). Some of the revolutionary design elements used in the construction (and now commonplace) were individually heated/cooled rooms, park lands surrounding the hospital, large interconnected halls on each floor and passages to each building (which created one overall structure), so beds and bath tubs could be rolled easily from any room to any other room. Also, within this maze, the walls were curved at each intersection (to make turning easier for wheel chairs). The Hospital also featured tiled surgical rooms so cleaning could be done simply with a water hose. These features made it the most sanitary and best equipped hospital on the Pacific Coast, and one of the largest hospitals in the country at that time.

Unfortunately, these improvements (as with any hospital) are never enough to keep patients from dying within their walls. In over a hundred years, there has been a lot of death and sadness at this site. So, it is no wonder that just about any kind of paranormal experience that one can imagine has happened within these buildings. The most famous phenomena (because of its appearance on the TV's "Ghost Adventures") is the disembodied laughter (sometimes humming) of a little girl echoing down the halls.

For more info on the event:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Boyle-Heights-CA/Boyle-Heights-Paranormal-Project/227316038829?ref=mf

Free (Haunted) Lighthouse Tours! (Pt. Vincente)

The Date: The 1st Saturday of March
(for the schedule the rest of the year...)

The Time: 10:00am-4:00pm

The Location:

Point Vicente Interpretive Center

31501 Palos Verdes Drive West. [MAP]

Parking is available at the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall

30940 Hawthorne Blvd. [MAP].

Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA. This is just a local (ghost related) event that exists independently that GHOULA wants its members to know about. As such, docents and staff at this event may not wish to discuss this landmark's haunted history.

The Ghost(s):

The Point Vicente Lighthouse in Palos Verdes has been helping visiting ships navigate these local rocky waters since 1926. However, it's the lighthouse's role with something else visiting this coast line that has intrigued ghost hunters for decades. Apparitions of a woman in an old-fashioned white dress (blowing in the wind) have been seen (most often during heavy fogs) inside the glass-encased lens room on top of the lighthouse, or pacing along its exterior catwalk, as well as wondering (sometimes running around) the grounds surrounding this historic landmark and near the cliffs. Sometimes her long black hair is described as "tangled."

Over the years, two separate stories have developed as to her identity. She is either the depressed wife of a sailor (killed in a shipwreck at that location), who committed suicide from the tower (or nearby cliffs), or she is the wife of a former lighthouse keeper, who accidentally fell from the tower (or the nearby cliffs), or she is actually two different female ghosts (one haunting the tower and one haunting the grounds).

Also, it is commonly believed that this phantom is connected to two events in the lighthouse's history. Some say this "woman" first appeared after WWII when the window panes on the land-side of the lighthouse were painted, and that she disappeared (and has not been seen since) when the same panes were repainted in 1955. There may be truth to these claims, but then again the U.S Government generally frowns on such stories. So, any recent sightings by federal employees would most likely go undocumented. The real story surrounding this well-known local ghost (and her issues with painted glass) may be unknown, but that doesn't stop ghost hunters from visiting this lighthouse for themselves, looking for any lingering proof of her existence.

http://www.losserenos.org/woad.htm

REAL GHOSTS with REEL GHOSTS

THE DATE: March 12-17
THE TIME: 7:30 pm, 9:45 pm
THE PLACE: The New Beverly Cinema
(7165 W. Beverly Blvd.) map
THE MOVIE: House (1977)
THE ADMISSION PRICE: $7.00

Your chance to see this movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater!
(Note: this event is not hosted by GHOULA)

The New Beverly Cinema is said to be the home of a phantom projectionist, and an audience member apparition... (read more)

February'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: February 13th, 2010 (Saturday)
THE PLACE: The Down and Out Bar @ The Alexandria Hotel
(501 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles) map
THE TIME: 8pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

Outside of the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, The Alexandria Hotel is perhaps the most famous haunted hotel in Los Angeles. When it opened in February of 1906 with its red velvet walls, Tiffany stained glass sky-lights, gas lamp lighting, brass rails, gold leaf ornament, crystal chandeliers, and Turkish carpeting, it was considered the West's most luxurious hotel. Movies stars, Presidents, a King, a Prime Minister, and Tom Mix's Horse have all past over the lobby's "Million Dollar Rug." So named, not because of its cost, but rather because of the amount of money transacted over that rug (at the front desk) in a single day.

However, the passing decades (and many different owners) have not been kind to this once grand landmark. Strangely, as the customers began to disappear, so did parts of the hotel, which were sealed off (with walls) at one end of the hotel, and thus creating weird inaccessible floors (like a separate building unto itself). Even though there have been many attempts to "save" or "restore" this once great place, with each year, the poor Alexandria seems to get a little sadder, as her glory fades even more. That intrinsic sadness extends even to its most famous ghost, an unknown woman dressed all in black (as if in mourning), who eternally walks the halls.

Although much has been reported about the persistent, and varied, hauntings inside the hotel, not much has been written, specifically, about the hauntings inside it's ground-level bar, the Down and Out (Formally Charley O's). One bouncer told GHOULA, that "Even though there are many ghosts upstairs, the real crazy stuff happens down here." He recalled a time when he watched a row of drinking glasses flip over by themselves, one after another. Unlike the apparitions upstairs, the paranormal activity here seems to be more poltergeist-ish in nature, where objects (and sometimes people) are moved about.

One theory as to this activity's origin goes back to the 1950's and 60's, when this bar would fill up with boxing fans, who would come to L.A. to see a prize fight. A clever boxing promoter of the time arranged for out-of-towners to get a discount on rooms if they had tickets to see the match. To attract this type of clientele further, the spectacular ballroom (once considered the most beautiful room in Los Angeles) was converted into a training gym, where public boxing demonstrations could be held. Does the agitated energy of those rowdy hooligans, who hoped for blood in the ring (as well as a possible barroom brawl of their own), still linger within the walls? Come to the Down and Out Bar and find out for yourself.

(To see last month's location...)

Highlights from Feb's SWS

For whatever reason, perhaps because of the new bar/club opening on the 2nd floor of the Alexandria (in a make shift room created by lowering the ceiling of the lobby), the security in this historic building was unusually relaxed, allowing those GHOULA members in attendance to explore the upper floors and halls of this haunted structure. Thus, it was hard to keep people in the bar. A security guard even shared his stories about the disembodied screams that come from behind a locked door near the ballroom's kitchen. When the door is unlocked, and opened, there is never anyone there.


One of the imfamous walled off halls.

THREATENED: Haunted Theater

The Pasadena Playhouse announced that they are closing their doors for good, and thus cutting off the public at large's access to this historic (haunted) theater. Although, the building is a registered landmark, and is beloved by the surrounding community, history has taught us that there is no protection (even for historic monuments like this one) when a greedy developer wants the land. Lets just hope the building (and its ghosts) remain intact for future generations to enjoy.

(for more info about the closure...)

(for more info about this theater's ghosts...)

If you know any new developments regarding this haunted property, please leave a comment below with the current info.

(to see another threaten haunted property...)

Highlights from January's SWS

Thank you to all those who made it to the Miceli's meet-up. We filled the elevated "Toni section" to compacity. I'm sure Toni was very pleased with the turn out.

I'm afraid our meeting was a little counter-productive however, since Toni's spirit is only active when she feels she has been forgotton. So, unfortunately, not a peep out of Toni that night.

However, an additional ghost story was discovered concerning the lower level room. A male spirit has been spotted there by employees. He apparently is the ghost of a homeless man the owners let sleep in that room at night after the restaurant closed, and would leave the next morning before they opened for business. That is, except for one morning, when the staff found his body, and discovered he had died in his sleep. Ever since then, he seems to still come in at night, and presumably leave in the morning, before they open for business.

(to read about the ghost of Miceli's...)

January'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.

SPECIAL NOTE: GHOULA has reserved what the restaurant refers to as "Toni's Section." (Toni is the resident ghost) So, come out for this unique evening of pizza and ghost stories, and more importantly, giving "Toni" the attention she craves.

THE DATE: January 13th, 2010 (Wednesday)
THE PLACE: Miceli's (1646 N. Las Palmas, Hollywood) map
THE TIME: 8pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

In 1927, the "Pig and Whistle" opened and was an instant success, exemplifying what we think of today as glamorous Hollywood. After a good run, serving the movie stars of the 1930's and 1940's, they finally closed in the 1950's. What does this have to do with Miceli's Restaurant? Although, in recent years, there has been an attempt to bring the "Pig and Whistle" back to its former glory, if one really wants to experience what it was like to step inside this fabled establishment of the past, all one has to do is walk around the corner, and step through the doors of another fabled establishment.

When the famous Hollywood hot spot was gutted to make room for another occupant (ironically the future home of a low grade pizzeria), the Miceli family pulled all of the hand-carved booths, wall panels, and fixtures out of the dumpsters and fit them (sometimes haphazardly) into their popular pizza parlor. Hence, the many "dancing pig holding a flute" logos inside.

However, this is not the only reason to visit this local landmark. Legend has it, that this was the place where Lucille Ball learned how to make a pizza by tossing the dough in the air for a famous episode of "I Love Lucy."

Since 1949, Miceli's Restaurant (formerly Miceli's Pizza) has been serving great Italian food to the Hollywood community. They were the first pizza joint in tinsel town, and remain the city's oldest Italian restaurant. Now, in it's sixth decade of business, it is no mystery why it is still as popular as ever. Miceli's is the kind of comfortable place that the "blue collar" folks rub elbows with high society. In the past, diners have been surprised by Presidents (Kennedy and Nixon) who have dropped in to enjoy a slice of their famous pizza. You just never know who will show up and sit in the booth next to yours.

However, if a ghost shows up, and sits in the booth next to yours, it can only be "Toni." Antoinette "Toni" Heines went to work at this landmark when it first opened, and she was working there when she died not too long ago, and it seems she is still there keeping an eye on things to this day. One employee told GHOULA that every time she used to walk by him, she would give him a playful poke in the ribs. Although she is no longer with us, he still feels the unmistakable poke from time to time. He feels that it is her way of reminding him that she is still there. He also recalled a time when he was adjusting his tie in a mirror, and he saw (in the reflection) a door behind him slam shut when there was no one around.

In life, it seems she had a bad habit of accidentally dropping drinking glasses. Now, whenever a glass inexplicable slides off of a table or counter, it is blamed on Toni. When these "reminders" happen, the employee involved will go to the stained-glass portrait of her in "Toni's Section," and acknowledge her presence. The staff claims that this simple act, curtails the activity. Though, she is most active at the end of November, especially if no one remembers her birthday (the 19th) or her date of death (the 24th), her spirit seeks attention all year long. So, if you find yourself in Hollywood, craving a slice of pizza, why don't you visit her favorite haunt and say hello. The attention will make Toni very happy.

http://www.micelisrestaurant.com/

(to read more about this location's ghosts...)
(to read about last month's SPIRITS with SPIRITS location...)

GHOULA Annual Report 2009

(Alhambran F.E. Ormsby holding his 13 month calendar, 1929)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GHOULA has many great things planned for the upcoming year.

But first, let's take a last look back at 2009.

SPIRITS with SPIRITS continued its monthly meetings, visiting 12 new haunted restaurants/bars in the Los Angeles area, as well as celebrating its one year anniversary in June. There was even a special meet-up in September at Patrick's Roadhouse, which closed its doors to the public, so that GHOULA could take over for one night (about 50 GHOULA members attended). That event now seems even more special considering the recent news that Patrick's may be forced out of that historic location. (To revisit the 2009 "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" locations see below)

In 2009, GHOULA started a new feature on this site called "REAL GHOST with REEL GHOSTS." As a way to celebrate "Tinsel Town's" film history and Hollywood's haunted history, anytime a movie about ghosts was shown in a haunted local theater, the details were posted on this site. (for an example...)

Also, this last year featured, for the first ever, a GHOULA Ghost Hunt. In conjunction with KTLA News, a small group of GHOULA members led a camera crew through the the haunted movie palaces of downtown. (for more details...)

2009 was a great year for GHOULA, and judging from the surprises that are in the works, 2010 will be even better.

The SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations of 2009

January - Musso & Frank's Grill

February - Traxx Bar (Union Station)

March - Tom Bergin's

April - The Eden Garden Bar & Grill

May - E.B.'s Beer and Wine (Farmers Market)
June - The Observation Bar (Queen Mary)
July - The Cat and Fiddle Pub

August - The King Edward Saloon

September - Patrick's Road House
October - The Stinking Rose

November - La Golodrina Cafe

December - Formosa Cafe

(To view last year's annual report...)

(For the SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations of 2008...)