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 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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff about our group.

THE DATE: March 13th, 2012 (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: The Beverly Hilton, Trader Vic's Lounge (poolside)
9876 Wilshire Blvd. Beverly Hills (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

When architect Welton Becket designed the "ultra smart" Beverly Hilton in 1954, he used an inspired gimmick to speed along the construction process. The actual hotel rooms were built (and completely decorated and furnished) elsewhere, so that they could be brought to the construction site, hoisted up, and slid into their appropriate place, one next to another (like placing books on shelves).

Walt Disney, who was friends with the mastermind behind this and other futuristic local buildings (like the circular Capital Record building in Hollywood or the spider-like Theme Building at the center of LAX), was so tickled by this trick that he asked Welton to repeat it, when he commissioned him to build the futuristic Contemporary Hotel in Walt Disney World. Becket's sleek, white, automobile-centric designs (entering the Beverly Hilton without a car can be a confusing experience) also influenced Disney's "world-on-the-move" vision of Tomorrowland and EPCOT (Walt's never realized Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow).

Even though this glamorous resort seems to have one foot in the future, luckily it still has the other foot firmly in the past, as evidenced by the ghosts of another era that still linger.

When GHOULA asked a security guard about possible spirit activity, he proudly replied that all the great hotels in America have a ghost story, and the Beverly Hilton is no exception. In addition to the odd electrical anomalies and misplaced objects that are chalked up to mischievous ghosts, there are two prominent apparitions that have been seen by many employees over the years. One is in the Ballroom, and the other wanders the spaces of the 8th floor. The "man" in the Ballroom is believed to be a former electrician, whereas the "woman" of the 8th floor is a guest. Why these two spirits have taken up residency here, as well as their exact identities, is still a mystery.

Although there have been a few well-publicized suicides here as well as a least one murder (involving Howard Hughes' "scientific advisor" and an Israeli war hero), none of these incidents are connected to an electrician or a female guest...

However, ever since movie star Marilyn Monroe died in 1962, conspiracy theorists have attempted to connect her "suicide" with Senator Robert Kennedy. Officially, Mr. Kennedy was in Central California with his wife and family when she died. According to LA's then Chief Deputy District Attorney, the then Mayor, and the then Chief of Police, Kennedy was secretly staying at the Beverly Hilton that day. Unfortunately, other than statements made to the LA Times, no documents or files exist to prove this. FBI files recently declassified due to the Freedom of Information Act, imply a relationship between Marilyn and Robert Kennedy, that he abruptly ended. Did she visit him at the Beverly Hilton that day? Did he give her the bad news there? Was she so distraught over this that she killed herself later that night? Does her ghost now revisit the place where this happened, reliving those moments over and over, or maybe trying to change them? We will probably never know for sure the answers to these questions.

There is also a third ghost that GHOULA has heard rumors about, and those that have seen "him," know exactly who he is and why he's there...

It would seem that this friendly ghost is none other than Merv Griffin (1925-2007), TV talk show host, singer, creator of "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy," as well as the famous hotel's former owner (1987-2003), who lingers to keep an eye on things. It should be noted that critics claim that the hotel's glory faded under Griffin's ownership as expensive maintenance and renovations were deferred.

Regardless, the happy ghost of Merv Griffin is said to stroll around the hotel's pool, past the Polynesian-themed Trader Vic's poolside lounge, which seems appropriate for a man famous for singing "I've Got a Lovely Bunch of Coconuts"

The Beverly Hills' Trader Vic's, which opened with the hotel in 1955 at a different location on the ground floor, launched the tiki-bar craze of the 1960's, created the tropical concoction known as the "Mai Tai," and is where Trader Vic (Victor Bergeron) would unexpectedly stick an ice-pick into his leg (a prosthesis from a supposed shark attack), closed in 2007. Fittingly, Merv Griffin's post-burial reception was one of the last events held in the historic dining room.

Although the modern poolside redo of the Trader Vic's concept has its haters, where else can you enjoy these historic drink recipes outside in the warm night air... along-side the original masks of the Lone Ranger and Captain America on display? So come on out to this lounge, have a Mai Tai, toast the ghosts, and welcome Whitney Houston's spirit. (The Beverly Hilton is also the site of the pop-star's untimely death.)

(to read about last month's haunted location... )

Also, if you participated in GHOULA'S CHILLING CHALLENGE: THE DOHENY MURDERS, please join us and share any information you may have discovered.

GHOULA's Chilling Challenge...

GHOULA's Chilling Challenge: The Doheny Murders

Calling all ghost-hunters, paranormal investigators, psychics, sensitives, spirit-boarders, Ouija masters, and those interested in getting a glimpse of the "other side." Whether you are acting alone, or in a team, GHOULA wants you! Whether you are a seasoned pro or this is your first ghost hunt, GHOULA wants you! (If you are none of the above, you may also participate. All are welcome)

If you are up for the challenge, come be a part of history, and solve one of Los Angeles' many famous unsolved murders. February 16, 2012 (Thursday), will be the 83th anniversary of the unsolved scandalous murders of Ned Doheny and Hugh Plunket. To mark the occasion, GHOULA is asking the local ghost-hunting community to try to shed new light on this cold case. (For info about this case go to the link below.)

1.) On the day of the actual murders/suicides, we invite paranormal investigators to investigate the supposed crime scene, which is now a quiet city park in Beverly Hills at 905 Loma Vista Drive (map). Or, if you are psychic or have a Spirit Board (Ouija Board), you can tap into the spirit realm from any location that day. Hopefully your skills will uncover a new piece of information to add to the discussion, or perhaps even find the solution to this historic whodunit.

2.) Any other-worldly information you may obtain, we would appreciate it if you shared it with others at our next SPIRITS with SPIRITS, on March 13th (the location will be announced a few days before the 13th). This will be a great opportunity to compare notes with others, and make sure this imfamous case (and these ghosts) are not forgotten.

For more info on the murder case....
For more info on Greystone Park....

Thank you.

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 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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: February 13th , 2012 (Monday)
THE PLACE: Barney's Beanery - The Original8447 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

The "City of the Angels" (and its dark history) is apparently ideal as a back-drop for detective stories since it is home to so many famous fictional detectives (Phillip Marlowe, Easy Rawlins, Quincy, Barreta, Joe Friday, The Three Investigators, etc). Among that crowd, Lt. Columbo (no first name), portrayed by Peter Falk on the popular Columbo TV series that spanned five decades, is perhaps the most beloved Los Angeles-based fictional detective.

...One more thing, when Columbo needed to mull over the clues and figure out who-dun-it, do you know where he would go? He would have a seat at Barney's Beanery, and enjoy a bowl of their chili, and as if by magic the solution would present itself.

Although the Beanery proudly boasts that it has the "2nd Best Chili in Los Angeles," based on a 1960's local chili cook-off (1st place went to The Magic Castle), Barney's chili is tops with Columbo, who claimed to eat chili everyday (sometimes without beans for variety). To underscore the importance of Barney's to Columbo, Burt, the show's fictional proprietor of the Beanery, played by John Finnegan, was one of the very few reoccurring roles of that anthology program that would change its cast with each episode. It is also interesting to note that through most of the TV show's run, Los Angeles' real life chief of police, Daryl Gates, ate chili at the fancier and more up-scale Chasen's restaurant just a few blocks away. Was Columbo's presence at the more down-to-Earth, rough and tumble, ram-shackle juke-joint nearby meant as a statement to emphasize Columbo's "outsider" persona?

Ever since Barney's Beanery opened on Route 66 in 1920, it has always appealed to outsiders and the fringe of our great city, whether it was transients, outlaws, hoodlums, artists, beatniks, hippies, or the lowest of all... screenwriters. Barney's started life as an isolated roadhouse along a dusty highway outside of town, where bar fights were common, and happily that atmosphere still exists today. It is said that singer, Janis Joplin, once cracked a bottle over the head of LA's "Lizard King," Jim Morrison during a dispute here.

Speaking of Jim Morrison, does the ghost of this 1960's rock star, and lead singer of the LA-based band, The Doors, haunt this historic establishment? Is it his ghost that is seen in a white shirt walking past the door of the rooftop office? According to local legend, Morrison was a free spirit during his life, and would occasionally climb up to, and walk along, the rooftops of many of the buildings in that area despite the obvious danger. Also according to local legend, Morrison (in death) seems to be a spirit that moves freely around West Hollywood since other places in the immediate area claim to be haunted by Morrison ghost.

Likewise, who is the phantom in the basement that plays with the levers to the bar's beer system, and is felt pushing past employees as they descend down the stairs? Is this the sad, booze-obsessed spirit of Janis Joplin, who had her last drink at Barney's before going back to her hotel room in Hollywood and overdosing on Heroin?

Or, are these haunted hi-jinx due to a deceased former employee who still lingers at his old workplace? Perhaps, as some believe, it is even a long gone busboy (or rather "busboooo-oy).

Whoever/whatever it is that spends his/her/its after-life taunting the staff is unknown. All we can do is come out, patronize this piece of history, be a part of its history, ...and mull over these possibilities while enjoying a bowl of their famous chili. Perhaps, as if by magic, the solutions (and the apparitions) will present themselves?

Burt: "You know what's your trouble? You don't have much imagination....You always look at the menu, and you always order chili."
Columbo: " I'll have the chili."
Burt: "See what I mean?"
Columbo: "Well, look at it this way, you'll never be disappointed."

(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to read about the lawlessness of the area... )
(to read about Morrison's ghost... )
http://www.barneysbeanery.com/

GHOULA's Chilling Challenge!

Calling all ghost hunters, paranormal investigators, psychics, sensitives, and those interested in getting a glimpse of the "other side." Whether you are acting alone, or in a team, GHOULA wants you! Whether you are a seasoned pro or this is your first ghost hunt, GHOULA wants you! (If you are none of the above, you may also participate. All are welcome)

If you are up for the challenge, come be a part of history, and solve Los Angeles' first high-profile, unsolved murder. February 1, 2012, will be the 90th anniversary of the death of silent film director, William Desmond Taylor. To mark the occasion, GHOULA is asking the local ghost-hunting community to try to shed new light on this cold case.

1.) In the days leading up to the anniversary, we invite paranormal investigators to investigate the crime scene, the North-Eastern section of the parking lot at 420 South Avarado Street (map), adjacent to Maryland Street, the site of his former home. Hopefully your skills will uncover a new piece of information to add to the discussion, or perhaps even the solution to this historic whodunit.

2.) On the actual day of his Murder (Wednesday, 2-1-12), come and meet-up at 8PM, at the 1920's bar, The Prince, 3198 1/2 W. 7th Street at Catalina Street (look for someone with a square GHOULA button), toast this forgotten film pioneer, and share any evidence you have gathered (proper names, odd words, locations of disturbances, etc.) with people familiar with the nuances of this complicated case (or just come and socialize). The bar is also a few doors down from one of the only buildings connected to the murder that hasn't been torn down to make a parking lot.

25 years before the murdered body of "The Black Dahlia" was found naked in a vacant lot, the country had their eyes on LA, and on the newpaper headlines concerning another strange murder case, involving one of Hollywood's top directors. On the morning of February 2, 1922, William Desmond Taylor's body was found, face down, in his Bungalow (formerly 404-B South Alvarado Street), apparently shot in the back the night before. No cash or anything of monetary value was stolen, but it is said that when the police arrived that morning, studio executives and one of his leading ladies were stepping over the body, tearing the place apart, and burning documents. What they were looking for, or what they destroyed is still a mystery.

Like the Dahlia case, there are easily a dozen prime suspects (including his valet, who may have been his brother secretly pretending to be his employee), and scholars and historians still debate aspects of this case. Over the decades, wild theories incorporating sex scandals, drug use, secret identities, and disguises have also surfaced. Was it even really William Desmond Taylor's body?

Because of the crime-scene contamination, the case is still unsolved, and probably unsolvable... until now.

Good Luck.

Those ghost-hunters that investigate the site, but can not come to the meet-up, please email GHOULA with your results, so we can discuss them that night. Thank you.

For info about the bar...

http://www.theprincela.com/

(below is a diagram of the original layout of the parking lot.)

Heritage Square Ghost Hunt

Where: Heritage Square
3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles (map)
Date: February 4 (Saturday)
Time: 7:30pm - 1:00am
Admission:
Before the 29th: $55.00 (single), $100 (double)
After the 29th: $60.00 (single), $115 (double)

Note: This is not a GHOULA event, it's a ghost-themed event, that GHOULA feels its members should be aware is happening in our great haunted city.

Haunted Orange is hosting this event at Los Angeles' Heritage Square. It is a paranormal investigation open to the public. Ramiro Ramirez (of MUN2 "From Beyond") and Kathryn Wilson (the psychic from A&E Storage Wars) will be leading the investigations. Teams will be broken up into small groups, and it is a fabulous opportunity for enthusiasts to see some real paranormal activity. There are 8 Victorian homes that we will be investigating. Haunted Orange has already had the opportunity to investigate them, and claims they are most definitely haunted.

(Although in years past, Heritage Square officially denied that any of their buildings were haunted, GHOULA has heard privately from employees that two of the historic structures do indeed have very active other-worldly residents. Additionally, Heritage Square was created to preserve a famously haunted Victorian home, which ironically burned to the ground once it was moved to this location.)

Don't miss out on getting to investigate these fabulous haunted Victorian homes! Small groups, 8 buildings! Limited amount of tickets.

(to order tickets... )
(for more details about this event... )
(for more info about Heritage Square... )

Drinking Game: Ghostbusters!

What: A Drinking Game: Ghostbusters!
When: January 21 (Saturday)
Time: 8:00p to 11:00p
Where: The Next Stage Theater
1523 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles (map)
Admission: $15
Age Suitability: 21 and up

Note: This is not a GHOULA event, it is a ghost-themed event, GHOULA feels its members should be aware is happening in our great haunted city.

Ghostbusters performed LIVE on stage as an audience-interactive Drinking Game! Join our cast of talented actors as they perform the entire movie live, and join in as they drink on specific keywords and queues! Great fun for cast and audience, even if a little hard on your liver! 21+ Only!

Show is BYOB, there is a liquor store downstairs...how convenient! Interactive kits available to complete your experience and make you part of the action! Voted as one of the Top 5 things to do in LA by Thrillist.

(to learn more about LA's connection to the movie GHOSTBUSTERS... )

Highlights from January's SWS

Thank you to all those, who braved the terrible parking, and the tight quarters of one of Hollywood's smallest bars. We may not have uncovered the identity of the "man in the mirror," but more possible candidates were suggested.

A.G. Bartlett
Alexander Pantages
Charles Bukowski

(to read more about the ghosts of the Frolic Room... )

PaleyFest Honors Local Ghost Story

Date: March 2 (Friday)
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Saban Theatre
8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills (map)
Admission: $20 - $75

The Paley Fest this year will feature the cast and crew of the (LA-centric) TV Drama, American Horror Story for an in-depth discussion of the program.

The Harmons see dead people. The exceedingly troubled family at the epicenter of this outlandish spine-chiller from FX—“arguably the season’s sexiest, scariest, strangest show” per TV Guide—has moved from Boston to L.A., hoping to begin anew after a miscarriage and an affair, but their adopted home is a house of horrors flush with dead, tortured souls, all of the malevolent variety. The show, from Glee’s Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, was highly anticipated and hasn’t disappointed; three-plus weeks after its October premiere, trick-or-treaters were masquerading as one of its characters, the Rubber Man. Much credit goes to the cast, including Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton (the Harmons); Taissa Farmiga (daughter Violet); and Jessica Lange (their sinister and completely batty neighbor).

In Person Panel to be announced.

For more info...
http://www.paleycenter.org/

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 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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: January 13th, 2012 (A Frolicking Friday the 13th)
THE PLACE: the Frolic Room
6245 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

January 15th (Sunday) will mark the sixty-fifth anniversary of the internationally known "Black Dahlia Murder." If you are not familiar with this dark chapter of our city's history, details and theories can be found elsewhere on the internet. Simply put, in 1947, the body of Elizabeth Short was found in two pieces in a vacant lot, bisected at the waist. No killer was ever caught, and the case is still unsolved. This event was so bizarre and disturbing (even by today's standards), that it has almost become a symbol of L.A.'s shadowy underbelly that co-exists with our sunny skies. A cottage industry has even developed for the morbidly curious, from books to movies, and from tours to merchandise. There is even a drink named after her (which is best enjoyed when divided between two separate glasses).

"Officially" the last time she was seen alive was at the (haunted) Biltmore Hotel, downtown, on January 9th, prompting some to call those missing days in between the "lost week." However, during the investigation of this highly-publicized case, police did track down eye-witnesses that where able to fill in some of these gaps. Although, those who academically study this stuff argue about the legitimacy of these sightings, one account by John Jiroudek who had known Elizabeth Short, claimed she was in a 1937 Ford Sedan on Hollywood Blvd with an unknown blonde woman behind the wheel on January 13th.

So, in honor of the "city of angel's" most famous/infamous fallen angel, GHOULA is also headed to Hollywood Blvd this 13th (65 year to the day) to one of the Dahlia's favorite watering holes, The Frolic Room (AKA "Bob's Frolic Room"), established in 1934 on the ground floor of the Pantages Theater (built in 1930), replacing Halgreen's Fountain Cafe.

Daniel Jackson, a private detective, who had a chance meeting with Elizabeth Short in the Frolic Room a year before her death, was supposedly told by police investigators “We do know it to be a fact that Beth Short was in that cocktail bar and around that locality numerous times just before her murder.” What makes her preference for this particular dive even more interesting is that (according to "The Story of Hollywood" by Gregory Paul Williams) in the post Second World War years, the Frolic Room had become one of Hollywood's secret gay bars. Was the Frolic Room the destination for Beth and her blonde "companion" that day?

In the years after her death, Ms. Short has been accused of being many things, a prostitute, a burlesque dancer, a drug addict, and yes, even a lesbian. At this point, no one really knows if any of those labels are true. However, among the 25 serious suspects listed by the District Attorney was the cryptic entry, "Queer Woman Surgeon." It was thought at the time that perhaps a woman cut the body in half to make it easier to transport. A few women even confessed to the police. Did the Dahlia meet her murderer, or rather murderess, here?

Unfortunately, the male ghost of this tiny tavern doesn't provide any clues to this mystery, or does it? Although the management claims no knowledge of any ghost stories connected to this historic bar, patrons have told GHOULA about a "man" that is only seen in the reflection of the mirror behind the bar (and not present in the actual room). Curiously, this phenomena also occurred in the bar in the Biltmore (until they removed the mirrors). Does the same spirit haunt both of these places linked to the Black Dahlia's final days? Was "he" stalking her?

Additionally, the Pantages building with its ominous hooded statues along the roof, in which the Frolic Room resides, is famously haunted. The historical marker on the street light in front even references the ghost of Howard Hughes, who is one of the spirits said to haunt this building, (along with a female spirit, and a singer). Hughes purchased the building in 1949, and moved into the offices upstairs. It is said that during his time as owner/occupant, and true to his obsessive-compulsive nature, he micro-managed the Frolic Room, and installed the iconic Technicolor (almost psychedelic) neon sign in front. Hughes also brought the Academy Awards ceremony to the Pantages, and supposedly would convert the Frolic Room into his own private lounge on Oscar nights. Who knows, maybe the male spirit in the bar is him (back when the seeds of his insanity were surfacing).

Lastly, there was a 1950's TV anthology program entitled "Screen Director's Playhouse." One episode featured a story about a lonely older man, watching the Academy Awards broadcast live from the Pantages Theater on the TV in the Frolic Room (next door). Unbeknownst to the other patrons, the film pioneer mentioned in an acceptance speech is ironically that sad, poor elderly man. This fictional story is clearly based on film pioneer, D.W. Griffith. Although, he had died by the time the Oscars came to the Pantages, he had spent much of the later part of his life, forgotten and destitute, in bars like the Frolic Room. Could he be the "man" in the mirror?

So, come out and raise a glass to the three victims of the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," the Black Dahlia, Howard Hughes, and D.W. Griffth, and hear some of the other ghost stories about the building and street outside this 13th... if you dare.

(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to read more about another Black Dahlia haunted hangout... )
(to read about the ghosts of the Biltmore... )
(to read about the ghosts of the Pantages Theater... )

19511930

Ghost lecture at LANHM

When: January 6, 2012 (Friday)

Where: The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Admission: $12.00

This event is part of the Natural History Musuem's "First Fridays" series. For more info on the event... http://www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/first-fridays/january-2012

Discussion (6:30 pm): “The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods To Politics and Conspiracies — How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them As Truths” with Dr. Michael Shermer

Synthesizing thirty years of research, Michael Shermer upends traditional thinking about how humans form beliefs about the world. Simply put, beliefs come first, and explanations for beliefs follow. The brain, Shermer argues, is a belief engine. Using sensory data that flow in through the senses, the brain naturally looks for and finds patterns — and then infuses those patterns with meaning, forming beliefs. Once beliefs are formed, our brains subconsciously seek out confirmatory evidence in support of those beliefs, accelerating the process of reinforcing them — and round and round the process goes in a positive feedback loop. Shermer provides countless real-world examples of how this process operates, from politics, economics, and religion to conspiracy theories, the supernatural, and the paranormal. And ultimately, he demonstrates why science is the best tool ever devised to determine whether or not our beliefs match reality.

GHOULA's Annual Report 2011

(Alhambran F.E. Ormsby, creator of the 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 2011.

SPIRITS with SPIRITS continued its monthly meetings, visiting 11 new haunted restaurants/bars (and one gallery) in the Los Angeles area. Our October meet-up was at the world famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip with unprecedented access to the infamous haunted basement. Also in October, the LA Weekly declared (in their "Best of LA" issue) SPIRITS with SPIRITS and GHOULA was "The best weirdo tour of LA." (To revisit the 2011 "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" locations see below)

Last Year, GHOULA continued its "REAL GHOSTS 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.

We also brought back our "Haunted Films in Haunted Places" film series in October. In a partnership with the Echo Park Film Center's Filmmobile, for a second year, we screened different movies with "haunted" in their titles in actual haunted locations that corresponded thematically with that film.

And speaking of movie events, GHOULA sponsored the "EMERGO" for a screening of "House on Haunted Hill" at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica. "EMERGO" was a 1950's gimmick that promised an actual ghost leaping of the screen and into the Auditorium (to see pictures of our EMERGO...)

We also celebrated the visual arts in February with a GHOULA sponsored art show featuring paintings of haunted places. The exhibition was held at the Studio for SOCAL History.

2011 was a great year for GHOULA, and judging from the surprises that are in the works, 2012 will be even better (at least until the world ends in December).

The SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations of 2011.

January - Antonio's
February - Studio for SOCAL History
March - Maeve's Residuals
April - Footsies
May - Sagebrush Catina
June - Hotel Figueroa
July - Basement Bar
August - Pig N Whistle
September - Plum Tree Inn
October - Comedy Store
November - Hamburger Hamlet
December - Boardner's

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

December'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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: December 13th, 2011 (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: Boardner's
1652 North Cherokee Avenue (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

In the beginning, yuletide activities revolved around ghosts, demons and other weird creatures that dished out punishments to the naughty as a way of co-opting the pagan winter solstices ceremonies in place before "Christmas." For this reason, some early American pilgrims felt this celebration was sacrilegious and/or satanic. However, as this "christian" holiday gained popularity, these more sinister traditions were pushed back to autumn and became the basis for today's Halloween.

So let's turn back the clock to a simpler time when darkness (and death) ruled the winter, and celebrate a local watering hole with a ghostly connection to Christmas...

Although, Boardner's opened in 1942, this address had served as a bar for at least a decade before, making it one of the last great bars of Hollywood's golden era, and as such, it is often used as a film location to evoke that era. It was used in Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" (pictured above), since Ed Wood, arguably the worst film director in film history, frequented this tavern. The movie also depicts a fictional meeting between Wood and Orson Welles, arguably Hollywood's greatest director, at the historic (haunted) Musso and Frank's Bar and Grill across the street. Although, there is no proof that this event ever happened there, it is likely it may have happened at Boardner's given that many of Hollywood's elite (such as Welles) could be found slumming it at Boardner's, including a broke, down-n-out, elderly D.W Griffith, arguably the most important film director ever, who not only transformed movies from novelties into an art form, but he also turned Hollywood, from a farming community, into the center of the motion picture industry.

However, despite all the notable people who have past through its neon-lit entrance, today, most people know of Boardner's because of its association with the infamous "Black Dahlia" murder case, where the naked body of an actress/singer/possible prostitute was found cut in half with a bloody smile carved into her face, lying "posed" in a vacant lot on Norton Avenue. While the "Black Dahlia," aka Elizabeth Short, was living in Hollywood (one block away from Boardners), she frequented this establishment. Her drink of preference was supposedly beer. Incidentally, the moniker, "The Black Dahlia" is a reference to a popular movie of that time, "The Blue Dahlia," which was written by another supposed Boardner's regular, Raymond Chandler.

The grizzly Dahlia case kicked off a media frenzy, and despite all the scrutiny and investigations, the killer was never caught. Thus, its considered one of the great unsolved mysteries of Los Angeles with many solutions, theories, and suspects that are still discussed among Angelenos (including rumors that she was killed by Orson Welles). There is even a bus tour of all the Dahlia sites by Esotouric Bus Adventures. Recently, the Black Dahlia story has even been worked into the LA-centric TV series, American Horror Story, or rather the ghost of Elizabeth Short is now part of the show and part of their fictional haunted house's mythology.

In real life, the actual ghost of Elizabeth Short is said to haunt the elevators of the Biltmore Hotel (officially the last place see was seen alive). However, there are claims that she may haunt other locations...

It is said that she visited all her old Hollywood hangouts during the "missing days" before this unknown actress became posthumously famous.

Was she at Boardner's the night she was murdered? Did she meet her killer there for a drink, or a beer? Was it perhaps the film director that she wrote home about?

Could the dark presence witnesses feel in the tiny ladies room at the far end of the building be the tragic spirit of Elizabeth Short? Does she haunt her old haunt as some believe?

Although the bar is most known for its haunted bathroom (Boardner's website even boasts about it), as well as odd electrical disturbances, there is an additional ghost that resides on the premises...

There is a room that runs parallel to the the bar on the other side of the north wall (accessed through the courtyard) known as B52 Club (a reference to the bar that occupied this address before Boardners), and home to Bar Sinister (LA's best Goth Club). Inside the large loft-like space, generally only open during special events, there is a long stairway that goes to an upstairs office. Employees, late at night, have claimed to see a ghostly man at the top of those stairs, or have heard phantom footsteps walking up those steps.

The identity of this male spirit is unknown, but just as with the Dahlia, there are some likely suspects. Obviously, Steve Boardner, the Bar's namesake, is one suspect, since he spent many hours in that room, using it both as an office and a place for him and his friends to play poker into the wee hours of the morning.

Secondly, it is said that for a period, there was a bed in that room, and the then owner allowed a homeless man to sleep there during the hours that the business was closed. According to this story, one morning, it was discovered that he had died in his sleep sometime during the night before. Interestingly, the historic (haunted) Miceli's Restaurant, a block away, has an identical story of a homeless man dying in his sleep. Incidentally, Boardner and Carmen Miceli were close friends with signs in each of their establishments pointing patrons to the other establishment. Boardner gave Miceli the money to open his restauarant, back when Miceli was a busboy at the famous (haunted) night club, Ciro's.

The leading contender for the ghost's identity, however, is that of Kurt Richter, who purchased Boardner's from Steve Boardner in 1980 (along with partner, Dave Hadley), and was co-owner of this landmark until he had a heart-attack while inside Bioardner's while sitting at the bar in 1997...

...on Christmas Eve!Merry Christmas everyone, and hope to see you there!

http://www.boardners.com/

(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to read about the ghosts of Musso & Franks... )
(to read about the ghosts of Miceli's...
( to read about the ghosts of Ciro's... )
(to read about the ghosts of the Biltmore... )

Highlights from November's SWS

Thank you all who came out celebrate the history and ghostly folklore of this famous eatery.

In a few weeks the historic Sunset Strip Hamburger Hamlet will just be a memory, not just for GHOULA members, but for all of Los Angeles when it closes its door forever. But, we can now proudly proclaim that our humble ghostly group was part of its illustrious history.

Although, we didn't see any ghosts that night, there were many good stories and much lively conversation, which is what the Hamlet has always been about. A playful bartender even joked with our group about the ghost of Dean Martin keeping an eye on his favorite hang-out from his favorite booth.

(to read about the Hamburger Hamlet's ghosts... )

November'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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: November 13th, 2011 (Sunday)
THE PLACE: The Hamburger Hamlet
(at the bar in the Tap Room)
9201 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

NOTE: This historic Hollywood landmark will be closing its doors forever next month. This may be your last chance to enjoy it before it leaves us.

THE GHOST(S):

"To sleep, perchance to dream - Ay, there's the rub."
William Shakespeare (from Hamlet)

"Hamburger Hamlet" was the dream of actor, Harry Lewis (most famous for his role in the Bogart/Bacall classic Key Largo). He was out of work, when he confessed this aspiration to his future wife, Marilyn, an aspiring fashion designer (and future creator of Cardinali collection), on their first date. He wanted a little place for actors to hang out. He figured that since every actor dreams of playing Hamlet, they would appreciate a burger joint themed towards that theatrical character. The concept for the menu was to mix signature burgers with some "fancy items," to attract both sets, because even the wealthy enjoy comfort food.

Using his life savings (around $3,000), a marked-up copy the Brown Derby Cook Book, and a nose-twitch that told Marilyn where to locate this restaurant, they opened The Hamburger Hamlet at 8931 Sunset Blvd. a couple of days before Halloween in 1950 to a full house... with a stove that wouldn't turn on. They hadn't paid the gas bill. Marilyn begged the gas man to come out and turn it on (without the money), proclaiming that if he did, he could eat there for free for the rest of his life. He did, and indeed, he ate there for free for the rest of his life.

From the very beginning the tiny Hamlet was a hit. Marilyn and Harry were the only two employees (she cooked and he worked the front of house). The place got so busy, that a PA system was installed so that she could announce the orders that were ready, and the individuals could pick them up themselves. Celebrities, not wanting there name announced, would give "Smith," which led to confusion most nights when all orders were for "Smith." When, Marilyn gave birth to their first child, forcing the couple to leave the restaurant, regular customers, Sammy Davis Jr. And Tony Curtis, took over the cooking and front of house duties, while the Lewis' were in the hospital.

From this beloved hole-in-the-wall, Marilyn and Harry built an empire, and a chain of Hamburger Hamlet restaurants across the country, even spinning off a more upscale version called The Hamlet Gardens. Additionally, they opened Kate Mantilini's, which did for meatloaf, what the Hamlet did for burgers (and which is also rumored to be haunted).

By the end of the 1960's, the original restaurant moved a couple of blocks west to its current location inside the modernist high-rise enclave at the Beverly Hills border (on the other side of "The Long Hair Curtain"), where the decor was changed to match the library/reading room aesthetic established by the other Hamlets. Over the decades, this site has became a hub for Hollywood deal-making, as it seems this is the last restaurant, from the studios, one passes before entering the residential neighborhoods of Beverly Hills (where these deal-makers live).

Despite a claim made by Medium Dorothy Vellas to the L.A. Times that the conditions at the Hamlet are no good for contacting the spirits (too crowded), employees claim that there is spirit activity in the kitchen after hours. It is said that when everyone has left, and they are closing, clattering sounds come from the kitchen area as if someone is busy at work. When investigated, no one is ever there.

Could this be a former employee? A former cook? In 1974, a disgruntled ex-cook trainee, returned to the restaurant, hid inside it over night, and when the manager and a maintenance man arrived at 9am, shot them at close range with a sawed-off shotgun, killing the maintenance man instantly. Although this story has been repeated, those events happened at their other West Hollywood location. Did the ghosts of that event move here, when the other Hamlet closed?

During its first few years, the Hamlet didn't "come alive" until after midnight, when performers got off work. In these wee hours, Sammy Davis Jr. used to dance on the tabletops, after his gig at Ciro's (last month's haunted location). Does this late-night energy still rattle around at the Hamlet? Or, could it be a phantom from the restaurants that preceded the Hamlet at this address, Schwab's and Covey's. Little is known about what was at this site before this Paul R. Williams designed building went up in 1963.

Whoever haunts this hamburger place inspired by Shakespeare's most famous ghost story, may never be revealed, but at the very least we can toast this unknown ghost, and toast this local institution before it also drifts into eternity.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow..."

www.hamburgerhamlet.com

(to read about last mothh's haunted location... )

Strangest Ghost Promotion 2011

Last year, we learned that ghosts like pancakes.
This year, we learned that "ghosts turn milk green."

(to see last year's strangest ghost promotion...)

Last Friday's Screening!

Thank you to all, who came out to our "Haunted House" screening at an actual haunted house, and special thanks to the Shadow Ranch staff for allowing us to tour the inside of the house before the screening. A big thank-you goes out to Erik Hietter for his expert keyboard accompaniment, and Richard Carradine for his Theremin punctuation. And always, thanks to the EPFC Filmmobile for making these site-specific events possible.

(to read about this haunted location... )

Jerry Beck's Monster Mash 2011

DATE: October 27th
TIME: 8:00pm
PLACE: Silent MovieTheater
611 North Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles(map)
ADMISSION: $10.00

Your chance to see cartoon shorts about ghosts in an actual haunted theater! (Note: this event is not hosted by GHOULA, and is just an event our members should know about. Thus, the event staff may not answer any questions regarding their ghosts.)

The Silent Movie Theater is said to be haunted by ghosts in the lobby and projection booth. (to read more about this theater's ghost...)

For the fourth year in a row, Cinefamily’s resident animation historian Jerry Beck (CartoonBrew.com) will be programming his “monster mash-up” of classic cartoon monsters, spooks and witches — from Casper the Friendly Ghost and Witch Hazel through TV’s Groovie Goolies and Milton the Monster, all on the big screen using rare 35mm and 16mm film prints that range from ghoulishly red Eastmancolor or gorgeously garish Technicolor! They will also be running a small selection of creepy, fantastic independent films, including Marv Newland’s Sing Beast Sing (1980) and Ian Emes’ The Beard (1978).

Be prepared, foolish mortals! This selection of hellish tricks and horrific treats will more than satisfy your animated sweet tooth (err, fangs!) Cinefamily’s own DJ Robinson will be here to spin tunes before and after the show!

Friday's Screening's Secret Haunted Location

Location: Shadow Ranch
22633 Vanowen St., West Hills (map)

NOTE: Our group will have access to the interior of this haunted house til 9pm.

Come out for this year's last free outdoor screening tomorrow (Friday, 0ct 28, @8:00pm) and see "The Haunted House" with Buster Keaton at this real haunted house like the one in the movie. (For more info about the movie... ) Also, hear about this local landmark's history (and ghost stories).

All are welcome to this family-friendly event. Don't forget to bring chairs and flashlights. Also, the haunted house is now in the middle of a city park, so please follow all posted rules while in the park.

The Ghosts:

Like a scene straight out of the movie Poltergeist, in the middle of rows of 1960's era suburban neighborhoods, sits an 1860's haunted house. This spot, deep in the San Fernando Valley, was also the original site of on a Native American village (like in Poltergeist). And as if that weren't enough, the home is haunted by a little girl (also like Poltergeist).

The village mentioned above was home to the Chumash tribe that chose this land because of a fresh water spring nearby. The Chumash word for "water" is "canoga," hence the modern day name for this area, "Canoga Park." These waters also brought visitors, who traveled along the El Camino Real (Royal Road) to and from the San Fernando Mission.

Then in 1854, this region (and the west half of the valley) was sold by Andres Pico to Issac Lankershim, and it was converted into farms. In 1869, Alfred Workman, who managed the 13,ooo acres of wheat on the western edge of the property, was granted permission to build a house for himself and his bride on this spot. After falling into disrepair at the turn of the century, it was purchased by the screen-writing (husband and wife) team of Colin and Florence Clements. They restored the house, and held many parties on the property that were attended to by the movie stars of the day. The screenplay for The Wizard of Oz was even written within its walls. It was during these times that the home was nicknamed "Shadow Ranch." Despite the ominous title, the moniker was chosen because of the huge eucalyptus trees surrounding the house for shade (planted on Workman's wedding day). After the Clements, the Paulls family raised 13 children in this house. Then, in 1957, the city obtained the property to use as a community center, and in 1962, Shadow Ranch became one of the first ten places chosen by the City of Los Angeles as a Cultural Historical Monument (it's #9).

Now, for the ghosts... As mentioned above, there is a little girl seen walking around the house, and following staff members. It is said that she likes to play in the house after hours, and when employees stay late, she tugs on their arm to remind them its time to leave so she can have the house to herself. There is a little boy on the second floor, who is seen (from outside) looking out of the upstairs windows. According to local legend, he died in an accident and was decapitated. There is a woman in a white Victorian dress, who walks through visitors of the house, and of course the ghost of Alfred Workman is said to haunt the house.

Interestingly enough, spirit sighting in this structure go back many decades. A cook for one of the families that lived in the home stated that he believed a ghost occupied a small hall next to the garage.

Also, in the 1970's, the Valley's chapter of the Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR) held their monthly meetings in this building where experts were invited to give lectures on various aspects of the occult to their membership. More recently, GHOULA was told by staff that not a Halloween goes by without paranormal investigation teams and Ouija clubs requesting access to the house for late night activities and experiments.

Lastly, like most historic properties in Southern California, there are claims that 25,000 dollars worth of gold was buried on the property (somewhere near the house) by a group of bandits, who robbed a Wells Fargo stage coach on the nearby Santa Susanna Pass. While the Clements lived here, they complained that people were always digging up their lawn at night looking for the treasure. Other versions of the story, connect the notorious Joaquin Murrieta to the lost gold, who (like the little boy who haunts the house) also was decapitated after death. Coincidence?

(To see last week's haunted screening location... )

Haunted Films @ Haunted Places (2 of 2)

(scene from Buster Keaton's "The Haunted House.")
Date: October 28 (Friday)
Time: 8:00pm
Movie: The Haunted House (1921)
Location: An actual Haunted House (details to follow)

For the second year, GHOULA is working with the EPFC's Filmmobile to present a series of free outdoor screenings on the last two Fridays in October at a different haunted site.

Each evening will consist of a "haunted" movie, guest speaker, a discussion of the location's ghost(s), and maybe some other activities. (Don't forget to bring a chair, warm clothes, and flashlight.)

(Note: GHOULA and the EPFC Filmmobile will only disclose the actual location 24 hours before showtime. So, check out their facebook page for the exact directions to this screening, or just check out the GHOULA site the day before.)

This Friday's movie...
"The Haunted House" with comedy legend Buster Keaton.

Plus, Harold Lloyd's short Haunted Spooks (1920)

Both of these classic silent films will be screened with LIVE musical accompaniment (including a Theremin for those ghostly moans)!

So, please join us for a evening of old time phantom fun as we enjoy two comedy giants from the silent era as they tackle the lighter side of spirits (that haven't gone into the light) at an appropriately spooky outdoor environment.

Last Friday's Screening!

So, it looks like the spirits of the Haunted Forest are not to be trifled with, and "the curse" should apparently be taken seriously for those that dare plan night-time events in these mysterious woods.

Shortly before our scheduled screening, a car accident occurred at the gates of the (long gone) Cobb Estate, the site of the infamous murder attempt previously mentioned on this blog. As a result of this collision, the DWP blocked the gates and the entrance to the Haunted Forest as they re-installed the damaged street lighting, and restored electrical power to the area.

Following the old adage, "The show must go on," the Filmobile set up the screen one block south of the gates. So, although we were not inside the Haunted Forrest, we were Haunted Forest adjacent.

The few people who braved the unforeseen, and were not dissuaded by the road closures or twitter warnings, were rewarded with a forrest-themed horror film, and a discussion of the local ghosts.

To those that have been emailing about a redo, we are not going to have a make-up screening at this location, but we will be revisiting Altadena's famous Haunted Forrest next summer for a series of haunted night hikes planned. Hope to see you then, and don't forget this Friday's Haunted Films @ Haunted Places screening.

(For info about this Friday's Haunted Films @ Haunted Places...)
(For info about the ghosts of Altadena's Haunted Forrest...)