LOST: Haunted Theater #2

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 CARTHAY CIRCLE THEATER
(6316 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles) Map

THE GHOST(S):

Outside of the Chinese Theater in Hollywood, no other movie palace exemplified the glamour of the Hollywood ideal like the Carthay Circle Theater (opened in 1926). The "Chinese" and the "Circle" were the only two theaters in Southern California to host premieres with the over-the-top fanfare (otherwise only seen in the movies, themselves), featuring red carpets, search lights, and bleachers filled with screaming fans. These two theaters set the standard that award ceremonies desperately try to copy to this day. However, unlike its themed Asian counterpart, the Carthay Circle (so named because of the shape of its auditorium) was pure American, with an Old West inspired decor that continued from its interior to the Gold Rush themed fountain located in the traffic island in front, which by the way, still exists today (despite being a subject of vandalism and hate crimes). But, the most bizarre element of this "Spirit of the American West" theme was the giant custom curtain that paid tribute to the tragic Donner Party, who resorted to cannibalism to survive.

Aside from that graphic depiction of one of the most macabre moments of the Golden State's history, there was something even more surreal behind the curtain. It is said that the ghost of a vaudevillian performer, who died of a heart attack during a floor show on that stage, haunted the backstage area of this famous theater. Now, that the theater has been demolished, and an office building has been erected on that spot, unfortunately there have been no further sightings of a ghost in baggy pants with a seltzer bottle.

http://cinematreasures.org/theater/1158/

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.

EVP's @ The Los Angeles

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.

(to read more about the ghosts of the Los Angeles Theater...)
(to read more about that ghost hunt...)

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...)