Happy July 4th!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend from your friends at GHOULA!.

Every year, GHOULA pays tribute to this great country by profiling a ghost from American pop-culture that has ties to Southern California. This year, we celebrate the little 1963 Volkswagen Bug known affectionately as "Herbie" or "The Love Bug." Although the inanimate star of six movies and a TV series may seem like a strange choice, since most people don't think of the lovable "Herbie" as being super-natural, the only way to explain this machine (with a mind of its own) is that it must be a haunted vehicle. Not only is the folklore of Southern California (the true home of car culture) filled with stories of "ghost cars" (from "phantom low-riders" to "James Dean's Deathmobile"), but the mythology of Herbie is also connected to our region. His most recent address (from "Herbie: Fully Loaded") was Riverside. Why, and by whom, this lovable bug was haunted was a mystery until the fifth "Love Bug" movie, which was released in 1997, when his true origin was revealed, and it was even more sinister and dark than anyone could have imagined.

It turns out that not only was Adolf Hitler interested in obtaining artifacts that had super-natural powers (as seen in the Indiana Jones movies), but he was apparently also conducting very unnatural experiments, trying to meld the human spirit with a machine in an effort to create the perfect solider. The results of this unholy alliance (according to the film) was the invention of a "People Car," (half-human, half-vehicle) or as Hitler called it a "Volks Wagon." (There's even actual archival footage of Hitler inspecting a model of the Volkswagen cut into the movie). The film has other bizarre, un-Disney moments, like the death, burial, and resurrection of Herbie, as well as the creation of an "evil Herbie" (using the original Nazi plans). Yes, in turns out that "The Love Bug" was the result of Hitler fascination with the occult. Happy Fourth of July everyone!

The Love Bug can be seen locally at the Peterson Museum (map) as well as Blackhorse Motors. (map).

NEW from GHOULA Press!

The Park After Dark:
An Unauthorized Guide
to the Happiest (Haunted) Place on Earth

Formerly titled "Disneyland After Dark"

By Richard Carradine

Many books have been written about the history, secrets, and design of Disneyland, but this guide looks at the California landmark from a different angle. It explores the little known ghost stories and strange folklore surrounding this famous tourist destination, and offers new insights into this beloved theme park. (130 pages)

Price: $13.00

(To purchase this book...)
(GHOULA Press...)

Highlights from June's SWS

Thank you to everyone, who made the trek out to Monrovia to visit the haunted Aztec Hotel. It was the biggest turnout for one of our gatherings yet (I stopped counting at 75 attendees). Also a special thank you to the owner and staff of this famous roadside attraction for their gracious invitation to our group.

In the haunted room #120, apparently a group of people (on the tour) heard a voice coming from the restroom. When the door was opened to investigate the sounds, the person holding the door knob was shocked (with the possible ambient electricity in the room). It's interesting to note that an paranormal investigation was conducted in that room a couple of weeks before our event, and they concluded that that bathroom was very active. The ghost-hunting team even heard the toilet flush on its own. Is there an "other-worldly occupant" in bathroom, or is it just faulty plumbing? You decide.

We would also like to thank GHOULA-member Damon, who parked his hearse in front (pictured above) as well as the bands that performed that night (Hexam Heads, Future Ghost, and Lost Lake). GHOULA is also working on putting together another ghost-themed concert in the near future.

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

JUNE'S "Spirits with Spirits"

(for more info on the ghosts of the AZTEC Hotel...)