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: This bar is normally closed on Mondays, but they have made a special exception for the 13th, and will be opening their doors just for our group. So bring your cameras, bring your EMF meters, and bring your friends. For those hours, the place is ours.
THE DATE: September 13th, 2010 (Monday)
THE PLACE: 1642
(1642 West Temple Street) Map
THE TIME: 7:00pm to 10:00pm (closing time)
THE GHOST(S):
Although no one knows what business originally occupied this space when this building opened its doors to the public in 1914, it has been a neighborhood bar for as long as anyone can remember (at the very least going back to the 1940's). As such, over the decades, it has had many owner changes, many name-changes, and many clientele changes. For better or worse, this simple tavern has also reflected the changes in the surrounding neighborhood, and in one of its previous incarnations, it was a notorious hang-out for a local street gang. To just step through that door (at that time) and have a drink was not an action to be taken lightly. It is said that during this era, many people were murdered and/or died within these four walls. Luckily, those rough and tumble days are now history. This year, the bar reopened under new management, and has been respectfully restored to represent its earlier, and much simpler, roots.
Strangely, for all the violence this place has known throughout its "life," there is only one ghost (a "man") that resides inside the building. Ironically, he seems to be from that previous, and much simpler, time. Perhaps, the new decor (and the vintage jazz commonly played there) has enticed him to come out into the open. Witnesses claim that his style of dress appears to be from the 1920's, and he seems very happy. Although his presence is most often felt in the "ladies room," he has been seen (and felt) throughout the bar room. It is not uncommon for this apparition to bump into other patrons. One bartender has felt him push up against her as he tried to squeeze past in the narrow space behind the counter. Another patron once backed into him, accidentally stepping on his foot. Because of his jovial demeanor, and his apparent disregard of people's "private space," as well as his lack of shame spying on women in the rest room, some have theorized that he may be just as inebriated as some of the other living visitors. Yes, he is a "Spirit" who apparently (in life) enjoyed "spirits," himself. So, this may be our first "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" with a "Spirit on Spirits."
Earlier, it was mentioned that there is only one ghost inside the building, the reason for making that distinction is that the building has another ghost that stands outside (and stays outside). "He" is descibed as unhappy (staring forward), and has been seen in the adjoining alley-way, at the South-West corner of the building. Years ago, a local man's murdered body was dumped (over the fence) in the area behind the building. It is believed his ghost still lingers there, never leaving that position.
(to see last month's location...)
