Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Highlights from Sept's SWS


Thank you to all who came out (we filled the place). Also a big thank you to the owner for opening her doors on a Monday just for us. A good time was had by all. As it turns out, this little neighborhood bar had another ghost-themed event (a book signing) the night before. So, the spirits were all warmed up for us.

Monday, September 6, 2010

Real Ghosts with Reel Ghosts!


THE DATE: October 23 (Saturday)
THE TIME: 2:00 & 8:00pm
THE PLACE: The Alex Theater
216 North Brand Boulevard, Glendale (map)
THE MOVIE: The Haunting (1963)
THE PRICE: $13.50

(NOTE: This is not a GHOULA event. So, the staff may not share the ghost stories connected to this theater. This is just a ghost-themed event that GHOULA wants its members to know about.)

Come out and see a movie about ghosts in an actual haunted theater! The Alex Theater is said to be the home of phantom bride and ghostly couple... (read more)

One of Bud and Lou's best, Hold That Ghost finds the team as gas station attendants who inherit a haunted tavern, where they (along with several travelers) spend a hilariously spooky night complete with murder, dead bodies, and a mysterious moving candle!!

Saturday, September 4, 2010

September'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: 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...)

Sunday, August 22, 2010

83rd Annual Rudolph Valentino Memorial



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.

Where: Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Boulevard (map)
Date: August 23 (Monday)
Time: 12:10 pm



One can read about Valentino's many achievements and super stardom elsewhere, but what is of interest to local ghost hunters about this silent film celebrity is the ubiquitous nature of his ghost. Valentino is said to repeatedly haunt many buildings and places throughout Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Downtown. Even the ghosts of his horse and favorite dog have been spotted over the years



The reason for these many sightings probably stems from two facts from his time in Southern California. First, because of his popular and fun-loving nature, there are not many places locally that he didn't visit, stay at, dance at, entertain at, or was entertained at (both before and after stardom). Secondly, he (along with his wife) were outspoken believers in the spirits, and participated in many demonstrations of seances. Incidentally, he has also been known to show up at many more seances after he departed.



Although Hollywood Forever Cemetery is easily one of the most haunted local cemeteries, ironically his ghost has not been seen there. But, it has been seen in the neighboring Paramount studios (some have even claimed his ghost goes through the adjoining wall as if going into the cemetery). Though Valentino may not haunt the premises, the ghost of a "women in black" has been seen periodically visiting his marker. The identity of this "woman" is difficult to determine, since over the decades, many women (including one who does these duties today) have also donned that same mourning outfit and repeated the ritual of visiting his final resting place. The idea of Valentino's "woman in black" seems to be a local tradition past down through the generations (as well as something often imitated).


So, come out and celebrate the life (and after-life) of one of the silver screen's most unique stars.



For more info...