August'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. 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, please wear it so others can find you.

THE DATE: August 13th, 2009 (Thursday)
THE PLACE: The King Edward Saloon
(121 E 5TH St @ Los Angeles St.) map
THE TIME: 8pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

The King Edward Saloon, a.k.a. The King Eddy Saloon, a.k.a. The King Edward Bar, just might be the oldest bar in Los Angeles (despite Coles's claims), opening their doors for business in 1906. President Theodore Roosevelt (when staying at the adjoining hotel) is said to have frequented this bar after hours (for his safety). Though there have been many changes in the neighborhood, and Prohibition (when its operation moved into the basement), this tavern has endured. It also remains the last survivor of the fabled "skid row bars" of Los Angeles.

This historic bar (even if it is mostly ignored and forgotten) occupies the South-East corner of the even more historic King Edward Hotel, designed by Parkinson and Berstorm (Parkson later designed many L.A. landmarks, including Union Station, City Hall, and Bullocks Wilshire). When this building first opened, it not only proudly boasted that all the materials that went into the construction orginated from Los Angeles, but that due to its unique design was "absolutely fire-proof."

Those features aside, this saloon has another reason to brag. It is home to one of the great archetypal ghosts of America, the "vanishing hitchhiker." This apparition/urban legend has been seen in some form all over the United States (the most famous one being "Resurrection Mary" outside of Chicago), and even locally different versions of this story have been connected to the San Fernando Mission and Mulhulland Drive.

The Kind Eddy's version of this tale is that an awkward woman (possibly inebriated) introduces herself to a male patron at closing, and asks for a ride to her home in the Belvedere Garden section of East Los Angeles. The man, either with the best or worst intentions, agrees and even offers his coat to the shivering woman. On route, she demands that the driver pull over at the Evergreen Cemetery, where she mysteriously jumps out of the car and disappears into the dark grave yard. When the driver goes to look for her (and his jacket), he finds that she has completely vanished into thin air. As he leaves, he notices his jacket draped over a tombstone bearing the same name as the one she gave.

Is this ghost story a true haunting? Is it just another urban legend? Or, is it a hoax perpetuated by a woman with a sick sense of humor? Go to the the King Edward Saloon and find out for yourself.

"Ah well, the hell with you Camilla. I can forget you. I have money. These streets are filled with things you cannot give me. So down to Main Street and to Fifth Street, to the long dark bars, to the King Edward Cellar, and there a girl with yellow hair and sickness in her smile."

--John Fante (from Ask The Dusk, 1939)

(to see last month's SPIRITS with SPIRITS location...)

Annual Marilyn Monroe Memorial

2009 Marilyn Monroe Annual Memorial Service

Date: August 5, 2009 (Wednesday)

Time: 11:00 am

Place: Westwood Memorial Park,

1218 Glendon Avenue, Westwood, CA 90024 (map)

Tucked away in a small cemetery, which in itself, is fittingly tucked away behind a movie theater, sits the crypt of Marilyn Monroe. Since this blonde bombshell is one of the most ubiquitous ghosts in Hollywood (along side the ghost of silent screen star Rudolf Valentino), it makes perfect sense that her final resting place would also be counted as one of the many places said to be haunted by the spirit of this larger than life sex symbol. Although, her famous form (said to be the inspiration for the Coke's trademarked bottle) has never been seen at this location, witnesses have claimed that a strange fog sometimes appears around her pink-stained marble marker.

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

For More Info:

http://themarilynmonroecollection.blogspot.com/2009/06/2009-marilyn-monroe-memorial-service.html

GHOSTBUSTERS Screening!

Date: August 1s, 2009

Place: Circuit City Lot
(Sunset Blvd. near Hollywood/Hillhurst, Silverlake) map

Admission: "Almost Free" ($5.00 suggested donation)

The Biltmore Hotel, the Central Library, and Dan Ackroyd's former residence are just a few of the local locations that have a connection with this comedy classic. (read more)

July's SWS Highlights

Thanks to all that came out. And a special thanks to The Cat & Fiddle Pub for all of their hospitality. Not only did they go above and beyond accommodating our large group, but many of the staff shared old photos, their fond memories of the former owner, Kim Gardner, and their own personal ghost stories, adding to the ones already posted, including...

---A dark figure seen in shadows of the doorway at the north/east end of the courtyard (where the patio gate meets the wall). This apparition is thought to be the energy of a man, who accidentally fell to his death from the second floor, while trying to scale the side of the building. The reason for this fool-hearty stunt is unknown.

---The spirit Kim Gardner, who has been strongly felt in a private room opposite the Casablanca Room (on the other end of the bar). This room was used during his life as a "family room" of sorts, where friends and relatives could relax. An informal wake for Mr. Gardner was held in this room after his death, and during the remembrances, a free-standing light apparently turned on by itself, shined very brightly, and then fell over, smashing the bulb. It is also in this room, that late at night, when locking up, people have seen feet pacing back and forth through the space under the door, despite no one being in that room when the door is opened.

We also heard a variation of the gangster ghost's story, in which instead of his body being pulled into a back room to be dealt with later, it was dragged into the alley and put with the bags of trash to be hauled away since there is a door in that room that leads to the back alley (which is said to be the entrance Roy Rogers used when dining with his horse).

Thanks again, to everyone that made it a great and unique night!

(to read about the SPIRITS of this location...)