Highlights from the August 13th “Spirits with Spirits”

The energy at the H.M.S Bounty was particularly strange the night we descended upon it.

When GHOULA asked the bartender if there were any ghost stories associated with the bar, itself, the bartender just kept mumbling about the “other” ghost in The Gaylord and kept making cryptic remarks about a “figure” in the restaurant’s back room. When asked to explain further, the bartender stopped talking all together and ignored us completely.

Then later, while we were looking at the display of Gaylord memorabilia in the lobby, we were told by the night watchman that no one was allowed to look at that, and we had to leave the lobby immediately,… which we did.

Some members of GHOULA took a side trip to look at the original Brown Derby “hat” building, which still exists down the street from The Gaylord. It is now a very active Korean Dance Club.

As they walked back to their cars, past the front of the Gaylord Hotel, the same night watchman shooed them away from the sidewalk in front of the lobby, and then called the police, who arrived as the last members of our party were getting into their cars.

Although no ghosts were seen that night, there are definitely unfriendly spirits there.

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

August 13th: Spirits with Spirits at the HMS Bounty

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, find ghosts! Come see the “hot spots” with “cold spots.”

All those who attend will receive a complimentary limited edition square shaped G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you have already received your button, please wear it so others can find you. G.H.O.U.L.A t-shirts will be available for sale ($10.00 each). Online for $13.00.

Since we have not had much luck with the “Haunted Mirrors” at our last two outings, let’s give it one more shot with a lesser known haunted mirror in the Wilshire Corridor.

THE DATE: August 13th, 2008 (Wednesday)
THE PLACE: H.M.S. Bounty (located on the ground floor of the Gaylord Bldg.) map
THE TIME: 9pm to the Witching Hour

THE GHOSTS: The H.M.S. Bounty is one of the last of a dying breed – the nautical themed bar. Decorated with boating regalia, this old watering-hole resembles the interior of a ship’s galley complete with low ceilings and portholes. This famous location is just one part of a bigger haunted site.

The H.M.S. Bounty (originally called “the Gay Room”) is on the ground floor of the Gaylord Apartments which was built in 1921 by the eccentric millionaire Gaylord Wilshire. Upton Sinclair, noted author, once said that Mr. Wilshire was “for all the world, the incarnation of Mephistopheles.” And true to form, later in life, Gaylord Wilshire claimed to have “mystical powers.”Mr. Wilshire purchased the original city dump (and surrounding swampy area) at a cheap price and converted it into the “Miracle Mile” we know today. It is said that before Mr. Wilshire gentrified this then remote section of the city, it was a popular spot to hide murder victims.
Tenants of this historic apartment building have complained of strange knocks on their windows and phantom footsteps in the empty halls. Most notably, there is a ghost that haunts the ladies’ room in the lobby. Women claim to feel an invisible hand pinch their posterior, as well as see the reflection of a leering man in the mirror, only to turn around and discover they’re alone. The identity this paranormal pervert is currently unknown.

The HMS Bounty is located at 3357 Wilshire BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90010. For restaurant and bar info, call (213) 385-7275.

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July SPIRITS WITH SPIRITS Summary: El Compadre

Although, El Compadre was bustling with human activity, the ghosts were not as active on the night we went. Unfortunately, the only spirits seen were the kind that comes in a glass with ice and flames on top. However, the historic restaurant’s atmosphere did not disappoint. The dimly lit rooms and colored lighting provided the perfect background for those attending to share ghost stories and other tales of personal encounters and adventures exploring the hidden haunted places in Los Angeles.

Haunted mirror report: This mirror is definitely strange. It is perhaps the ugliest and most garish mirror in all of Hollywood, and is worth a visit just on that level. Despite the psycadelic nature of the frame however, the mirror itself did not yield anything visually unusual on this night.

In conclusion, the rumors of ghosts are either overstated, or out-dated, or just untrue.

But then again, maybe we just picked the wrong night. Perhaps next month we will have better luck.

Stay tuned for information regarding August’s “Spirits with Spirits.” Remember, all attendees receive a complimentary limited edition GHOULA button!

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

Spirits With Spirits: July 13th at El Compadre Restaurant

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, find ghosts! Come see the “hot spots” with “cold spots.”

Since we were denied the “haunted mirror” at the Roosevelt, we have decided to go to another “haunted mirror” only a few blocks away. Come celebrates El Compadre’s thirty-third year in business. (Note: 33 is a very sacred number to the Masonic Lodge.)

THE DATE: July 13th, 2008 (Saturday)
THE PLACE: El Compadre, 7406 Sunset blvd. map
THE TIME: 9pm to the Witching Hour

THE GHOSTS:

El Compadre, also known as the “Home of the Flaming Margarita,” serves fine traditional Mexican faire to local families as well as Hollywood ’s elite. However, the flames atop their signature cocktail are not the only things that flicker in this restaurant. Patrons, and employees alike, claim to see “shadow people” crouching and hiding near the piano. These apparitions are commonly attributed to an incident that occurred in the 1950’s when another restaurant occupied this spot. It is said that during a robbery gone bad, two innocent bystanders were shot while dodging the cross-fire of bullets. Perhaps this explains the ghosts' reluctance to be seen.

Of all the celebrities that frequent this humble tavern, there is one star that out shines them all, El Compadre’s famous haunted mirror, which hangs behind the bar. It is said that if you stare into it, don’t be surprised if someone else stares back at you. Ghoula recently spoke with the restaurant’s manager, who confirmed the mirror’s infamy. He said people always ask their servers about that mirror.

Unfortunately, none of the employees have any answers as to why the phenomenon occurs, or even exactly when it started. The one thing they do know is that this story has spread around the world. According to the staff, international ghost-hunting groups from all over make El Compadre a destination when visiting California ... And this thirteenth, Ghoula will too.

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