Ghost Hunters of Urban Los Angeles

Heritage Square Ghost Hunt

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:05:21 PST

Where: Heritage Square
3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles (map)
Date: February 4 (Saturday)
Admission:
Before the 29th: $55.00 (single), $100 (double)
After the 29th: $60.00 (single), $115 (double)
Note: This is not a GHOULA event, it's a ghost-themed event, that GHOULA feels its members should be aware is happening in our great haunted city.

Haunted Orange is hosting this event at Los Angeles' Heritage Square. It is a paranormal investigation open to the public. Ramiro Ramirez (of MUN2 "From Beyond") and Kathryn Wilson (the psychic from A&E Storage Wars) will be leading the investigations. Teams will be broken up into small groups, and it is a fabulous opportunity for enthusiasts to see some real paranormal activity. There are 8 Victorian homes that we will be investigating. Haunted Orange has already had the opportunity to investigate them, and claims they are most definitely haunted.

(Although in years past, Heritage Square officially denied that any of their buildings were haunted, GHOULA has heard privately from employees that two of the historic structures do indeed have very active other-worldly residents. Additionally, Heritage Square was created to preserve a famously haunted Victorian home, which ironically burned to the ground once it was moved to this location.)

Don't miss out on getting to investigate these fabulous haunted Victorian homes! Small groups, 8 buildings! Limited amount of tickets.

(to order tickets... )
(for more details about this event... )
(for more info about Heritage Square... )

Drinking Game: Ghostbusters!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:46:01 PST

What: A Drinking Game: Ghostbusters!
When: January 21 (Saturday)
Time: 8:00p to 11:00p
Where: The Next Stage Theater
1523 North La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles (map)
Admission: $15
Age Suitability: 21 and up

Note: This is not a GHOULA event, it is a ghost-themed event, GHOULA feels its members should be aware is happening in our great haunted city.

Ghostbusters performed LIVE on stage as an audience-interactive Drinking Game! Join our cast of talented actors as they perform the entire movie live, and join in as they drink on specific keywords and queues! Great fun for cast and audience, even if a little hard on your liver! 21+ Only!

Show is BYOB, there is a liquor store downstairs...how convenient! Interactive kits available to complete your experience and make you part of the action! Voted as one of the Top 5 things to do in LA by Thrillist.

(to learn more about LA's connection to the movie GHOSTBUSTERS... )

PaleyFest Honors Local Ghost Story

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:56:48 PST

Date: March 2 (Friday)
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Saban Theatre
8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills (map)
Admission: $20 - $75

The Paley Fest this year will feature the cast and crew of the (LA-centric) TV Drama, American Horror Story for an in-depth discussion of the program.

The Harmons see dead people. The exceedingly troubled family at the epicenter of this outlandish spine-chiller from FX—“arguably the season’s sexiest, scariest, strangest show” per TV Guide—has moved from Boston to L.A., hoping to begin anew after a miscarriage and an affair, but their adopted home is a house of horrors flush with dead, tortured souls, all of the malevolent variety. The show, from Glee’s Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, was highly anticipated and hasn’t disappointed; three-plus weeks after its October premiere, trick-or-treaters were masquerading as one of its characters, the Rubber Man. Much credit goes to the cast, including Dylan McDermott and Connie Britton (the Harmons); Taissa Farmiga (daughter Violet); and Jessica Lange (their sinister and completely batty neighbor).

In Person Panel to be announced.

For more info...
http://www.paleycenter.org/

January's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 19:33:23 PST

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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: January 13th (A Frolicking Friday the 13th)
THE PLACE: the Frolic Room
6245 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

January 15th (Sunday) will mark the sixty-fifth anniversary of the internationally known "Black Dahlia Murder." If you are not familiar with this dark chapter of our city's history, details and theories can be found elsewhere on the internet. Simply put, in 1947, the body of Elizabeth Short was found in two pieces in a vacant lot, bisected at the waist. No killer was ever caught, and the case is still unsolved. This event was so bizarre and disturbing (even by today's standards), that it has almost become a symbol of L.A.'s shadowy underbelly that co-exists with our sunny skies. A cottage industry has even developed for the morbidly curious, from books to movies, and from tours to merchandise. There is even a drink named after her (which is best enjoyed when divided between two separate glasses).

"Officially" the last time she was seen alive was at the (haunted) Biltmore Hotel, downtown, on January 9th, prompting some to call those missing days in between the "lost week." However, during the investigation of this highly-publicized case, police did track down eye-witnesses that where able to fill in some of these gaps. Although, those who academically study this stuff argue about the legitimacy of these sightings, one account by John Jiroudek who had known Elizabeth Short, claimed she was in a 1937 Ford Sedan on Hollywood Blvd with an unknown blonde woman behind the wheel on January 13th.

So, in honor of the "city of angel's" most famous/infamous fallen angel, GHOULA is also headed to Hollywood Blvd this 13th (65 year to the day) to one of the Dahlia's favorite watering holes, The Frolic Room (AKA "Bob's Frolic Room"), established in 1934 on the ground floor of the Pantages Theater (built in 1930), replacing Halgreen's Fountain Cafe.

Daniel Jackson, a private detective, who had a chance meeting with Elizabeth Short in the Frolic Room a year before her death, was supposedly told by police investigators “We do know it to be a fact that Beth Short was in that cocktail bar and around that locality numerous times just before her murder.” What makes her preference for this particular dive even more interesting is that (according to "The Story of Hollywood" by Gregory Paul Williams) in the post Second World War years, the Frolic Room had become one of Hollywood's secret gay bars. Was the Frolic Room the destination for Beth and her blonde "companion" that day?

In the years after her death, Ms. Short has been accused of being many things, a prostitute, a burlesque dancer, a drug addict, and yes, even a lesbian. At this point, no one really knows if any of those labels are true. However, among the 25 serious suspects listed by the District Attorney was the cryptic entry, "Queer Woman Surgeon." It was thought at the time that perhaps a woman cut the body in half to make it easier to transport. A few women even confessed to the police. Did the Dahlia meet her murderer, or rather murderess, here?

Unfortunately, the male ghost of this tiny tavern doesn't provide any clues to this mystery, or does it? Although the management claims no knowledge of any ghost stories connected to this historic bar, patrons have told GHOULA about a "man" that is only seen in the reflection of the mirror behind the bar (and not present in the actual room). Curiously, this phenomena also occurred in the bar in the Biltmore (until they removed the mirrors). Does the same spirit haunt both of these places linked to the Black Dahlia's final days? Was "he" stalking her?

Additionally, the Pantages building with its ominous hooded statues along the roof, in which the Frolic Room resides, is famously haunted. The historical marker on the street light in front even references the ghost of Howard Hughes, who is one of the spirits said to haunt this building, (along with a female spirit, and a singer). Hughes purchased the building in 1949, and moved into the offices upstairs. It is said that during his time as owner/occupant, and true to his obsessive-compulsive nature, he micro-managed the Frolic Room, and installed the iconic Technicolor (almost psychedelic) neon sign in front. Hughes also brought the Academy Awards ceremony to the Pantages, and supposedly would convert the Frolic Room into his own private lounge on Oscar nights. Who knows, maybe the male spirit in the bar is him (back when the seeds of his insanity were surfacing).

Lastly, there was a 1950's TV anthology program entitled "Screen Director's Playhouse." One episode featured a story about a lonely older man, watching the Academy Awards broadcast live from the Pantages Theater on the TV in the Frolic Room (next door). Unbeknownst to the other patrons, the film pioneer mentioned in an acceptance speech is ironically that sad, poor elderly man. This fictional story is clearly based on film pioneer, D.W. Griffith. Although, he had died by the time the Oscars came to the Pantages, he had spent much of the later part of his life, forgotten and destitute, in bars like the Frolic Room. Could he be the "man" in the mirror?

So, come out and raise a glass to the three victims of the "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," the Black Dahlia, Howard Hughes, and D.W. Griffth, and hear some of the other ghost stories about the building and street outside this 13th... if you dare.

(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to read more about another Black Dahlia haunted hangout... )
(to read about the ghosts of the Biltmore... )

(to read about the ghosts of the Pantages Theater... )

19511930

Ghost lecture at LANHM

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:11:17 PST

When: January 6, 2012 (Friday)

Where: The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd.
Admission: $12.00

This event is part of the Natural History Musuem's "First Fridays" series. For more info on the event... http://www.nhm.org/site/activities-programs/first-fridays/january-2012

Discussion (6:30 pm): “The Believing Brain: From Ghosts and Gods To Politics and Conspiracies — How We Construct Beliefs and Reinforce Them As Truths” with Dr. Michael Shermer

Synthesizing thirty years of research, Michael Shermer upends traditional thinking about how humans form beliefs about the world. Simply put, beliefs come first, and explanations for beliefs follow. The brain, Shermer argues, is a belief engine. Using sensory data that flow in through the senses, the brain naturally looks for and finds patterns — and then infuses those patterns with meaning, forming beliefs. Once beliefs are formed, our brains subconsciously seek out confirmatory evidence in support of those beliefs, accelerating the process of reinforcing them — and round and round the process goes in a positive feedback loop. Shermer provides countless real-world examples of how this process operates, from politics, economics, and religion to conspiracy theories, the supernatural, and the paranormal. And ultimately, he demonstrates why science is the best tool ever devised to determine whether or not our beliefs match reality.

GHOULA's Annual Report 2011

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 20:11:33 PST

(Alhambran F.E. Ormsby, creator of the 13 month calendar, 1929)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

GHOULA has many great things planned for the upcoming year.

But first, let's take a last look back at 2011.

SPIRITS with SPIRITS continued its monthly meetings, visiting 11 new haunted restaurants/bars (and one gallery) in the Los Angeles area. Our October meet-up was at the world famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip with unprecedented access to the infamous haunted basement. Also in October, the LA Weekly declared (in their "Best of LA" issue) SPIRITS with SPIRITS and GHOULA was "The best weirdo tour of LA." (To revisit the 2011 "SPIRITS with SPIRITS" locations see below)

Last Year, GHOULA continued its "REAL GHOSTS with REEL GHOSTS." As a way to celebrate "Tinsel Town's" film history and Hollywood's haunted history, anytime a movie about ghosts was shown in a haunted local theater, the details were posted on this site.

We also brought back our "Haunted Films in Haunted Places" film series in October. In a partnership with the Echo Park Film Center's Filmmobile, for a second year, we screened different movies with "haunted" in their titles in actual haunted locations that corresponded thematically with that film.

And speaking of movie events, GHOULA sponsored the "EMERGO" for a screening of "House on Haunted Hill" at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica. "EMERGO" was a 1950's gimmick that promised an actual ghost leaping of the screen and into the Auditorium (to see pictures of our EMERGO...)

We also celebrated the visual arts in February with a GHOULA sponsored art show featuring paintings of haunted places. The exhibition was held at the Studio for SOCAL History.

2011 was a great year for GHOULA, and judging from the surprises that are in the works, 2012 will be even better (at least until the world ends in December).

The SPIRITS with SPIRITS locations of 2011.

January - Antonio's
February - Studio for SOCAL History
March - Maeve's Residuals
April - Footsies
May - Sagebrush Catina
June - Hotel Figueroa
July - Basement Bar
August - Pig N Whistle
September - Plum Tree Inn
October - Comedy Store
November - Hamburger Hamlet
December - Boardner's

(To view last year's annual report...)

December's SPIRITS with SPIRITS!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:05:56 PST

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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: December 13th (Tuesday)
THE PLACE: Boardner's
1652 North Cherokee Avenue (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

THE GHOST(S):

In the beginning, yuletide activities revolved around ghosts, demons and other weird creatures that dished out punishments to the naughty as a way of co-opting the pagan winter solstices ceremonies in place before "Christmas." For this reason, some early American pilgrims felt this celebration was sacrilegious and/or satanic. However, as this "christian" holiday gained popularity, these more sinister traditions were pushed back to autumn and became the basis for today's Halloween.

So let's turn back the clock to a simpler time when darkness (and death) ruled the winter, and celebrate a local watering hole with a ghostly connection to Christmas...

Although, Boardner's opened in 1942, this address had served as a bar for at least a decade before, making it one of the last great bars of Hollywood's golden era, and as such, it is often used as a film location to evoke that era. It was used in Tim Burton's "Ed Wood" (pictured above), since Ed Wood, arguably the worst film director in film history, frequented this tavern. The movie also depicts a fictional meeting between Wood and Orson Welles, arguably Hollywood's greatest director, at the historic (haunted) Musso & Frank's Bar and Grill across the street. Although, there is no proof that this event ever happened there, it is likely it may have happened at Boardner's given that many of Hollywood's elite (such as Welles) could be found slumming it at Boardner's, including a broke, down-n-out, elderly D.W Griffith, arguably the most important film director ever, who not only transformed movies from novelties into an art form, but he also turned Hollywood, from a farming community, into the center of the motion picture industry.

However, despite all the notable people who have past through its neon-lit entrance, today, most people know of Boardner's because of its association with the infamous "Black Dahlia" murder case, where the naked body of an actress/singer/possible prostitute was found cut in half with a bloody smile carved into her face, lying "posed" in a vacant lot on Norton Avenue. While the "Black Dahlia," aka Elizabeth Short, was living in Hollywood (one block away from Boardners), she frequented this establishment. Her drink of preference was supposedly beer. Incidentally, the moniker, "The Black Dahlia" is a reference to a popular movie of that time, "The Blue Dahlia," which was written by another supposed Boardner's regular, Raymond Chandler.

The grizzly Dahlia case kicked off a media frenzy, and despite all the scrutiny and investigations, the killer was never caught. Thus, its considered one of the great unsolved mysteries of Los Angeles with many solutions, theories, and suspects that are still discussed among Angelenos (including rumors that she was killed by Orson Welles). There is even a bus tour of all the Dahlia sites by Esotouric Bus Adventures. Recently, the Black Dahlia story has even been worked into the LA-centric TV series, American Horror Story, or rather the ghost of Elizabeth Short is now part of the show and part of their fictional haunted house's mythology.

In real life, the actual ghost of Elizabeth Short is said to haunt the elevators of the Biltmore Hotel (officially the last place see was seen alive). However, there are claims that she may haunt other locations...

It is said that she visited all her old Hollywood hangouts during the "missing days" before this unknown actress became posthumously famous.

Was she at Boardner's the night she was murdered? Did she meet her killer there for a drink, or a beer? Was it perhaps the film director that she wrote home about?

Could the dark presence witnesses feel in the tiny ladies room at the far end of the building be the tragic spirit of Elizabeth Short? Does she haunt her old haunt as some believe?

Although the bar is most known for its haunted bathroom (Boardner's website even boasts about it), as well as odd electrical disturbances, there is an additional ghost that resides on the premises...

There is a room that runs parallel to the the bar on the other side of the north wall (accessed through the courtyard) known as B52 Club (a reference to the bar that occupied this address before Boardners), and home to Bar Sinister (LA's best Goth Club). Inside the large loft-like space, generally only open during special events, there is a long stairway that goes to an upstairs office. Employees, late at night, have claimed to see a ghostly man at the top of those stairs, or have heard phantom footsteps walking up those steps.

The identity of this male spirit is unknown, but just as with the Dahlia, there are some likely suspects. Obviously, Steve Boardner, the Bar's namesake, is one suspect, since he spent many hours in that room, using it both as an office and a place for him and his friends to play poker into the wee hours of the morning.

Secondly, it is said that for a period, there was a bed in that room, and the then owner allowed a homeless man to sleep there during the hours that the business was closed. According to this story, one morning, it was discovered that he had died in his sleep sometime during the night before. Interestingly, the historic (haunted) Miceli's Restaurant, a block away, has an identical story of a homeless man dying in his sleep. Incidentally, Boardner and Carmen Miceli were close friends with signs in each of their establishments pointing patrons to the other establishment. Boardner gave Miceli the money to open his restauarant, back when Miceli was a busboy at the famous (haunted) night club, Ciro's.

The leading contender for the ghost's identity, however, is that of Kurt Richter, who purchased Boardner's from Steve Boardner in 1980 (along with partner, Dave Hadley), and was co-owner of this landmark until he had a heart-attack while inside Bioardner's while sitting at the bar in 1997...

...on Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas everyone, and hope to see you there!

http://www.boardners.com/

(to read about last month's haunted location... )
(to read about the ghosts of Musso & Franks... )
(to read about the ghosts of Miceli's... (
to read about the ghosts of Ciro's... )(to read about the ghosts of the Biltmore... )

Highlights from November's SWS

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:57:01 PST

Thank you all who came out celebrate the history and ghostly folklore of this famous eatery.

In a few weeks the historic Sunset Strip Hamburger Hamlet will just be a memory, not just for GHOULA members, but for all of Los Angeles when it closes its door forever. But, we can now proudly proclaim that our humble ghostly group was part of its illustrious history.

Although, we didn't see any ghosts that night, there were many good stories and much lively conversation, which is what the Hamlet has always been about. A playful bartender even joked with our group about the ghost of Dean Martin keeping an eye on his favorite hang-out from his favorite booth.

(to read about the Hamburger Hamlet's ghosts... )

November's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:35:58 PST

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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: November 13th (Sunday)
THE PLACE: The Hamburger Hamlet
(at the bar in the Tap Room)
9201 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

NOTE: This historic Hollywood landmark will be closing its doors forever next month. This may be your last chance to enjoy it before it leaves us.

THE GHOST(S):

"To sleep, perchance to dream - Ay, there's the rub."
William Shakespeare (from Hamlet)

"Hamburger Hamlet" was the dream of actor, Harry Lewis (most famous for his role in the Bogart/Bacall classic Key Largo). He was out of work, when he confessed this aspiration to his future wife, Marilyn, an aspiring fashion designer (and future creator of Cardinali collection), on their first date. He wanted a little place for actors to hang out. He figured that since every actor dreams of playing Hamlet, they would appreciate a burger joint themed towards that theatrical character. The concept for the menu was to mix signature burgers with some "fancy items," to attract both sets, because even the wealthy enjoy comfort food.

Using his life savings (around $3,000), a marked-up copy the Brown Derby Cook Book, and a nose-twitch that told Marilyn where to locate this restaurant, they opened The Hamburger Hamlet at 8931 Sunset Blvd. a couple of days before Halloween in 1950 to a full house... with a stove that wouldn't turn on. They hadn't paid the gas bill. Marilyn begged the gas man to come out and turn it on (without the money), proclaiming that if he did, he could eat there for free for the rest of his life. He did, and indeed, he ate there for free for the rest of his life.

From the very beginning the tiny Hamlet was a hit. Marilyn and Harry were the only two employees (she cooked and he worked the front of house). The place got so busy, that a PA system was installed so that she could announce the orders that were ready, and the individuals could pick them up themselves. Celebrities, not wanting there name announced, would give "Smith," which led to confusion most nights when all orders were for "Smith." When, Marilyn gave birth to their first child, forcing the couple to leave the restaurant, regular customers, Sammy Davis Jr. And Tony Curtis, took over the cooking and front of house duties, while the Lewis' were in the hospital.

From this beloved hole-in-the-wall, Marilyn and Harry built an empire, and a chain of Hamburger Hamlet restaurants across the country, even spinning off a more upscale version called The Hamlet Gardens. Additionally, they opened Kate Mantilini's, which did for meatloaf, what the Hamlet did for burgers (and which is also rumored to be haunted).

By the end of the 1960's, the original restaurant moved a couple of blocks west to its current location inside the modernist high-rise enclave at the Beverly Hills border (on the other side of "The Long Hair Curtain"), where the decor was changed to match the library/reading room aesthetic established by the other Hamlets. Over the decades, this site has became a hub for Hollywood deal-making, as it seems this is the last restaurant, from the studios, one passes before entering the residential neighborhoods of Beverly Hills (where these deal-makers live).

Despite a claim made by Medium Dorothy Vellas to the L.A. Times that the conditions at the Hamlet are no good for contacting the spirits (too crowed), employees claim that there is spirit activity in the kitchen after hours. It is said that when everyone has left, and they are closing, clattering sounds come from the kitchen area as if someone is busy at work. When investigated, no one is ever there.

Could this be a former employee? A former cook? In 1974, a disgruntled ex-cook trainee, returned to the restaurant, hid inside it over night, and when the manager and a maintenance man arrived at 9am, shot them at close range with a sawed-off shotgun, killing the maintenance man instantly. Although this story has been repeated, those events happened at their other West Hollywood location. Did the ghosts of that event move here, when the other Hamlet closed?

During its first few years, the Hamlet didn't "come alive" until after midnight, when performers got off work. In these wee hours, Sammy Davis Jr. used to dance on the tabletops, after his gig at Ciro's (last month's haunted location). Does this late-night energy still rattle around at the Hamlet? Or, could it be a phantom from the restaurants that preceded the Hamlet at this address, Schwab's and Covey's. Little is known about what was at this site before this Paul R. Williams designed building went up in 1963.

Whoever haunts this hamburger place inspired by Shakespeare's most famous ghost story, may never be revealed, but at the very least we can toast this unknown ghost, and toast this local institution before it also drifts into eternity.

"Parting is such sweet sorrow..."

www.hamburgerhamlet.com

(to read about last mothh's haunted location... )

Strangest Ghost Promotion 2011

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:54:15 PST

Last year, we learned that ghosts like pancakes.
This year, we learned that "ghosts turn milk green."

(to see last year's strangest ghost promotion...)

Last Friday's Screening!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:31:20 PST

Thank you to all, who came out to our "Haunted House" screening at an actual haunted house, and special thanks to the Shadow Ranch staff for allowing us to tour the inside of the house before the screening. A big thank-you goes out to Erik Hietter for his expert keyboard accompaniment, and Richard Carradine for his Theremin punctuation. And always, thanks to the EPFC Filmmobile for making these site-specific events possible.

(to read about this haunted location... )

Friday's Screening's Secret Haunted Location

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 18:37:09 PDT

Location: Shadow Ranch
22633 Vanowen St., West Hills (map)

NOTE: Our group will have access to the interior of this haunted house til 9pm.

Come out for this year's last free outdoor screening tomorrow (Friday, 0ct 28, @8:00pm) and see "The Haunted House" with Buster Keaton at this real haunted house like the one in the movie. (For more info about the movie... ) Also, hear about this local landmark's history (and ghost stories).

All are welcome to this family-friendly event. Don't forget to bring chairs and flashlights. Also, the haunted house is now in the middle of a city park, so please follow all posted rules while in the park.

The Ghosts:

Like a scene straight out of the movie Poltergeist, in the middle of rows of 1960's era suburban neighborhoods, sits an 1860's haunted house. This spot, deep in the San Fernando Valley, was also the original site of on a Native American village (like in Poltergeist). And as if that weren't enough, the home is haunted by a little girl (also like Poltergeist).

The village mentioned above was home to the Chumash tribe that chose this land because of a fresh water spring nearby. The Chumash word for "water" is "canoga," hence the modern day name for this area, "Canoga Park." These waters also brought visitors, who traveled along the El Camino Real (Royal Road) to and from the San Fernando Mission.

Then in 1854, this region (and the west half of the valley) was sold by Andres Pico to Issac Lankershim, and it was converted into farms. In 1869, Alfred Workman, who managed the 13,ooo acres of wheat on the western edge of the property, was granted permission to build a house for himself and his bride on this spot. After falling into disrepair at the turn of the century, it was purchased by the screen-writing (husband and wife) team of Colin and Florence Clements. They restored the house, and held many parties on the property that were attended to by the movie stars of the day. The screenplay for The Wizard of Oz was even written within its walls. It was during these times that the home was nicknamed "Shadow Ranch." Despite the ominous title, the moniker was chosen because of the huge eucalyptus trees surrounding the house for shade (planted on Workman's wedding day). After the Clements, the Paulls family raised 13 children in this house. Then, in 1957, the city obtained the property to use as a community center, and in 1962, Shadow Ranch became one of the first ten places chosen by the City of Los Angeles as a Cultural Historical Monument (it's #9).

Now, for the ghosts... As mentioned above, there is a little girl seen walking around the house, and following staff members. It is said that she likes to play in the house after hours, and when employees stay late, she tugs on their arm to remind them its time to leave so she can have the house to herself. There is a little boy on the second floor, who is seen (from outside) looking out of the upstairs windows. According to local legend, he died in an accident and was decapitated. There is a woman in a white Victorian dress, who walks through visitors of the house, and of course the ghost of Alfred Workman is said to haunt the house.

Interestingly enough, spirit sighting in this structure go back many decades. A cook for one of the families that lived in the home stated that he believed a ghost occupied a small hall next to the garage.

Also, in the 1970's, the Valley's chapter of the Society for Psychophysiological Research (SPR) held their monthly meetings in this building where experts were invited to give lectures on various aspects of the occult to their membership. More recently, GHOULA was told by staff that not a Halloween goes by without paranormal investigation teams and Ouija clubs requesting access to the house for late night activities and experiments.

Lastly, like most historic properties in Southern California, there are claims that 25,000 dollars worth of gold was buried on the property (somewhere near the house) by a group of bandits, who robbed a Wells Fargo stage coach on the nearby Santa Susanna Pass. While the Clements lived here, they complained that people were always digging up their lawn at night looking for the treasure. Other versions of the story, connect the notorious Joaquin Murrieta to the lost gold, who (like the little boy who haunts the house) also was decapitated after death. Coincidence?

(To see last week's haunted screening location... )

Haunted Films @ Haunted Places (2 of 2)

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:19:16 PDT

(scene from Buster Keaton's "The Haunted House.")
Date: October 28 (Friday)
Time: 8:00pm
Movie: The Haunted House (1921)
Location: An actual Haunted House (details to follow)

For the second year, GHOULA is working with the EPFC's Filmmobile to present a series of free outdoor screenings on the last two Fridays in October at a different haunted site.

Each evening will consist of a "haunted" movie, guest speaker, a discussion of the location's ghost(s), and maybe some other activities. (Don't forget to bring a chair, warm clothes, and flashlight.)

(Note: GHOULA and the EPFC Filmmobile will only disclose the actual location 24 hours before showtime. So, check out their facebook page for the exact directions to this screening, or just check out the GHOULA site the day before.)

This Friday's movie...
"The Haunted House" with comedy legend Buster Keaton.

Plus, Harold Lloyd's short Haunted Spooks (1920)

Both of these classic silent films will be screened with LIVE musical accompaniment (including a Theremin for those ghostly moans)!

So, please join us for a evening of old time phantom fun as we enjoy two comedy giants from the silent era as they tackle the lighter side of spirits (that haven't gone into the light) at an appropriately spooky outdoor environment.

Last Friday's Screening!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:47:31 PST

So, it looks like the spirits of the Haunted Forest are not to be trifled with, and "the curse" should apparently be taken seriously for those that dare plan night-time events in these mysterious woods.

Shortly before our scheduled screening, a car accident occurred at the gates of the (long gone) Cobb Estate, the site of the infamous murder attempt previously mentioned on this blog. As a result of this collision, the DWP blocked the gates and the entrance to the Haunted Forest as they re-installed the damaged street lighting, and restored electrical power to the area.

Following the old adage, "The show must go on," the Filmobile set up the screen one block south of the gates. So, although we were not inside the Haunted Forrest, we were Haunted Forest adjacent.

The few people who braved the unforeseen, and were not dissuaded by the road closures or twitter warnings, were rewarded with a forrest-themed horror film, and a discussion of the local ghosts.

To those that have been emailing about a redo, we are not going to have a make-up screening at this location, but we will be revisiting Altadena's famous Haunted Forrest next summer for a series of haunted night hikes planned. Hope to see you then, and don't forget this Friday's Haunted Films @ Haunted Places screening.

(For info about this Friday's Haunted Films @ Haunted Places...)
(For info about the ghosts of Altadena's Haunted Forrest...)

The Ghost of William Castle?

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 04:03:14 PDT

Location: Stories Books & Café Presents
Date: October 27 (Thursday)
Time: 7:30pm

The Return of the Late Legendary Horror Filmmaker William Castle
With a Reading From His New Novel
From the Grave: The Prayer
By His Own Flesh and Blood, Terry Castle

All Ages Welcome!
Halloween Tricks & Treats Including
Demonstration of Castle Family Secret Recipe for Blood

Known for his ingenious marketing gimmicks, legendary horror film producer and director William Castle (1914-1977) has returned from the dead with his first new work in decades, From the Grave: The Prayer (Volume 1), a novel for young adults. Due out this Halloween season in early October 2011, the 75,000-word book set in Hollywood and Southern France is a compelling thriller infused with history, suspense, and horror.

EMERGO-a-go-go!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 01:52:33 PDT

When, House on Haunted Hill was originally released in 1959, Director William Castle promised that a ghost would appear in the theater while the movie played. On October 22nd at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, a skeleton flew high above the audience, around the auditorium, dived down at unsuspecting patrons, and even spoke, mimicking the dialogue on screen. The "skeleton" was designed by Jesse Kingsley, and manipulated by master puppeteer, Eli Presser.

"Best Emergo ever!"
-- Terry Castle (daughter of William)
"That was the Rolls-Royce of Emergos"
-- Steve Bickel (original Emergo operator)

(to read more about this screening... )

Old Fashsioned Ghostly Fun!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:17:22 PDT

Panorama of Horrors Spook Show

Date: October 28 (Friday)
Time: 8 pm, 11pm
Place: The Velaslavasay Panorama
1122 West 24th Street, Los Angeles
Tickets: $10

Before the Comics Code Authority sanitized the industry in the mid-‘50s, kids gobbled up horrific tales of murder and the occult in comic books. The Captured Aural Phantasy Theater bring select masterpieces of pre-Code Comic Book terror to life in the Panorama of Horrors Spook Show. The show is built around radio program-style performances of vintage comic book stories and other pop culture gems, along with live sound effects, music and projected art. The evening also includes short acts, a seance, sultry singing, prizes, and live music. This show is packed with thrills such as 1953’s Mad Hate of Dr. Zart! and music by members of the ghastly surf band “The Noble Gasses”!

Nurtured in Chicago, Captured Aural Phantasy Theater is now in Los Angeles and is dedicated to producing high-quality live, filmed and recorded entertainment.

Arrive early for your Zombie Makeover! And come in costume!

Wicked Lit 2011

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 02:00:02 PDT

(Note: This is not a GHOULA event. It is a ghost-themed event happening in Los Angeles that we feel may be of interest to our members.)

This year's show will be at Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery, and features theatrical adaptations of classic horror literature being performed as a walking production throughout the grounds of the cemetery.

The scope of Wicked Lit is to create and produce new stage plays based on classic horror literature. Wicked Lit launched its inaugural production in 2009 at the haunted Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills and has also produced a sold-out show at the Biltmore Hotel in conjunction with the Theatre Communications Group National Conference in 2011.

This year they will return to Altadena for this Halloween season after a sold-out run at Mountain View in 2010. In addition to the creating fully realized productions, Wicked Lit has presented over 70 staged readings of new plays at theatres, libraries, schools, and festivals all over Southern California. These readings have taken place in communities throughout Los Angeles, Orange, and Ventura counties.

Production A
Press performances: October 21, 22, and 23 at 8pm
Featuring Charles Dickens' The Chimes, H. P. Lovecraft's The Unnambale, and Edgar Allan Poe's The Cask of Amontillado

Production B
Press performances: October 28, 29 and 30 at 8pm
Featuring Robert Louis Stevenson's The Body Snatcher, M. R. Jame's Casting the Runes, and Mark Twain's A Ghost Story

Mountain View Mausoleum and Cemetery
2300 N. Marengo Ave
Altadena, CA 91001
DO NOT ENTER FROM FAIR OAKS

You can find more information about Wicked Lit here.

Paranormal Fundraiser Event

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 01:40:22 PDT

Date: Saturday, October 22
Time: 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: Casa Del Mexicano
2900 Calle Pedro Infante, Los Angeles, CA
Admission: $15.00

(Note: This is not a GHOULA event. This is a ghost-themed event happening in Los Angeles, the we feel may be of interest to our members.)

Created By
Frank Beruecos, Dawn Gomez Epi

Joining the event will be:
3AM Paranormal
Planet Paranormal
Gian Temperilli
NOPS (North Orange County Paranormal Society)
Donn Shy
Kathryn Willson
Eastside Paranormal Investigations
Beyond Paranormal Investigations
Mindstsate Magazine
Mr. Wayne Poe (So. Cal Paranormal Investigators Documentary)
S.U.R.G.E Paranormal to present Tech 101
Afterlife Investigations
Inland Empire Ghost Hunters

SCHEDULE -DOORS OPEN AT 11:00AM
11:30am - 12:30pm - Meet and Greet
12:30pm - 12:40pm - Introduction - Frank Beruecos & Dawn Gomez
12:40pm - 12:55pm - History of Casa Del Mexicano - Martha & Ruben Soriano
1:00pm - 1:55pm - Planet Paranormal
2:00pm - 2:55pm - Syd Shultz
3:00pm - 4:00pm - 3AM Paranormal
4:00pm - 4:30pm - Break
4:30pm - 5:00pm - Donn Shy
5:00pm - 5:55pm - A.J Barrera
6:00pm - 6:55pm - Gian Temperilli
7:00pm - 8:00pm - S.U.R.G.E Paranormal
8:00pm - 8:30pm - Kathryn Wilson
8:30pm - 8:40pm - Closing - Frank Beruecos & Dawn Gomez

La Luz de Jesus Seance

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 01:04:33 PDT

For one night only!
La Luz de Jesus Halloween Séance
with mentalist Mark Edward

(Note: This not a GHOULA event. This is a ghost-themed event happening in Los Angeles, we feel is of interest to our members)

On Sunday, October 30th from 7 - 9 PM, @ La Luz de Jesus Séance.

Mentalist Mark Edward (a regular performer at The Magic Castle) will be communicating with some of the deceased artists featured in our 25th Anniversary Exhibition.

RSVP for a chance to sit at the séance table!
info@laluzdejesus.com

Friday's Secret Screening Haunted Location!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 00:39:34 PDT

Location: Haunted Forrest of Altadena
The north end of Lake Ave @ East Loma Alta Drive, Altadena (map)
Behind the big gate (pictured above)

Come out for this year's first free outdoor screening tomorrow (Friday, 0ct 21, @8:00pm) and see "Haunted Forest" at this real haunted forest like the one in the movie. (For more info about the movie...) Also, hear about this local landmark's history (and ghost stories) from Skylaire Alfvegren from SoCal L.O.W.F.I.

Don't forget to bring chairs and flashlights.

Altadena's Haunted Forest (sometimes called "The Enchanted Forest" or "The Super-Natural Cemetery") is Southern California's own version of the fictional story told in "The Blair Witch Project." The wooded area under Echo Mountain, where a large mansion (built in 1915) once stood has supposedly claimed the souls of many hikers that have just mysteriously disappeared when entering these grounds.

The land was originally owned by Oregon lumber tycoon, Charles Cobb, who was said to be a Mason, as well as a member of other secret societies. Local lore claims he (with others) performed strange rituals out in these isolated woods, perhaps summoning dark forces, and even torturing and sacrificing humans (who are also said to buried under the estate).

A year before Charles Cobb died, a woman who was hitchhiking her way to the 1939 World's Fair in San Francisco, and who accepted a ride from a butcher from San Diego, found herself at the large gates to the Cobb Estate. The butcher brought her to this spot, with the apparent intent to murder her there. While he was bludgeoning her with his metal sausage-stuffer, the Cobb's housekeeper called the sheriff. When, the sheriff arrived, they were both unconscious, and she was still alive. The butcher maintained that the last thing he remembered was driving through Whittier, as if he were in a trance that brought him to the Cobb Estates large iron gates.

After Cobb's death, nuns took over the property until it was eventually purchased by legendary comedian Groucho Marx and his family, who intended on turning the land into a cemetery as a business venture. The cemetery never happened (at least not in that form), and today it is a park maintained by the Forestry Service for everyone (even spirits) to enjoy.

It appears that this area has been associated with ghost stories ever since the 1950's when local teens would dare each other to go into the scary abandon mansion.

According to legend, there is a ghost in chains that wanders these nature trails looking to feed on the life force of unlucky hikers that cross its path. Could this be a tortured victim of a long ago satanic ritual, or some renegade demon summoned by Cobb's coven? It is said that people hear disembodied screams and see glowing orbs floating down the paths, which are thought to be the spirits of this dark entity's victims. The orbs are thought to be the phantom flashlights of hiker's still trying to find their way out of the bewitched woods.

However, there are also stories that in the 1890's prospectors mined this area for gold. Northern California's folklore is filled with stories of ghosts that protect their gold deposits, or "ghost lights" that mark a location of hidden gold (this phenomenon is even referenced in the novel Dracula). Could that be the true nature of the haunted forest's mysterious glowing orbs?

Come out and join us, and maybe you will find out for yourself.

Haunted Films @ Haunted Places (1 of 2)

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:18:29 PDT

Date: October 21 (Friday)
Time: 8:00pm
Movie: Haunted Forest (2007)
Location: An actual Haunted Forest (details to follow)

For the second year, GHOULA is working with the EPFC's Filmmobile to present a series of free outdoor screenings on the last two Fridays in October at a different haunted site.

Each evening will consist of a "haunted" movie, guest speaker, a discussion of the location's ghost(s), and maybe some other activities. (Don't forget to bring a chair.)

(Note: GHOULA and the EPFC Filmmobile will only disclose the actual location 24 hours before showtime. So, check out their facebook page for the exact directions to this screening, or just check out the GHOULA site the day before.)

This Friday's movie... "Haunted Forest"

In the forest, only the trees can hear you scream. A vengeful tree spirit wreaks havoc on visitors to a mountain forest to avenge a crime committed 200 years before.

(for more info about the location...)

Future "Haunted Films at Haunted Places" will feature...

October 28th, "Haunted House Silent Shorts" @ an actual Haunted House.

Highlights from Oct's SWS!

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:11:47 PST

A big thank you to the staff of the world famous Comedy Store. They could not have made us feel more welcome. Personalized guided tours of the infamous haunted basement, as well as entry to the comedy show, and free passes to their "Haunted Midnights" event (every Friday night in October).

For those that came, the basement tour is just a teaser for the fun in store if you come back for their "Haunted Midnights." Needless to say, there are ghosts (and ghost stories) about the whole club, which you will see on the midnight tours, including one of the supposed "gun turrets" from the club's notorious gangster days. Also, they will be sharing little known ghost stories like "The Woman in White." Could she be a former glamorous patron or maybe the nurse, who preformed the illegal abortions in the basement. Come out and find out.

Plus, our friends at Paranormal EXP will share the evidence they gathered from a recent investigation of the building. All this and a themed comedy show free to those that came to SPIRITS with SPIRITS ($15.00 otherwise).

So, show your appreciation for the kindness they showed GHOULA, and support this local business that is not shying away from their haunted history.

P.S. For what it is worth, one of the members present, claimed that there was a time when a friend of his (a comic) was homeless, and squatted in the basement for months, unbeknownst to the management or other staff. Could some of the claims of noises in the basement be him?

(to read more about this location's ghosts... )

Haunted Midnights @ The Comedy Store

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 04:06:11 PDT

Haunted Midnights at the Comedy Store
Join them every Friday Night in October for an evening of ghoulish delights culminating in a flashlight tour of Hollywood's most haunted building.
(for some of the ghost stories of the Comedy Store...)

Audio and Video Proof!
(from our friends at Paranormal EXP)
Spooky Tales with your host Skitzo
The Dark Powers of Mentalist Brent Webb

(Note: This event is not hosted by GHOULA, but is something we feel our members should know about.)

For tickets and info go to http://www.comedystore.com/

October's SPIRITS with SPIRITS

noreply@blogger.com (ghostswanted) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 02:07:19 PDT

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 (square) G.H.O.U.L.A. button. If you already have one, please wear it so others can find you, without asking the staff.

THE DATE: October 13th (Thusday)
THE PLACE: The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood (Map)
THE TIME: 8:00pm to the witching hour

NOTE: There will be no cover charge for those coming to the famous Comedy Store for SPIRITS with SPIRITS. Also, our group will have access to the notorious haunted basement, as well as other surprises. Because there is limited space in the club, it's best to RSVP. (to RSVP find us on Facebook, or email us at ghoulahq@live.com)

THE GHOSTS:

The "Sunset Strip" is generally defined as the part of Sunset Blvd that connects Hollywood to Beverly Hills. Anyone who has driven down the Strip on a Saturday night (or watches TMZ) knows that this area represents the wild side of Tinseltown, where Angelenos go to party. This street's raucous reputation seems to date back to the 1920's, and possibly even further to the era when outlaws and bandits like Tiburcio Vasquez rode through here.

It is thought that Sunset Blvd was created back in 1780 and up until 1984, this infamous section of it was still unincorporated land, as in it was officially not part of the city of Los Angeles.. Thus, the Strip was outside the jurisdiction of the Los Angeles Police Department. As a result, from the 1920's and up, it was a safe haven for casinos, brothels (both gay and straight), burlesque theaters, and speak-easys, which explains the high concentration of historic night-clubs that still stand along this winding section of Sunset.

The building that the Comedy Store occupies is no exception. Before this legendary comedy club, and the larger than life people associated with it, occupied this location, other equally grand clubs and characters occupied this spot. In the 1920's, the Club Seville operated out of this address with its themed "Arabian Nights Room" and its "Marine Room," which featured a dance floor made of crystal with fountains, fish, and colorful lights underneath it (fifty years before "Saturday Night Fever"). Other less memorable night clubs followed from Marcel's to the futuristic-sounding Spectrum 2000.

However, the most famous club previously at this site was Ciro's restaurant, where the Hollywood elite would come to drink and socialize, possibly before visiting Hollywood's most notorious brothel next door. It is widely suspected that gangster, Mickey "The King of the Sunset Strip" Cohen, used this glamorous hot-spot as his base of operations. There are even claims that the building still has the peep-holes and hidden gun stations left over from the bloody turf tensions of the "Sunset Wars" of 1947.

Additionally, a popular legend states that the basement was used by Cohen and his cohorts to beat and/or murder their enemies, and possibly dispose of the bodies under the floor. Likewise, there has been claims that illegal abortions were conducted down there for Ciro's dance girls, and possibly the neighboring prostitutes, who found themselves in a "family way." Stories like these are often given by charlatan psychics and ghost hunters, since there is generally no way to verify them, but given the area's lawless history, such tales seem quite plausible for this location.

It is commonly believed that the ghosts and spiritual unrest of today's Comedy Store stem from this dark era of the building's history. Witness' claim that a mysterious man in a brown leather World War II bomber jacket has been seen in the office upstairs as well as the kitchen and other locations in the club. He often appears to be hiding or crouching before vanishing into thin air. Could this be one of Mickey Cohen's victims?

Additionally, there are claims of disembodied moans, voices, cries and even snarls coming from the infamous basement, as well as phantom men in suits in the back of the main room, and a presence believed to be a former hit-man that employees refer to as "Gus." Chairs are said to slide across the floor by themselves. One witness even saw an ashtray float above a table.

However, the most famous story about the ghosts of the Comedy Store involves comedian Sam Kinison, a former preacher, whose loud, frenzied style of delivery always seemed to stir up paranormal activity. Strange audio and electrical problems would only occur during his sets, including mysterious hisses over the speakers that sounded suspiciously like someone repeatedly chanting "It's him!" One night after such problems, Kinison challenged the ghost from on stage to stop playing around and to make its presence known to everyone. At that moment, the lights in the club went out instantly, leaving everyone in pitch blackness. After a beat, the lights came back on by themselves. Everyone in the room gasped.

Lastly, there are two curious stories concerning the pavement just outside the Comedy Store's entrance. First, in 1960, a gas line under Sunset ruptured and large blue flames shot out of every crack in the sidewalk along the facade of the building. Though the curtain of blue flames didn't actually touch the building (or cause any damage), everyone inside was trapped until the firemen could figure out how to stop the eerie-looking fire.

Then, in 1979, a relatively unknown comedian named Steve Lubetkin unsuccessfully tried to organize comedians to go on strike for higher wages. Depressed, and banned from this venue, he went to the top of the Continental Hyatt House (now known as the Andaz West Hollywood) and jumped 13 stories to his death, landing next to the Comedy Store's entrance. His suicide note said "My name is Steve Lubetkin. I used to work at the Comedy Store." Some have theorized that his sad spirit still haunts the premises, wanting to perform one last time.

Most believe that the Comedy Store is one of the most haunted buildings in Hollywood. Is it? Come out, have a drink, and find out for yourself.

http://thecomedystore.com/
(to read more about the ghosts of this haunted location... )
(to read about last month's haunted location...)