October 31, 2005
Haunted Historic Los Angeles
With All Hallow's Eve upon us, I thought iit appropriate to take some time to write a bit about the spookier side of historic preservation in Los Angeles. Haunted houses and other locations are standard fare for such articles and PreserveLA holds no exception. For the otherworldly curious, the following is a list of a few of our city's better known haunted historic places...
Have a safe and happy Halloween!!
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Legend has it that a black-veiled woman brings fresh flowers to Rudolph Valentino's grave every week.
Hollywood Sign
Mt. Lee in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA
Local folklore says that a struggling young 1930s actress' suicide act is still played out around this famous L.A. landmark. Site of Harry Houdini's Hollywood Home
2400 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Some say that the ghost of Houdini does not rest in peace and that he still walks where his beloved castle once stood.
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
7000 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA
Reported apparitions include those of Hollywood legends--and former guests--Marilyn Monroe and Montgomery Clift.
Pantages Theatre
6233 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
It's been reported that eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes haunts his former theatre.
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA
Some say they've seen a black-caped Lon Chaney Sr. running along catwalks tinkling a chandelier removed years ago. Thelma Todd's Roadside Rest Cafe
17575 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA
Thelma Todd still walks her restaurant, or at least that’s what the owners of a building on the Pacific Coast Highway have claimed for years.
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA
One urban folklore claims the ghost of actor Victor Killian makes strange sounds and moves objects in search of his killer. George Reeves Residence
1579 Benedict Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, CA
The death of Superman remains an unsolved mystery. Could this be why his ghost is still said to haunt his former Benedict Canyon Drive home? Virginia Hill Residence
810 Linden Drive, Beverly Hills, CA
This home is reportedly still haunted by the panicked presence of Bugsy Siegel as he scrambles for cover, attempting to hide from the bullets that killed him.
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA
The "Ghosts and Legends Tour" includes stories of mysterious sightings like splashes and wet footprints around the long-drained first-class swimming pool, including that of a little girl in a white dress.
Silent Movie Theatre
611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA
The spirits of two former owners are said to haunt this venue honoring Hollywood's Golden Age.
For even more spooky places in Los Angeles, check out the following:
http://www.prairieghosts.com/hollywood.html
http://www.haunted-places.com/paranorm.htm#CALIFORNIA
http://hotels.about.com/od/hauntedlosangeles/
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