A Spirited Visit to the Golden Gopher
In the depths of the eternal twilight, the Golden Gopher stands, a legendary oasis of spirits both bottled and spectral. The very air within the establishment hums with an energy from another realm. Constructed in 1905, this legendary establishment was once owned by none other than U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt.
A Tale of Booze and Time
Originally christened as The Golden Sun Saloon, this place underwent a transformation in 2004 and earned its current moniker - The Golden Gopher. It boasts a grandfathered dual liquor license, making it a unique spot where you can purchase premium spirits and six-packs to enjoy elsewhere. Some patrons whisper of seeing apparitions in the mirror and dancing in the flicker of the chandeliers - spectral presences that chill the blood and make one question the line between the living and the dead. In this legendary haunt, it seems, the veil between our world and the next is but a thin and permeable curtain, easily disturbed by the clink of glasses and the whisper of old tales.
A Haunting Presence for Films
The Golden Gopher isn't just known for its potent spirits. It has also served as a backdrop in Taylor Swift's "Delicate" music video and Chris Brown’s “Liquor” video. Even the science fiction show Torchwood: Miracle Day filmed a scene here, though they portrayed it as a bar in Washington, D.C.
The Ghostly Neighbor - The Bristol Hotel
Adjacent to the haunted haunt is The Bristol Hotel. This seven-story building is hard to miss, thanks to a massive billboard displaying fingers forming a “w” sign.
Once recognized as The Woodward, it now provides over 100 units for low-income housing and also hosts a pizzeria. It's a unique blend of affordable living and chilling tales. The Bristol is also featured in the 1999 classic, Fight Club.
A Tragic Murder and Ghostly Aftermath
The Bristol Hotel is infamous for the ghost of Lillian May Heath. In a tragic incident in May of 1931, Lillian's husband, Oliver S. Heath, a 38-year-old World War veteran and Mrs. Heath got into a heated quarrel over financial matters, ultimately leading Oliver to fatally shoot his wife and then take his own life.
Oliver, a member of a socially prominent Boston family, had suffered from shell shock during the war. Mrs. Heath, despite being critically wounded, managed to escape the hotel room and make it downstairs to call for help. She passed away at the hospital, but not before giving a report to the police.
The couple's tumultuous relationship and the complex financial issues were revealed through notes left by Oliver, expressing his desperation and threatening the life of a banker involved in the financial dispute. The tragic event sheds light on a family in distress, grappling with the aftermath of war and financial strife, resulting in a devastating outcome for both Oliver and Lillian Mae Heath.
Her spirit is said to haunt the hotel to this day.
See It In Person
If you're in search of a blend of history, Hollywood, and hauntings, you've found your destination. American Ghost Walks goes there every Saturday night as the bar stop on our Los Angeles Hauntings Ghost Bus Tour . Just remember, if you run into Lillian, show her some respect.
Check out our Los Angeles ghost tour reviews on Google to see why this tour is a must-experience. Ready to embrace the eerie? Reserve your spot today!
