Exploring the Macabre | Your Guide to Creepy Curio in South Pasadena

Visit at your own risk, and please be respectful of other's homes and property

GRAPHIC: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | A map to your odd and spooky locations around South Pasadena

From hidden stairs, to historical houses, take a journey through some local haunts

(1) Arroyo Shrine

A small, seemingly insignificant makeshift monument, it remains a mystery as to who erected this meticulously – and perhaps lovingly – made testament to innocence.

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PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Arroyo Seco Shrine

(2) Fremont Centre Theatre

Built in 1925, is has been home to theatre productions since 1997. Various sources report hauntings. Gaze into the alluring glow of the stained-glass window, and you may find someone (or something) staring back at you.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Fremont Centre Theatre

(3) Michael Myers House (Halloween)

A must-stop destination for any fan of John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, ‘Halloween’, this is the original filming location for the masked killer’s humble abode.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Michael Myers home featured in John Carpenter’s 1978 classic, ‘Halloween’

(4) South Pasadena Historical Museum (Meridian Iron Works)

One of the oldest standing structures in town, this building has served many purposes in its 132-year history (a hotel, general store, and school – just to name a few). Many have felt strange presences throughout the building, particularly on the second floor. Considering it’s storied past, it might just be brimming with spirits.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | The South Pasadena Historical Museum AKA Meridian Iron Works

(5) Baranger Studios (Halloween 3)

Initially the manufacturing headquarters for Baranger Motions, this building established in 1925 was also featured in the movie ‘Halloween 3: Season of the Witch’. It has had several eyewitness accounts from former employees that claim they have seen the late Mrs. Baranger wandering the courtyard and halls, fittingly, during the witching hour.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Baranger Studios on Mission Street

(6) Laurie Strode Residence (Halloween)

The home of the Shatner mask-donning killer’s sister, Laurie, this house is in numerous scenes of the movie that started it all. Current owners of the home even leave pumpkins out year-round for photo ops.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Laurie Strode’s home from 1978’s, ‘Halloween’

(7) Snake Trail

A winding walkway living up to its namesake, this trail can be a workout for even the more experienced traverser. Catch the dusky beams of light through the overhead foliage on a fall afternoon, and bask in the eerie nature in this pocket of South Pasadena.

(8) Rialto Theatre

The 94 year-old icon that resides in many SouthPasadenan hearts, the Rialto has endured a turbulent history. Surviving two fires, disrepair, and threats of demolition, it remains a cornerstone in the community. Though not a theatre in its current incarnation, the balcony and upper levels may still be seating for those long forgotten.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | The Rialto Theatre on Fair Oaks

(9) Halloween 2 Alleyway (Halloween 2)

Keeping with the tradition of using South Pasadena as a stand-in for Haddonfield, Illinois, this is one of the alleyways in which Myers can be seen in the sequel to the original movie.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Halloween 2 alleyway

(10) Myers Hedge (Halloween)

Another location featured in the groundbreaking film, you can see Michael peeking out from behind this hedge as his sister, Laurie Strode, is walking down the street in broad daylight.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Michael Myers hedge from 1978’s, ‘Halloween’

(11) San Rafael Bridge (Arroyo Seco)

An old stony staircase dug into the eastern slope leads to this small bridge in the Lower Arroyo. Whether it be in the early morning or the twilight, shadows cast themselves within the densely gnarled branches.

(12) Oaklawn Bridge

Designed by architects Charles and Henry Greene over a century ago, this bridge is an iconic landmark that to this day wears the aura of something otherworldly; at times one may swear they saw a looming figure perched atop the bridge. Cross it yourself and you may feel as if you’re traversing more than a ravine.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | The Oaklawn Bridge

(13) Oaklawn Portal

Originally built as a grand entrance for the neighborhood in 1904, it bears significance as a small architectural icon. Pass through and be greeted by the orange glow and rich history of a paved time capsule.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Oaklawn Portal

(14) Grace Mansion Water Tower

The only remaining tower of four that were part of a larger structure, this Frederick Roehrig designed edifice was built in 1891 for a cousin of President Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War. The other portions of the building were lost to fires and earthquakes, however the lone turret stands out against a full moon and resembles a storybook witch’s hut when viewed through the right lens.

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Grace Mansion Water Tower

(15) Secret Staircase(s)

The San Gabriel Valley and LA in general for that matter, is abundantly littered with sets of stairs due to the hilly terrain. There are several in South Pasadena and one that is in the collective memory of the older generation which has either been lost to time, or is one of this town’s best kept secrets. Maybe you will be the next one to discover another?

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Mysterious staircase can be found all over South Pasadena

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