What Types of Abandoned Places Creep You Out the Most?

Consider this personal account of a late afternoon adventure that turned into a thrilling evening in one of Southern California's most eerie locations: the Sunnyside Mausoleum.

The Sunnyside Mausoleum and Its Pendulum

One fateful afternoon, on a date that wasn't quite as romantic as initially planned, we decided to spend our pre-movie time at the Foucault Pendulum housed within the Sunnyside Mausoleum, now known as the Forrest Lawn Memorial Park in Long Beach, California. This magnificent monument, which features one of the largest pendulums in the United States, stood as a beacon of our curiosity and adventure. The pendulum's gentle, rhythmic swing was mesmerizing, but little did we know that our date would soon take a detour into the chilling realm of the unknown.

A Brief Encounter with the Mausoleum

Following the entrance of the massive pendulum displayed at the mausoleum, we wandered through the gardens and into the grand enclosed structure, admiring the statues and crypts of notable individuals. However, as the clocks struck a different time for us, we were faced with an unexpected scenario. After exploring and chatting with an employee who had previously worked on the site, we lingered a while longer, unaware of the fate that awaited us beyond those sunlight-infused glass doors.

The Fateful Decision and Its Consequences

With just a couple of hours left before our movie, we decided to venture deeper into the mausoleum, undeterred by its grandeur. However, a fateful decision to park on a side street inadvertently sealed our fate—when we returned, the doors were locked.

Initially, we didn't fully grasp the gravity of the situation. However, after several minutes of pounding on the doors and yelling for help, reality began to sink in. My date suggested we try the other end of the building, but it was to no avail. We then ascended to the upper floors, hoping to find a security camera or a phone, but unfortunately, it was not to be.

The Darkness Beckoned

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the only light came from the moonlight filtering through the stained-glass windows, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The tension was palpable, and we were left in the dark with only the faint shimmer of light to guide us. After 60 minutes, panic set in. My date suggested that the dead might be listening, prompting me to reassure her that we weren't in any real danger.

The Solution and Resolution

Desperate and with no other recourse, we turned to inventive methods. Remembering a trick from my past, I used a coin and tapped on the glass door, hoping the sound would resonate and attract attention. It worked. A guard eventually came to our rescue, freeing the chain around the door and helping us exit the building. The incident had quickly resolved, but the experience left a lasting impression on both of us.

Reflections and the Aftermath

Despite the incident, my date and I shared an unalienable bond formed by the shared experience of the eerie encounter. Although she was visibly shaken, she expressed her appreciation for the adventure, stating that she had a really nice time overall. The experience became a defining moment in our relationship, proving that sometimes the most memorable dates involve a bit of adventure, albeit of the supernatural sort.

Conclusion

Abandoned places, such as the Sunnyside Mausoleum, provide a fascinating yet terrifying glimpse into the past. While these locations are often associated with amusement parks or hospitals, they can be just as intriguing and eerie. This personal tale serves as a reminder that these places can be both beautiful and haunting, offering a unique exploration of the unknown.