I believe that if you study this area more, you'll find that a lot of the characters in the Manson story are INDEPENDENTLY connected to this place or the people that lived there. Linda, Bobby, Snake, Gypsy, Paul, Manson and even Mama Cass (Brass Tacks Press).
Family members were going to the "Snake Pit" throughout their duration in Southern CA. During the trials and after, they were also going here.
I believe this place was where large quantities of drugs were dropped off at, prior to being dispersed elsewhere. I think the family's main drug source was from here. I think a lot of peoples main drug source was out of here (Mama Cass?).
This area is written about several times in the various books as if it's a different place each time. Linda and her husband set up camp on Topanga Canyon Lane, that's here. After leaving Nader's they stop at a friends house on Topanga Canyon Blvd, that's here. Paul runs into Blackbeard Charlie, that's here. They pick up Snake at Gina's house, that's here. I believe when Paul's van was set on fire, that was here. When family members would go to Malibu, I think it was here that they were actually going. The Family lived here for several months. The family was VERY involved in this area throughout their existence.
If there actually is a Suzan LaBerge or her boyfriend connection to the family, it could possibly be here.
Why isn't this place discussed more?
Did Robert Hendrickson go here with any of the family when he was hanging out with them? If so, please describe.
Mr. Spudnut makes some interesting points. This area is of particular interest to me, research-wise, as are the people and groups hanging around there in the mid-to-late 60s. The place fascinates me, it was unique to the bitter end (until it was destroyed by the state.). I'm nuts about Topanga, anyway. Pablo Capra of Brass Tacks Press has alot of interesting books and DVDs for sale, some of which focus on Lower Topanga and Topanga Beach life over the years (he grew up there.). A few "celebrities" were living in Lower Topanga at the same time the Spiral Staircase was still in existence. One thing that confuses me is articles refer to them as "owning" their houses in Lower Topanga. From what I've read, the LAAC owned all the land down there until the bitter end. The residents rented, at very low prices, because it was a flood plane. So "Gina" of Spiral Staircase infamy (I've always believed she was Georgina Brayton) must not have owned the house, then, as has always been believed? The Topanga Messenger (www.topangamessenger.com) has alot of articles about the destruction of Lower Topanga by the state. And Pablo sells a "Lower Topanga" package for 50 bucks, on his BTP website. Both celebs living there in '68-'69 are still alive. Wonder if they'd agree to an interview (Hint... Matt, Patty, Deb, Liz, Ann??!!)? I have a magazine from '69 with a pic of one of them at their house in the Pit. Another interesting thing that popped out at me recently while doing "research lite, intuitive-style" (as opposed to an awesome, real researcher like Deb), was the possibility of connections between the BEL, S. Slaves, Louis Marvin (Greenstamps heir) & his restaurant on Topanga Blvd. The Moonfire Inn. Which Manson was known to frequent. Sorry to be so long-winded.
Also, just got a chance to read thru the comments under the diagram post you linked to. The diagram guy, Ken, had read all the stuff I've read and summarized it all really neatly. Any thoughts of doing an index here of subjects/posts - or is there one and it's just not accessible via mobile? I don't post most of the time b/c I figure someone's already covered the stuff, & I'll look like an ass re-posting (like I just did.)
The third and fourth entries on Pablo's blog are about living through floods in Lower Topanga (the areas of Lower Topanga being known as The Snake Pit, & The Rodeo Grounds. Topanga Beach, across the PCH, was a thriving community of surfers and beach houses (until the state destroyed it in '79.). It was a simple, bohemian, tight-knit, idyllic community that also attracted alot of dealers and shady types. Every time I see the morning glories in the videos, or read about them being abundant in the area; I'm reminded of the description of the S.S. as having morning glories growing all around the house.
Someone said on TV that Star bore a striking resemblance to Patricia Krenwinkle. I remembered the jokes about who'd have to take her to the Eviliz all nude party and laughed out loud.
Manson and his family never visited the Moonfire Inn. Loui owned it, Phil Twitchell managed it and I ran the after hours cafe( also made the Moonfire Inn round sign)
So these look modern. And it looks like they camped for a while. Legal or no? Finally, who is the old guy? Patty bets he's an original.
ReplyDeleteDon't know about the old guy. The crotch grab girl might be named Miley.
ReplyDeleteThese people remind me of carnival people that I knew back in the late 70s.....
ReplyDeleteI believe that if you study this area more, you'll find that a lot of the characters in the Manson story are INDEPENDENTLY connected to this place or the people that lived there. Linda, Bobby, Snake, Gypsy, Paul, Manson and even Mama Cass (Brass Tacks Press).
ReplyDeleteFamily members were going to the "Snake Pit" throughout their duration in Southern CA. During the trials and after, they were also going here.
I believe this place was where large quantities of drugs were dropped off at, prior to being dispersed elsewhere. I think the family's main drug source was from here. I think a lot of peoples main drug source was out of here (Mama Cass?).
This area is written about several times in the various books as if it's a different place each time. Linda and her husband set up camp on Topanga Canyon Lane, that's here. After leaving Nader's they stop at a friends house on Topanga Canyon Blvd, that's here. Paul runs into Blackbeard Charlie, that's here. They pick up Snake at Gina's house, that's here. I believe when Paul's van was set on fire, that was here. When family members would go to Malibu, I think it was here that they were actually going. The Family lived here for several months. The family was VERY involved in this area throughout their existence.
If there actually is a Suzan LaBerge or her boyfriend connection to the family, it could possibly be here.
Why isn't this place discussed more?
Did Robert Hendrickson go here with any of the family when he was hanging out with them? If so, please describe.
Mr. Spudnut, I don't know if you remember this post, but this was a great diagram of the Snake Pit.
ReplyDeleteMr. Spudnut makes some interesting points. This area is of particular interest to me, research-wise, as are the people and groups hanging around there in the mid-to-late 60s. The place fascinates me, it was unique to the bitter end (until it was destroyed by the state.). I'm nuts about Topanga, anyway.
ReplyDeletePablo Capra of Brass Tacks Press has alot of interesting books and DVDs for sale, some of which focus on Lower Topanga and Topanga Beach life over the years (he grew up there.).
A few "celebrities" were living in Lower Topanga at the same time the Spiral Staircase was still in existence. One thing that confuses me is articles refer to them as "owning" their houses in Lower Topanga. From what I've read, the LAAC owned all the land down there until the bitter end. The residents rented, at very low prices, because it was a flood plane. So "Gina" of Spiral Staircase infamy (I've always believed she was Georgina Brayton) must not have owned the house, then, as has always been believed?
The Topanga Messenger (www.topangamessenger.com) has alot of articles about the destruction of Lower Topanga by the state. And Pablo sells a "Lower Topanga" package for 50 bucks, on his BTP website.
Both celebs living there in '68-'69 are still alive. Wonder if they'd agree to an interview (Hint... Matt, Patty, Deb, Liz, Ann??!!)? I have a magazine from '69 with a pic of one of them at their house in the Pit.
Another interesting thing that popped out at me recently while doing "research lite, intuitive-style" (as opposed to an awesome, real researcher like Deb), was the possibility of connections between the BEL, S. Slaves, Louis Marvin (Greenstamps heir) & his restaurant on Topanga Blvd. The Moonfire Inn. Which Manson was known to frequent.
Sorry to be so long-winded.
Matt, I just saw your comment. That diagram is freakin' awesome!!
ReplyDeleteAlso, just got a chance to read thru the comments under the diagram post you linked to. The diagram guy, Ken, had read all the stuff I've read and summarized it all really neatly. Any thoughts of doing an index here of subjects/posts - or is there one and it's just not accessible via mobile? I don't post most of the time b/c I figure someone's already covered the stuff, & I'll look like an ass re-posting (like I just did.)
DeleteYes, I remember Matt, and thank you Trilby :)
ReplyDeletehttp://brasstackspress.blogspot.com/1999_01_01_archive.html?m=1
ReplyDeleteThe third and fourth entries on Pablo's blog are about living through floods in Lower Topanga (the areas of Lower Topanga being known as The Snake
Pit, & The Rodeo Grounds. Topanga Beach, across the PCH, was a thriving community of surfers and beach houses (until the state destroyed it in '79.).
It was a simple, bohemian, tight-knit, idyllic community that also attracted alot of dealers and shady types. Every time I see the morning glories in the videos, or read about them being abundant in the area; I'm reminded of the description of the S.S. as having morning glories growing all around the house.
Just saw the story about Charlie getting married. Is it true or more media bullshit?
ReplyDeleteTrilby, you bring up and interesting point. Which celebrities are you referring to?
ReplyDeleteTrilby, wanna do the research & report back? :)
ReplyDeleteCharlie is getting married and we are all invited to the wedding.
ReplyDeleteAre you happy now?
Someone said on TV that Star bore a striking resemblance to Patricia Krenwinkle. I remembered the jokes about who'd have to take her to the Eviliz all nude party and laughed out loud.
ReplyDeleteManson and his family never visited the Moonfire Inn. Loui owned it, Phil Twitchell managed it and I ran the after hours cafe( also made the Moonfire Inn round sign)
ReplyDelete