Did you know that a hike up the Verdugo Mountains leads to a hidden cemetery? We’re standing before the Brand Family Gravesite. It’s a poignant reminder of Glendale’s “first family”. The Brand Family Gravesite is more than just a burial ground. It is a place where history and mystery intertwine.
Leslie Brand and his family rest here. This site also has a pet cemetery. Some claim paranormal activity surrounds the grounds. Urban legends often swirl around such places. Tales of occult activity have been whispered about the Brand Family Gravesite.
Leslie Brand’s story began at the 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago. He and his wife were captivated by the East India Pavilion. Inspired, Brand purchased Glendale a year later. He envisioned developing the community. He also wanted to create his East India-inspired home.
“The Lookout” or Miradero rose at the base of the Verdugo Mountains. Constructed in 1904, the East Indian-style home quickly became Glendale’s social hub. Leslie Brand died in 1925. He donated much of Miradero to Glendale. It was to be used as a library and park. The library opened 31 years later. The park sees heavy use with baseball diamonds.
The Brand Family Gravesite holds a dark history. Desecration has occurred here. Graves were unearthed. Bones were scattered. Skulls were stolen. One skull belonged to Miradero architect Nathaniel Dryden.
To reach the Brand Family Gravesite, you walk up Brand Park Drive. Pass Miradero on your right. You’ll gain altitude as you approach the Verdugo Mountains. A T-intersection appears. Decaying stairs to nowhere stand before you.
Bearing left, you’ll discover the fenced Brand Family cemetery. Conventional graves dot the landscape. The pyramid-shaped grave of Leslie Brand stands out. Trails into the mountains reveal ruins from a bygone time. Old roads and building foundations remain.
Historical maps don’t show these buildings until 1967. Brand kept the grounds private. He was a powerful force in Glendale. This made dating and identifying structures difficult. Even the Brand Family Gravesite seemingly appeared later on maps.
The most concrete paranormal activity centers in the library. Leslie Brand seemingly spends time in his dream home. Encounters are fleeting. It’s difficult to glean much information.
The grave desecration necessitates close surveillance. There is unrest here. Paranormal investigation is important. Respect the land. Honor the family that helped build Glendale. This site remains a testament to Glendale’s past. The Brand Family Gravesite is a place of reflection.