A Trip to Hollywood

I travelled to Los Angeles, California, on 1 August 1992, not quite knowing what to expect.  I live in England in a small town, and LA was going to be quite a contrast. I was hoping to visit as many of the places relating to  Marilyn as I could, but only had five days before moving on to San Francisco.

Hollywood Boulevard

My first stop was Hollywood Boulevard, and Grauman's Chinese Theatre. I couldn't believe how many people were there. Of course, the greatest interest seemed to be around Marilyn and Jane's prints.  Marilyn's hands and feet were a lot smaller than I thought they would be.  I tried my hands in her prints , but doesn't everyone?  I bought a very useful guide there, which detailed directions and addresses of many other places of interest.

Westwood Memorial Cemetery

My next stop was Westwood Memorial Cemetery. It was quite a contrast to Hollywood Boulevard, with just a few people walking around and placing flowers. I made my way to Marilyn's crypt - put a rose in the vase, and stood next to it. I couldn't believe the feeling inside me - I was standing next to Marilyn, something I'd wanted to do for many years - and it had been worth waiting for.

5th Helena Drive

Next stop, 5th Helena Drive. The house is at the end of a small cul de sac, and at the time was for sale. For a moment I wondered how much it would cost to own something that was so much a part of Marilyn. The house was not what I'd expected, not grand and overstated, but quaint and elegant. The gates were closed but, seeing as the place was empty, I climbed up them and took many photos. I was surprised to be the only person there (maybe it's not that easy to find).

30th Remembrance Service: 5 August 1992

The day of the 30th remembrance service for our dear Marilyn. I had to park about a mile away from the cemetery, there were just so many people there. With a bit of pushing and shoving I managed to get just outside the chapel at the back and had a great view of the proceedings through the windows. The service was extremely moving, with a special tribute song to Marilyn, of which I have the original sheet music used by the keyboard player (picture below). After the service, we all moved off to the graveside, where a memorial bench was officially dedicated; it was all very moving.

There were people there from all over the world, even from as far away as Australia. I was there for hours talking to other Marilyn fans and having pictures taken with them. I didn't want to leave, I felt close to her somehow, as if she was there, listening and saying thanks for caring.

I visited many more places relating to Marilyn, but it wasn't quite the same after the memorial service, I couldn't believe how I felt inside. I had fulfilled a dream of mine. I will never forget how I felt those few days.

My trip then took me round many other parts of America - eventually returning to California on  21 August, from where I was to fly and return to England. But, I had to go to the cemetery just one more time, to say goodbye, and thanks for all you gave us, Marilyn Monroe.