Standing approximately 45 feet high on the hills overlooking the city, the iconic Hollywood Sign is recognized around the world. Those nine white letters have become a symbol of the entertainment industry and evoke images of the glamourous lifestyles associated with it.
What initially began as a real estate advertisement has become a beloved attraction for both tourists and residents alike. In late 1923, The Hollywoodland Real Estate Group, including publisher of the Los Angeles Times, Henry Chandler, erected the “Hollywoodland” sign for $21,000. They hoped it would attract residents to their upscale housing development in the Hollywood hills. An architectural and logistical challenge, brush was cleared, and a road created, enabling a tractor to haul materials up Mount Lee to within 75 yards of the site. Laborers and mules dragged the 60-foot poles and other materials the rest of the way. In the end, according to the Hollywood Sign Trust, they dug 18 eight-foot holes, installed 104 horizontal pipes and 96 vertical supports, nailed more than 1,320 pieces of sheet metal, and rigged ladders and scaffolding. “Each of the original letters was 30 feet wide and approximately 43 feet tall, constructed of 3 x 9 metal squares rigged together by an intricate frame of scaffolding, pipes, wires and telephone poles,” according to the website. The electric sign light up the night skies with approximately 4,000 20-watt individual lightbulbs. Originally intended to be standing for 18 months, in 1944, the city of Los Angeles assumed responsibility for the sign's maintenance and later removed "land," transforming it into a billboard for the city and the industry.
Echoing the city’s urban decay in the ensuing decades, the sign fell into disrepair. Letters were rusting and literally crumbing from weather erosion. In 1973, the City of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Board declared the sign a landmark. However, the dilapidation continued throughout the 70’s until celebrities came to the rescue. Hugh Hefner organized a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion where letters were “auctioned off” to raise the needed funds. Fun Fact: Alice Cooper purchased the “O”, Gene Autry bought the “L”, and Andy Williams, the “W”. According to the Trust, “194 tons of concrete, 20,000lbs of sheet metal and 66,683lbs of steel” were used in the re-construction and in 1978 ‘A Sign was Reborn.’ This new sign stood as a symbol of the rebirth of Hollywood and the city. Preservation efforts continued in the following decades to ensure the sign’s maintenance and have mirrored the revitalization of LA and the entertainment industry.
The sign has enjoyed a colorful 100 years. It has endured arson and tragedy (A dark cloud fell over the sign in 1932, when British actress Peg Entistle committed suicide by jumping off the ‘H” as her career floundered). It has also been the site of celebrations (renamed “Holywood” in honor of Pope John Paul II’s visit), pranks (altered to “Hollyweed” to mark changes in marijuana laws) and political statements (changed to ”Ollywood” for Oliver North’s testimony in the Iran -Contra Scandal). It has made cameo appearances in countless films, TV shows, photographs, and social media posts (it even has its own Instagram account) and each year thousands of visitors hike the trails that wind around it.
Similar to the Eiffel Tower and Statue of Liberty, this architectural icon continues to inspire dreams, aspirations, and creativity.
And like a true star, the sign primped for its birthday with a fresh coat of paint.
