Its safe to say that the Hollywood sign is one of the most radical creations in the nation. Standing 45 feet tall and 350 feet long – it’s a landmark and a cultural icon that lies in the Santa Monica Mountains. Although it is one of the most famous signs in our country, many aren’t familiar with it’s history!
- The sign was built in 1923 and originally said “Hollywoodland” as a promotion to sell real estate.
- Initially it was made with flimsy wood panels and telephones poles. It blew over often and regularly had to be repaired.
- Each character is outlined by 4000 light bulbs – originally they were designed to flash in segments, first “Holly,” then “wood,” then “land.”
- The initial cost to build the sign at that time was $21,000 and it was only expected to last for 18 months.
- In the 1930’s, during the Great Depression, it was decided that “land” would be removed, keeping only Hollywood to promote the movie industry.
- In the early forties the “H” was destroyed when the official caretaker ran into it while drunk driving.
- By the 1970’s the sign was a wreck – the “O” had fallen down and the rest of the letters had been infested with termites.
- In 1978, Hugh Heffner held a fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion to raise money toward the restoration of the sign. After the fundraiser the Chamber of Commerce decided to allocate one letter to each of the benefactors.
- H: Terrence Donnelly, publisher
- O: Giovanni Mazza , producer
- L: Les Kelley, founder of Kelley Blue Book
- L: Gene Autry, actor/singer
- Y: Hugh Hefner
- W: Andy Williams, singer
- O: Alice Cooper, donating in the name of Groucho Marx
- O: Warner Bros. Records
- D: Thomas Pooley
- That same year the sign was torn down and completely rebuilt – the names of the workers who rebuilt the sign are preserved under the paint.
Throughout its history, the sign has been relevant in many movies and makes frequent appearances upon many other pop culture platforms. It continues to be an historical landmark that can be viewed from the city of Los Angeles – each year drives in thousands of tourists. It continues to stand for the ambition, success and glamour of this dazzling place known as Hollywood!
