Buzz
The initial "Hollywoodland" sign from the 1920s.
Public DomainThe massive HOLLYWOOD sign perched in the hills above Hollywood, CA, is an instantly recognizable symbol seen countless times. But have you ever pondered its origins?
The story begins in 1923. Picture a major developer with extensive land holdings in Los Angeles. This developer, Hollywoodland Realty, was preparing to launch a new housing project. To generate buzz, they decided to erect an enormous sign, taking advantage of the lack of sign or zoning regulations at the time.
Hollywoodland Realty installed a colossal sign spelling out HOLLYWOODLAND. Each letter measured 30 feet wide and 50 feet tall. The sign was illuminated by thousands of light bulbs, requiring a caretaker to live nearby and replace burnt-out bulbs daily. Positioned high in the hills, the sign was visible to all.
This marks the origin of the iconic HOLLYWOOD sign.
By the 1940s, the sign had been neglected and was deteriorating. In 1949, the Chamber of Commerce assumed responsibility, restored it, and eliminated the final four letters.
The current letters on the sign are 1.5 meters (5 feet) shorter than the original version.
Photo courtesy of PD Photo/Photographer Jon SullivanBy the 1960s, both the sign and Hollywood itself were in decline. It’s difficult to envision now, but Hollywood experienced a significant downturn during that era. In 1977, Hugh Hefner spearheaded a fundraising campaign to restore the sign once more. Hollywood eventually rebounded, and the sign is expected to remain a permanent fixture for generations. The Hollywood Sign Trust now maintains the sign, completing its latest restoration in November 2005.
