Hollywood Sign

The famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles, California was erected in 1923 to advertise a new housing development in the hills above Hollywood. The letters were 30 feet wide and 50 high, and were originally studded with light bulbs. The sign was officially dedicated on July 13, 1923. It originally read "Hollywoodland" and for many years the sign was left to deteriorate. It had only been expected to last a year and a half. In 1932, actress Peg Entwistle comitted suicide by jumping to her death from the letter "H". Seven years later, in 1939, official maintenance of the sign ended.

Related Topics:
Los Angeles, California - 1923 - Hollywood - July 13 - 1932 - Peg Entwistle - 1939

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In 1949, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce stepped in and offered to remove the last four letters (LAND), and repair the rest. As the City dictated that all subsequent illumination would be at the cost of the Chamber, it opted not to replace the lightbulbs. In 1978, the Chamber set out to replace the intensely deteriorated sign once again. Donors paid $27,700 USD to buy a replacement letter, which are all steel guaranteed to last for many years. The new version of the sign was unveiled live on Hollywood's 75th anniversary, 14 November, 1978, before a television audience of 60 million people.

Related Topics:
1949 - Hollywood Chamber of Commerce - 1978 - USD - 14 November

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The sign, located at the top of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, is now a registered trademark and cannot be used without the permission of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, which also manages the venerable Walk of Fame.

Related Topics:
Mount Lee - Griffith Park - Trademark - Walk of Fame

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The sign is located on the southern side of Mount Lee (north of the Mulholland Highway). To get a good view you can drive north up Gower St. from Hollywood Blvd and then north along Beachwood Drive. You can get to within 100 meters of the sign. Currently, the letters are each 45 feet high and range from 31 to 39 feet wide.

Related Topics:
Mount Lee - Mulholland Highway

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