In 1949, after the sign and land beneath it had been given to the city of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the L.A. Hollywood itself also lacks diversity in favor of white entertainers. However, soon after its development the sign became a cultural phenomenon and a popular tourist attraction in the area. View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect place. Did you know that in 2005, the original letter ‘H’ from 1923 sign was put up for sale on eBay? Few know that a giant white dot (35 feet in diameter, with 20-watt lights on the perimeter) was constructed below the Sign to catch the eye. The sign was only intended to last a year and a half. The letters were 45ft tall and the characters were outlined by 4,000 light bulbs to make it flash in segments — HOLLY, then WOOD, then LAND, before lighting up entirely. Perhaps there is some confusion between Hugh Hefner and Howard Hughes? I recall that during the 70s repair Alice Cooper “donated” one of the Os in his last name to replace the missing O in the sign. Originally constructed as a publicity gimmick and branding symbol to help generate sales for a real estate development, the Hollywood Sign is now a worldwide icon just as powerful as Big… Hugh Hefner’s helicopter was used to lift the steel sections into place. Hughes Helicopters was a company set up by Howard Hughes. At night the Sign blinked into the Hollywood night: first “Holly” then “wood” and finally “land,” punctuated by a giant period. The Hollywoodland Sign, in a photo published in the Los Angeles Evening Herald, Dec. 8, 1923. He replaced light bulbs as they burned out. They were interviewed by KLOS’ Larry Jacobs and KABC, where Cory worked at night as a guard. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO THE SIGN. But reading history has now given it a bit more appreciation for it and the character behind it. Woodruff and Shoults commissioned Goff to create and install the sign. The sign cost $21,000 to make and the developers expected the sign to last for a year. THE SIGN NEEDS YOU! After the advertisement is over, the sign remains and is negelected. Hollywood, which by now represented not just a city, but also an industry, a lifestyle and, increasingly, an aspiration, was officially crowned when the “Hollywoodland” sign was erected in 1923. W hen the Hollywood Sign was built in 1923, there was little hint that it would become an iconic emblem. Sources: Great video Mark. Not only is the sign incredible to see, but the view from the mountaintop is amazing to witness. Recently I created a video…, THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN Photographs & Memories, Old and New, 1977-1996. It may also be the only major landmark whose status was completely unintended. Thanks for this brief illustrated history. W hen the Hollywood Sign was built in 1923, there was little hint that it would become an iconic emblem. vintag.es. The sign was supposed to last just one and a half years; however, it became part of Hollywood’s culture and remained. The Hollywoodland Sign, in a photo published in the Los Angeles Evening Herald, Dec. 8, 1923. History of the Sign Names of the workers who rebuilt the sign in 1978 are preserved under the paint. Y: Hugh Hefner By the 1970s the remaining HOLLYWOOD section was a crumbling wreck (an “O” had fallen down and termites had infested the remaining letters). H.J. Thank you for this article, but you forgot to say that the French artist “Invaders” put a mosaic on one of the pillars.This is part of Hollywood history I think :) Follow the link : http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/08/street-artist-invader-bus_n_780686.html. Walking around on Hollywood Boulevard is so uplifting because of all the different architectural buildings, advertisements, and attractions. 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