The forgotten early life of the Hollywood sign
Welcome to another “turns out” moment: The iconic Hollywood sign actually said “Hollywoodland” from its installation in 1923 to 1949. You’re welcome.
The Hollywood sign was initially built by a real estate company and advertised free space to build, as the name suggests. Building the sign was a huge project for its time at a cost of $21 000 (in 2015 dollars, that would be comparable to almost 300k). The need to keep the site manned by a technician whose job was to change burn-out lights on the illuminated sign added complexity and operational costs.
Said real estate company didn’t survive the Great Depression of the 1930’s and the Hollywood sign fell into disrepair. The sign took a turn towards becoming a cultural icon in 1949 when the Hollywood chamber of commerce realized its deteriorating condition and potential as a landmark. At the time, the city felt pressure about differentiating Hollywood by the increasing influence of New York television companies in the entertainment industry. The Chamber bought the sign, removed the four last letters and promoted it to its current status over time, which includes a declaration of it as a historical monument in 1973.
The sign was rebuilt from scratch during the late 70, and received a fresh coat of pain in 1995.
Below are a few nice photos of the Hollywood sign’s early life as an up-and-coming landmark.
Dedication of the Hollywood sign, 1923. The exact date is unknown.
Two young ladies sitting in an elevated steam shovel bucket, Hollywoodland sign, 1923.
The Hollywoodland sign advertising a housing development in the hills on Mulholland Drive overlooking Los Angeles, California, ca 1924.
New Hollywoodland houses, 1925.
Aeral photo of the Hollywoodland sign, 1935.
The “ollywoodland” sign falling apart, 1949
The sad state of the Hollywood sign in 1973.
A quick renovation of the Hollywood sign in 1973.
The Hollywood sign being rebuilt in 1978.
The rebuilt Hollywood sign being honored by laser beams and searchlights, November 11 1978.
