Signs of the Times: The Hollywood Sign

Author: Emma Flickinger

Perched atop the Hollywood Hills, a single sign commands attention, a silent

witness to the evolution of an entire industry—the legendary Hollywood Sign. Its

story unfolds like a cinematic masterpiece, blending glamour, tragedy, and the

indomitable spirit of Tinseltown.

The tale begins in the early 20th century, as Hollywood emerged as the epicenter

of the flourishing film industry. Real estate developer Harvey Henderson Wilcox

laid the foundation in 1887, but it was H.J. Whitley, the "Father of Hollywood,"

who transformed the area into a bustling suburb. Hollywood's first movie studio

graced Sunset Boulevard in 1911, setting the stage for a wave of cinematic

ventures drawn to the region's varied landscape and ideal filming climate.

In the roaring '20s, visionaries like Eli P. Clark and Moses Sherman partnered with

media mogul Harry Chandler to create Hollywoodland—a hillside community

that aimed to redefine luxury living. The grandeur was marked by a colossal

billboard bearing the name, a marketing ploy that would become history. The

bold "Hollywoodland" letters, standing 30 feet wide and nearly 45 feet tall,

adorned the landscape with 4,000 lights, creating a luminous spectacle that

surpassed all expectations.

As the Great Depression cast its shadow, Hollywoodland faced challenges. The

real estate syndicate dissolved in 1933, leaving the sign in the hands of the M.H.

Sherman Company. It soon succumbed to financial burdens, leading to the

abandonment of the electrifying display. Amidst this backdrop, a tragedy

unfolded in 1932 that would forever alter the sign's narrative. Peg Entwistle, a

young actress seeking stardom, leapt from the letter "H," symbolizing the elusive

pursuit of Hollywood fame.

Entwistle's story, initially a cautionary tale, gained mythic proportions,

contributing to the sign's transformation from a real estate advertisement to a

symbol of the challenges inherent in La La Land. Despite Hollywood's evolving

landscape, the sign faced its own battles—termites, windstorms, and urban

legends. In the '70s, locals rallied for restoration, marking a turning point that led

to the sign's cultural resurgence.

A hundred years since its creation, the Hollywood Sign proudly graces the

skyline, embodying a realm of boundless imagination that knows no boundaries.

Through scandals and rejuvenations, its odyssey mirrors the dynamic rhythm of

Hollywood's narrative. Those nine, simple letters beckon all onlookers to infuse

them with the essence of their aspirations, transforming the Hollywood Sign into

a vibrant legend within the celestial city of stars.

Smith, Nathan. "The Hidden History of the Hollywood Sign." Smithsonian Magazine, 2023, URL: [https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-hidden-history-of-the-hollywood-sign-180982518/#:~:text=the%20city%20below.-,%E2%80%9CThe%20sign%20has%20become%20a%20worldwide%20symbol%20of%20the%20Hollywood,with%20whatever%20meaning%20they%20want.%E2%80%9D](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-hidden-history-of-the-hollywood-sign-180982518/#:~:text=the%20city%20below.-,%E2%80%9CThe%20sign%20has%20become%20a%20worldwide%20symbol%20of%20the%20Hollywood,with%20whatever%20meaning%20they%20want.%E2%80%9D)