With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Happy 88th Birthday, Hollywood Sign!
Photo by Robbie via the LAist Featured Photos pool
On July 13, 1923, Harry Chandler, owner of the Los Angeles Times, "officially unveils a sign on Mount Lee in the Hollywood area of L.A. to advertise his new housing development nearby." It reads: HOLLYWOODLAND. The rest, as they say, is history.
Los Angeles, and the world, has had a love affair of sorts with the Hollywood Sign. It's the symbol of success, either out of reach, or achieved, for many. It calls to some Angelenos "home," while for tourists, it's a must-see destination on the trip itinerary. All that for a piece of advertising stuck on a hill.
There's much to know about the landmark, though its official site has mounds of information to peruse. Over the years, Hollywood itself has taken license with the use of the sign and its surrounding space, though, speaking of its surrounding place, the real estate near the sign has also made headlines.
Like any Hollywood dame of advanced age (and we're sorry, dear, for revealing your true one), she's had a few facelifts over the years, to ensure she can sit there, on the hill, in perpetuity.
Sponsored message
Happy Birthday, Hollywood Sign!
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
