panoramic view of hollywood behind the world famous iconic sign

#78 Explore / Interestingness

HAPPY EASTER TO EVERYONE!!!

8 shots stitched.

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Check out more pictures from my Hollywood Sign Series.

www.kriskrosphotography.com
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You might think it would have some kind of official name. Something more obscure like the Mount Lee Marketing Ploy of Hollywood. But no, it's just "the Hollywood Sign."

It was first erected in 1923 and was, at the time, fitted with 4,000 light bulbs. Also, as most people know, it originally read "HOLLYWOODLAND." And as the rumor goes, the last four letters fell down and were never replaced. You can find that rumor published as fact, too, in many books. The truth, however, according to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, is that the "LAND" was removed deliberately in 1949 when the sign underwent a makeover. After nearly 26 years, it had fallen into desperate disrepair. After all, it had been designed to last only about a year and a half.

But by 1978, the sign had once again deteriorated and was finally replaced with letters constructed of steel. Each letter now measures to a height of 45 feet and a width ranging from 31 to nearly 40 feet.

Many, however, have not been satisfied with the sign's limited vocabulary. It has been changed many times — illegally mind you — in celebration of various events: OLLYWOOD during the Iran-Contra hearings, HOLYWOOD during a Pope's visit, and my personal favorite, HOLLYWEED, in reaction to a new state marijuana law. More impressive alterations included GO NAVY, CALTECH, and of course the enigmatic RAFFEYSOD, the meaning of which has never been determined.

- www.bigwaste.com/photos/ca/hollywoodsign/