"Hollywoodland" was its original message, which, at night flashed "HOLLY," then "WOOD," then "LAND." The sign was created and erected by LA Times publisher Harry Chandler in 1923 as a billboard for his upscale Hollywoodland real estate development. During the Great Depression, the development company could no longer maintain it. In 1949, the "H" fell due to heavy winds and lack of maintenance. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce repaired the sign and removed the last four letters. @AmericourtPride

"Hollywoodland" was its original message, which, at night flashed "HOLLY," then "WOOD," then "LAND." The sign was created and erected by LA Times publisher Harry Chandler in 1923 as a billboard for his upscale Hollywoodland real estate development. During the Great Depression, the development company could no longer maintain it. In 1949, the "H" fell due to heavy winds and lack of maintenance. Hollywood Chamber of Commerce repaired the sign and removed the last four letters. @AmericourtPride