Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
Hollywood sign
Artifact ID1981.31182.01
Object Type
Sign
Gifter
Hank Berger
Maker
Hank Berger Enterprises Inc.
(Hollywood, CA)
Maker
V. M. Bickmore
Date
1929
Medium
Paper, Ink, Wood
Dimensions12 1/2 × 10 in. (31.8 × 25.4 cm)
Physical DescriptionA framed document with an attached piece of wood. At the top of the document is an art deco design featuring a colored image of the Hollywood Sign and text stating "AUTHENTIC SECTION OF THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN 1929-1978." The text below the image states, "When the world-famous Hollywood sign was first constructed, it was the brainchild of Mr. John D. Roche, whose idea it had been to promote a prestigious subdivision partly owned by the infamous Mack Sennett. Later, the city of Los Angeles received the land as an addition to Griffith Park. The sign originally read 'Hollywoodland' and was completed in 1923. It stood five stores high and stretched over a city block long! It was the largest sign in the world and became one of America's best-loved landmarks! Originally the 'Hollywoodland' sign was illuminated by 4000 20-watt light bulbs spaced 8 inches apart. When lit at night, it could be seen for 50 miles! the sign was the first in history to warrant a full time maintenance man just to replace the bulbs! The sign very quickly accomplished it intended purpose...it attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists and helped establish Hollywood as the most glamorous city in the world! Early pilots used the lighted sign as a navigational aid and it appeared as a prop in many of Hollywood's early films.
In 1949 a new letter "H" was erected and the last four letters (L-A-N-D) removed. The symbol of the movie industry now proudly read 'Hollywood.' Hollywood... the ultimate achievement to many, to some it meant shattered hopes and dreams that could never come true. The sign became even more famous when Peg Entwistle, a noted stage actress, became disillusioned and jumped to her death from the letter 'H' in 1932. Other depressed starlets followed her lead and helped to make it a 'signing off place' - adding to the mystique of this famous landmark.
Pranksters have enjoyed re-working the letters. One group changed the letters to read 'Hollyweed' to celebrate California's new marijuana laws.
From the war years to 1978 the sign degenerated to a sad relic of what it once was. Many committees, film stars and promoters tried to 'Save The Sign,' to no avail, in 1973 the Cultural Heritage Board declared the old Hollywood sign an historical monument (number 111). in 1978 Alice Cooper, Hugh Hefner, Gene Autry and other concerned individuals raised $27,700 per letter to erect the new sign which now stands as proudly as the original on Mr. Lee overlooking Tinseltown. This 'piece of a Hollywood legend' was the epitome of the city it stood over for 55 years... it promised a make-believe land where sometimes dreams do come true!" followed by a signature and a gold seal.
The copyright is at the bottom, stating, "1980 Hank Berger Enterprises Inc. Hollywood, California Designed by V.M. Bickmore."Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction Note© 1980 Hank Berger Enterprises, Inc.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Copyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of these materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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