Location 6: Hollywood Sign

Line 1

-constructed 1923

-originally said “Hollywoodland”

-marketing push for housing development

-meant to last only couple of years, needed constant maintenance

Line 2

-late 40s, sign famous in the city

-Hollywood Chamber of Commerce & LA Parks Dept. work to maintain & refurbish sign

-sign lost “land” so it could more broadly represent whole district, not just housing development

Line 3

-funding for repair is low

-late 1970s, group of independent donors (including Hugh Hefner) gave money to refurbish original sign for longevity

Line 4

-but, just like the town itself, hollywood is iconic but not without tragedy

Line 5

-1932: 24-year old aspiring actress Peg Entwistle climbed up “H”

-jumped to her death

-8 years later, sign’s custodian Albert Kothe crashed into the “H” after driving drunk

-knocked it over

-Albert lived, but his 1928 Ford Model A was totaled

-those close to Albert say he swerved to avoid a beautiful woman when he smashed sign

-not the only one to see Peg

Line 6

-late 60s, group of hikers made way up to sign

-swore they saw young woman at top of sign

-she jumped and they rushed to help

-but when they got there, ground was empty. not even a drop of blood

Line 7

-couple walking Beachwood Canyon Trail saw young woman in dated clothes

-she looked hurt, stumbling ahead of them

-tried calling to her & jogged, but couldn’t catch up

Line 8

-strangest encounter comes from John Arbogast, park ranger

-saw Peg several times

-1st time: driving and saw young woman stumbling at side of road

-got out to see if she needs help

-smelled gardenias, her favorite flower & perfume

-she never turned around, but put her hand to wave for him to follow

-followed her and came upon the sign

-her suddenly lost her, until he looked and saw her at top of sign

-began to climb up to get her, but she disappeared

Line 9

-few years later, he was having insomnia

-one night he fell asleep right away

-dreamed he was floating above body

-saw Peg pull his body out of bed and leave house

-when he woke up, standing on top of sign

-nearly fell before catching himself and climbing down

-saw Peg few more times after that, never again problem with sleepwalking

Key Names & Dates

-built 1923, Hollywoodland

-late 40s, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce & LA Parks Dept. refurbish

-late 1970s: donors (incl. Hugh Hefner)

-1932: 24 year old Peg Entwistle

-Albert Kothe crashes 8 years later; 1928 Ford Model A

-late 60s = hikers

-couple hiking Beachwood Canyon Trail

-John Arbogast park rangers