These days we’re used to a Hollywoodland that has filled most square feet of the Hollywood Hills below the Hollywood sign. But back in 1924, when this photo was taken, only half a dozen places had been built—and that includes the Hollywoodland Realty office. The famous Hollywoodland sign we can see in the background was illuminated for the first time on December 8, 1923, so it was brand new in this photo, and flashing HOLLY – WOOD – LAND – HOLLYWOODLAND at night.
Mary M says: “It took time to build the roads through the hills as you can see. Their advertising made it sound like lots were selling like hotcakes, but only half sold by 1930.”
Here is one of their ads:
This is approximately what that view looks like these days:
In the very center of the photo, at 2720 Woodhaven Drive, one can see the “Ivory Tower”, a castle built by the owner of the Pantages theater chain for his daughter. In the 1930s, it was rented by Carole Lombard’s mother. Carole and Clark Gable spent their honeymoon there. In the early 1980s, it was bought and then restored by Art Director Joel Schiller (The Graduate; Rosemary’s Baby.)
Wow, Michael! Thanks for all that extra, interesting information!