The Legendary Hollyweed Sign

Los Angeles has an obnoxious habit of neglectfully erasing its own history. Before Hugh Hefner helped restore it in 1978, the city’s iconic Hollywood Sign had fallen into disrepair. It was during this low point that a few tenacious pranksters (and recreational drug enthusiasts) decided to temporarily alter it.

In the words of redditor bmwnut, “I do wonder where they put a 45 foot letter on which to practice.”


“In 1976, pot-head pranksters made ‘HOLLYWEED’ out of the iconic Hollywood sign”
By Rusty Blazenhoff
Dangerous Minds
February 27, 2015

On January 1, 1976, Tinseltown”s iconic sign read “Hollyweed” after art student Danny Finegood and 3 of his college pals used $50 worth of dark fabric to transform the famous Hollywood landmark temporarily. They had practiced it first on a scale model Finegood had crafted.Hollyweed

It was more than a simple practical joke, Finegood considered it a statement on the relaxed California marijuana law that went into effect that day.

Read more here.


This Way, Please

From Peter Markus:


Boise craft-beer maker ordered to remove sign near Connector
by Zach Kyle
Idaho Statesman
March 13, 2014

When Woodland Empire Ale Craft opened in January, the brewery announced its presence with a billboard mimicking the nearby green and yellow signs on the westbound entrance of the I-184 Connector. The sign read like a freeway off-ramp: “Craft beer: right here.” An arrow points to the brewery parking lot.

The Idaho Transportation Department is not amused.

boise-craft-beer-signage

Read more here.