What do the Hollywood Sign and Sherman Library & Gardens have in common?

HISTORY!

The Hollywood sign originally read “Hollywoodland,” an advertising gimmick for a luxury housing subdivision owned by Moses H. Sherman, namesake of Sherman Library & Gardens. Sherman formed a syndicate in 1922 to develop the area, but sales were poor due to high building costs and the Great Depression. The sign fell into disrepair, and in 1945, the M. H. Sherman Company donated the land, including the sign, to the Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce later repaired the sign and removed the “LAND” portion.

Hollywoodland and Sherman Library & Gardens celebrated their historical connection by an exchange of indigenous oak trees on January 31, 2025. Executive Director of the Sherman Library & Gardens Scott LaFleur, Horticulture Director, Kyle Cheesborough and Library Director, Jill Thrasher met with Hollywoodlanders Christine O’Brien and Patricia Carroll to exchange acorns and saplings of coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia).  These indigenous oaks were propagated for Hollywoodland’s  2023, 100th anniversary celebration.

 This event symbolizes a link to the past and partnership for the future.