By 1954, the venerable HOLLYWOOD sign had been the symbol of Tinseltown for over three decades. The fifty foot high milestone on Mount Lee was emblematic of the aspirations of those worthies who appear everyday in Hollywood in pursuit of their respective holy grail. Most didn’t make it and still don’t. There were more than several who longed too much and cared too little that became authentic casualties. Let us offer a moment of silence for those unfortunates as personified by unemployed actress Peg Entwistle whose despondent swan dive to eternity off of the top of the Hoccurred in 1932. Although L.A. Times publisher Harry Chandler originally erected the original HOLLYWOODLAND sign to publicize his upscale housing development, the real estate company eventually played out. The City of Hollywood took over a landmark in disrepair in 1949 that was a direct reflection of the twin devastations - television and the...

  WELCOME! THRICE WELCOME ALL -Behind these curtains, tightly drawnAre Brother Masquers, tried and true,Who have labored diligently, to bring to youA Night of Mirth - and mirth ‘twill be,But, mark you well, although no text we preachA little lesson, well defined, respectfully, we’d teachThe lesson is this: Throughout this Life,No matter what befall-The best thing in this troubled worldIs LAUGHTER, after all-And that’s the slogan of our club -From cradle days to shroudIt brings the sunshine back againAnd drives away the cloudSo - now, tonight, let joy be yoursLet LAUGHTER ring out clear!I pray - be not too critical, in judgment, too severe!These are all our pals we’re here to see,There shafts of wit have zest! But should theyTouch a tender spot, remember - ‘Tis a Jest!...And, as you leave our house tonight,Midst Music, LAUGHTER, Din,Remember, friends our slogan -We laugh- WE LAUGH TO WIN! The Masquers Creed - Harry...