03/20/2026
POST HISTORY: Over 50,000 people attended Easter service at the Hollywood Bowl in 1922, in the natural amphitheater once known as "Daisy Dell." The natural acoustics of the area became a popular gathering spot for public events, including the Easter Sunrise Service. Post 43 members used to act as ushers and provide rides for veterans to various performances and services.
From the Hollywood, Cal. Citizen newspaper, April 14, 1922: "EXPECT RECORD SUNRISE CROWD - Hollywood Legion Post To Help Police Handle Easter Throng"
"Special call was issued today by Adjutant E.T. Ferguson of the Hollywood Post, for all American Legion men who possibly can to report at the Hollywood Bowl for special police service promptly at 3:30 Sunday morning to assist the regular police in handling the traffic and assisting in seating the people inside the Bowl.
"'We have promised Captain Home and Mrs. Carter every possible help,' stated Adjutant Ferguson today, 'and wish all members who read this notice and can possibly do so to report at the Bowl.' Captain Home of Hollywood division this morning gave every assurance that the 19 special officers detailed him from Central division will be on hand promptly, and, added to the regular night force of the Hollywood division, who will return to duty after reporting in at the station at midnight, and the American legion men, there will be an ample force on hand to take care of the tremendous crowds which are expected to attend the Easter sunrise services.
"Street car service of a special nature has been arranged by the Pacific Electric Company to handle crowds from Los Angeles and continguous communities to and from the Bowl. Announcement to this effect was officially made by street car company officials today.
"Extra service, it is explained, on regular schedule for trains coming to Hollywood, operating from Vineyard, Sixteenth street, the Hill street station and Sunset and Hollywood boulevards at frequent intervals. In-coming service will be initiated in ample time to afford pilgrims to the Easter sunrise shrine opportunity to reach the Bowl early. In fact it is the plan of company officials to start operations so that the Bowl can be reached by dawn. Extra cars will be operated from Western avenue and Santa Monica boulevard to the Bowl, connecting with the special service of the Los Angeles Railway’s Western avenue line. Cars will be held in waiting at the Hollywood boulevard terminus and in the vicinity of Highland avenue to accommodate the throng at the conclusion of the devotional exercises, the announcement explains.
"Directing special attention to the passion period a great white cross, erected on a commanding knoll overlooking the entire area of the great amphitheater, will be illuminated at 6 o’clock this evening, the illumination to be continued to dawn on Easter morning.
"Arrangements have been made by a local caterer to serve coffee to visitors at the Easter shrine at the conclusion of the services.
"Besides the members of the Philharmonic Orchestra, breakfast will be served to between 250 and 300 persons at the Hollywood Woman’s Clubhouse after the Easter exercises. Governor Stephens and Mayor Cryer will be present at the breakfast. Places are being reserved at the Chamber of Commerce."
