Explore Area Attractions Of The Hometown Of Lucille Ball
Make it an Extended Stay
The National Comedy Center
The National Comedy Center is one of the most exciting area arractions in Jamestown, N.Y.. The Comedy Center is the United States official cultural institution and museum dedicated to the art form of comedy. The state-of-the-art museum celebrates comedys great minds and unique voices, from Charlie Chaplin to Dave Chappelle. Exclusive collections and world-class exhibits provide an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the time-honed creative processes that have elevated comedy to an art form.
Jamestown, N.Y.
As Chautauqua Countys year-round hub for culture and commerce, area attractions in Jamestown offer a unique mixture of rural relaxation and urban flair. Here, laughter, knowledge and nature are equally revered, producing an environment where people and businesses can create and flourish. Jamestown, N.Y. is the hometown of Lucille Ball and the National Comedy Center.
Chautauqua County
The Lucille Ball Little Theatre
Turn right on Washington St.
Turn right on 2nd St.
Destination on your right.
Originally the Allen Opera House, and then Sheas Theater, this venue was once an ornate 2,000-seat vaudeville palace that a young Lucille Ball frequented to watch movies and theatrical performances. Internationally renowned artists including W. C. Fields, Gypsy Rose Lee, and John Philip Sousa performed in this venue. In 1946, Lucille Ball herself appeared on the Sheas stage to promote the sale of war bonds. During that appearance she told the assembled crowd: Theyll tell you that California is Gods country…but Gods country is right here in Jamestown. Think of the change of seasons, the gardens, lilacs blooming in the springits a wonderful, wonderful place.
The Little Theatre of Jamestown purchased the building in 1968. The Little Theatre is a regional community theater that was formed in 1920. In 1929, 18-year-old Lucille Ball was cast in their production of Within the Law her first stage performance outside of school. In 1991, the theater was formally renamed The Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown in a ceremony with Balls family in attendance. The Little Theater is now New York States longest-running community theater organization.
Site3
Turn left on Spring St.
Turn right on 3rd St.
Destination on your right.
Site4
Turn right on Third St.
Destination on your left.
Site7
Turn left on Jefferson St.
Turn left on Second St.
Destination on your right.
Site10
Lucille Ball: A Look Back At The Stars Career
Celebrate the I Love Lucy icons 111th birthday with Bookstr! Read more to see how the beloved actress and producer, Lucille Ball, paved her legacy.
This five-time Emmy Award-winning icon had a career full of projects that paved the way for women in film and television. Lucille Ball was born on August 6, 1911 in Jamestown, New York but managed to have an impact on the entire nation. We know her as the star of the 1951 sitcom I Love Lucy and for her roles in various films throughout the 20th century. But she didnt start off on the screen in the way we imagine.
After attending a drama school in New York City, Ball ignited her career in 1929 as a model under the name Diane Belmont. Though her initial attempts in theater were rejected, her modeling work impressed the Hollywood studios and earned her roles in Roman Scandals and Kid Millions among others. In the latter half of the 1930s and early 40s, Ball appeared in RKO Radio Pictures films, usually cast as a chorus girl. This also happened to be when she met her husband, Desi Arnaz, who was a Cuban bandleader and fellow actor.
Her film success meant she stayed booked and busy until she eventually took the lead rather than filling supporting roles. Ball and Arnaz kept their careers separate for the next decade as Ball landed major comedies like The Big Street with Henry Fonda and Fancy Pants with Bob Hope.
FEATURED IMAGE VIA LIFETIME
Don’t Miss: Jewish Museum Nyc Current Exhibits
What Did Desi Arnaz Do During World War Ii
Vivian Vance and William Frawley will forever be one of TVs most beloved couples, but they didnt always get along that well in real life. Frawley was a full 22 years older than Vance, but more saliently, their personalities did not match. Vivian Vance was a serious and methodical performer who rehearsed diligently William Frawley was notorious for ripping the pages containing his own dialogue out of his scripts, memorizing his lines, and disengaging from the rest of the creative process. Vance was a sociable, charismatic person Frawley was a devout sports fan, but otherwise reserved and introverted. Despite their differences, they collaborated professionally for years and set a standard for television comedy that has persisted for generations.
What Was Lucille Balls Job Before She Moved To Hollywood For An Acting Role
Lucille Ball was a model at Hattie Carnegies prestigious salon in New York City. She also posed as a poster girl for advertising campaigns. One day while walking near the Palace Theatre, Lucy ran into talent agent Sylvia Halo who told her that comedian Eddie Cantor was looking for poster girls for his new movie Roman Scandals. Thinking the job was only for six weeks, Lucy looked upon it as a chance to see the country while earning a good salary, so she hopped on a train to California. A few years later, she was one of the brightest stars in Hollywood.
Recommended Reading: Hotels Near Bible Museum Washington Dc
Also Check: How Much Is The Museum Of Natural History Nyc
Explore The Incredible Lives And Careers Of Lucy And Desi
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were pioneering artists, innovators, and cultural icons. Learn about their fascinating life stories, their creation of the powerhouse Desilu Studios, and their lasting influence on the course of American cultural history.
Experience one-of-a-kind artifacts, rarely-seen footage, and unique exhibits that illuminate the Lucy Desi story for comedy fans of all generations. Youre sure to notice something new each visit!
I Love Lucy Gift Shop
You May Like: Music City Hall Of Fame Museum
Military Service During Wwii
April 27, 1943 Arnaz received his draft notice. However, Arnaz was disqualified from overseas service due to hypertension and knee injuries, which caused him pain with prolonged physical exertion, according to his military physical examination. He had injured his left knee prior to his enlistment and injured his right knee soon after enlisting on May 23, 1943 during a baseball game at Camp Arlington. He completed his recruit training, but was classified for limited service in the United States Army during World War II.
He was assigned to direct United Service Organization programs at the Birmingham General Army Hospital in the San Fernando Valley. It was his responsibility to keep injured soldiers entertained while they were recovering in the hospital. Thanks to his Hollywood connections, Arnaz was able to bring celebrities to visit the hospital and boost morale of the soldiers. For example, discovering the first thing the wounded soldiers requested was a glass of cold milk, he arranged for movie starlets to meet them and pour the milk for them.
Arnaz served two years, seven months and four days. His primary unit was the 9th Service Command, Army Service Forces. For his service during World War II, he was awarded the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.
Arnaz was discharged as a staff sergeant on September 30, 1945.
Don’t Miss: Wright Patterson Air Force Museum
What Was The Name Of The Radio Program That Was The Precursor To I Love Lucy
My Favorite Husband was a CBS radio program that aired from 1948 to 1951. It was based on the 1940 novel Mr. and Mrs. Cugat by Isabel Scott Rorick. The show featured Lucille Ball and Richard Denning as married couple Liz and George Cugat . George was an upper-class banker, and the couples best friends were Georges boss, Rudolph Atterbury, and his wife, Iris . Liz was a zany housewife character that became the model for Lucy Ricardo.
New Film Draws Attention To I Love Lucy Jamestowns Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. â Fans are lining up to see the new movie, âBeing the Ricardos,â a film chronicling the lives of stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, known for the hit show âI Love Lucy.â
For fans of the hit television show, itâs no secret that Ball was born in Jamestown. Now, the new movie is drawing attention to the city, home to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and a National Comedy Center.
What You Need To Know
- There is a new movie, Being the Ricardos, which gives a glimpse into the lives of both actors Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
- Ball was born in Jamestown
- The museum features original costumes and props from I Love Lucy, and recreates sets
âThe Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum celebrates the lives, careers and legacies of two people who are the first couple of comedy and who revolutionized the entertainment industry, Journey Gunderson, the executive director of Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center, said
The museum features original costumes and props from I Love Lucy, and recreates sets.
âWhere Iâm standing right now is the Lucy Desi Museum in probably the most famous living room in television history,â Gunderson said. â the iconic Ricardos living room from their Manhattan apartment.
In 2018 the National Comedy Center opened in Jamestown. It represents Lucille Ballâs vision for the celebration of her legacy.
Don’t Miss: Philadelphia Museum Of Art Entrance
The Ultimate I Love Lucy Experience At The Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
The Lucy Desi Museum features exact re-creations of studio sets from the beloved TV sitcomI Love Lucy, including Lucy and Ricky Ricardos New York City apartment and Hollywood hotel suite. Also on display are screen-used costumes and props, Emmy Awards, and scripts from this legendary TV series.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of this innovative and history-making TV series, enjoy an opportunity to perform your very own Vitameatavegamin commercial, and much more at the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum!
Their Lives and Careers
Which Of The I Love Lucy Gang Have Been Honored With Stars Along The Hollywood Walk Of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a tribute to Americas legendary entertainers. The walk extends for more than two miles along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Los Angeles. All four of I Love Lucys principal actors were honored with their own stars. Lucille Ball has two: at 6436 Hollywood Boulevard and one at 6100 Hollywood Boulevard . Desi also has two: One at 6323 1/2 Hollywood Boulevard and 6254 Hollywood Boulevard . Vivian Vance has one for television at 7000 Hollywood Boulevard. William Frawley has one for film at 6322 Hollywood Boulevard, but was never honored for his contributions on television.
Don’t Miss: Hotels Near National Infantry Museum
Former Site Of Celoron School
Continue straight on Stewart Ave.
Turn right onto 3rd St.
Turn left on Fairmount Ave.
Turn right on Dunham Ave.
Turn left on Lucy Lane
Destination on your left.
Lucy went to grade school on this site, though the original schoolhouse has since been demolished. In her memoir, Lucy recalled that the little red brick Celoron schoolhouse which we attended from kindergarten through high school was just a block from our house. It was here that Lucy met her beloved teacher, Miss Lillian Appleby, who encouraged her to channel her artistic and expressive abilities into acting.
Lucy became a member of the schools drama club, where she directed and starred in the play Charleys Aunt. A formative moment in Lucille Balls life occurred on this site when her stepfather, Ed Peterson, brought her to see a performance by the renowned monologist Julius Tannen in the school auditorium. As Lucy remembered, I dont think a stage career ever occurred to me until that night.
Site13
Continue straight on Lucy Lane
Destination on your left.
In 1927, the family was devastated when they lost this home in a tragic set of circumstances. While Grandpa Hunt was supervising children during target practice with a .22 caliber rifle, a neighbor boy was accidentally shot and paralyzed. The house was auctioned off to cover legal fees when Grandpa Hunt was charged with reckless and willful endangerment. The family relocated to the Wilcox Apartments in Jamestown.
Site14
Turn right on Jackson St.
Site15
Why Did Desi Arnaz Immigrate To The United States
Desis life was permanently altered in 1933 when the Cuban government was overthrown in a revolution. The Arnaz family homes, cars, boats, farms, and animals were destroyed and burned. Desi and his mother escaped with their lives, and his father was thrown in jail. After a few months, the senior Arnaz was released, and he and Desi made their way to the United States. They had lost everything and began their new lives without money, a home, or connections. Desis father made sure his son graduated from high school and took any job that would put food on the table. Desi embraced his extraordinary talent for music and entertaining and was soon fulfilling his own American dream.
You May Like: African American Museum In Louisiana
Read Also: How Much Are Tickets To The Intrepid Museum
Where Was Lucille Ball Born
Lucille Desiree Ball was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York. Her parents were Desiree Hunt and Henry Ball. At the age of one month, Lucy and her mother traveled to Montana, where Henry was working as a telephone linesman for the Michigan Bell Company. The family then moved to Wyandotte, Michigan, where Henry tragically succumbed to typhoid fever. Toddler Lucy and her pregnant mother returned to Jamestown, where they moved in with DeDes parents, who raised Lucy and her baby brother, Freddy.
Recommended Reading: Strong Museum Of Play Hours
With Dual Admission To The National Comedy Centerour Most Popular Ticket And The Best Value
Inspired by Lucys vision for her hometown to become a celebration of comedy, the award-winning National Comedy Center takes you laugh-filled, interactive journey through the world of comedy.
See why visitors and the media are raving about this one-of-a-kind experience, recently selected by USA Today as the Best New Museum in the country, and by TIME as one of its Worlds Greatest Places.
Read Also: Museum Of Flight Santa Monica
The Lives Of Lucille Ball And Desi Arnaz
- DUAL ADMISSION
- is available now only at the Lucy Desi Museum Shop. More products celebrating 70 Years coming soon. Official I Love Lucy 70th Anniversary merchandise Click Here
- Our new, state-of-the-art LaughSafe program is designed to ensure a healthy, safe and worry-free experience for you during your visit. The health and safety of our guests is our highest priority.
- Add your photo free to the I Love Lucy 70th Anniversary mosaic! Become a part of this commemorative mosaic! Submit Now
New Film Draws Attention To ‘i Love Lucy’ Jamestown’s Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
JAMESTOWN, N.Y. â Fans are lining up to see the new movie, âBeing the Ricardos,â a film chronicling the lives of stars Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, known for the hit show âI Love Lucy.â
For fans of the hit television show, itâs no secret that Ball was born in Jamestown. Now, the new movie is drawing attention to the city, home to the Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and a National Comedy Center.
What You Need To Know
- There is a new movie, ‘Being the Ricardos,’ which gives a glimpse into the lives of both actors Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz
- Ball was born in Jamestown
- The museum features original costumes and props from ‘I Love Lucy,’ and recreates sets
âThe Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum celebrates the lives, careers and legacies of two people who are the first couple of comedy and who revolutionized the entertainment industry,” Journey Gunderson, the executive director of Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and the National Comedy Center, said
The museum features original costumes and props from ‘I Love Lucy,’ and recreates sets.
âWhere Iâm standing right now is the Lucy Desi Museum in probably the most famous living room in television history,â Gunderson said. â the iconic Ricardos living room from their Manhattan apartment.”
In 2018 the National Comedy Center opened in Jamestown. It represents Lucille Ballâs vision for the celebration of her legacy.
Recommended Reading: Native American Museum Los Angeles
Why Did The I Love Lucy Writers Decide To Move The Show To Hollywood In The Fourth Season
In the fourth season of the show, the writers needed a fresh canvas to work with. Feeling they had exhausted domestic storylines and outgrown the confines of the Ricardos apartment-bound setting, they sent the cast on an extended trip to a new locale. The Hollywood setting allowed for the introduction of more modern and varied settings, and permitted many of Lucy and Desis real-life celebrity friends to guest star on the show.
Dont Miss: Parking For Museum Of The Bible
National Comedy Center Upgrade 1: 30
Admission to Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum and National Comedy Center
- Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum Admission
- What’s excluded Food and drinks
- What’s excluded
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vouchers are only good for the date and time you purchased the ticket for.
- Check out: ComedyCenter.org/LaughSafe for all that we are doing to keep guests safe throughout a worry-free experience.
Activity itinerary
Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
- Admission ticket included
Memorabilia buffs will love checking out props from the TV show like the cello and professor outfit from the pilot and The Audition episodes, and the lion tamer costume worn by Pepito, the Spanish Clown from episode 52, Lucys Show Biz Swan Song. Plus, see Lucys Emmy awards, and make your own Vitameatavegamin commercial at an interactive display.
- High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Gear and equipment sanitized between use
Social distancing
- Contactless payment for gratuities and add-ons
Safety measures
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
Location
- Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
- 2 W 3rd St,
- 14701-5104, Jamestown, New York, United States
Meeting/Redemption Point
- Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
- 2 W 3rd St,
- 14701-5104, Jamestown, New York, United States
You May Like: Hotels Near Boston Museum Of Science
