I recently had the opportunity to visit Lucille Ball’s hometown, Jamestown, New York. This major city is proud of its Lucian heritage. Entering Jamestown, huge murals of Lucy were painted on some of the downtown buildings. The United States Post Office displays a giant revenue stamp with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz on the stamp. The famous image “Vitameatavegamin” is painted in the parking garage, which is another attraction of Lucius nearby. With a museum, a theater, a gift shop, and more, Jacobopolis is certainly home to the red-haired actress who brought comedy to homes around the world.
While visiting Jamestown, I visited the Lucy-Desi Museum. The museum takes you through the lives of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. There are huge pictures of the couple, voice recordings, costumes, videos, news, and interesting facts posted. to keep the visitor entertained and educated in this excellent couple. The shows change every two months. There is a small souvenir shop in the museum with photos, postcards, and unique items for Lucius fans. I could not take a picture inside the museum. But a beautiful picture of Lucy outside the museum that made the target snapshot.
After the museum, I went to the Desilu Playhouse. The Playhouse contains replicas of the actual size in the “I Love Lucy” show. I was able to see the kitchen and living room of his apartment in New York and the Hollywood Hotel Company during his trip to California. The Playhouse also contains costumes and pictures that remind me of episodes from the show. Also, it is possible for visitors to exercise their “Vitameatavegamin” commercials. Gift stories clothing shopping items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, pajamas, as well as books, jewelry; purses and more.
Then I was off to the official Lucy Desi Gift Shop. The store has only one offer. . . Lunch boxes, lunch boxes, games, puzzles, DVDs, books, scrapbooks, posters, postcards, address books, and how much more! I left the box with the puzzle in the mayonnaise jar from Episode #79 – A Million Idea, 30 postcards, Lucy socks, Lucille Ball’s autobiography, and the only three movies that Lucy and Desi made together. . The gift shop catalog is perfect. You can order at 1-877-LUCY-FAN or www.lucy-desi.com.
All attractions are open Monday-Saturday from 10:00 to 5:30 pm and Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 pm. Pricing for the museum and playhouse is very reasonable. It took me about three hours to visit the above attractions. I did not see Lucius’s birth house, his childhood home, or the site of his grave.
Jamestown is truly the proud hometown of Lucille Ball. It was interesting to see Lucy show up at local businesses. The town celebrates Lucy-Desi Day on Memorial Day weekend and Lucy’s Christmas Celebration in August. Between these two major events, the town was packed with Lucia fans. Games, parties, book signings, tours, and much more invite the true Lucia fanatic.
I enjoyed my trip to Jamestown, New York, the hometown of Lucille Ball. They weren’t huge attractions, but informative and fun to watch. I left the city with some great memories and a desire to return for Lucius’ birthday celebration in August.
