I grew up on our farm watching “I Love Lucy” on this very TV. WAY back. In the 1950s.
We never missed that show.
And little did we know that on our recent New York trip Peepaw and I would discover a treasure trove of Lucy memories and memorabilia!
Our overnight in Jamestown began with a socially distanced bite at a bar within walking distance of our motel. And that’s where a sweet local named Wendy told us we couldn’t leave Jamestown the next day without a stop at the Lucy and Desi Museum. (We never scoff at a serious recommendation like that!)
Bright and early the next morning we headed into town where we were quickly met by this gorgeous mural. So we knew we must be on the right track.
We couldn’t head to a museum on an empty stomach, so we first stopped for breakfast in a cute little diner that looked as if it came straight out of a 1950s I Love Lucy episode. Check it out HERE.
Then off we went to the museum. (It was sure easy to find.)
Meemaw’s Disclaimer: If you’re reading this and you’ve never heard of Lucy and Ricky and Fred and Ethel…this post won’t touch your heart as if you were “an old duck” like me. But please humor me just this once! In fact you just may end up wanting to hop on your YouTube machine and find some old episodes to watch. Then you might even discover a new binge watching favorite!!
Admission to the Lucy & Desi Museum was a real bargain at only $15 for old folks like us! (There is also a National Comedy Center to explore, but we skipped that on this trip.)
Turns out Lucille Ball was born in Jamestown on August 6, 1911. Hence their love affair with all things Lucy.
“Lucy…I’m Home!”
We stepped inside the museum where we were mesmerized by all of the displays and artifacts…like the very microphone used for the radio show that led to that iconic TV phrase we heard so often from Desi Arnaz/Ricky Ricardo…”Lucy, I’m Home!” As you can see here, CBS wanted to use another actor to play the part of Luci’s husband. But she would have NONE of that! She insisted that her “real” husband play her husband on the show…and the rest is history!
Who could forget the iconic kitchen where so many hilarious events took place? (I can picture Lucy and Ethyl sipping coffee from those cups.)
And here’s the famous living room where so many crazy capers were hatched by those four zany characters.
Check out this actual script of an episode…complete with penciled in changes!
Original costumes are displayed everywhere, and each one brought back more memories.
Remember this scene?
We even found the rolodex (check out THAT word you young whipper-snappers!!) with Lucille Ball’s actual phone number listed.
The Lucy and Ricky bedroom is complete with blond furniture exactly like the set I grew up with! Plus toys belonging to “Little Ricky” and “Lucie.”
You young folks might not remember the I Love Lucy show, but I bet there are at least a few of these programs that might look familiar. These were later programs produced by DesiLu Studios. In fact many of these programs are still being viewed today!
Yes, Dear Readers…It pays to listen to the locals when traveling. And this recommendation from Wendy in Jamestown was one we’re so glad we heeded!
Now…off to our next adventure.
Want a hint?
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