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Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Chronology - Week 4 - May


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May 24

 

Wilbur Hatch, musical director, CBS Radio, My Favorite Husband; joined the (“I Love Lucy”) team, musical director, supervisor, composer, and conductor of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, pre-recorded for coordinated perfection, at General Services Studios; stayed in the Arnazes and Desilu Productions’ employ – all series - until his death in 1969; including Desilu Productions', Mission: Impossible, as Music Consultant, 28 episodes, 1966, 1967; is born this date in 1902.

 

Willis Bouchey, guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America 2 episodes,1956; co-star, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, 1956; guest, Desilu Productions', Sheriff of Cochise, 1957, The Californians, 1958, Official Detective, 1958, U.S. Marshal, 1959, The Untouchables, 1960, and Harrigan and Son, 2 episodes, 1960; 1961, is born this date in 1907.

 

Jimmy Demaret, Golf Masters’ Champion, 1940, 1947, 1950; Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz guest co-star, (“I Love Lucy”), 1954; as well as Lucille’s guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1964, is born this date in 1910.

 

Lilli Palmer, guest co-star Desilu Productions’, Here’s Hollywood, 1961; as well as with Lucille Ball, Women I Love: Beautiful But Funny, 1982, is born this date in 1914.

 

Desi Arnaz notarized his “Employment Agreement” with RKO Radio Pictures to do two movies for the sum of $1,100, this date in 1941.

 

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz appear in Republic Pictures’, Meet The Stars #6: Stars at Play, a documentary, with Jane Withers entertaining her teenage friends with archery and jitterbug dancing; Cesar Romero and Patricia Morison play backgammon; Rita Hayworth supervises the building of her new home; stars gather at Santa Anita for the San Antonio handicap, released this date in 1941.

 

Lucille Ball appears on NBC’s Bill Stern Colgate Sports Newsreel, airing this date in 1945.

 

Lucille Ball appears on NBC’s The College Sports Newsreel, airing this date in 1946.

 

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz appear on the cover of TV Digest for this week in 1952.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “The Sublease” - Lucy and Ricky go to Maine for the summer, a booking which is cancelled and they have already sub-let their apartment; supporting cast members, Virginia Brissac and Jay Novello - airs this date in 1954.

 

TV Guide: “Desi Arnaz swung his record-breaking $12 million Westinghouse ‘Desilu Playhouse’ deal, which calls for 48 hour-long films, including seven new Lucy-Desi Shows, 36 dramas, comedies, and musicals, five repeats of this season’s Lucy-Desi hours – all without a single test film, no scripts, no guest stars – just the Desilu track record,” published this date in 1958.

 

Lucille Ball sends a telegram to Hedda Hopper and Radie Harris: “We’re ready for Paris . . . Cleo, Kenny, Desi, the children and I have seen Capri, Rome, London and now Paris . . . delightful crossing; weather perfect, food divine; flying home 6/14, over north pole directly to California; have to work 6/15,” this date in 1959.

 

Despite Lucille Ball’s assurances she will resume her Broadway Wildcat role in August, as announced, her farewells are said during her performance on this evening in 1961.

 

Vivian Vance, (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz) appears on Password, this date in 1964.

 

Duke Ellington, b. 4/29; Lucille Ball early-career co-star, 1934, dies this date in 1974.

Hermione Gingold, b. 12/9; guest, Desilu Productions', Shower of Stars, 1958; guest stars, 2 appearances, with Lucie Arnaz, The Virginia Graham Show, 1971; dies this date in 1987.

 

The Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown - formerly Shea’s Theater - built in 1881, as Allen’s Opera House; in 1898, renamed Samuel’s Opera House; in 1919, again renamed, Shea’s Opera House/Theater; Lucille once appeared on stage here in a play sponsored by the Masons, and appeared on stage when she was in town to promote the sale of War Bonds in 1946. Shea’s closed in 1961; left vacant until purchased by the Little Theater of Jamestown (a local group founded in 1936) and reopened in 1968. On the occasion of the first Lucyfest, it was dedicated as the 426-seat Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown, with Lucie Arnaz and husband and actor, Laurence Luckinbill, in attendance, this date in 1991.

 

Marco Rizo, long-time piano-playing band member of the Desi Arnaz Orchestra, appears in Lucille’s hometown for a special fundraising event for the Lucy-Desi Museum this date in 1998.

 

Advertising Age: “Virtual Ads, Real Problems” - Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz appear in a thought-provoking column as cartoon figures, the type of thing you will find forever as if they were still alive, this date in 1999.

 

Betsy Palmer, film and TV Star, headlines the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, this date in 2003.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – City To Unveil 58th Historical Marker – by B. Delores Thompson, Jamestown Historian – “The City of Jamestown unveiled today, the 58th historical marker at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, site of the first theater in Jamestown NY, established in 1874, by Abner Elisha Allen, the structure known as the Allen Opera House. The structure burned, uninsured in the early morning hours of January 12, 1881, and Allen built his second Opera House, opened with great fanfare December 19, 1881, later Shea’s Theater, which now houses the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown,” published this date in 2007.

 

Lucie Arnaz At Celoron Ribbon-Cutting - Desi Arnaz Band Shell Inauguration Takes Place This Sunday! - Jamestown, NY – Celoron, NY residents and officials are looking forward to welcoming Lucie Arnaz this Sunday, 3:00 p.m., for the ribboncutting on the new Desi Arnaz Band Shell in Lucille Ball Memorial Park. Following the ceremony, Ms. Arnaz and three musicians she’s brought in from around the country will offer a brief performance. Their numbers will offer a “sneak peek” at the full 17-piece orchestra concert they will perform at 7:30 pm in the Reg Lenna Civic Center, announced this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Celebration Begins Downtown – by Dennis Phillips - “The “First Lady Of Comedy” may be gone; but, her legacy lives forever, especially during Memorial Day Weekend in Jamestown, as Lucy-Desi Days 2008 opened downtown Friday, the Chautquaua Regional Youth Symphony, the Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown Junior Guilders and Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz impersonators assisted Mayor Teresi and the Creative Director of the Center, open the annual event on City Hall Plaza”, published this date in 2008.

 

Dick Martin, b. 1/30; of Laugh-In fame, Dan Rowan, co-star; guest, Desilu Productions', The Walter Winchell Show, 1956; appears with Lucille Ball, Toast of the Town, 1961; Lucille's supporting cast member, The Lucy Show, 10 episodes, 1962-63, with Lucille, The Dean Martin Show, 1966; with Lucille, Swing Out, Sweet Land, 1970; guest ‘roaster’, The Dean Martin Celebrity Roast: Lucille Ball, 1975; as well as interviewee, American Masters: Finding Lucy, 2000, dies this date in 2008.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Region -Lucy Festival Continues Downtown – wrap-up of 2009 Festival, Photos by P-J Robert Rizzuto”, published this date in 2009.

 

[luciearnaz] “An Evening With Lucille Ball: Thank You For Asking”, in Jamestown - “The Headliner on Saturday, May 29, 2010, during Lucy-Desi Days Fan Appreciation Weekend will be Lucy impersonator, Suzanne LaRusch! Suzanne will be bringing her one-woman show to Jamestown, “An Evening with Lucille Ball: ‘Thank You for Asking,’” Directed by Lucie Arnaz, this amazing program is crafted in the spirit of the amusing lectures Lucy gave throughout her career. It’s the Lucy the whole world loved, from “Ricardo” to “Mame, but, more importantly, it’s an evening with the REAL Lucy, as you’ve never seen her before”, posted this date in 2010.

 

May 25

 

Claude Akins, Lucille Ball two-time guest, (“I Love Lucy”), 1956; appears in Desilu Productions', Yancy Derringer, 1958; The Lucy Show, 1967, is born this date in 1926.

 

Nicholas Georgiade, one of less-than-two-dozen actors picked by Lucille Ball for her Desilu Workshop, late 50's; guest, Desilu Productions', Whirlybirds, 1959; archivally, and uncredited, The Gun of Zangara, 1959; archivally, and uncredited, The Scarface Mob, 1960; co-star, Alcatraz Express, as Agent Enrico Rossi, 1960; guest, Desilu Productions', The Untouchables, as Agent Enrico Rossi, 105 episodes, 1959-1963, guest, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse “Meeting at Appalachia”, 1960; is born this date in 1933.

 

Dixie Carter, of Designing Women, on one of which episodes, 1989, featuring a fanatic Lucy afficianado, and then shows Lucy during the credits after she had just passed away in real life; and Desperate Housewives' fame, appeared via archival footage with Lucille Ball, Bob Hope's Bag Full of Christmas Memories, 1993; archivally, with Lucille and Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), 50 Years of Funny Females; with Lucie Arnaz, CBS at 75 2003; as well as with Lucille and Vivian, archivally, TV's Greatest Sidekicks, 2004, is born this date in 1939.

Leslie Uggams, appears with Lucille Ball, Swing Out, Sweet Land, 1970; appears with Desi Arnaz, IV, Salute to Oscar Hammerstein II, 1972; as well as appears with Lucille and Lucie Arnaz, Night of 100 Stars, II, 1985; is born this date in 1942.

 

Karen Valentine, appears with Desi Arnaz, The Hollywood Squares, 1972; co-star, Desi Arnaz, IV, 1976; 1978; as well as with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, via archival footage, TV in Black: The First Fifty Years, 2004, is born this date in 1947.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “Lucy Is Matchmaker” - Lucy trying to marry off one of her bridge club friends, who’s been flirting with all their husbands, which backfires, based on My Favorite Husband “Trying to Marry Off Peggy Martin,” with Phil Arnold, William R. Hamel, Hal March, Peggy Rea, Doris Singleton, airing this date in 1953.

 

Lucille Ball appears in Life Magazine published this date in 1953.

 

Lucille Ball co-stars, as Mrs. Joe X, (technical advisor), Twentieth Century-Fox', A Guide For The Married Man, co-starring with Art Carney, as Mr. Joe X, (technical advisor), with Majel Barrett, Jack Benny, Polly Bergen, Joey Bishop, Ben Blue, Sid Caesar, Wally Cox, Tommy Farrell, Jeffrey Hunter, Marty Ingels, Sam Jaffe, Jayne Mansfield, Hal March, Walter Matthau, Robert Morse, Louis Nye, Eddie Quillan, Carl Reiner, Paul Sorenson, and Terry-Thomas, among many others, released this date in 1967.

 

Lela Rogers, b. 12/25; one of Lucille Ball’s mentors and 'acting coach’ early RKO employ, dies this date in 1977.

 

Larry J. Blake, b. 4/24; uncredited co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1951; guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, 2 episodes, 1956, December Bride, 1958; Desilu Studios'-filmed, Yancy Derringer, 11 episodes, 1958-59, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, 1956, 2 episodes, 1958; Desilu Productions', Harrigan and Son, 1961; Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Bill Dana Show, 1963; Desilu Productions', Mission: Impossible, 1967; as well as Lucille Ball guest, The Lucy Show, 1966, and (“Here's Lucy”), 6 episodes, 1969-1974, dies this date in 1982.

 

Lucille Ball appears in her last comedy skit performance, and a duet, with Bob Hope, co-starring an all-star cast, among whom are: Glen Campbell, Kirk Cameron, Phyllis Diller, Delores Hope, Barbara Mandrell, Ronald Reagan, Brooke Shields, and Elizabeth Taylor, NBC’s, Bob Hope’s High-Flying Birthday (his 84th) Extravaganza, written by Fred S. Fox and Seaman Jacobs, and others, taped at Pope Air Force Base, North Carolina, this date in 1986.

 

Vic Tayback, b. 1/6; co-star, Desilu Productions’, Mission: Impossible, 1966, 1968; guest star, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Family Affair, 2 episodes, 1966, 1967; Desilu Productions', Star Trek, 1968; with Desi Arnaz, Alice, 1976; as well as with Desi Arnaz, IV, Gridlock, 1980, dies this date in 1990.

 

Jamestown Post Journal: “The Little Theatre” renamed to honor Lucille Ball: “The Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown”, published this date in 1991.

 

Lucy-Desi Museum has its grand opening, a project of the Arts Council for Chautauqua County, in Jamestown, NY (to the present, has welcomed more than 150,000 visitors from more than 30 countries), on this date in 1996.

 

Shelley Berman, Bill Dana, Sam Denoff, Louis Nye, Tom Poston and Ronnie Schell, television comedians and movie stars, headline the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival, Jamestown, NY, this date in 1997.

 

Hillary Brooke, b. 9/8; Lucille Ball co-star, uncredited role, 1938; stars with The Three Stooges and My Little Margie, early 1950s; Lucille's guest, (“I Love Lucy”), 1956, dies this date in 1999.

 

June Whitley Taylor, b. 8/26; (“I Love Lucy”) 2 episodes, 1953; guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, 1954; co-star, Desi Arnaz Productions', Mothers-in-Law, 2 episodes, 1968; as well as Lucille's guest cast member, with Lucie Arnaz, (“Here's Lucy”), 1972, dies this date in 2006.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY: Lucy-Desi Days Arrive – Hundreds From U.S. Come to Celebrate, by Patrick L. Fanelli – “ . . . Festival celebrates Jamestown’s favorite native daughter and her husband, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and kicks off at noon today, with events continuing throughout the weekend celebrating the life and legacy of the television icons. The Headliner this year, their daughter, Lucie Arnaz, will be performing in several appearances culminating in a Tribute to her father, Desi, Sunday evening at the Reg Lenna Civic Center, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony of the Desi Arnaz Bandshell in the Celoron Lucille Ball Memorial Park earlier in the day,” published this date in 2007.

 

Charles Nelson Reilly, b. 1/13; Lucille Ball guest, (“Here’s Lucy”), 1970, with Lucille, 4th Super Comedy Bowl 1, 1971; guest-appears, with Desi Arnaz, The Hollywood Squares, 1972; appeared with Lucille, Happy Birthday, Bob, 1978; as well as guest stars with Lucille, Body Lanuage, for five days, 1984; dies this date in 2007.

 

The Sunday Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – ‘That ‘70s Show’ Star Headlines Comedy Festival – by Robert W. Plyler – In Review - “Film and television star Wilmer Valderrama offered a tribute to the late Desi Arnaz at the Reg Lenna Civic (formerly Palace Theater) Center Saturday evening. Performance lasted about two hours, divided into two parts, with guest Board Member, actress Melody Thomas Scott, star of TheYoung and The Restless daily television fame, interviewing Valderrama, and a film clip tribute and prepared script by Valderrama highlighting Desi Arnaz’ career, as well as a question and answer period,” published this date in 2008.

 

The Sunday Post-Journal Jamestown NY – ‘Tribute To Arnaz - Wilmer Valderrama Honors Hispanic Star – by Luke Anderson – “Wilmer Valderrama paid tribute to one of television’s Hispanic pioneers as he presented his tribute to Desi Arnaz at the Reg Lenna Civic Center Saturday night,” published this date in 2008.

 

The Sunday Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – “Future Clowns Learn The Basics At Komedy Kollege” - by Luke Anderson – “Visitors to Lucy-Desi Days got a taste of the most time-honored comedic styles during ‘Clowning 101’, tickets given away to participants at the events featuring history and types of clowning, answering questions of what creates funny, juggling and balloon animal lessons, by instructor, Squeeze Louise Macaroni,” published this date in 2008.

 

Lucie Arnaz appears in a visit to the Connecticut Film Festival, in Danbury, which ended this date in 2008.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Advertisement - “The Fenton History Center presents 'Lucille Ball: Not The Girl Next Door' - “See Lucille Ball's early years in Jamestown and Celoron and her return trips to the area throughout her career – Monday through Saturday 10-4 - $5 adults admission – 67 Washington St., on Route 60S”, published this date in 2009.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Lucy-Desi Days Make For A Great Weekend In Jamestown – by Lee Harkness DJDC Executive Director - Downtown Chatter - “...the 2009 Lucy-Desi Days – The Lucy-Desi Center Staff did a great job producing and carrying out this event”, published this date in 2009.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – ‘100 Years Ago’ – “In 1911, with the opening of the season of 1911 - (Research Note: Our beloved hometown girl, Lucille Ball's, birth year) - only a few days off, Celoron Park (now Lucille Ball Memorial Park), had never been in better condition. The grounds were almost ready to receive the thousands of visitors from Jamestown and all parts of the County, as well. The extensive enlargement of the grounds along the Lakefront (Chautauqua Lake) made room for much larger crowds than could formerly assemble in the Park and the Marine Parade, as the promenade along the Lakefront,had been named, was to be illuminated by means of 20 arch lights, each of 3,000 candle power and suspended from ornamental steel poles 45 feet in height,” published this date in 2011.

 

May 26

 

Charles Winninger, Lucille Ball co-star, 1946; guest cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1954; Desilu Productions', Sheriff of Cochise, 1956; as well as, archivally, with Lucille, Ziegfeld Girl Intro, 2004, is born this date in 1884.

 

Paul Lukas, Lucille Ball’s early-film co-star, 1935, is born this date in 1891.

 

John Wayne, long-time friend and two-time Lucille Ball guest, (“I Love Lucy”), 1955, and The Lucy Show, 1966, elf; as well as with Lucille Ball in Swing Out, Sweet Land, with many other stars, 1970; with Lucille, 4th Super Comedy Bowl 1, 1971; with Lucille, Happy Birthday, Bob, 1978; with Lucille, via archival footage, Barbara Walters: 20 Years @ ABC, 1996, as well as with Lucille, archivally, NBC's Bob Hope's Bag of Christmas Memories, 1993, is born this date in 1907.

 

Jay Silverheels, of The Lone Ranger ‘fame’, and one of the co-stars in Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ first movie, RKO Radio’s, Too Many Girls, 1940 and with Lucille Ball, 1942, is born this date in 1912.

 

Sam Edwards, guest cast member (“I Love Lucy”), 1956; guest Desilu Productions', Whirlybirds, 1957; The Texan, 1960, as well as Desilu Studios'-filmed The Andy Griffith Show, 1960, is born this date in 1915.

 

Peggy Lee, guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of Stars, 2 episodes, 1952, appears with Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball, A Star is Born World Premiere, 1954; guest, Desilu Productions', The Walter Winchell Show, 1956, and Shower of Stars, 1956; with Lucille and Desi, American Masters: Judy Garland: By Myself, 1983; with Lucille, Toast of the Town, 1961; as well as with Desi, via archival footage, The Nightclub Years, 2001, is born this date in 1920.

 

James Arness, Marshall Dillon, of Gunsmoke fame, 633 episodes, employing multiple Lucille Ball/Desi Arnaz veteran supporting cast members, 1955-1975; guest appears, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Red Skelton Hour, 1958, and The Red Skelton Chevy Special, 1959; appears, CBS’ On the Air: A Celebration of 50 Years, on which Lucille co-hosts, Part II, 1978, with Lucille, NBC: The Big Event: TV Guide, The First 25 Years, 1979, as well as appears, as a presenter, with Lucille, NBC’s The First Academy of TV Arts and Sciences Television Hall of Fame, 1984; is born this date in 1923.

 

Bud Molin, Film Editor, Desilu Productions', Official Detective, 2 episodes (unknown year), Editor, 105 episodes, (“I Love Lucy”), 33 episodes, 1952-53, Our Miss Brooks, Willy, 2 episodes, 1954; Editor: Arnazes film, Forever Darling, 1956; Whirlybirds, 1957, 1958, 1959; The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour, 11 episodes, 1957-59, Angel, 5 episodes, 1960-61; The Dick Van Dyke Show, 13 episodes, 1961, Desilu Studios-filmed, I Spy, 3 episodes, 1965; as well as The Guns of Will Sonnett, 1967, is born this date in 1925.

 

Jacques Bergerac, Lucille Ball’s guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1967, is born this date in 1927.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Jimmy Starr: “Today’s best bets: Lucille Ball for her exceptional work in RKO’s Studio play, Breakfast With Vinora (sic). Here’s a little actress who is really going places – if given but half a chance,” published this date in 1936.

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “Thinning ranks of Hollywood blondes have lost another member . . . Lucille Ball, who dyed her hair dark and paraded through the RKO commissary, which proved to be a good hunch, getting a role in Stage Door, published this date in 1937.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “Lucy’s Schedule” - the first television meeting of Lucille and Gale Gordon, as the new owner of the Tropicana, a segment based, in part, on My Favorite Husband “Time Budgeting,” judged a fan favorite, with Edith Meiser, and airing this date in 1952.

Time: Lucille Ball, appears on the cover, a glamorous clown - star of 54 films in 20 years - Sassafrassa The Queen – “[by this week, (“I Love Lucy”) is the Nation’s No. l TV show, according to the four national TV rating services: Nielsen, Trendex, American Research Bureau and Videodex], according to her manager, Lucille is 'close to the Chaplin school of comedy – she’s got warmth and sympathy, and people believe in her, even while they’re laughing at her.' She, early-on, imagined herself a young lady of great poise named Sassafrassa, a name she also used on her childhood, life-long friend, L. Pauline Lopus, back home in Celoron, NY,” published this date in 1952.

 

Time Magazine: Lucille Ball appears on cover, the (“I Love Lucy”) phenomemon analyzed: “In about six months (Lucille Ball’s) low-comedy antics, ranging from mild mugging to baggy-pants clowning, have dethroned such veteran TV headliners as Milton Berle and Arthur Godfrey,” this date in 1952.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - “Magazine Features Jamestown’s-Own Lucille Ball – Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz will be featured in this week’s Saturday Evening Post, to be released in Jamestown today. The article ‘I Call on Lucy and Desi’, written by Pete Martin, traces the rise of the show business couple to ownership of one of the largest studios in Hollywood, one of the most popular TV shows, and a far-flung TV production organization. Article also tells of Lucille’s years as a student at Celoron. Magazine will be released in the County Tuesday,” published this date in 1958.

 

CBS’ The Lucy Show - While each of Lucille Ball’s series has always gone on summer hiatus, selected re-runs of the show are aired in prime time instead of a summer replacement series, commencing March 24. The remaining weeks are re-runs for the first time in color from the series’ last three seasons (1965-68) on this date in 1969.

 

Lucille Ball appears on The David Frost Show, with Carol Burnett and George Burns, on this date in 1970.

 

George Brent, b. 3.15; Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, Universal’s, Lover, Come Back 1946; star, Desilu Productions', Wire Service, 1956, dies this date in 1979.

 

Confidential: “A Star Who Stays in the Shade,” published date in 1994.

 

Bob Newhart, television actor and comedian, headlined the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, New York, this date in 1996.

 

United States Postal Service debut of “Celebrate the Century” Collection, a group of stamps commemorating each decade of the 20th Century, Postage Stamp chosen by the public - the first (“I Love Lucy”) postage stamp a 1953 closeup of Desi nuzzling Lucille, goes on sale this date in 1999.

 

Eddie Albert, b. 4/22; of Green Acres fame; with Desi Arnaz, Screen Snapshots Series 23-1; 1943; Lucille Ball co-star, 1950; Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1958; guest, Desilu Productions', The Greatest Show on Earth, and with Lucille, via archival footage, Hollywood Without Makeup, 1963; (“Here’s Lucy”), 1973, as himself; CBS Salutes Lucy: The First 25 Years, 1976; guest, with Lucille Ball, on Dean Martin’s Celebrity Roast: Jimmy Stewart, 1978, as well as appears with Lucille, NBC’s The First Academy of TV Arts and Sciences Television Hall of Fame, 1984; dies this date in 2005.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Lucy-Desi Days Events Continue Today – by Patrick L. Fanelli – Lucy-Desi Days opened yesterday, as fans of the Arnazes descended upon Jamestown to pay tribute to the television icons and celebrate their lives and legacy, 40 events during the weekend,” published this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – 50 years ago, Jamestown’s own Lucille Ball and her husband, Desi Arnaz, would be featured in this week’s Saturday Evening Post Magazine. The article, ‘I Call on Lucy and Desi’, written by Pete Martin, whotraced the rise of the show, from business couple to ownership of one of the largest studios in Hollywood, one of the most popular television shows and a far-flung television production organization. The magazine article would tell of her years as a student at Celoron School. This issue would be released in the county on May 27,” published this date in 2008.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Area/International News – “Talent Show Ends Luci [sic]-Desi Days On Fitting Note” – by Robert W. Plyler – “This year’s Lucy-Desi Days ended with a completely suitable combination of the impromptu and the conniving Sunday evening in a combination talent show and costume contest on the stage of the Reg Lenna Civic Center” [reportedly attended by less than 100 fans],” published this date in 2008.

 

Lucille Ball appears, via archival footage, among many others, TV's 50 Funniest Phrases, which are counted down in a two-hour special and includes favorite phrases from drama, game shows and reality shows, on this date in 2009.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – 10 years ago – A segment of the route taken in 1749 by French explorer Captain Pierre Joseph Celoron deBlainville, for whom Celoron is named, was to be traveled over the weekend by members of the historical re-enactment group, Company LeBeouf. Veteran member, Jim Brown, said among other ‘stops’, the enactors would embark on the Allegheny River, from tributary, Chadakoin River [Celoron/Jamestown portion, Chautauqua Lake] to spend a night on an island in the waterway, with 50 members of the re-enactment group traveling downstream for slightly more than 90 miles, in three stages,” published this date in 2009.

 

Art Linkletter, b. 7/17; with (“I Love Lucy”) cast, among others, 1952; Lucille's friend, and guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1966, 1970; co-Host, Part VII, CBS’ On the Air: A Celebration of 50 Years, on which Lucille co-hosts, Part II, 1978, as well as guest appears on Pioneers of Television (PBS') Documentary – archival footage of (“I Love Lucy”), with Lucille and Desi - 2008, dies this date in 2010.

 

May 27

 

Dolores Hope, Bob Hope’s wife, friend of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, sang on the same New York Supper Club circuit with Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz), 1936; with Lucille, Happy Birthday, Bob, 1978; with Lucille, NBC, Happy Birthday, Bob: A Salute to Bob Hope’s Eightieth Birthday, 1983; with Lucille, Hostess, America's Tribute to Bob Hope, and NBC’s Happy Birthday, Bob (Hope’s 85th birthday and his 50th Anniversary with NBC), 1988; as well as with Lucille, archivally, NBC's Bob Hope's Bag of Christmas Memories, nominated for a Prime Time Emmy, 1993, (1994), is born this date in 1909.

 

Vincent Price, guest, as himself, Desilu Studios'-filmed The Red Skelton Show, 9 episodes, 1958-1960; and Desilu Productions', You Don't Say, as himself, 1970; Lucille Ball guest co-star, with Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz IV (“Here’s Lucy”), 1970; with Desi Arnaz, IV, Night Gallery, 1970, and The Hollywood Squares, 1970; with Desi Arnaz, The Hollywood Squares, 1972, with Lucie, The Hollywood Squares, 2 episodes, 1971; with Desi Arnaz, 1976; with Desi, IV, 1984; with Lucie and Lucille, Night of 100 Stars II, 1985, as himself, as well as with Lucille, both via archival footage, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, 1992; is born this date in 1911.

 

Lee Meriwether, guest, Desilu Productions’, The Walter Winchell Show, 1956; Star Trek, 1969; is born this date in 1935.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “Srange case of coincidence: Lucille Ball, while filming Affairs of Annabel, with Jack Oakie, on location at Lincoln Heights Jail - Lucille wandered into Court between takes, and the clerk called ‘Jack Oakie’ charged with drunk driving. Dashing outside, Lucille got the rest of the troupe and Jack Oakie, sat in the courtroom and watched the ‘other Jack Oakie’ get sentenced to jail,” published this date in 1938.

 

Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz appear on NBC Radio’s Special: The Bob Hope Show, in Detroit, while Desi was on the road with his band, Desi moonlighting as musical director of Bob’s show, and Lucille on hiatus from Columbia, this date in 1947.

 

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear, My Favorite Husband “Liz in the Hospital,” episode #46, produced and directed by Jess Oppenheimer; written by Jess Oppenheimer, Madelyn Pugh & Bob Carroll, Jr., featuring Ruth Perrott, as Katy the Maid, Gale Gordon and Bea Benaderet, as Mr. and Mrs. Atterbury; original music by Marlin Skiles; conducted by Wilbur Hatch; announcer, Bob LeMond, sponsored by General Foods, JELL-O; with veteran supporting cast members, Florence Halop, Jerry Hausner, and William Johnston, airing this date in 1949.

 

Lucille Ball appears on NBC Radio's, The Bob Hope Show, on this date in 1947.

Al Hirschfeld, famous Broadway and Hollywood caricaturist drew many pictures of Lucille Ball, one of which appears on the cover of Colliers, “Television Personalities,” published this date in 1955.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - “In This Week’s Saturday Evening Post – Lucille Ball Tells About Her Journey From Jamestown to Fame,” published this date in 1958.

 

Jeffrey Hunter, b. 11/25; guest, Desilu Productions’, Here’s Hollywood, 1962; Star Trek, 1966; as well as Lucille Ball film, A Guide for the Married Man, 1967, dies this date in 1969.

Ruth McDevitt, b. 9/13; Lucille Ball guest, (“Here’s Lucy”) “Lucy, the Diamond Cutter”, 1970, and cameo role in Mame 1974, dies this date in 1976.

 

Desi Arnaz, IV, stars in Columbia Pictures', TV, The Courage and the Passion, as Sgt. Tom Wade, co-starring Vince Edwards, Monty Hall, and Don Meredith, among many others, airing this date in 1978.

 

Mickey Rooney, world-famous actor/comedian, headlines the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, this date in 2001.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - Legacy of Laughter – PJ Photos by John Whittaker – “ . . . Lucie Arnaz reacts to a joke by Anne Bryan Smollin, during last night’s ‘Legacy of Laughter event at the Reg Lenna Civic Center. Photo: A girl, dressed as Lucille Ball talks with fellow audience members before Legacy discussion,” published this date in 2007.

 

The Sunday Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Festival Event Was Full of Heavy Laughs – by Robert W. Plyler – In Review - “Audience members linded up for blocks last evening to participate in one of the most important elements of the annual celebrations of the lives and legacies of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz – the legacy of laughter; evening full of heavy laughs, and enlightening and instructive, as well,” published this date in 2007.

 

What's new? – Death of Dick Martin, half the comedy team of Rowan and Martin, of Laugh-In fame, and cast member, The Lucy Show, first season, posted on lucy fan Website, this date in 2008.

 

Desilu Productions' - filmography - footage courtesy of The Andy Griffith Show, “20 – 1” Child Stars – Where Are They Now?, Bert Newton, Host, and starring Lucy/Desilu-'old-timers': Richard Burton, Ron Howard, Eve Plumb, Elizabeth Taylor, (uncredited, and via archival footage), as well as Drew Barrymore, Gary Coleman, Macauley Culkin, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Brooke Shields, Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Barry Williams, among many others, airs this date in 2008.

 

LucyLounge Website - 'Harry Carter' reports: Lucie Arnaz will be among the stars presenting at this year's Tony Awards, which will air on CBS June 7, at 8:00 p.m., posted this date in 2009.

 

The Post-Journal, Vacation Guide 2011 - Summer in Jamestown - City Has Variety of Events - Events Fill CIty's Summer Calendar - by The Post-Journal - “The month of May is preparation time in downtown Jamestown - paving the way for some truly exciting events lined up this year. This year bears significance for the Chautauqua Region and Lucille Ball - among them, the 60th anniversary of (“I Love Lucy”) debut show and 55 years since the local premiere of Forever Darling was held at the Palace Theater, on Third Street, (now Reg Lenna Civic Center). Of course, the centennial of Ms. Ball's birthday occurs this August and in 2011, it will take five days of events to give her a worthy celebration. 'What we are setting out to do with this festival is to honor Lucille Ball's 100th birthday in the form that she wanted, and at the same time, establish national credibility in the comedy world,' says Journey Gunderson, Executive Director, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center. 'We know that Lucy and Desi's intentions were for their legacy to live on in the form of living, breathing comedy that would be a progressive and contemporary as they were'. The local Museum has proudly announced the talents of Joan Rivers, Whitney Cummings, and San Francisco's Rooftop Comedy Showcase, have all been recruited to take the stage this year. Events begin Wednesday, August 3, with bus tours; Joan Rivers Thursday evening; parade Friday, retracing the movie premiere event, 1956, as well as the Rooftop Comedy Showcase, followed by Cummings' appearance. LucyFest wraps up Sunday, picnic lunch, at Lucille Ball Memorial Park, her childhood love, in nearby Celoron,” published in 2011.

 

May 28

 

Edward Keane, co-star, Lucille Ball, 1934; 2 films, 1935; 2 films, 1936; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1937; as well as, Lucille co-star, 1950, is born this date in 1884.

 

Dick Lane, Lucille Ball’s early film-career co-star, 3 films, 1938; 1939; 1941; is born this date in 1899.

 

John Payne, appears with Lucille Ball, Screen Snapshots Series 18, No. 1, 1938; with Desi Arnaz, Screen Snapshots Series 23, No. 1: Hollywood in Uniform, 1943; William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz) co-star, 1947; star, Restless Gun series fame, 77 episodes, 1957-59; is born this date in 1912.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Jimmy Starr: “No trips to Honolulu, or even a flyer to New York for Lucille Ball, pretty RKO actress. The studio is anxious to build her into a fashion plate of the screen, so she’ll spend the next two weeks in a hospital to gain 20 pounds, from 94, to reach 116 pounds. She will accomplish this in a ‘hideaway’ hospital for her rest and treatment, not even the Studio knows where she is,” published this date in 1936.

 

Hollywood Citizen News, Cinemania, Edwin Martin: “Lucille Ball is no longer a blonde – just saw her and she’s a brunette now – did it for a picture, she says, and its proven lucky, for she got a nice role for RKO the following day,” published this date in 1937.

 

William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), appears in Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation, It Happened in Flatbush, co-starring Jack Gargan and Lloyd Nolan, as well as Chuck Hamilton, character actor/stuntman, among many others, released on this date in 1942.

 

Hollywood Citizen News, Radio Zuma Palmer: “Red-haired Lucille Ball and rapier-witted Monty Woolley will wage a verbal battle when guest-appearing on Jack Carson’s Camel Comedy Caravan, 7:00, over KNX,” published this date in 1943.

 

LA Examiner, Behind the Makeup, Harry Crocker: “Lucille Ball and many other stars helped to make the Al Hall’s ranch party for liberated prisoners a success,” published this date in 1945.

William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz), co-stars, as Wolf Wylie, in Republic Pictures’, produced by Joseph Kane, Flame of Barbary Coast, with Paul Fix, Virginia Grey, Marc Lawrence, and John Wayne; as well as as well as Chuck Hamilton, character actor/stuntman; and, in uncredited roles, Gino Corrado, Jack Gargan, released this date in 1945.

 

Lucille Ball and co-star, Richard Denning, appear, My Favorite Husband “Selling Dresses,” episode #90, with veteran supporting cast member, Hans Conried, a revision of episode #14, 10/16/48, and the basis for (“I Love Lucy”) “The Freezer” – airs this date in 1950.

 

Roy Roberts, b. 3/19; veteran supporting cast member; character actor in 100 films since the 1940s, as well and acting on television since its inception, on stage with William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz), 1932; 1938, 1939, stage plays with Vivian Vance (Lucy’s Ethel Mertz); in film, with Lucille Ball, 1949; Desilu Productions’, Cavalcade of America, 1954; and Sheriff of Cochise, 1957; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Joey Bishop Show, 1962, The Bill Dana Show, 1963; co-star, Maggie Brown, an unsold sitcom, 1963; Lucille Ball guest, The Lucy Show, 1966; 1967; 1968; guest star, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Family Affair, 1967; as well as Lucille Ball guest, (“Here’s Lucy”) 1969; 1971, 1973, 1974, dies this date in 1975.

 

Desi Arnaz stars in Zoetrope Studio’s, The Escape Artist, with co-stars Teri Garr, Raul Julia, and Griffin O’Neal, released this date in 1982.

 

Lurene Tuttle, b. 8/20; supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1953; Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Real McCoys, 1958, 1959; an appearance in Lucille Ball film, Critics’s Choice, 1963; as well as Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Living Doll, 1964, dies this date in 1986.

 

Sidney Guilaroff, b. 11/2; MGM head hairdresser, 1934-1970's, who worked on thousands of films - when Lucille Ball was contracted, created her hair color for her first Technicolor film, DuBarry Was A Lady, 1943; then, in 1946, when cast for Ziegfeld Follies, Guilaroff created the 'golden red' which changed little in ensuing years, mellowed slightly by Irma Kusely; Lucille hair stylist, uncredited, 1943; hair stylist, 1945; hair stylist, 1946; hair stylist, The Long, Long Trailer, 1953; as well as hair stylist for Joan Crawford, (Lucille appears archivally), among many others, Hollywood Out-Takes and Rare Footage, 1983, dies this date in 1997.

 

Phoenix (AZ) News Times: “Frankie with the Snarling Face,” published this date in 1998.

Carol Channing, actress/comedienne, headlines the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, this date in 2000.

 

Lucie Arnaz appears in interview, on A.M. Buffalo, in the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Center, Hollywood Set, during the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Memorial Days Festival, on this date in 2003.

 

Martha Scott, b. 9/22; appears on stage with Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), 1947; guest, Desilu Productions'/Desilu Studios’-filmed, CBS’ New Comedy Showcase, 1960; as well as Desilu Productions', The Greatest Show on Earth, 1963; dies this date in 2003.

 

Memorial Day Weekend Lucy-Desi Days 2006 welcomed fans from more than 25 states, plus Canada, New Zealand and Japan; with the 4th Annual (“I Love Lucy”) Masquerade Ball, this date in 2006.

Television crews from Canada and Japan take part in Lucy-Desi Days, 26-28, 2006.

 

Marjorie Lord, Danny Thomas co-star, Make Room for Daddy; guest, also with Danny Thomas, Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour; headlines the Lucy-Desi Days; Shirley Mitchell, supporting cast member (“I Love Lucy”) and other Lucy shows; Dann Cahn, (“I Love Lucy”) film editor; Gregg Oppenheimer, son of creator/writer Jess Oppenheimer (“I Love Lucy”) Wanda Clark, Lucille Ball’s long-time personal secretary are among the other celebrity guests; as are Diane Vincent (Lucy) and Rhonda Medina (Ethel) impressionists for Lucy-Desi Days, 2006.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – In Review, by Robert W. Plyler – Lucie Arnaz Gives Tribute To Her Father At Reg Lenna – “Sunday’s storm didn’t take the roof off the Reg Lenna Civic Center, so Lucie Arnaz filled the place with excited fans, and blew the roof off instead. The ‘Lucie Arnaz Concert: A Daughter’s Tribute’,. was staged as a tribute to the performer’s father, a bandleader, composer, singer, drummer and many other successful things, in addition to his role as Ricky Ricardo in the classic (“I Love Lucy”) television series. Sunday evening, Arnaz would have been 90 years old. The 90-minute concert, complete with 17-piece orchestra, was a delight, with standing ovations throughout, and Lucie delighted the audience of her parents’ and fans . . .”, published this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – 10 years ago – “Hundreds of Lucille Ball fans from across the country would be flocking to Jamestown to the ‘For the Love of Lucy’ Memorabilia Auction at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre, as part of the Lucy-Desi Weekend. The auction was expected to draw 200 to 250 people from Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, Ohio, Florida, California, Iowa, Minnesota and Pennsylvania. Fans were notified of the auction through the use of fan mailing lists,” published this date in 2009.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – 100 years ago – “The season of 1911 at Celoron Park (Res. ...now Lucille Ball Memorial Park), was opened the previous day and as far as the weather was concerned, no better day could possibly have been chosen. Large crowds went to the park in the afternoon. Many of the crowd came to see the Oil City-Jamestown baseball game and others to hear the open air band concert by Victor's Royal Venetian Band, which opened its engagement here by presenting a program in splendid manner. The Marine Parade, or lakeside promenade, promised to be the most popular part of the grounds and at night it would be thronged with pleasure seekers, the scene being a brilliant one,” published this date in 2011.

 

May 29

 

Beatrice Lillie, co-star, William Frawley (Lucy’s Fred Mertz) London's Globe Theater, She’s My Baby, 1928; as well as guest, Desilu Productions', The Walter Winchell Show, 1956, is born this date in 1894.

 

Bob Hope, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’ long-time friend, countless co-starring roles with Lucille - both on radio and television programs, and in motion pictures, and Bob's special shows for the military; Bob, Desi’s former radio program employer; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1951; with Lucille, Toast of the Town, 1963; guest co-star, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Make Room For Daddy, 3 episodes, 1958-62; guest, Desilu Productions’, Here’s Hollywood, 1961; with Lucille, Swing Out, Sweet Land, with many other stars, 1970; appears with Lucille, Dean Martin's Celebrity Roast: Danny Thomas, 1976; with Lucille, General Electric's All-Star Anniversary, and A Tribute to 'Mr. Television', Milton Berle, 1978; with Lucille, NBC: The Big Event: TV Guide, The First 25 Years, 1979; with Lucille, NBC, Happy Birthday, Bob: A Salute to Bob Hope’s Eightieth Birthday, 1983; with Lucille and Desi, American Masters: Judy Garland: By Myself, 1983; with Lucille, archivally, The 41st Annual Primtime Emmy Awards, 1989; with Lucille, archivally, NBC's Bob Hope's Bag of Christmas Memories, 1993; with Lucille, archivally, Entertaining the Troops, 1994; with the Arnazes, archivally, Bob Hope: Hollywood's Brightest Star, Video Entertainment, 1996, and Off the Menu: The Last Days of Chasen's, 1997; as well as with Lucille, archivally, Bob Monkhouse's Comedy Heroes, 2004, is born this date in 1903.

 

Donald L. Brodie, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, both uncredited, 1935; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1936; guest cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1955; as well as guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, Yancy Derringer, 1959, is born this date in 1904.

 

Vivi Janiss, cast member (“I Love Lucy”), 1953, 1954; as well as Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, 1956, is born this date in 1911.

 

Marilyn and Roz Borden, known to millions as Teensy & Weensy from (“I Love Lucy”), 1955; Marilyn, a multiple-time visitor; Roz, one time, early 2000's Lucy Festivals, are born this date in 1932.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “Lucille Ball in Dance, Girls, Dance, is assisted by Ginger Britton, local burlesque queen, acting as technical advisor,” published this date in 1940.

 

John Barrymore, b. 2/15; co-stars with William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1934; guest co-star, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1958; appears, via archival footage(s): Desilu Productions' Here's Hollywood 1962, Fractured Flickers 1963; with Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, via archival footage, Judy Garland's Hollywood 1997; as well as with Lucille, via archival footage(s), You Know the Face 2009, dies this date in 1942.

 

Fanny Brice, b. 10/29 - performer and co-star, Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), 1936; co-star, Lucille Ball and William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1946; with Lucille, Hollywood Without Make-Up, 1963; as well as with Lucille, each archivally, Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical History - The 1920s: The Dawn of the Hollywood Musical, 2008, dies this date in 1951.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “Ricky’s Life Story,” an episode with co-stars, the Mayer Twins, as Little Ricky, wherein Lucy gets furious over Ricky’s spread in Life Magazine, which is filmed this date in 1953.

 

CBS’ Sunday Lucy Show: 30 minutes black & white: This is a collection of (“I Love Lucy”) programs, (beginning April 3 until October 30) - this date’s episode rerun #27. Because so many home viewers requested to see the early episodes, as they did not have television sets when they originally aired, CBS Radio’s and the Arnazes re-ran these shows in the late afternoon on Sundays, this date in 1955.

 

Lucille Ball checks into MPC (Motion Picture Center) to commence rehearsals on “Lucy and Bob Hope”, the 154th installment of The Lucy Show, this date in 1956.

 

Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz) appears, as herself, on ABC's Everybody's Talking, airing this date in 1967.

 

Lucille Ball introduces a montage of Bob’s leading ladies through the decades, Happy Birthday, Bob, A Salute to Bob Hope’s 75th Birthday, filmed in Washington, D. C., and sponsored by the USO; with Ann-Margret, Pearl Bailey, George Burns, Johnny Carson, Charo, Sammy Davis, Jr., Red Foxx, Dolores Hope, Alan King, Dorothy Lamour, Carol Lawrence, Fred MacMurray, Donny & Marie Osmond, Charles Nelson Reilly, Don Rickles, George C. Scott, Red Skelton, Elizabeth Taylor, Danny Thomas, John Wayne, among many others, on this date in 1978.

 

Mary Pickford, b. 4/8, many-year friend of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz; guest co-star, Desilu Productions’, Here’s Hollywood, 1962, with Lucille, Hollywood Without Make-Up, 1963, as well as, both via archival footage, Entertaining the Troops, 1994, dies this date in 1979.

 

Lucille Ball appears with Bob Hope at the Academy Awards ceremony, her last ‘official’ public appearance, airing this date in 1989.

 

Buffalo News, Mark Pollio: “Fans of Lucy Have a Ball During Auction,” published this date in 1994.

 

Marion Strong Van Vlack, Lucille Ball’s childhood and life-long Jamestown friend, shares memories at the Lucyfest 1994: “When Lucille was coming to Jamestown, she would call ahead to make homemade Swedish rye bread and wanted some pickled herring. In later years, for four years in a row at Christmas, Lucille gave me clocks as gifts saying that at our age, we could always use more time. She also sent yards of fabric one year on my birthday, with pictures and directions she had drawn, because she loved to wear caftans.” Marion and Steven B. Carlson, the then-Mayor of Jamestown, were planning to attend Lucille’s funeral; but, there was no funeral, so Marion planted a lilac bush in her back yard in Lucille’s memory, because Lucille loved lilacs very much. Marion also planted two pink peony bushes for the same reason. Marion was interviewed on AM Buffalo, TV, at Lucyfest and talked about her life-long friendship with Lucille, this date in 1994.

 

NPR Wire Transcript. David Hiltbrand & Scott Simon, “No question What’s Number One to TV Guide,” published this date in 1996.

 

Rich Little, famed mimic/comedian, headlines the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, this date in 1999.

 

Jim Bailey, renown mimic, headlines the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, this date in 2004.

 

Barbara Eden, of (“I Dream of Jeannie”) fame; guest, (“I Love Lucy”) “Country Club Dance” headlines the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, this date in 2005.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY - (“I Love Lucy”) television movie sets, will soon be part of the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Museum/Center, in a “$500,000 renovation donation from Museum Director, Mary, and husband, William Rapaport, the historic exhibit soon to be a permanent part of the old “Rite-Aid Drug Store (now the Rapaport Center),” corner Main & Third Streets, across from the Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz Gift Center, to be called the Desilu Playhouse and may be ready for admission by the August Birthday Celebration, this announcement made at Lucy Fest 2005, published this date in 2005.

 

Harvey Korman, b. 2/15, of Carol Burnett Show fame; appears with Lucille Ball in three episodes; guest, Desilu Productions’, The Untouchables, 1962; Glynis, 1963; Lucille's guest, The Lucy Show, 1964, 1965; with Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz), 1964, with Vivian; Lucie and Desi Arnaz, IV, 1965; appears with Lucille, Salute to Stan Laurel, 1965;with Desi Arnaz, The Hollywood Squares, 1972; with Lucille, NBC: The Big Event: TV Guide, The First 25 Years, 1979; with Lucille, both via archival footage, The Carol Burnett Show: A Reunion 1993; and via archival footage, as well as with Lucie, CBS at 75, 2003, dies this date in 2008.

 

Dennis Hopper, b. 5/17, guest, Desilu Productions', Cavalcade of America, 1954; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Lineup, 1959, guest, The Betty Hutton Show, and The Barbara Stanwyck Show, 1960, guest, The Greatest Show on Earth, 1963, guest, The Guns of Will Sonnett, 1967, as well as co-star, Desi Arnaz, IV, 2009, dies this date in 2010.

 

May 30

 

Ruth Perrott, Lucille Ball early radio-career co-star and veteran supporting cast member, My Favorite Husband; once considered for the role of Ethel Mertz (“I Love Lucy”); supporting cast member, 1952, 2 epissodes, 1953; guest Desilu Studios-filmed Make Room for Daddy, 1962; as well as The Bill Dana Show, 1963, is born this date in 1899.

 

Doris Packer, Lucille Ball-Desi Arnaz guest cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1957, Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1959, and Desilu Productions’ Fair Exchange, 1962; The Mothers-In-Law, 1968, is born this date in 1904.

 

Mel Blanc, appears with Lucille Ball, Show Business at War, 1943; Lucille co-star, 1950; guest Desilu Productions' Shower of Stars, 1958, Angel, 1960; Lucille guest, The Lucy Show, with Vivian Vance (Lucy's Ethel Mertz),1964; guest, Desilu Productions' The Mothers-In-Law, 1968; Lucille guest (“Here's Lucy”), with Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, IV, 1969; appears with Lucille Jack Benny's Twentieth Anniversary Special, 1970; with Lucille, Showbiz Goes to War, 1982; with Lucille, both via archival footage Entertaining the Troops, 1994; is born this date in 1908.

 

Peter Leeds, veteran supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1952, The Long, Long Trailer, 1953; Desilu Productions’, Our Miss Brooks, 6 episodes, 1953-1956; Official Detective, 1957; Willy, 1955; (“I Love Lucy”), 1956; Desilu Productions’, The Scarface Mob, 1959; December Bride, 1959; The Ann Sothern Show, 2 episodes, 1959; Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse, 1960; Lucille Ball film, The Facts of Life, 1960; and Desilu Productions’, The Untouchables, 1960; Desilu Productions’-Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Comedy Spot, 1962; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Joey Bishop Show, 1961, as well as (“Here’s Lucy”), 1971, is born this date in 1917.

 

Clint Walker, Lucille Ball guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1965, 1966, is born this date in 1927.

 

Ruta Lee, guest co-star, Desilu Productions', U.S. Marshal, 4 episodes, 1959-60, guest, Fractured Flickers 1963; guest, Desilu Productions', The Walter Winchell File [unknown year], guest, December Bride, 1958, guest, Yancy Derringer, 1959, guest, Whirlbirds, 1959, and You Don't Say, 2 episodes, 1964; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Andy Griffith Show, 1962, 1965, guest, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C., 1965, guest, The Bill Dana Show, 1965; guest, Desilu Productions' You Don't Say, 2 episodes 1964, 1969; Lucille Ball guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 2 episodes, 1967; guest, Desilu Productions', Mannix, 1967; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Guns of Will Sonnett, 1969, guest, Hogan's Heroes, 1967; Lucille Ball guest co-star, Lucy Moves to NBC, 1980; archivally, with Lucille, That's Dancing! 1985; as well as Guest Headliner, Lucille Ball Birthday Bash, Jamestown NY, 2008; is born this date in 1936.

 

Michael J. Pollard, guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Andy Griffith Show, 1962; Lucille Ball guest co-star, The Lucy Show, 1964; as well as Desilu Productions', Star Trek, 1966; is born this day in 1939.

 

Desi Arnaz received his St. Patrick High School diploma, Miami Beach, Florida, at the age of 20, this date in 1937.

 

LA Examiner, Behind the Makeup, Harry Crocker: “Lucille Ball is letting her hair grow longer for her role in the new Technicolor film, Where Men Are Men, co-starring, once again, with Bob Hope,” published this date in 1949.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “The Handcuffs,” an episode wherein Lucy schemes to keep Ricky at home, which is filmed this date in 1952.

 

Vivian Vance and William Frawley (Lucy’s the Mertzes) are pictured on the TV-Radio Life cover holding Little Ricky, with the caption: “Fred, Ethel and Ricky, Jr.,” in an article entitled “What We Mertzes Know About Lucy and Desi” this week in May 30, 1953.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “The Tour”, veteran supporting cast members, Audrey Betz, Juney Ellis, Barbara Pepper, Benny Rubin, and guest co-starring Richard Widmark, he and Ricky at Romanoffs, a segment whereby what is supposedly Widmark’s Hollywood home is actually the Arnazes home on Roxbury Drive and the close of the fourth season was again at the top of the Nielsen heap with a 49.3 rating for the season, a full seven points ahead of number two, Jackie Gleason, airing this date in 1955.

 

Desilu Productions', Desilu Studios'-filmed, U.S. Marshal “Maryjo Is Missing”, starring John Bromfield, co-starring Kathryn Card, James Griffith, among others; with W. Argyle Nelson, Production Supervisor, and James A. Paisley, Production Manager, (fifth of 7 episodes, 1958-59) ais this date in 1959.

 

Ella Raines, b. 8/6; guest stars, via archival footage, with Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz IV, (“Here's Lucy”) On Location 2009, dies this date in 1988.

 

The Next Best Thing: Who is the Greatest Celebrity Impersonator?, Elon Gold, Host; Suzanne La Rusch, Lucille Ball 'tribute' impersonator, appearing in three episodes, premieres this date in 2007.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – DJDC Says Lucy-Desi Successful – by Robert Rizzuto – “For Downtown Jamestown Development Corporation officials, the Memorial Day weekend events surrounding Lucy-Desi Days were a success, with thousands of people from across the country in attendance,” [research note: despite reports of attendees at each event counting and reporting back to others, less than successful numbers in comparison to other previous years’ attendance; several bus tours, which are normally sold out three times a day, were sold out only on the last day of the weekend’s events; and the ’thousands’ reported in downtown Jamestown may be due to multiple events occurring the same weekend,” published this date in 2008.

 

May 31

 

Harold Miller, veteran of 425-plus films and television, Lucille Ball early film-career co-star, 1938, 1939; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1940, 1944; with Lucille, 1945, 1946, 1947; with Frawley, 1948, 1949, 2 films, 1950; with Lucille and Desi Arnaz, 1956; as well as with Lucille, 1963, is born this date in 1894.

 

Norman Vincent Peale, Lucille Ball’s mentor and confidant for many years; performs ceremony uniting Lucille with Gary Morton in marriage, 1961; as well as appears with Lucille and Gary, The David Frost Show, 1971; is born this date in 1898.

 

Madge Blake, co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1952; Arnazes co-star, The Long, Long Trailer, 1953; veteran supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucy”), 1954, 1957; guest co-star, Desilu Productions’, Cavalcade of America, 1956, December Bride, 1957, The Lineup, 1958, Make Room for Daddy, 1961; Desilu Productions’, Guestward Ho!, 1961; Angel, 1961; guest, Desilu Productions’-Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Comedy Spot, “The Soft Touch”, 1962; Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Joey Bishop Show, 10 episodes, 1961-1962; Lucille Ball guest, The Lucy Show, 1964; as well as Desilu Productions', Mannix, 1967, is born this date in 1899.

 

Don Ameche, appears with Lucille Ball, NBC's, Radio’s Screen Guild Theatre, You Belong to Me, 1950; guest Desilu Productions', The Greatest Show on Earth, 1964; with Lucille, The American Film Institute Salute to Billy Wilder, 1986; with Lucie Arnaz, Night of 100 Stars, 1982; as well as with Lucille, The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts, 1987, is born this date in 1908.

 

Barbara Pepper, Lucille Ball’s life-long-friend, early film-career co-star, in chorus of United Artists’ Roman Scandals 1933, 3 films, 1934; 1936, 1950; and veteran supporting cast member, (“I Love Lucy”) 3 episodes, 1952; 3 episodes, 1953; 1954; 2 episodes, 1955; as well as Desilu Productions’ The Walter Winchell File, 1957, The Texan, 1959, and The Untouchables, 1961, 1962; and veteran of 100+ movies during her career, is born this date in 1915.

 

Clint Eastwood, guest Desilu Productions', Here's Hollywood 1962; Lucille Ball hosts CBS’ All-Star Party for Clint Eastwood, 1986; appears with Lucille Ball, Happy Birthday, Hollywood, 1987; as well as with Lucille, via archival footage, The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, 1992; is born this date in 1930.

 

Hollywood Citizen News: “So well-pleased are RKO-Radio officials with the rushes to date of The Affairs of Annabel, they decide to continue filming her adventures and make a series of Annabel pictures. Lucille Ball will co-star in the comedy series revolving about a film star and her agent who does his best to make her live her screen character in real life,” published this date in 1938.

 

LA Evening Herald Express, Harrison Carroll: “Next time you see Lucille Ball, you can write and tell her how you like her new coiffure. It’s longer and softer and she has let her hair go back from blonde to its natural shade, chestnut brown. After a four-year battle, Lucille has managed to put on eight pounds, too. The changes, she hopes, will help her to get away from comedy parts and become a leading woman,” published this date in 1938.

 

Joe Namath, Lucille Ball guest co-star, (“Here’s Lucy”), “Lucy and Joe Namath”, as himself, 1972; with Lucille, NBC: The Big Event: TV Guide, The First 25 Years, 1979, as well as appears with Lucille, #3, archivally, 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons, 2003; is born this date in 1943.

 

Lucille Ball appears on Radio, Your Radio Almanac, airing this date in 1944.

 

Lucille Ball appears on NBC Radio’s, The Bob Hope Show, also co-starring Doris Day, airing this date in 1949.

 

Lucille Ball adorns cover of Television Week this week in 1952.

 

(“I Love Lucy”) “Cuban Pals,” is re-run, announced by Roy Rowan, veteran supporting cast member/announcer for Lucy Shows, airing this date in 1954.

 

The Saturday Evening Post, Peter Martin: I Call on Lucy and Desi: “I visited Lucille Ball in her Beverly Hills home; learned about her final movie; Desi Arnaz and her Vaudeville act, in preparation for (“I Love Lucy”) and how a beautiful woman could possibly be a successful comedienne,” published this date in 1958.

 

Lucille Ball appears on Ecran TV (Chile) cover this date in 1966.

 

Desi Arnaz’ father, Desiderio Arnaz II, dies, after a long illness at Doctor’s Hospital; requiem mass was said at noon in the Church of the Little Flower, Coral Gables, Florida; ultimate burial at Woodlawn Park Cemetery, this date in 1973.

 

Hal Gerard, b. 7/23; co-star, William Frawley (Lucy's Fred Mertz), 1948; guest cast member, (“I Love Lucy”) 1955; guest, Desilu Studios'-filmed, The Adventures of Jim Bowie, 1956, as well as The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp, 1955, 1956, 1957, dies this date in 1976.

 

Bruce Geller, b. 10/13; writer/creator, Desilu Productions', Mission: Impossible; as well as developer, Mannix 1967-70; dies this date in 1978.

 

Lucille Ball directs her only Television program, NBC’s Bungle Abbey, an unsold sitcom pilot about a San Francisco monastery and the Brothers of Benevolence monks, headed by the Abbott (Gale Gordon), produced by Gary Morton] written by Seaman Jacobs, and featuring many of Lucille's favorite character actors, Gino Conforti and William Lanteau, among others, filmed this date in 1981.

 

Pat Collins, b. 5/7; Lucille Ball guest, The Lucy Show, 1966, dies this date in 1997.

 

Rich Little, comic impersonator, appears to a sold-out audience, for a two-hour program, Reg Lenna Civic Center, as part of the Lucy-Desi Days, this date in 1999.

 

Charles Pierce, b. 7/14; cabaret star, female impersonator, was visited backstage by Lucille Ball in September 1988, The Ballroom, NYC, dies this date in 1999.

 

Lucie Arnaz appears with Robert Klein, reprising their Broadway smash hit, Neil Simon's musical, They're Playing Our Song, featuring selected scenes and songs, at the Kennedy Center National Symphony Orchestra, accompanying Marvin Hamlisch, on this date [and through June 2] in 2007.

 

[Research Information] – Website of: Legends Of America - A Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic-Minded – California Legends - Celebrity & Infamous Ghosts of America - Lucille Ball – When Lucille Ball died during surgery on April 26, 1989, at the age of 77, she was still living in her home at 100 North Roxbury Drive. Since her death, she is said to remain in the home that experiences a number of strange happenings. New owners tell of unexplained broken windows, loud voices being heard from an empty attic, and furniture and other objects moving around inside the house, made available this date in 2009.

 

[Research Information] – Website of: Legends Of America - A Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic-Minded – California Legends Salton Sea - Ghost Lake in the California Desert - Salton City, developed in the late 1950's by M. Penn Phillips and the Holly Corporation, just shortly after Phillips had successfully developed the high desert community of Hesperia. It's brochures touted that the "Miracle Salton City by the Desert Sea" would be the most popular sea resort in all of Southern California. And for a time it was, as sailing regattas, powerboat races, Hawaiian luaus, and fishing tournaments derbies attracted thousands of people including the rich and famous such as Desi Arnaz, made available this date in 2009.

 

The Post-Journal, Jamestown NY – Information Center – In Years Past – 10 years ago – “…the voices of Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Jackie Gleason, Jimmy Stewart, John Wayne, Carol Channing, Paul Lynde and Presidents Nixon, Reagan, Bush and Clinton graced the stage of the Reg Lenna Civic Center, formerly the Palace Theater, or at least a ‘voice’ which sounded very much like each of them – comic impersonator, Rich Little, was in town as part of the 1999 Lucy-Desi Days, a sold-out performance, two-hour program,” published this date in 2009.

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When you follow all aspects of show business today, it's hard to keep track on who's still living and who has passed away, sometimes it's a real shock to find out someone you think is still alive but they've passed on and you've forgotten, such was the case for me for Charles nelson Riley on May 25th. Happens often, so hard to keep track of all of them. And i always read the dates of their passing in relation to Lucy's. Had no idea her mom passed on the same year as her mentor Lela Rogers, Ginger's mom.

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For Sydney Guillaroff May 28th, when seeing ehr hair famously said THE HAIR IS BROWN BUT THE SOUL IS ON FIRE and then created her bright red hair for Dubarry was a lady but she spent most of the film hiding it under a gigantic powdered wig of the times portrayed in the movie.

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For Sydney Guillaroff May 28th, when seeing ehr hair famously said THE HAIR IS BROWN BUT THE SOUL IS ON FIRE and then created her bright red hair for Dubarry was a lady but she spent most of the film hiding it under a gigantic powdered wig of the times portrayed in the movie.

 

Thanks for ALL the above information; you should be writing this thing; you know more about folks than I've been able to research - keep 'em coming........Love, JK

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Mickey Rooney, world-famous actor/comedian, headlines the Lucy-Desi Memorial Day Festival in Jamestown, NY, this date in 2001.

 

 

 

 

Is it worth mentioning that this turned out to be a complete disaster, or do you want to keep things upbeat? LOL

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