Lucille Ball

Lucy comes home February 1956. Lucille Ball along with Desi Arnaz visit her childhood home in Celoron, NY. Lucille Ball, the legendary comedian and I Love Lucy star, was born on August 6, 1911, in Celoron, New York, a small village near Jamestown in western New York. While she spent part of her early childhood in Celoron, her family later moved to Jamestown, where she grew up.

In the early 20th century, Celoron was a popular summer destination, featuring an amusement park and access to Chautauqua Lake, making it a favorite getaway for families. Today, the village honors Lucille Ball’s legacy with a statue in Lucille Ball Memorial Park.

One of the most famous stories from Celoron involves the infamous "Scary Lucy" statue. The original sculpture, unveiled in 2009, was widely criticized for its unflattering likeness and became an internet sensation. In 2016, a new, more accurate statue was installed, but due to its viral fame, "Scary Lucy" remains on display alongside the newer version, becoming a quirky attraction of its own. Courtesy Look magazine photograph collection (Library of Congress)