Circa 1939

Circa 1950

A Shoe Shine Boy at the Rink

Circa 1950s

The Skateland Roller Skating Rink was built in 1939.

Russell Zimmer and Barbara J. Zimmer Cusimano

with 

Lucille Ball, the First Lady of Comedy

at

Skateland

Photo Source:  Bradley J.  Zimmer

Oscar Zimmer managed Skateland

Dorothy Zimmer managed Celeron Park 

Lucille Ball with Harry A. Illions

Circa Mid-1950s

 

"Thank you, Harry"

Lucille Ball

Celoron Park

(1894-1962)

Celoron Park Entrance

The "People's Park in Celoron" was quickly deemed the "Coney Island of Chautauqua" and became a major draw. Some referred to the park as the "Coney Island of the West". The park was modeled after Coney Island and Atlantic City.  Featuring impressive rides, sporting venues and concert halls. Summer crowds would take the railroad from Jamestown to the park and explore the offerings all of which sat against the scenic backdrop of Chautauqua Lake.  

Originally purchased in 1874, the 67 acre tract passed through several hands before being purchased by Almet N. Broadhead, President of the Celoron Amusement Company which opened the park 20 years later.  One of the main atttractions was the 125 foot or 10-story ferris wheel, "The Phoenix" seen in the black and white photo below was one of the main attractions at the amusement park. Sadly, The Phoenix was dismantled and sold in 1952.  Ten years later, the park closed in 1962.  The Phoenix (1896-1952) was purchased from the Cotton States Exposition in Atlanta, Georg9ia.  When it was dismantled and sold it was shipped to the Los Angeles County Fair Grounds in Pomona, California. 

Circa May 3, 1947

Double Panel Postcards

Circa 1908

Celoron Amusement Park had the Pier Ballroom built in 1895 though it was destroyed by fire between 1895 and 1920.

Celoron Park

Circa 1898

Circa 1911

Babe Ruth's Visit to Celoron Park

Circa 1921

Celoron Park Baseball Diamond

Perhaps Celoron Park's most cherished story with the exception of the career of ride ticket-seller and future actress, Lucille Ball was the 1921 exhibition baseball game featuring famed American slugger, Babe Ruth.  Known for his legendary hitting ability, Ruth took the 1921 off season to participate in a number of exhibition games across the Northeast.  Joined by pitcher, Bob Muesel, the "Babe Ruth All-Stars" took on the semi-pro Jamestown team beating them 14-10 in a game that saw Babe Ruth get two hits during his visits to the plate.  Exciting as the game was it was the warm-up that Ruth's famed hitting power was best demonstrated.  According to the Buffalo Times article on October 19, 1921:

In giving an exhibition of long-distance hitting, Ruth knocked a ball into the lake, a distance of over 500 feet! 

The amusement park at Celoron remained a popular tourist destination throughout the early 20th century, surviving both the impact of WWI and the Great Depression.  However, following WWII the park saw a sharp decline in attendance.  With the introduction of interstate highways and as automobiles became more popular, vacationing families began to flock to other locations and regional gems like Celoron Park began to close.  Making matters worse, in 1959, a tornado tore through the amusement park destroying many rides.  Among the rides destroyed by the tornado were a roller coaster and a toboggan water slide. There was also a theatre, a bandstand and a baseball diamond which saw the appearance of baseball legend, Babe Ruth. The all-wooden roller coaster was called the Greyhound.

In 1962, the park was purchased by a Pittsburgh-based businessman who began scrapping many of the rides and structures, ending a 68-year run for the amusement park.  Though the amusement park is no longer, the "Lucille Ball Memorial Park" commemorating one of the area's premier citizens and former park employee, now occupies the spot nearby once filled with rides and games which drew visitors.  This William G. Pomeroy Foundation marker commemorates the amusement park's history and Babe Ruth's historic visit to Celoron Park.  

Harry A. Illions Celoron Park Fair 12x18 Poster

Circa 1947

Found on ebay 

$110.00

This rare original promo poster ad for Harry A. Illions' Celoron Park Fair showcases a piece of historial memorabilia from county and state fairs in the United States.  The theme of the poster ad reflects the nostaliga and charm of fairs and expositions in the mid-20th century.  The poster ad also captures a snapshot of the entertainment and attractions featured at the fair during that time period. 

Advertisement in The Billboard

Circa November 30, 1946

Harry A. Ilions

(July 4, 1892-May 14, 1962)