This marker commemorates the amusement park's history and Babe Ruth's visit to Celoron Park in Celoron, New York

In 1891, a group of investors from Warren, PA purchased property from the estate of Mary Prendergast for the purpose of creating a summer resort.  The property located on the south side of the southeast tip of Chautauqua Lake known as Prendergast Point was renamed Celoron in memory of the French explorer, General DeCeloron.  By 1983, a steamboat dock, a toboggan slide down to the water, bath house and the Hotel DeCeloron had been built.  It was fast becoming a popular destination.  

By September of 1893, the Jamestown Street Railway was on it way to creating what would come to be known as the Celoron Amusement Park. setting in motion a "roller coaster ride" of events.  

Celeron Park opened in 1894,the "People's Park in Celoron" was quickly deemed the Coney Island of Chautauqua and became a major draw.  Featuring impressive rides, sporting venues, concert halls, zoos and a number of other entertainment and amusement options, summer crowds would take the railroad from Jamestown to Celoron Park to explore the offerings all of which sat against the scenic backdrop of Chautauqua Lake.

Originally purchased in 1874, the 67 acre tract of property passed through several hands before being purchased by Almet N. Broadhead, President of the Celoron Amusement Company.  One of the main attractions was the 125-foot Ferris wheel called "The Phoenix".  The Phoenix was added to the park beginning in the 1896 summer season and it would operate in the park until 1951 when it was disassembled and sent to the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds.  The ride would operate for over 55-years on the banks of Chautauqua Lake providing thousands of amusement-goers with spectacular views from its peak.

Celoron Park

Circa 1898

Skateland Roller Rink

 Greyhound Roller Coaster

Celeron Park Band Stand

Perhaps Celoron Park's most cherished story with the exception for the career of ride ticket-seller and future actress, Lucille Ball was the 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 the 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 during 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 WWII and the Great Depression.  However, following WWII the park saw a sharp decline in attendance.  

With the introduction of the Interstate highway system, vacationing families began to flock to other locations.  Regional gems like Celoron Park began to close.  Making matters worse, a tornado in 1959 tore through the amusement park destroying many rides.

In 1962, the park was purchased by an unknown Pittsburgh-based businessman who began scrapping many of the rides and structures, ending a 68-year stint for the amusement park.  Though the amusement park is no longer,  the "Lucille Ball Park" commemorating one of the area's premier citizens and former park employee now occupies their spot once filled with rides and games which drew visitors from all over the area and beyond.

Celeron Park is gone though the memories remain through enlarged black and white photos seen at the Harbor Hotel in Celeron.  Many photos include Lucille Ball who worked at the park before she became famous and became the Queen of Comedy.