Senate Resolution No. 2423

BY: Senator YOUNG

COMMEMORATING the 80th Anniversary of the Lucille
Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to honor and
commemorate the proud and distinguished histories of exceptional
organizations that are a part of the community and comprise the noble
body of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of
Jamestown; and

WHEREAS, In 1920, Madelyn Jones Osgood, along with several local
residents, started a theatre group known as The Players Club, and they
provided an opportunity to cast a young girl named Lucille Ball in a
play called Within the Law; and

WHEREAS, In 1936, a young couple, George and Harriet Warren moved
from Cleveland to Jamestown, where they spearheaded the evolution of The
Players Club to a new organization called the Little Theatre of
Jamestown; each year ticket sales would continue to grow making it the
largest membership theatre in the United States by 1945; and

WHEREAS, Following the end of World War II, membership sales would
decline and it now seemed to be the best time to build their own theatre
building; an outdated Howard Johnson building and carriage house at 414
Fairmount Avenue was purchased; following repairs and improvements, the
business office and rehearsal space moved to Fairmount Avenue from the
Scottish Rite Temple, while plays would continue to be presented at the
Scottish Rite Temple; and

WHEREAS, After the Warren's resigned in 1955 to assume positions at
the Rochester Community Playhouse in Rochester, New York, there were
several guest Directors who would replace them; later on, the 414
Fairmount Avenue location was sold and the Shea's Theatre on East Second
Street was purchased through a fundraising campaign, with the new
theatre opening on April 19, 1969; and

WHEREAS, A new era began for the theatre and in 1990, Robert Ostrom,
who was President of the Board of Directors, discussed with Lucille
Ball, renaming the theatre the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown
to honor the Queen of Comedy; she agreed, but unfortunately passed away
before the dedication ceremony, which her daughter, Lucie Arnaz and her
entire family gladly attended in Lucille Ball's honor; and

WHEREAS, Upon the celebration of this historic 80th Anniversary, the
evening will honor Helen and Norm Merrill for their 50 years of
outstanding dedication and commitment to the Lucille Ball Little
Theatre; and

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to publicly
recognize and honor milestones in the history of communities large and
small in this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of
Jamestown; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Lucille Ball Little Theatre.