Program

NYS Historic

Subject

Arts & Culture, Event, People, Site

Location

40 Dunham Ave, Jamestown, NY 14701, USA

Lat/Long

42.110797060858, -79.282818203359

Grant Recipient

Village of Celoron

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 the 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, which opened the park in 1894. One of the main attractions was the 125 foot Ferris wheel, “The Phoenix”. The Phoenix was added to the park beginning in the 1896 summer season, and it would operate there until 1951 when it was disassembled and sent to the Los Angeles County Fairgrounds. The ride would operate for over 55-years on the bank of Chautauqua Lake, providing thousands of amusement-goers with spectacular views from its peak.

Perhaps Celoron Park’s most cherished story—save for 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 during the warm-up that Ruth’s famed hitting power was best demonstrated. According to the Buffalo Times article on October 19^th, 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 20^th century, surviving both the impact of the First World War and the Great Depression. However, following World War Two the park saw a sharp decline in attendance. With the introduction of the Interstate, vacationing families began to flock to other locations and regional gems like the Celoron Park began to close. Making matters worse, in 1959 a tornado tore through the amusement park destroying many rides.

In 1962 the park was purchased by a 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 the spot once filled with rides and games, which drew visitors from all over. This marker commemorates the amusement park’s history and Babe Ruth’s visit to Celoron Park.