New York – The Lucy Room

Handwritten Birthday Letter from Lucille Ball to Fred Williams

Fred Williams was a renowned makeup artist and celebrity portrait painter. He became Lucille Ball’s primary makeup man in the early 1970’s on her series Here’s Lucy and feature film, MAME. Lucille wrote this letter on her personal stationary to Fred and his wife Christine thanking them for remembering her birthday.

“Dearest Chris & Fred – Have tried to call you several times to tell you how happy I was with your birthday remembrance – I’m glad I caught you that nite you two are a slippery pair! Hope everything is well with you – My love as always Lucy”

Williams continued helping Lucy look incredible throughout the 80’s as well. Today fans can see a portrait of Lucy from MAME Fred painted on display at the Lucy-Desi Museum in her hometown of Jamestown, New York.

July 31, 2025July 31, 2025 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Birthday, CBS, Film, Fred Williams, Handwritten, Here's Lucy, Jamestown, Letter, Lucille Ball, Makeup, MAME, Movie, Personal, TelevisionTags: 1970s, 1980s, Artist, Autograph, Birthday, Film, Fred Williams, Friendship, Handwritten, Here's Lucy, I Love Lucy, Jamestown, Letter, Love, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Makeup, MAME, Movie, New York, Note, Painter, Personal, Signed, Stationary, TV Leave a comment

Lucille Ball Birthday Letter to Marion Van Vlack

Lucille Ball sent this letter to her childhood friend from Jamestown, Marion Van Vlack on what would be Lucy’s 59th birthday in 1970. The typed, signed letter on Lucy’s personal blue stationery reads in part:

“Thank you for remembering my birthday, and I’m glad you and yours are all shipshape.” “Will be calling Jamestown for some Swedish rye bread and some Swede Sill in the near future… – Lucy”

Lucille would often call The Jones Bakery in her hometown to have her favorite bread and pastries shipped out West. She and Marion would communicate over the years via many letters keeping their special bond forever cemented.

August 1, 2024October 9, 2024 by The Lucy Room Categories: Autograph, Birthday, Handwritten, Jamestown, Letter, Lucille Ball, Marion Van Vlack, PersonalTags: 1970, Birthday, Friendship, Handwritten, I Love Lucy, Jamestown, Letter, Love, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Marion Van Vlack, New York, Note, Personal, Signed, Stationary Leave a comment

Lucille Ball’s Off-White Sheath Dress Worn to ‘Lucy Day’ at the New York World’s Fair

Queens, New York was host to the 1964/65 World’s Fair. On Monday, August 31, 1964 it was delcared “Lucy Day”, honoring TV’s Queen of Comedy. It started with her arrival at 10:00 AM alongside her entourage of husband Gary Morton, mother Dede and friend, gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. Even Lucy’s hair stylist Irma Kusely was there to ensure Ms. Ball looked her best.

After getting caught in the rain, Lucille had to change from her first ensemble into this short sleeve, knee length sheath style dress. The off-white garment features two rows of binding strips at the collar and sleeves as well as two side vents at the bottom hem. It has a silk, champagne color lining and zipper back with hook and eye closure.

Lucy wore the dress for the majoity of the 8-hour day. Including conducting the band who performed “Hey Look Me Over” from her Broadway play Wildcat, during the parade and even while dancing on stage with Gary and Hedda doing her signature ‘twist.’ In the 1980’s Lucy gave the dress to Actors and Others for Animals for their charity auction which is how it ended up in public hands.

August 31, 2023August 29, 2024 by The Lucy Room Categories: Gary Morton, Lucille Ball, Personal, Television, The Lucy Show, World's FairTags: Dede Ball, Dress, Gary Morton, Hedda Hopper, Lucille Ball, Lucille Ball Owned, Lucille Ball Worn, New York, New York World's Fair, Personal, World's Fair Leave a comment