Desi Arnaz loved horse racing and even had a ranch in Corona, California where racers were bred. In the 1950’s a favorite getaway of his was going down to Del Mar, just north of San Diego. There at the famous race track and thoroughbred club “where the turf meets the surf,” Mr. Aranz could be found each racing season. After he and Lucy divorced, Desi bought a home mere feet from the track, right on the ocean and lived there until his passing. This program from the 1977 season was signed by Desi on the cover. Many photos of Desi and family can be seen in and around the track to this day.
Tag: Signed
Lucille Ball Signed Oversized MGM Publicity Photo
Lucille Ball was awarded the title “Technicolor Tessie” by make-up artists and cameramen when she was with MGM in the early 1940’s. Her blue eyes, coral-rouged lips, fair skin and newly changed haircolor to a shade of “Tech Red” made her apperance in technicolor sensational and pop on screen.
This oversized publicity photo highlights this very glamourous time in Lucy’s career. Taken during the run of the films Du Barry Was A Lady and Best Foot Forward, images from this session were used throught the press world to showcase the studio’s new leading lady. Measuring roughly 15 inches by 19 inches it has been signed in blue ink by the redhead and beautifully framed in gold, one of Lucy’s favorite colors.
William Frawley Inscribed Brown Derby Menu
The Brown Derby was once an iconic restaurant in Hollywood and the surrounding area. It was a place where one could spot their favorite movie stars enjoying a meal – “Remember, they’re just people like you and me.” Said to be birthplace of the Cobb Salad, the building was also shapped like the hat which it was named.
Lucy Ricardo, Fred and Ethel Mertz went to ‘the watering hole’ in a famous epsiode of I Love Lucy, seeing the likes of Cary Grant, Eve Arden and of course William Holden. This original dinner menu from ‘The Derby’ was used by a fan to obtain an autograph from William Frawley. Bill inscribed on the back in part…”hello and good wishes.”
Valentine’s Day card from Lucille Ball to Gary Morton
A Valentine’s Day card filled with love from Lucille Ball to husband Gary Morton. The scalloped edge card features rose, bleeding heart and forget-me-not flowers with lace along with a note For you, Honey on the cover. The inside has a preprinted poem of which Lucy has underlined certain words. She also hand wrote “Gary Darling” and signed it “Your Wife.”
Lucille Ball’s 1985 Will Rogers Memorial Award
On March 1, 1985 Lucille Ball was the recipient of the annual Will Rogers Memorial Award from the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Civic Association, at a black-tie Silver Anniversary Ball held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Past honorees include Bob Hope, Carol Burnett, Ella Fitzgerald, George Burns with Jimmy Durante being the first entertainer recognized in 1960 for outstanding contributions to the entertainment world.
The wooden plaque measures 11″ x 13.5″ with a copper-faced plate featuring the sculptured relief image of Will Rogers at the top and the engraved commendation below. Paired with the award is an original program from the evening signed by Lucy on the cover.
William Frawley Signed Early Career Photo Card
William Frawley came to Hollywood in 1933 after some success in vaudeville and Broadway. Much of his work in films was as a character actor well before being known as the lovable Fred Mertz on I Love Lucy. This uncommon photo card of Bill is from the late 20’s-early 30’s and has been signed in blue ink. Unfortunately his last name is spelled incorrectly, which may not have been a good thing seeing it was most likely a publicity card used by studios for casting talent.