Celoron Mayor ‘Disappointed’ In Vandalism Of Lucy Statues
CELORON — Village Mayor Scott Schrecengost said he was “disappointed” to learn two statues honoring the area’s most famous native were vandalized.
The statues of Lucille Ball, located in the village park that also bears her name, were defaced early Monday using a blue paint marker. An outside wall of a bathroom located at the park was also vandalized.
“It’s disappointing for sure,” Schrecengost told The Post-Journal. “It’s going to cost a few bucks to clean and get them where they need to be.”
The mayor said four of the park’s eight cameras captured the man responsible for the incident. He said the Ellicott Police Department “has a good idea” who the person is and that charges could be filed.
The statues, created by Dave Poulin and later Carolyn Palmer, highlight Ball, who grew up in Celoron.
Poulin’s monument of the famed actress received infamy when it was first unveiled, earning the nickname “Scary Lucy” due to its unflattering looks. Palmer’s version was unveiled at a ceremony in August 2016.
Schrecengost said the village reached out to Palmer this week to have her look at the damage. He said it could be two to three weeks before the paint is removed.