In 1891, Lucille’s paternal grandfather Jasper becamem excited by the idea of a new discovery known as the telephone. With new found zeal he operated a primitive telephone switchboard in Busti, New York, a small community south of Buffalo. His second son, Henry (Lucille’s father) seemed to share his father’s enthusiasm for the telephone and learned the business from the ground up by acting as an electrical lineman for Jasper. He continued this line of work after marrying Desiree Hunt (Lucille’s mother), which took them across the country to Anaconda, Montana and then to Wyandotte, Michigan, where he died of typhoid when Lucille was just a toddler.
The telephone would become an important symbol of her family history. On “I Love Lucy,” the Ricardos had three phone numbers over the course of the show: the first was Murray-hill 5-9975; the second was CIrcle-7-2099; and the third was Murray-hill 5-9099 — all unused numbers of the New York Bell Telephone Company.
It’s safe to say that the plot most every of a Lucy sitcom would not have been possible without the telephone! It would be impossible to include every moment of action on the telephone, but here are a few that may stir some fond memories!
Long-a distanza from Firenza: “Hello, baby?”
“The REAL Charles Boyer!”
Lucy cries wolf – and makes the face to match!
Ethel is dubious.
Making a call while handcuffed is nothing compared to getting ready for bed!
“She didn’t? She did! She didn’t? She did! She didn’t?”
LITTLE? Fred’s eyes betray his assessment of Ethel’s nickname!
Ethel to Freddy! Ethel to Freddy! Come in, Freddy! Over!
Faking an attempted robbery relies on the perfect paper bag.
Miss Hannah gives Lucy acting tips before her debut with Orson Welles.
Lucy and Ethel keep the reservation lines of the Tropicana busy, making Maurice a muddled Maître d’.
Party Line!
Lucy has learned the new neighbors plan to blow up the capitol!
Waiting for Hollywood to call.
Waiting for the Home Show to call.
“Ewwww!”
Telling Marion Strong about the trip to Europe.
Ricky loses his temper with his agent, Jerry. Coincidentally, an incident surrounding telephones led to actor Jerry Hausner’s departure from the show.
Calling from the border between France and Italy. Where is the pass-a-port?
No change for the pay phone? Dip into the cash register! (At your own risk!)
Richard Widmark’s maid spends her free time gabbing on the phone. It’s hard to get good help.
Meanwhile, in Connecticut…
Ricky says goodnight to his son, who is staying with a friend while Lucy and Ricky spend an evening in town.
Ricky tries to sort things out with his publicity agent.
Lucille Ball later said that she had to coach Fred MacMurray through this twin phone booth scene in order to make it funny.
Something isn’t right!
Marriage on the rocks!
A surprised Mrs. Ricardo!
Lucy Carmichael at home. Sporting a casual look for a phone chat.
Viv takes a sales call while Lucy makes their famous caramel popcorn to sell in Danfield candy stores.
Ironing and phone calls keep Mrs. Carmichael busy.
Tracking Mr. Mooney’s escaped pet bird, the phone on the pole rings and Lucy answers it! No doubt Lucille Ball’s father would be proud!
Lucy Ricardo disguises her phone voice by making it sound more nasal.
Lucy Carmichael does likewise!
Little Ricky’s telephone! Hold all his calls!
Talking about pups!
Gossip Girls!
On the shoulders of the greats! In this case, Buster Keaton.
Trying to think of a phone number or a name – with no luck!
Uh-oh! Bad news!
“…should you choose to accept it.” Time to self-destruct!
Sometimes you can wait forever for a connection!
Inspired by Don Adams’ shoe phone, Lucy’s friend has invented an arm phone!
Happy to be out of the hospital and home after breaking her leg.
Phone bank! Raising money or running numbers?
Lucy shows Mannix how to answer the phone while tied up! Desilu produced “Mannix,” saving it from early cancellation.
Telephone Hour with the Carter Family. “What’s the story, morning glory? What’s the word, humming bird? Have you heard about Hugo and Kim?“
When he wants to try out some new drum licks for a friend, Craig Carter makes a call!
Juggling three phones and a baby chimp. Just an average day for our Lucy.
This phone is locked!
Papermoon Loves Lucy 
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