VISIT GRACELAND AND DISCOVER ELVIS
by eddie on Apr.10, 2009, under E
A visit to Graceland is the only way to truly appreciate the life of Elvis Presley. Elvis’ home is where he lived his life away from the spotlight. It was the one constant in a world ever changing. To walk the “Hall of Gold”, lined with his early gold and platinum record awards…To stand in his converted racquetball court with walls exceeding 20ft and stacked with even more gold records awarded since his passing. This is to understand the impact Elvis has had on music and the American culture.
His near 14 acre estate sits on a hill in a suburb of Memphis, Tennessee known as Whitehaven. Originally owned by publisher, S. E. Toof the estate was a 500 acre farm during the Civil War. It was named for an aunt Grace. The construction style is Classical Revival. Presley purchased the property in 1957 for the sum of $102,500.00. At that time it was used by the Christian Church and had just been sold to the local YMCA for $35;000.00. But, Elvis convinced the “Y” to sell it to him at a substantial profit.
Elvis loved to decorate and redecorate the house and had several themed rooms. During its’ heyday, there was always some sort of demolition and construction taking place and it wasn’t uncommon for “The King” to take a hands-on approach.
The Graceland tour takes visitors through the entrance hall, dining room, living and music rooms, kitchen, his parent’s room, tv room, billiard room and the infamous jungle room. The tour doesn’t include the second floor. When Elvis was alive, upstairs was his inner sanctum and remains that way. In addition to the mansion proper, there are several annex buildings. An audio narration explains the various rooms, by way of a headset.
Some will visit The Meditation Garden and pay their respects at his final resting place. Others will be anxious to view the various rooms and imagine life as a celebrity. Whatever your reason for going to Graceland…The greatest rock ‘n’ roll legend of all time lived out “the fantasy” there with his family!
May 12th, 2009 on 5:55 am
I’ve been fortunate enough to go to Graceland. It was years ago, but an experience unlike any other at the time. I have since grown up, but I still think Elvis is the king. Thanks for taking your tribute seriously.
i