Graceland Part 2
Elvis Presley bought Graceland in 1957 for $102,500. Graceland Farms was first owned by Stephen Toof, founder of the oldest commercial printing firm in Memphis. The property is named for his daughter Grace. In 1939, Grace’s niece built the Colonial Revival style mansion. Over time, Elvis added over $500,000 in renovations to the mansion which now has 23 rooms, 8 bedrooms and bathrooms and and around 17,000 square feet of living space. The grounds cover a little over 13 acres.
Just beyond the swing set is the office of Vernon Presley. It appears from the note on the door that Vernon didn’t have time for any loafing. Next to Vernon’s office is the Smokehouse that houses a shooting range. BBQ & Guns now that’s a combination.
Elvis died on August 16, 1977. He is buried at Graceland Memorial Garden along with his mother Gladys, his father Vernon and grandmother Minnie Mae. Jesse Garon Presley, the still born twin of Elvis is buried in an unmarked grave in Tupelo, Mississippi.
We took one more look at the front of the house before boarding the bus back to the exhibits. Caroline got this photo of the Christmas decorations ordered by Elvis when he lived at Graceland.
Joy
2 thoughts on “Graceland Part 2”
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Wow, I haven’t been to Graceland, so this is very interesting. I wouldn’t call the house pretty, but I guess Elvis liked it.
My favorite part of Graceland was the kitchen. I was impressed with the modern-ness of it for that time period. I also liked that it was separate from the living space–meaning I wouldn’t have to clean as I go so much as with an open kitchen plan. I read somewhere that he loved the house so much that he would request that the rooms of his home be duplicated in the hotels where he stayed while touring and performing.