The "Grace" of Graceland.
Hello Elvis Fans. It's been nearly 3 years since my last column. Time
sure does fly, and I am back now with promises of more frequent columns.
In this month's article, I wanted to cover a few truths and myths
regarding Graceland. I probably get more emails concerning Graceland,
then actual Elvis collectibles. So here is a rundown of what to expect.
Initially, I think the hype you build prior to seeing the property might
set you up for disappointment. Yes Graceland is a "Mansion", however it
is a Mansion built in 1939. By no means will you be wowed by the Size of
Graceland compared to today's Monster homes. In fact, the rooms inside
Graceland are charming, however quite small. It's frustrating to some,
including myself that the upstairs is still off limits. According to the
AP, When President Bush visits Graceland on June 30th, even he will not
have access. This leave some to wonder, what's the big secret up there
anyway? When calling EPE, they state that too much traffic would
collapse the stairs, and cause structural damage. Perhaps letting up a
few individuals at a time would solve that traffic issue. Nevertheless
back to the Tour. When you first approach Graceland, the home is
beautiful, the outside grounds were immaculate when I was last there.
The thing that really strikes you is that you have a lot of freedom in
and out of the house, you are not surrounded by tour guides or guards.
As a matter of fact, I saw neither of either tour I took. Once inside,
you will see the famous living area to the immediate right ( farther
back is Vernon and Gladys' Bedroom and Aunt Delta's rooms opposite the
stairs). At the time, they were open to view. The Living area is rather
small, however very well decorated. Stepping into Graceland, is much
like stepping back in time. To your left you will see Elvis Dining area.
Again small, but very well put together. Some of the famous rooms, I
need to describe, the kitchen area, the jungle room, the Pool Table
room, and the Yellow basement rooms are incredible views. The outside
was just as impressive as the inside to me. When walking out by Vernon's
offices, you have a real sense of peace. When I was there I was with
perhaps a group of 15 other individuals. Once passed through the trophy
rooms and Racquetball courts, the meditation garden is indeed a
sorrowful, yet calming experience. It was at this place, Elvis' resting
place, that you could hear a pin drop. As a matter of fact, I recall
hearing water ripple from the pool, that is how quiet the Garden was.
Overall I had a pleasant experience at Graceland. Naturally there is
much more than the Mansion, with the Airplane tour, Car museum, Sun
Studios and Numerous Shopping Plazas, this becomes a minimum 2 day event.
I would encourage anyone who is a fan of Elvis Presley to at least make
an attempt to go once. The southern charm is inviting, the Mansion
exciting, and the experience memorable. You will become comfortable very
quickly with other Elvis fans in Memphis. Everyone has a story when it
comes to Elvis. Until then I am on your side- Joe Wright. -Joe Wright is
an Elvis Presley Memorabilia Expert in the United States.
2006/06/27 Joe
Wright / EPGold.com
WATCH OUT FOR RARE PERSONAL ELVIS ITEMS.
FROM OUR COLUMNIST / SPECIALIST ELVIS PRESLEY MEMORIBILIA SPECIALIST.
By Joe Wright.
"THE KINGS THINGS" .
Well fans, I realize that it has been a few months, ok alot of months since my last column, however never fear, I have returned. A bit more knowledgable, and more information to pass along to you. I would like to make a few corrections. In a prior column, I had stated that many of Elvis Presley's early autographs came from the Netherlands and Germany as a result of Elvis' Army status. however, do not assume all items from this region are authentic. No, in fact there has been a counterfit ring of memorbilia coming from Germany ( German Elvis Museum) the Netherlands. It also appears that many members of Elvis' Memphis Mafia will state anything is authentic if you pass them along a few dollars. So how do you make a real determination if something is real or not? Well for one look where the King was born and raised, the United States. This is were MOST of his authentic autographs truly come from. Elvis Never did tour outside of the US, as the Colonel was an illegal alien. So all of his post 1960 autographs will be from here, as well many early autographs. His 1954-1958 autographs are all United States. As well, please keep in mind Elvis hated to write, so many of the "writings" of Elvis are Fake. Do not spend thousands of dollars on Elvis items that are not real, I dont care who signed the letter of authenticity. Also be VERY cautious of anyone selling personal belongings of Elvis, Think about it, there just is not that much of the stuff out there. Why would someone outside the US own a horde of Elvis Personal Items from the 70's? It does not make sense. As well, be cautious of anyone with "Numerous" or a seemingly unended amount of Elvis autographs. It took me 9 years and over $10,000 before I finally started to acquire GENUINE items, ALL were from the United States, and all come at a cost. You do not get Elvis' shirt for $1500, and be aware of exceptionally rare Elvis items, One of a kind things that if they even still existed, Graceland would probably own not some private collector trying to sell it to you. Until then I am on your side- Joe Wright. Joe Wright is an Elvis Presley Memorbilia Expert, and can be reached at
Yankeesof1927@Aol.com
2003/08/21 Joe Wright / EPGold.Com.
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