We have been spending the last three months or so spending
time with the family and getting those mundane things of life taken care
of. We are now back on the move on a
journey of historical exploration.
Our first stop was Tupelo, MS and the boyhood home
of Elvis Presley. The town purchased his childhood home and surrounding
land. They moved the church he attended
as a boy along with other period structures to the home site.
You first visit the small museum displaying many
childhood items and memories from family and friends. It is very clear that this is meant to be a
hometown place. When I left the museum,
I had a better understanding of what some of his inspirations and motivations
were for his music. His childhood was difficult due to the poverty level they experienced,
but he was encouraged by his parents, church and school to pursue his music. Unfortunately, pictures where not allowed in
the museum.
The home were Elvis was born is adjacent to the museum
and contains only two rooms. It was purchased for $198 dollars. They lost the house when they could not meet
the payments and Elvis's father forged a check by altering the amount to be
paid to him and was sent to prison.
Elvis was strongly influenced by the music in his
church. When you visit the church, a
reenactment of a Sunday service with Elvis singing is shown with three
screens. It is a very interesting
presentation.
There is a reflection chapel nearby for Elvis fans
to spend time.
On the top of the hill is a sculpture display by a Dutch artist of Elvis at his peak with a nine year old Elvis in front of him
with his first guitar.
If you are an Elvis fan, it is a must see.
