On the road again

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.