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All posts tagged Elvis Expert Jeff Schrembs
How about a few rare photographs of Elvis Presley? You got it.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on March 25, 2014
https://theelvisexpert.com/2014/03/25/how-about-a-few-rare-photographs-of-elvis-presley-you-got-it/
How Elvis Presley birthplace became a historical landmark
If there is one person most responsible, other than Elvis, creating the Elvis Presley Birthplace Park in Tupelo, it is Oleta Grimes who was the daughter of Orville Bean who helped Vernon build the home Elvis was born in.
Previously Elvis donated money to the City of Tupelo to create a children’s playground around his birth home. Over a period of time the city park evolved into the centerpiece of Tupelo’s tourism. The house is now one of the most visited attractions in the state of Mississippi.
Without the help, and dedication of, Mrs. Grimes this park may not have been created. Here are the facts.
All of this land once belonged to Mrs. Grimes’s father, Orville Bean.
The Presley family were among the sharecroppers on Bean’s dairy and cotton farm. After marrying Gladys Smith, Vernon Presley borrowed money from Mr. Bean to build this dwelling, next to his parents’ house.
On January 8, 1935 Gladys Presley gave birth to twin boys at home; Jesse Garon who was still born, and Elvis Aron. Young Elvis lived in this house only three years.
Mr. Bean had, and remains to have, the reputation of being; a harsh man (i.e. the story concerning Vernon and his brothers and a true case of redemption), ruthless at business, shrewd, but also had the ability (on certain matters) to be able to forgive and to help members of the community (as he did to the Presley family concerning Elvis birthplace).
His daughter Oleta Grimes was known to have a good heart, be a good neighbor, and a loving and caring member of the community, In fact she became the fifth grade teacher at the community school, East Tupelo Consolidated.
In 1945 Elvis and Shirley Gillentine were chosen to represent their school in the Mississippi-Alabama talent show a fact that Gladys Presley did not know until after Elvis returned home that same day.
Shirley won first prize, Elvis placed fifth and the photograph of Elvis standing on stage, blonde hair and glasses, is essential to Elvis’ story and gives us some insight into the Presley family (please see the photograph contained in this website). Three years later, Elvis moved to Memphis with his mother and father.
In 1956, the Presley family returned during the annual fair to a parade and a sold out concert featuring the now “worldwide talent”…Elvis Presley.
To rise from severe poverty to worldwide fame in these 11 years is truly an original American Story. .
This day was deemed “Welcome Home Elvis Day” where Elvis performed at the same fairground in front of 14,000 people (a crowd larger than the population of the town) wearing a velvet shirt customized for Elvis and given to him by Natalie Wood.
When Orville Bean died and Oleta Grimes inherited his property. And here is where the story of the Birthplace Park begins.
At the Birthplace Park today the story is usually told that Elvis happened to drive past the land of his birth, during his drive to his hometown for the “Welcome Home Elvis Day” and noticed a ‘for sale’ sign.
Elvis was visibly moved and we walked the grounds, peeked into the windows, and then sat upon the step while wiping tears away recalling all his family had gone through and the fact that his twin brother had died during delivery (i.e. stillborn).
As Elvis was being reminded that “we have to go” Elvis decided to buy it and create the park. But the 1957 Fair show was billed as a benefit show for the “Elvis Presley Youth Center” to be built on the land.
Elvis donated his performance fee to buy the land. Elvis did like to visit the old neighborhood. Oleta recalled with fondness that Elvis would visit her husband’s store and their home. At any rate, she sold the land to the city of Tupelo with the intent to create the park.
The first step was to clear the land of the assorted outbuildings and homes on the park property, except for the one that Elvis was born in.
Some people have said that the city “got in wrong” and tore down Elvis’ birthplace. For whatever reason(s) they want you to believe that tourists now visit a replacement house.
The facts are that Gladys Presley was present during the 1957 events along with many of Gladys’ friends and female relatives along with Oleta Grimes. Hence, they did not mistake which house Gladys gave birth to her twin sons.
Eventually the city government did build something close to what Elvis wanted; an indoor recreation hall, a baseball diamond, a swimming pool and a playground. The little house sat unused from 1957 until 1971.
That year the East Tupelo Garden Club, including Oleta Grimes, took it upon themselves to restore the house. Interestingly if you look at the oldest known photo of Elvis birthplace, compared with the “restored photos”, you will notice several things. Among them are; the house itself was physically relocated, there was no swing, and there were handrails to the three steps.
Kindly, Vernon helped them and even gave them a felt hat to place upon the mantle. Elvis knew of these efforts but took no role in part because his beloved mother, Gladys Love (Smith) Presley, had died approximately one year after the initial dedication and his heart was forever broken.
Yet, on several occasions he would come down at night to look around carrying his infamous black police flashlight. Often he was speechless and his emotions varied and his bond was evident.
By now thousands toured the Birthplace Park. Fan Appreciation Day had become a media event for Tupelo. Oleta was not the leader of this event for Janelle McComb was (note: Janelle would become a close friend of Elvis’ and even wrote a poem, for a gift from Elvis to Lisa Marie, that; Elvis loved, made tears come to his eyes, and he proudly gave to Lisa Marie (and remains a cherished possession of Lisa Marie – as it should be).
She had the assertiveness and political skills to turn the Birthplace Park from a part time effort into a tourism destination.
Someone like Janelle was needed to do that, but at the same time she did not share attention easily Oleta Grimes was near the end of her life when that photo was taken, she lived to be one hundred.
She did very few interviews, never asked for the spotlight. That’s too bad, she was too quiet. She had a lot of stories to tell.
Part of the money raised from the banquet and shows (Elvis would do two shows at Ellis Auditorium) was given to the Elvis Presley Foundation. The Foundation had the responsibility to create a park on the land adjacent to his birthplace.
The Elvis Presley Birthplace Foundation and the city of Tupelo share responsibility for maintenance and operations of the Birthplace Park.
We encourage everyone, when they have a chance, to visit this wonderful landmark as well as; visit Graceland, go to www.Elvis.com (the official Elvis Presley website), and support the endeavors of Lisa Marie – her husband – and their family.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on February 9, 2014
https://theelvisexpert.com/2014/02/09/how-elvis-presley-birthplace-became-a-historical-landmark/
Elvis Presleys birthday is January 8th 2014 (by Jeff Schrembs)
In a few days, on January 8, 2014, Elvis Presley would have been 79 years old.
Here are a few rare photographs of Elvis throughout the years.
For additional photos please check out http://www.ElvisCollector.info.
Take care and may God bless you.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on January 8, 2014
https://theelvisexpert.com/2014/01/08/elvis-presleys-birthday-is-january-8th-2014-by-jeff-schrembs/
Elvis Presley family lineage
Elvis Presley was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi to Vernon Elvis Presley, and Gladys Love Presley (Smith was her maiden name), in the two-room shotgun h
Elvis Presley was born in Tupelo Mississippi, on January 8, 1935 having been delivered by the local doctor via a “house call” (i.e. the physician came to the home as opposed to a hospital) . This home was built by Vernon Presley, Elvis father, in the type of home known, in the south, as a “shotgun house” which meant that if you were to shoot a shotgun standing in the front door it would go all the way through the house without hitting anything else while passing through the back door (I.e. there were no walls other than the 4 exterior walls). Jesse Garon Presley, who was Elvis identical twin brother, was delivered (approximately) 35 minutes before him, (sadly) stillborn.
As an only child, Elvis became close to both parents and formed an unusually tight bond with his mother. The family attended an Assembly of God church where he found an outlet for his musical inclinations.
Johannes Valentin Bressler, the founder of the Presley family in America, was born in the Palatinate, Germany, 1669 in the village of Hochstadt (where the Preslar family was first mentioned in 1494); Valentine was employed there as a vine dresser; he married Anna Christiana Franse (Born Germany 1674) and immigrated to New York in 1710; with some French Norman; one of Gladys’ great-great-grandmothers was Cherokee Indian and, according to family accounts, one of her great-grandmothers was Jewish. Gladys was regarded by relatives and friends as the dominant member of the small family.
Elvis Presley descended from the Bressler (Presley) line, the name being Americanized down the line, first into Preslar, then Pressley and finally Presley but only because his Great Grand Mother, Rosella Pressley adopted her maiden name for her children. She never did tell any of her children who their father was.
Rosella bore nine ‘illegitimate’ children, never once identifying to her children who their fathers were. Rosella stubbornly, and resourcefully, supported them through sharecropping. Mrs. Doshia Steele, one of Rosella’s daughters, said this of her plight. ‘I can’t remember anyone ever talking about who our father was, It was a big mystery when we were children. My mother just didn’t talk about it’. Rosella, internalized the abandonment and re-enacted it throughout her life. Beginning at age nineteen and continuing over 28 years.
Rosella’s son, Jessie D. McDowell (J.D.) Pressley (1896-1973) was Elvis’ Grand Father. He was born on April 9, 1896 in Itawamba County, Mississippi, to Rosella Presley, unmarried, and John Wallace (Elvis’ great-grandfather). So though the rightful (traditional) surname would have been Wallace, Rosella gave her children her own name, her maiden name of Presley.
Elvis Grandfather, Jessie, J.D. Presley used the double ‘s’ before changing to the single ‘s’ after his great grandson attained international fame.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on October 20, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/10/20/elvis-presley-family-lineage/
October 9, 1973 Elvis’ divorce was final (by Jeff Schrembs)
Starting from the first time Elvis met Priscilla, while Elvis was in the US Army stationed in Germany and Priscilla was there with her family with her Father who was in actuality her step father a fact that was kept from her, there was an immediate mutual attraction.
Note – Priscilla’s biological father was US Navy pilot James Wagner. His parents were Kathryn and Harold Wagner. On 10 August 1944, at the age of 23, he married Priscilla’s mother; they had been dating for more than three years. He was killed in a plane crash while returning home on leave when Priscilla was six months old. When Priscilla discovered this “..family secret…” while rummaging through an old wooden box of family keepsakes, she was encouraged by her mother to keep it from the other children as she feared it would endanger our family closeness. In 1948 her mother met a United States Air Force officer named Paul Beaulieu, from Quebec. The couple were married within a year. Beaulieu took over the raising of Priscilla and was the only father Priscilla would ever know
Though Elvis only met Priscilla a few months before being honorably discharged from the US Army, in March of 1960, and Priscilla was only 14 years old at the time (a fact that was contrary to her; looks, demeanor, maturity, outspokenness, and her outlook on life) Elvis had a deep caring for Priscilla that would eventually be consummated in their marriage on May 1, 1967.
Elvis and Priscilla, through mutual shortcomings and actions adverse to the marital vows they took, (sadly) split up in 1972 and formally divorced with the final divorce decree issued on October 9, 1973.
The property settlement agreement, dated August 15, 1972, was between Elvis Aaron Presley and Priscilla Ann Presley.
It stated the couple had agreed to split the property to avoid further legal costs.
It reads: ‘The parties were married on May 1, 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
‘Unfortunate circumstances and unhappy differences have arisen between the parties by reason of which they have lived separate and apart since February 23, 1972, and by reason of which they intend to dissolve their marriage.
‘By this property settlement the parties wish to avoid unnecessary litigation and the emotional stress and expense which would accompany.’
Some of the interesting details of their divorce settlement are as follows:
Elvis signed over ownership of three of his prized possessions – a 1971 Mercedes-Benz car, a 1969 Cadillac El Dorado and a 1971 Harley Davidson motorbike.
Priscilla had originally agreed to a cash settlement that was 7.5 times less than the amount she finally received.
She signed the paperwork that confirmed she would receive a $100,000 tax-free lump-sum payment.
The official document is at odds with the $750,000 payment she eventually received after she appointed new lawyers who advised her to seek more money.
As well as Elvis’ cars and cash, actress Priscilla also stood to receive half the income from the sale of their three properties in California.
‘The agreement granted Priscilla ownership of a 1971 Mercedes Benz, a 1969 Cadillac El Dorado, a 1971 Harley-Davidson motorcycle, $100,000 in cash, and half the income from the sale of their three houses in California.
‘It is initialed in ink by Elvis and Priscilla on page three and signed by them on page nine.
‘The supplement specifies that taxes applied to the cash would be paid by Elvis.’
Here are two copies of the actual divorce proceedings
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Elvis’ divorce adversely effected him throughout the remainder of his life. Though he was blessed with the birth of his daughter, who he truly loved with all his heart being Lisa Marie born exactly nine months after the wedding, the reality that his marriage had ended contributed to his failing health which included mental, emotional, and addictive behavior.
Elvis Presley endured his triumphs, and his failures, in the public eye. Fortunately, for us and for Elvis, he had an outlet to share his feelings…and his soul being his singing and performing.
During the 1970s Elvis recorded several poignant songs that, to this very day, resonate as they apply to those going through separation, divorce, children of divorce, etc. This include, but are not limited to, these songs; Suspicious Minds, You Gave Me A Mountain, My Boy, Separate Ways, It’s Over, It’s Easy For You, Always On My Mind, etc.
Lastly, Elvis loved Priscilla and she loved him. They both made mistakes and both contributed to the deterioration of the marriage. They were, are, and will be (simultaneously) an American (with an assist from Germany) Love Story as well as an American Divorce Story. This is part of the life, and legacy, of Elvis Presley that continues to fascinate Elvis Presley Fans Worldwide.
Jeff Schrembs
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on October 5, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/10/05/october-9-1973-elvis-divorce-was-final-by-jeff-schrembs/
Schools attended by Elvis Presley (by Jeff Schrembs)
TUPELO, Mississippi:
1941 Elvis enrolled in Lawhon Elementary School (Elvis was 6 years old)
Milam Junior High School
MEMPHIS TENNESSEE:
November 1948 they sold their furniture and moved, in the middle of the night, from Tupelo to Memphis
LC Humes High School
by Jeff Schrembs 2013 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 21, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/09/21/schools-attended-by-elvis-presley-by-jeff-schrembs/
How Elvis came to own Graceland in Memphis TN
Graceland Farms began construction in 1939 and completed construction in 1940. The magnificent Estate was built as an exemplary Georgian Colonial style. Graceland Farms originally encompassed 500 acres, with a 25 acre man made fully stocked with regional fish. The Mansion was designed to have wonderful views of the tree lined driveway and all of the beautiful landscaping that covered Graceland with beautiful flowers, trees, shrubs, etc. and encompassed 13.8 acres. Graceland Farms was located in the Whitehaven District of Memphis on Highway 51 (note: this was later named as Elvis Presley Boulevard in appreciation of Elvis) and was purchased by Dr. Thomas D. Moore. Graceland Farms, in contrast to the beautiful “Mansion”, was used for the raising and selling of Hereford Cows.
In 1957 Gladys and Vernon had seen Graceland and then Elvis went to see Graceland. Elvis and his Mother fell in love with the home and Vernon, who had watched Elvis be delivered in a “1 one shotgun house in Tupelo” 22 years ago was now contemplating buying this magnificent home.
At the time Elvis, Vernon, and Gladys had seen the hom the Mansion had 10,266 square feet. Numerous times over the years Elvis added to the home and as of 2010 the home is 17,552 square feet (excluding the Racquetball Building) or 19,552 including the Racquetball Building.
Elvis had previously purchased a home in Memphis at 1034 Audubon Drive in Memphis but between the Fans standing outside the home 24/7, the neighbors being inconvenienced and complaining, the Press reporting about the “all night fans” and the neighbors “peace and quiet” being disturbed Elvis and his Family had decided that they needed a larger home that was close enough to get to “town” but further out of Town with a lot of land and security. Graceland Farms fit the criteria.
The Presleys, unbeknown to them, were not the only interested purchasers for Graceland Farms. The “staple of American life” aka” SEARS wanted to buy all the land and build a large store displaying all of their goods to Memphis residents and visitors.
Also, the Church wanted to buy a part of the land so Sears was notified to find out if they would be willing to do so (as they were buying more than enough land for their purposes but their “data” confirmed that Memphis was an “up and coming City” and Highway 51 was planned to become “THE” Highway in Memphis with thousands of consumers going up and down Highway 51 daily.
Vernon was called and told about Sears as well as the Church. Vernon knew that if he did not get this home for Elvis that Elvis would be “shattered” because Elvis wanted his home for his Mother who he (literally) adored. Vernon called Elvis and gave him the news and Elvis knew that Dr. Moore was an honorable and religious man who helped out the community routinely. Elvis was also a very spiritual/religious man and decided that it would be “good” to have others singing and praying to God on the property right next door. So Elvis called Vernon and said “do it” and added one stipulation and that was for Elvis to have a “right of easement” to be able to enter in from the Churches parking lot and go directly into Graceland through this “secret entrance”.
Vernon called the Real Estate Agent back and was told they were waiting on Sears to respond. The Real Estate Agent called Dr. Moore to let him know that Elvis was interested, at full price less what the Church wanted in property and Elvis would pay the Church directly for the easement. Dr. Moore was pleased that Elvis allowed the Church options and “impressed” when he learned that Elvis grew up singing Religious Hymns – never drank – did not smoke – always said “yes sir” or “yes mam” to his elders and was a respectful man who wanted to provide an “easier living” for his family and have a safe “HOME” to return to where he could raise a family and enjoy the beauty of the property and the blessings that God bestowed to all of us.
Sears called back hesitant about letting the Church have some of the property so the Realtor called Vernon to tell him the good news. On March 26, 1957 Vernon, Gladys, and Elvis signed the paperwork (jointly) and purchased Graceland for (approximately $ 103,000.00. Gladys Presley cried as she was handed the keys to her home as Elvis and Vernon hugged her and Elvis kissed her forehead telling her “I love you” and “I am doing all of this for you momma”.
1957 Elvis career was going great, his movies were all hits, his songs sold millions, his relationship with his parents was good and he now owned a Mansion that could allow him options to rest or to play and to add to as Elvis’ interests changed.
Interestingly, 9 months later on Christmas Eve Elvis would receive his “hand delivered” Draft Notice. Elvis’ 1st Christmas at Graceland went from tears of joy, love, presents, laughing, etc. to Elvis reading and re-reading the draft notice (in semi-shock). In 1958 Elvis, now in the Army, said “things could not get any worse” and yet on August 14, 1958 his beloved Mother Gladys Love Presley passed away. Some of the most “traumatic/emotional” photographs ever taken of Elvis were taken while Elvis and Vernon sat on the front steps of Graceland with their arms around each others’ shoulders crying. Repeating “shes gone” “everything I loved is gone” “Why, why?” and Vernon “saying how sorry he was while consoling Elvis.
Elvis first 2 years at Graceland were filled with “ups and downs”. From 1958 – 1960 Elvis served his term in the US Army and was honorably discharged. When Elvis returned some things at Graceland “changed” (i.e. paint, trim, way room was used, etc.) but out of respect for his Mother Elvis left as much of her things as they were during her lifetime.
Elvis LOVED Graceland and it truly was his “home”. It was fitting, though no less painful to accept, that Elvis died at Graceland and is buried at Graceland with his Mother, Father, and Grandmother. Their head stones rest in the meditation gardens which Elvis had built in the 1960′s and thousands of fans come to Graceland each week to see Graceland and to pay their respects.
Lastly, I would be remiss if I did not say that Elvis Fans Worldwide should say a heartfelt “thanks” to Priscilla, Lisa Marie, and Jack Soden for allowing Graceland to be seen and for the professional endeavors they are involved in. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND visiting Graceland, EPE, and/or http://www.Elvis.com. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND Elvis Fans Worldwide seeking out, and monetarily supporting, and paying their respects to Marty Lacker, Marty Fike, Billy Smith, Red West, Sonny West, Joe Esposito, Jerry Schilling, etc. Elvis loved these men and they spend the better part of the 50′s, 60′s, and 70′s working with Elvis 24/7. I say aloud THANK YOU and God bless you all in each of your personal and professional endeavors!
We hope that you enjoyed this article.
Take care and God bless.
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on July 7, 2013
https://theelvisexpert.com/2013/07/07/how-elvis-came-to-own-graceland-in-memphis-tn/
Elvis returns to movies after Army Discharge
Posted by Jeff Schrembs on September 25, 2012
https://theelvisexpert.com/2012/09/25/elvis-returns-to-movies-after-army-discharge/
The Elvis Expert 