The Grace of Graceland

Today in Music History: March 19, 1957

From then...

Elvis and a female friend outside his home Graceland in 1957.
Image Source: flickr.com

1957, with a $1,000 cash deposit, Elvis Presley agreed to purchase the Graceland southern Colonial mansion from Mrs. Ruth Brown-Moore for $102,500. (£60,295) — a 23 room, 10,000 square foot home, on 13.8 acres of land in Memphis, TN. Vernon and Gladys Presley (Elvis' parents), along with Elvis' grandmother Minnie Mae Presley, moved in on May 16, 1957 while Elvis was still in Holly wood filming Jailhouse Rock.

Vernon and Gladys, along with Elvis' grandmother Minnie Mae Presley, moved in on May 16, 1957 while Elvis was still in Hollywood filming Jailhouse Rock. - See more at: http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/the_moores_and_presleys_at_graceland.shtml#sthash.4T3BTPKU.dpuf

Vernon and Gladys, along with Elvis' grandmother Minnie Mae Presley, moved in on May 16, 1957 while Elvis was still in Hollywood filming Jailhouse Rock. - See more at: http://www.elvis.com.au/presley/the_moores_and_presleys_at_graceland.shtml#sthash.4T3BTPKU.dpuf

Who was the Grace of Graceland?

The Graceland property was originally established as a 500-acre farm during the American Civil War (1861-1865) by Stephen C. Toof (Publisher of the Memphis Daily Appeal). Toof named the property after his daughter, Grace. Mary Moore, the granddaughter of Stephen Toof, inherited the farm. In 1939, Mary and her husband, Dr. Thomas Moore, built the two-story Colonial mansion on the land that had been in her family for almost 100 years. There was also a church, Graceland Christian Church, that adjoined the property.

Toof named the property after his daughter, Grace Toof. Ruth Moore, the granddaughter of Stephen C. Toof, inherited Toof's farm from his daughter, her aunt Grace. In 1939, Mrs. Ruth Brown Moore and her husband, Dr. Thomas D. Moore, built a two-story Classical Revival residence and outbuildings on the land that had been in her family for almost 100 years.

Back of Graceland 1957
Image Source: flickr.com

Renovations began almost immediately after the purchase of Graceland, including a stone wall around the property. The living space to date expands the area under the roof to 17,552 square feet, not including any out buildings.

ElvisPresley : New Music Gates at Graceland in 1957 The musical gates were not part of the property when Elvis Presley purchased Graceland in 1957. Abe Saucer and John Dillars, Jr. (Memphis Doors, Inc.) custom designed the gates. They were delivered and installed on April 22, 1957. 

'Til now...

Graceland 2012
As rock star mansions go, Graceland is shockingly understated.
As tourist attractions go, it is amazingly impressive.
Photo: Elvis Presley Enterprises

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...