Explore Graceland: Beyond the Public Tour of Elvis Presley’s Mansion
Graceland, the iconic Memphis mansion of music legend Elvis Presley, has welcomed visitors for guided tours since 1982, exceeding the King of Rock and Roll’s lifespan. While popular areas like the Jungle Room and kitchen are visitor favorites, certain ground floor and basement spaces remain less explored. Join us as we delve into these rarely seen quarters of the celebrated estate, offering a unique glimpse beyond the typical Graceland experience.
Unveiling Jerry Schilling’s Basement Bedroom
During a special virtual live tour, Graceland archivist Angie Marchese provided access to previously unseen rooms within the mansion, including a basement bedroom. This particular space, located near the TV and pool rooms, holds a unique history. Unlike the meticulously preserved main areas of Graceland, this room served a more functional purpose for members of Elvis’s inner circle, the famed ‘Memphis Mafia’.
A Glimpse into the Memphis Mafia’s Quarters
Marchese, acting as tour guide, revealed that this basement bedroom was primarily used by Jerry Schilling and Charlie Hodge, close associates of Elvis. She explained, “This is Jerry [Schilling]’s room. It was also used by Charlie Hodge when he lived here at Graceland. It has a full bath down here and this is where the guys stayed.” Schilling himself has often recounted stories of this room, noting its low ceilings and susceptibility to flooding due to its basement location.
Flooding and Fond Memories
Recalling past instances of flooding, Marchese added details of how Schilling would navigate the waterlogged room using a wooden plank. Adding a more personal anecdote, she mentioned, “[He’s] also talked about bringing girls back here, every now and then,” offering a candid glimpse into the room’s less formal usage. Today, this former bedroom serves as a storage area, primarily housing Graceland’s extensive collection of Christmas decorations.
Christmas at Graceland: Storage in a Former Bedroom
Marchese playfully remarked, “It’s Christmas at Graceland here in Jerry’s room!” as she showcased the stored holiday ornamentation. The room currently holds decorations that adorn the mansion’s grand staircase and other areas during the festive season.
Graceland’s Festive Decor: Real and Artificial
Pointing out the stored garland and poinsettias, Marchese elaborated on Graceland’s Christmas decorating practices. She noted the use of real flowers at the base of the main staircase, transitioning to artificial blooms higher up due to the warmer temperatures on the upper levels of the mansion.
Elvis’s Original Christmas Ornaments
Marchese further highlighted boxes of Christmas present decorations and ornaments. “On the Christmas trees we do use Elvis’ original ornaments,” she stated, emphasizing the authenticity of the decorations. She specifically mentioned the dining room tree, which is adorned with Elvis’s original vintage tinsel, completing the festive display.