Home | Graceland | Elvis News | Elvis Biography | Elvis Interviews

Elvis Presley | New Music Gates at Graceland | April 22, 1957

When Elvis Presley purchased Graceland on March 25, 1957, the music gates were not a part of the property and he wasted no time turning it into his own castle. In fact, the gates were installed less than a month later, on April 22.

The gates were designed for Elvis by Abe Saucer and custom built by John Dillars, Jr., of Memphis Doors, Inc., these custom music gates were delivered and installed at Graceland on April 22, 1957.

This was before Elvis or his parents moved into Graceland. The house was being renovated before Vernon and Gladys Presley spent their first night there on May 16, 1957. Elvis, who was filming 'Jailhouse Rock' at the time, didn't spend his first night at Graceland until June 26, 1957, but he visited while the work was in progress.

In the first two photos below we see Elvis with friend Arthur Hooten (left).

Elvis Presley with Arthur Hooten (far left) at Graceland April 22, 1957.

Elvis Presley with Arthur Hooten at Graceland April 22, 1957.

Marthy Lacker: We had another big fat guy in the group, Arthur Hooton. He goes all the way back to the mid-fifties. His mother had worked with Gladys at Britling's cafetaria. Arthur was a funny guy - used to do funny stuff. He went on a few trips with Elvis, traveling to Mississippi to do all these little shows. Then, in the late fifties, Elvis just let him go. Arthur was a nice guy, but he was a little strange. Whenever you talked to him, he'd go, 'Yeah'. no matter what you said.

Lamar Fike: Arthur Hooton was another very loyal person. We used to call him 'Arturo van Hooton'. He got a regular job, and got married, and that was it.

Elvis Presley poses at the new Music Gates for press photo, April 22, 1957.

Elvis signing autographs at the Graceland gates

Fans would often line up and hope to catch the world's most famous entertainer leave or enter those gates. Sometimes he'd sign autographs from behind them, and fans could see him and his family horseback riding on the Graceland property.

Elvis signing autographs at the Graceland gates.

The Security Shed / Guardhouse, just inside the Gates

The Security Shed / Guardhouse, just inside the Gates.

White Christmas

The Graceland gates in white.

The Gates in Red

The Graceland gates in red.

Invoice from Tennessee Fabricating Company for Graceland's gates

This is an invoice from Tennessee Fabricating Company for Graceland's gates. (Click image to view larger).

This check to Dillard Door is a partial payment for the gates.

Elvis Presley.

Elvis signing autographs at the Graceland gates.

The Last Farewell

The post box

Writing on the Graceland wall today is a tradition that dates back to when Elvis first purchased Graceland. The same thing happened with this mailbox.

The photo below is of the original mailbox that stood outside of Graceland while Elvis lived there. After enough signatures and notes covered the mailbox, it would be repainted.

Writing on the Graceland wall today is a tradition that dates back to when Elvis first purchased Graceland. The same thing happened with this mailbox, which is the original mailbox that stood outside of Graceland while Elvis lived there. After enough signatures and notes covered the mailbox, it would be repainted.

April 30, 1957 : Bill for Stone Wall Built at the front of Graceland.

For a more (very) detailed history of Elvis Presley see Elvis Presley 1935-1953

Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD

Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD

Never before have we seen an Elvis Presley concert from the 1950's with sound. Until Now! The DVD Contains recently discovered unreleased film of Elvis performing 6 songs, including Heartbreak Hotel and Don't Be Cruel, live in Tupelo Mississippi 1956. Included we see a live performance of the elusive Long Tall Sally seen here for the first time ever. + Plus Bonus DVD Audio.

This is an excellent release no fan should be without it.

The 'parade' footage is good to see as it puts you in the right context with color and b&w footage. The interviews of Elvis' Parents are well worth hearing too. The afternoon show footage is wonderful and electrifying : Here is Elvis in his prime rocking and rolling in front of 11.000 people. Highly recommended.

Tupelo's Own Elvis Presley DVD Video with Sound.