Early in 2005, I was in Memphis, Tennessee for a continuing education
program offered by the Monument Builders of North America, a national organization to
which I belong. During my convention, I visited Graceland, the Memphis home of the late
Elvis Aaron Presley (b. Jan. 8, 1935, d. August 16, 1977) who lived a mere 42 years 7
months 8 days.
During the tour, I was informed that, by special permission, Elvis’ grave was
relocated to Graceland from Forest Hill Cemetery in October 1977 after it was discovered
that mischief makers had tampered with Elvis’ grave. Perhaps some folks did not
believe Elvis was really dead, or perhaps they were trophy hunters of the most bizarre
kind. Who knows?!
Like other tourists, I gawked at one thing or another until I reached Elvis’ grave.
Then, I was in my element, and I had an opinion on how I would improve Elvis’ shrine.
What I liked about Elvis’ memorial:
Elvis Aaron Presley’s grave is covered with a granite ledger, with a bronze on top of
the ledger. In itself, this is attractive.
A large beautiful marble angel with raised wings is in the memorial area. A notice asserts
that "The large marble cross was Gladys Presley’s original monument at Forest
Hill." A statue of Jesus with outstretched arms was placed in front of the cross. The
cross and the statue of Jesus fit nicely together.
I like the combination of bronze and granite, and the personalization of the memorial with
Vernon Presley’s writing. Elvis’ grave identifies his parents, and his child,
Lisa Marie, which is also good. I also like that his mother, father, and twin who died at
birth are part of the family plot.
What I would have done differently:
Living Legacy SM
I would have recommended more details about Elvis’ life and would have given more
details regarding his many awards and achievements throughout his long and amazing career.
Perhaps this is unnecessary since Elvis’ home is, in effect, a museum.
Ledger Height and Stone Choice:
Assuming the style was to remain the same, I would have recommended a ledger with greater
length, width and height, perhaps a foot longer, wider and higher, with a wash or bevel
and pencil round edges for the ledgers. A wash is the beveled part of a base or ledger
with a dropping away from the flat area where the bronzes are positioned in the center of
the ledger. This would add more style and would also provide a slope so water would drain
from the surface of the ledger.
Raised letters in the classic McNeel style, instead of bronze, would have harmonized the
memorial better. I like bronze, but the softness of the large polished angel is confronted
by the harshness of the bronze.
Sides of the Ledger:
Also, the sides of the ledger would have been all polished, or steeled, finishes that look
more attractive than balance-rock pitch. Balance-rock pitch on the sides of a ledger gives
an unfinished appearance. It does not harmonize well with the polished angel.
Marble versus Granite:
I would have recommended using marble for the ledgers so the entire plot would have
blended together with a consistent theme throughout. I like using a theme for grave plots
so that everything harmonizes. The stone that was used for the ledgers was a lower grade,
less expensive granite that does not harmonize well with the large oversized marble angel
and statue of Jesus.
Edges of the Ledger:
If the monument builder had polished the edges of Elvis’ ledger, it would have
projected that appropriate finished look. The only time I would recommend using
balance-rock pitch on the sides of a ledger would be if the sides of the ledger were
covered with granite or marble chips that would cover the entire sides of the ledger. The
grave ledgers almost appear to have been an afterthought to the angel statue.
Ground Cover:
Also, Elvis’ grave would look cleaner and more finished with stone chips surrounding
the ledgers. Since the angel statue is so imposing, I would have used marble chips to
surround the graves. The grass may look attractive during the summer; however, during the
winter season it looks unattractive.
When you visit Memphis, be certain to visit Graceland, and when you visit Elvis’
grave, remember, we would have pleasantly improved the memorial. (Smile)
Early in 2005, I was in Memphis, Tennessee for a continuing education
program offered by the Monument Builders of North America, a national organization to
which I belong. During my convention, I visited Graceland, the Memphis home of the late
Elvis Aaron Presley (b. Jan. 8, 1935, d. August 16, 1977) who lived a mere 42 years 7
months 8 days.