Little Graceland!

On our way to South Padre Island to spend the day at the beach we stopped at Little Graceland in Los Fresnos, just north of Brownsville.

Simon Vega joined the U.S. Army on February 6th back in 1958. Simon reported to Fort Carson, Colorado, to complete a 4-day induction into the military. From Colorado he was sent to Fort Hood, Texas, and took basic training for 4 weeks. During that same period of time, Elvis had arrived from his induction from Arkansas. It was at Fort Hood where, Simon introduced his wife, Theresa Vega, to Elvis for a photo opportunity. Theresa recalls that Elvis was nervous while he placed his arm around her for the picture. After the picture was taken, Elvis responded "gracias". The photo of Elvis and Theresa can be seen in the Little Graceland Museum. Although Simon had met Elvis around the barracks at Fort Hood, it wasn't until they got shipped off to Germany where Simon finally got the opportunity to get to know Elvis. In late August of 1958 when they arrived in Freidburg, Germany, both men were assigned to Company D Spearhead 3rd Army Division. It was in the "chow" line that Simon approached Elvis and reintroduced himself. From that day on, Vega and Presley became "army buddies". The two friends shared guard duty and other details. Elvis just wanted to be treated as an equal to his fellow soldiers; no better, no worse.
the gates are a replica of the gates at Graceland.

replica of Elvis' birthplace in Tupelo MS

this is one of the murals on the wall around the house.

this car is the same make, model and year of the pink Cadillac Elvis gave to his mother.   the car he gave to his mother was originally blue, he had it painted pink for her.

Simon wanted us to write on the wall, just like they do on Gracelands wall..

we were not allowd to take pictures in the museum itself.  he has three rooms filled with memorbillia. lots of albums, pictures, concert tickets etc.  we spent about an hour with Simon Vega.  he even wrote a song and had it recorded in Nashville.  He played it for us, it was very nice.

we are now 1 degree of separation from Elvis!!! 

it was worth the stop. a bit odd at first but we liked Simon and his stories.