Mallory - Neely House in Memphis

Memphis, Tennessee has an area called Victorian Village where homes and churches from that era have been preserved.

It was a snowy day in January when we visited, but we were fortunate to arrive in time for the last tour - a private tour at that.

Below is the Adams- Woodruff - Fonatine House (c. 1871).  It was also a museum but we didn't think it was open.

Not sure what this one below was called.

Below is the Adams-Mollie-Fontaine-Taylor House (c. 1886).  It's now a restaurant.

This is the Mallory-Neely House (c. 1852).  Now a museum.  I didn't get the whole roof because I think I was afraid of the ice I was standing on as I took the photo.

Here's one from the internet.

The inside was lovely but in some places incredibly dark.

A lot of money went into the construction of this house as you can see from the special trimmings and moldings.  I'm not remembering all the backstory of the ownership but I know that the last family owner lived a very long time and had few heirs.  Refreshing my memory with Wikipedia, she deeded the house to the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

The last owner, Daisy is pictured in the painting there on the right.

It is worth the trip if you are in Memphis.

Joining Tuesday Treasures.

Magnolia Grove Bed and Breakfast

This B & B in Hernando, MS was wonderful for our stay.  Our hosts Tom & Ellen Mulligan welcomed us to their home all decorated for Christmas.  Ellen apologized for the decorations still being up but they were lovely and added to the homeyness of the place.

Tom gave us a tour after our first 4 course breakfast: poached pears, sausage and hash browns, quiche lorraine and french toast with strawberries.

The house was built in 1890 by a local businessman who had three children.  Only his daughter, Ladye survived and she never married.  

She lived a very long life and willed the house to her church upon her death.  It was purchased in 1988 for a B & B.  Tom & Ellen are the second B & B owners.

In the 1890s style ceilings are immense.

The B & B has 4 suites.  Ours had a wedding dress on display.  I didn't think to take a photo until the next morning and we'd made a bit of a mess.  Here are two others suites.

Tom went to high school with Elvis Presley who was two years ahead of Tom in school.  Here's his signed yearbook.

If you find yourself headed to Memphis, consider staying at Magnolia Grove B & B.

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Graceland

Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, made his home at Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee.

The day we visited was cold for Memphis standards with ice and snow.  It was a good time to visit because the weather kept folks away on that Friday despite Sunday the 8th being the King's birthday.

The tour is not cheap but it is well done with individual iPads and headphones.  Here's Dan intently listening to the description of the living room.

Be prepared for bright colors.  Elvis' taste in furnishings was not traditional at all.  Look at the the Christmas tree below.

Here's the dining room.

No touring the second floor.

But we were allowed a peak into his parents suite on the first floor.

The TV room with three tvs so he could tune in to the three networks like President Johnson did in the White House.

A peek into the kitchen.

This room with the pool table was covered on all but the floor with fabric.

Called the jungle room it had a waterfall on the far wall, shag carpet and carved furniture.

A view of the house from the back.

This outbuilding had a swing set but I don't know why.

Elvis was born in Tupelo, MS and moved to Memphis as a youth.  He came from a very poor background.

One building contained all his honors: gold and platinum records.

Elvis had horses.

This was an office for one of his staff, maybe his manager Colonel Parker.

His former racquet ball court now shows off some of his costuming.

As with many famous people, fame and fortune did not treat him so well.  His marriage ended in divorce.  His doctors over prescribed drugs and combined with his eating habits, led to health problems causing his death at an early age.

He is buried with his parents on the Graceland grounds.

Now rock and roll is not my music of choice, but from a historical standpoint this was a fascinating glimpse into the life of a U.S. music legend.

If you get to Memphis, you'll have to stop by Graceland.

Joining Tuesday's Treasures