Many of us knew and loved Elvis. Not all of us were found spending days at Graceland for many lived a good distance away and were not able to enjoy such pleasures outside of their own home lives. Still, Elvis somehow found kinfolk across the miles and kept in touch on a regular basis, when he could. Others spent alot of time at Graceland, and with Elvis in person, and following are some of those stories we, gladly, share with you.
Richard Helms Remembered Elvis...
Richard Helms of Tupelo, Mississippi, kin to the Helms, Hargett and Presley families, had some wonderful memories to share of Elvis and family.
Richard grew up with the Presley family in Tupelo. His Uncle, Allen Helms, was married to Maude King, a cousin and best friend of Gladys Presley. For years the two ladies worked together and their families socialized together. The families were very close in Tupelo, and even though Richard was very young when Elvis' star began to climb, his distinct memories of Elvis began when he was eight years old.
Richard remembered Gladys and Vernon very well in Tupelo, but life changed for the families when Elvis started off on his career and the family moved to Audubon Drive in 1956. Richard's two fondest memories of Elvis are shared here:
Tupelo Remembered Elvis at the Fair - 1956
As a small child, Richard Helms remembered when Elvis returned to Tupelo after becoming a sensation. The town welcomed him home with fanfare worthy of a king. Before Elvis was set to perform at the fair there was a grand parade with Elvis in the lead car waving to all those he had known since childhood, family and friends, who now waved back at him, shouting out their pride over his success, a local boy and Tupelo native made good. After the parade and after the event ended, the townfolk with Elvis' relatives and friends gathered together for a congratulatory feast in honor of Tupelo's successful son.
Elvis on The Ed Sullivan Show
Richard remembers the day Elvis was to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show. His Uncle Allen was the first to purchase one of the first television sets becoming the only person in the vicinity to own a tv. Relatives and friends congregated that night at Allen and Maude's house to watch Elvis' debut on the most prominent promotional show of the time, where young newcomers most always went on to become major stars. As excitement filled the room, the thing that bothered Allen Helms most was Elvis' appearance! Richard recalled his uncle's exact words that night: "Glady's boy needs a haircut!" But for the love of family!
Barbara Lee Remembers Kin Richard Helms
Sadly, Richard has passed on and will not get to see the revised website he happily contributed to. We had worked together on the family genealogy for quite some time. Richard was a caring individual who took care of the neighbors and their children as ill as he was, paying no mind to himself, to his needs. More is the sadness that he died alone without relatives nearby. May God watch over him and bring him into eternal peace with the Lord."
"I don't know why everybody picked on Presley, I thought the whole show was dirty and vulgar."
