The Herbert Hoover Museum has come up with an exciting new holiday exhibit that features 20 trees showcasing the life and career of Elvis Presley. "A Very Elvis Christmas" opens on Saturday, Nov. 22.
There are trees that recall some of the places where Elvis lived and worked. For example, there is a Hawaiian tree covered with ornaments of the islands-leis, hibiscus and the like. And no one can forget Elvis' frequent appearances in Las Vegas; the tree will feature dice, playing cards and coins. The most important place in Elvis' life was his beloved Graceland estate-and the tree standing in the rotunda will be decorated in the likeness of a tree from Graceland.
There are trees decorated to represent songs that Elvis sang and recorded during his career. The "Love Me Tender" tree is filled with hearts and other signs of love. The "Teddy Bear" tree is filled with teddy bears! How about a "Hound Dog" tree featuring bones, dog collars and fire hydrants among other items? And, of course, there is a "Blue Christmas" tree covered with blue lights and blue ornaments.
Elvis was more than a singer and selected, non-musical aspects of his life will be included in the holiday exhibit. Not surprisingly, there is a tree filled with items that recall his service in the U.S. Army. Several trees are decorated to represent themes from movies that Elvis made. For example there is a "Western" tree, a "Race Car" tree and a "Beach/Ocean" tree-all 3 recalling Elvis' appearances in various genre films of the 1950's and 1960's.
Fame visited Elvis early and often so several trees concentrate on his achievements. There is a tree devoted to various kinds of Elvis memorabilia-from mini album covers to collectable playing cards. Another tree concentrates on his gold records and is covered with-gold colored records! And since Elvis was known as the "King of Rock and Roll," there is a regal tree featuring crowns and the colors of royalty.
These are just some of the themes and trees that are included in "A Very Elvis Christmas." It is an exhibit that will bring back memories of holidays past. In fact, it may encourage you to go up to the attic or down to the basement to find your own old copy of an Elvis' Christmas album. And if you can't find it, you can buy a new one. More than 50 years after the original release, the album is still in stores-the top selling holiday album of all time!
"A Very Elvis Christmas" opens at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Museum on Nov. 22 and continues until Jan. 4. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. For more information call 319-643-5301 or visit www.hoover.archives.gov.
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are located in West Branch and are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space.