Big hopes for Elvis' Circle G Ranch
Elvis Presley's former weekend ranch getaway off Goodman Road in between Horn Lake and Walls is the subject of the latest effort by an Elvis fan to save the honeymoon cottage, barn and walking bridge from simply rotting into oblivion.There have been scores of attempts over the years, ranging from foreign investors, a diamond mine owner and race car enthusiast, and even subdivision developers to transform the former ranch into a profitable enterprise.
Lesley Pilling, founder and director of the Friends of Elvis, Save The Circle G campaign, who calls herself "a lifelong Elvis fan," is behind the effort.
"We have received some wonderful messages of support and encouragement from those who knew and loved Elvis including Joe Esposito, Linda Thompson and Larry Geller, to just name a few," Pilling said. "We hope that the ranch could not only become another must see site for Elvis fans visiting Memphis, but it would also become a valued and much used facility for the local community."
Larry Witherspoon, executive director of the Horn Lake Chamber of Commerce, said he, too, has heard of all the plans various people have had for the property and has been skeptical in the past that anything concrete would ever come of any of them.
Yet, Witherspoon said in the sagging economy he would welcome any enterprise which brings commerce to the Horn Lake area.
"I didn't put much stock in it to begin with," Witherspoon said of Pilling's efforts. "She definitely is an energetic person and is definitely pushing this."
Witherspoon said as far as the honeymoon cottage is concerned, he hopes something can to be done to save the aging structure. Its ties with Elvis, however, only lasted a few years, or from the time Elvis purchased the property in 1967 until he sold it in 1974, three years before he died.
Elvis and bride Priscilla spent their honeymoon there after a lavish wedding in Las Vegas.
Witherspoon said the story he has heard is that a prized mare of Elvis' was in foal the night he and Priscilla were back in Memphis and Elvis wanted to be there to witness the birth.
Priscilla Presley is also said to have lost her multi-carat wedding ring on the property, according to legend.
A large cross on the property was erected prior to Elvis buying the property, according to Witherspoon.
A walking bridge over a small pond and a barn all date to the Elvis' era.
DeSoto County Tourism officials are mum on the subject but do include the ranch in promotional brochures.
"We are anxious to open channels of discussion with the Horn Lake City Council in an effort to create a feasible plan which will see our goals realized in a way that will benefit all concerned," Pilling said.
Pilling acknowledged Elvis Presley Enterprises which owns the rights to Elvis image and likeness has not given permission for any such project.
Lesley Pilling, founder and director of the Friends of Elvis, Save The Circle G campaign, who calls herself "a lifelong Elvis fan," is behind the effort.
"We have received some wonderful messages of support and encouragement from those who knew and loved Elvis including Joe Esposito, Linda Thompson and Larry Geller, to just name a few," Pilling said. "We hope that the ranch could not only become another must see site for Elvis fans visiting Memphis, but it would also become a valued and much used facility for the local community."
Larry Witherspoon, executive director of the Horn Lake Chamber of Commerce, said he, too, has heard of all the plans various people have had for the property and has been skeptical in the past that anything concrete would ever come of any of them.
Yet, Witherspoon said in the sagging economy he would welcome any enterprise which brings commerce to the Horn Lake area.
"I didn't put much stock in it to begin with," Witherspoon said of Pilling's efforts. "She definitely is an energetic person and is definitely pushing this."
Witherspoon said as far as the honeymoon cottage is concerned, he hopes something can to be done to save the aging structure. Its ties with Elvis, however, only lasted a few years, or from the time Elvis purchased the property in 1967 until he sold it in 1974, three years before he died.
Elvis and bride Priscilla spent their honeymoon there after a lavish wedding in Las Vegas.
Witherspoon said the story he has heard is that a prized mare of Elvis' was in foal the night he and Priscilla were back in Memphis and Elvis wanted to be there to witness the birth.
Priscilla Presley is also said to have lost her multi-carat wedding ring on the property, according to legend.
A large cross on the property was erected prior to Elvis buying the property, according to Witherspoon.
A walking bridge over a small pond and a barn all date to the Elvis' era.
DeSoto County Tourism officials are mum on the subject but do include the ranch in promotional brochures.
"We are anxious to open channels of discussion with the Horn Lake City Council in an effort to create a feasible plan which will see our goals realized in a way that will benefit all concerned," Pilling said.
Pilling acknowledged Elvis Presley Enterprises which owns the rights to Elvis image and likeness has not given permission for any such project.
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