Offered is an 11 x 14 inch photo of Elvis Presley and a Florida girl taken in 1961 while he was filming Follow That Dream. Elvis stayed at the Port Paradise Hotel in Crystal River, Florida, when he arrived on July 6, 1961, to begin filming. On the reverse of the photo taken in front of the motel, fan Rita Owen noted the photo was taken on July 7 (though she mis-labelled the year as "1960). Young Rita must have been taken with Elvis, because also included here is another 11 x 14 inch photo of Rita signed "To Elvis, Loving You Always, Rita." The photo comes from the collection of Graceland cook Nancy Rooks.
Nancy worked as a maid and cook for Elvis Presley at Graceland from 1967 to 1977, and stayed on to work for the family until 1982. She treasured her time working for Elvis and the Presley family, and always enjoyed sharing her memories with fans over the years. She made countless meals for Elvis, including his peanut butter and banana sandwiches. As a member of the Graceland family, Nancy was given any number of household items, decorative pieces or keepsakes that Elvis, Vernon, Elvis' grandmother Minnie Mae or Elvis' Aunt Delta wanted her to have. Sadly, Nancy passed just this past August 15, during The annual "Elvis Week" celebrations in Memphis. The items offered in this auction emanate directly from Nancy's estate and are accompanied by a letter of authenticity from her family.
Both photos have serious defects, as evident in the photo. Very Good condition overall.