LAS VEGAS -- Chris Davidson was only 8 years old when he got hooked
on the sound of Elvis Presley.
Davidson got the opportunity to see Presley in concert only
twice before the entertainer died, in 1977, but that was enough to
make him a lifelong fan and, eventually, the owner of the
Elvis-a-Rama Museum, one of the city's newest tourist
attractions.
The museum, located on Industrial Road behind the Fashion Show
Mall, actually came about by accident, according to Davidson.
The collection, valued at more than $3 million, began at a 1994
auction, where Davidson purchased a couple of Presley's bank
checks.
"I didn't realize those types of things were out there [for the
general public to buy]," said Davidson, who subsequently purchased
a ring, a pair of blue-suede shoes and a brown mohair suit that
belonged to Presley.
He traveled to Memphis to authenticate the items, a trip that
"opened me up to a bunch more people [who collected Presley
memorabilia]," he said.
After that, Davidson, said, "I bought and sold my way into the
collection that I have now."
That collection features upward of 500 items valued at more than
$3 million, around which Davidson's business partner suggested he
build a museum.
The result is the Elvis-a-Rama Museum, which opened Nov. 5 and
to date has received about 2,500 visitors, Davidson said.
Most have commented favorably about the museum, writing in the
guest books that "it's better than Graceland," he said.
The museum's displays include one of Presley's gold-lame suits,
his first boat, jumpsuits he wore during Las Vegas engagements, his
1959 full dress Army uniform, costumes he wore in movies and
several cars, including a 1955 black Cadillac limousine.
There is also a "Viva Las Vegas" room dedicated to the movie
that Presley starred in with Ann-Margret.
One interesting display is what Davidson refers to as "the music
wall," which displays every 33 rpm and 45 rpm record ever produced
by Presley, except for his first recording, from 1953.
That record, which was the only one of its kind that was made,
was given by Presley to his mother and now belongs to his Graceland
estate.
The displays, according to Davidson, will change, because he
still buys and sells items.
"Everything is still technically for sale," he said. "I've got a
60-page inventory sheet, and everything has a price tag."
To that end, Davidson said, he recently added a few items to the
museum's collection: two more jumpsuits, Presley's Social Security
card, his Army trunk and his "little black book."
The museum also features a showroom where Elvis impersonator Tim
Welch performs live at noon, 2 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
Beginning Feb. 12, Welch will add an 80-minute evening show
titled "An American Trilogy."
The show depicts Presley and his music from different decades
and includes moments from his movies as well.
The production, which begins at 7 p.m. daily except Monday, will
cost $24.95 per person and will include a tour of the museum and a
drink.
The museum also is available for catered functions, including
weddings, Davidson said.
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week; the
museum is closed on Christmas.
Admission is $9.95 for adults, $7.95 for Nevada residents and
senior citizens and free for children 12 years and under.
Elvis-a-Rama Museum
Phone: (702) 309-7200
Fax: (702) 309-7206