Last month << January 1953 >> Next month
7th January
The Presleys, having been served an eviction notice to leave by the end of February 1953, take the opportunity to leave today.
They moved to 698 Saffarans Avenue - They had been evicted from Lauderdale Courts on the basis of their income being too high. The Saffarans Avenue location was a step down in quality from Lauderdale Courts. In spite of their higher income, they were unable to rent a suitable apartment without a federal subsidy.
It was a small apartment house in which - for $52-a-month rent - they secured two downstairs rooms. It was easy to understand why the living situation at 698 Saffarans Avenue depressed Elvis Presley. In theory, 698 Saffarans Avenue was a step from Lauderdale Courts public housing because the rent was higher and the Presley's no longer had to go through the ritual of qualifying for low income housing. The Saffarans Avenue apartment was disastrous. It was a small unit desperately in need of paint, new plumbing, and adequate lighting. There were other reasons for Elvis' unhappiness with his new surrounding. each morning he arose and complained about the squalid sanitary conditions. The common bathroom was down the hall, and Elvis Presley found it cold and dirty. The water was never hot and the bathtub was always filled with hair. His experiences at this apartment created an aversion to bathing, and Elvis Presley showered only when absolutely necessary. He cultivated the habit of purchasing large bottles of Aqua Velva after-shave, and splashed the lotion all over his body. The result was a disconcerting smell, a cross between body odour and lilacs.
8th January
Elvis turns 18 years old today.
January 19th
| Elvis Presley registers for the selective service. Under the draft system, young men of good health were expected to be available from age 18, to serve in the military for two years of active duty and then four years in the reserves. The double-sided card stock "Selective Service" number is 40-86-35-16 and was signed by Elvis Presley and Grace F. Martony in blue ink. Card issued to Elvis Aron Presley at 698 Saffarans in Memphis, Tennessee. Lists birthdate of Jan. 8, 1935 and birthplace of Tupelo, Miss. Back of the card lists personal information: brown hair, green eyes, height of 5"11" and weight of 150. Selective Service number ''40-86-35-16'' |