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Elvis's RV! -- The Tiny Trailer of Tragedy at the St. Louis Museum
Rate it! Votes (0) | Comments (0) By Bob Carter Posted August 6th, 2007 Bob Carter is the author of Food Festivals of Southern California: Traveler's Guide and Cookbook, (1997, Three Forks)	Food Festivals of Southern California: Traveler's Guide and Cookbook

It's wacky, whimsical, and wonderful. Don't let the name of the place fool you. The unique and fun-filled City Museum in St. Louis, Missouri is anything but a stodgy museum featuring pioneer-family photos or nostalgic historic memorabilia.

Instead, it's a jive collection of some of the most dynamic and creative experiences I've ever experienced. It's a place to climb inside trees, climb stairways decorated with colorful art, and walk upon a world of mosaic tiles, and so much more.

The museum is a place of fantasy and wonder, mystery and craft housed in three floors of a landmark downtown building. It's a virtual warehouse of adventure with 115,000 square feet of floor space to explore. It's recycled environment fosters a sense of wonder and awe in children and adults alike. Nothing is static. Exhibits, artists, and entertainers are ever-changing.

Tucked away among the museum space I discovered the psychedelic "Tiny Trailer of Tragedy." According to knowledgeable informants, the 1967 Aristocrat Land Cruiser was a wedding gift from Col. Tom Parker to Elvis and Priscilla Presley.

Nestled in Barklay Lake, Kentucky, the galvanized love roost allowed the couple to escape the glare of celebrity. The free spirited Priscilla became enamored in the '60s hippy lifestyle and introduced incense, beaded curtains, and black-lite posters to the trailer which alienated Elvis, and helped hasten their divorce, I'm told.

Today, the trailer frequently houses the likes of Maria Atchison who tells fortunes, along with Elvis memorabilia, and a wild collection of period bric-brac. The trailer offers a delightful and ever-changing journey into an era in America's past.

The City Museum is located at 701 N. 15th Street in the heart of downtown St. Louis' loft district. Or click here to visit their website.

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