The Louisiana Hayride presentation in Gladewater Saturday night was classed a major success by the Junior Chamber of Commerce, which sponsored the show here.  Approximately 3,000 persons jammed the new Gladewater High School gymnasium for the 3 ½ hour show and hundreds were turned away for the lack of seats.

Visitors from all over the Ark-La-Tex area came to the Hayride, in its first appearance in a city as small as Gladewater.

The Jaycees, will net about $1,300 as their part of the proceeds, according to tentative estimates.  A final figure has not been announced pending settlement of all bills, etc.

It was “middlin warm” in the gym, which is un-air-conditioned and spectators turned programs and anything handy into makeshift fans.

Clipped from NewspaperArchive.com, Gladewater Daily Mirror, May 03, 1955, p.1 (Article has been retyped for clarity)

The Res-Mor Courts was a well-known motel located on Highway 80, Gladewater Texas.  At the time that the motel opened, it was branded as the only air-conditioned motel between Shreveport LA and Dallas TX.  And, it became known that "Elvis Slept Here".
 

Elvis became friends with a Gladewater man named Tom Perryman. At that time, Tom was a disc jockey at radio station, KSIJ, which was located on the top floor of the T.W. Lee building. He played Elvis' records quite a lot, and was responsible for bringing Elvis to Gladewater for a special show at the Mint Club (well-known at that time).  Afterwards, Elvis promoted his performance by singing on Perryman's radio show, "Hillbilly Hit Parade."

Elvis was known to come into town and spend time with Perryman and his wife, Billie.  He was known to stay at the Res-Mor Courts.  But there were times that Elvis would nap at the radio station.  That green bench is on display at our museum.  Elvis was also quite fond of Billie Perryman's Banana Pudding.  See recipe below.