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Will Elvis be seen in Apache Junction?
The Apacheland Movie Studio in Gold Canyon is being sold, but two locals are hoping to reel a piece of the magic that made this tourist landmark - and the Superstition Mountain area - a part of cinema history. Philip Rauso, Jr., a Gold Canyon artist and Western movie buff, is working with George Johnston of the Superstition Mountain Historical Society (SMHS) to move Apacheland's Elvis Memorial Chapel to the Superstition Mountain Museum, 4087 N. Apache Trail, in Apache Junction. The Elvis Memorial Chapel was spared by the Valentine's Day fire that ruined Apacheland, and until recently, was a popular spot for weddings. The chapel is being donated to the SMHS by Sue Birmingham, who purchased the 80-plus acre commercial site from her father in 1976. According to Mrs. Birmingham, the recent fire was the main factor to sell Apacheland. She donated the chapel to the SMHS, along with foot and handprints of celebrities who shot movies and television series on-site. In 1999, Mrs. Birmingham also gave Mr. Rauso permission to use digital technology to preserve Apacheland with computer-stored images. Mr. Rauso created a panoramic video of the town and scanned the television and movie stars photographed from the saloon's walls who'd been there. Mr. Rauso even scanned photos from Mrs. Birmingham's personal picture portfolio "I have more than 100 negatives from scenes filmed at Apacheland," Mr. Rauso said. "There are prints that have never been seen by the public, found in the attic of the saloon." Mr. Rauso and Mr. Johnston hope to use the unique collection in order to create an exhibit inside the Elvis Memorial Chapel at the Superstition Mountain Museum to highlight the studio's heyday. That is, if the two can figure out a feasible way to move the chapel from the south to the north end of Superstition Mountain. "We definitely want it," Mr. Johnston said. "It's just a matter of figuring out how we're going to get it here." Money and logistics seem to be the biggest obstacle preventing the SMHS from accepting Mrs. Birmingham's donation. A non-profit organization on a tight budget, the SMHS is trying to determine the best method for transporting the chapel at the lowest cost. One possibility is to take down the steeple and tie it, and the frame, to the back of a flat bed truck, then haul both on the road - as is frequently done with manufactured homes. But because the chapel was originally designed as a stage prop for the movie "Charro," starring Elvis Presley, it might be easier to take it apart, transport it, then put it back together. "I'm talking to two construction companies right now, and people at the Salt River Project," Mr. Johnston said. "Hopefully they'll give us a better idea what we can do, and how much it will cost." Mr. Johnston said to move the Elvis Memorial Chapel donations and volunteers from the community would likely be needed Proceeds from the sale of certain memorabilia, such as replicas of movie-era postcards, might also be used to defer costs to move and operate the chapel. In December, 20 acres of Apacheland were sold for $1.5 million to Bold Construction, Inc., of Mesa. Since the fire, 25 additional acres have been sold to a California buyer, and a remaining 30 acres are in escrow, to be sold to the same party this month. According to Mrs. Birmingham, the new owners will likely raze Apacheland. "I don't think they intend to keep it," Mrs. Birmingham said. Mrs. Birmingham did not disclose what the new owners intend do with the property. Apacheland is surrounded by homes. According to local historian Tom Kollenborn, the demise of Apacheland is unfortunate but not unexpected. "Trying to preserve history is not easy," he said. "It takes a serious commitment of time and money." Mr. Kollenborn said he would have thought residents of Gold Canyon would have made an effort to keep some memory of Apacheland in Gold Canyon. "Moving the chapel to the other side of the mountain will be a pain," he said. "Then again, it may help promote the Superstition Mountain Museum." For more information on what you might do to assist with the transportation and support of the Elvis Memorial Chapel or contact him about purchasing Apacheland postcards from the 1970s and Apacheland posters and paintings at Apacheland@gmail.com. All proceeds will be used for the restoration and preservation of the Elvis Memorial Chapel and the hundreds of pictures that need to be brought back to life from the recent fire. All donations are welcome. |
