Collection of eight items related to Elvis, his girlfriend Anita Wood, and their relationship with the family of his friend Sgt. William A. Norwood, consisting of five vintage photos and three letters by Wood. Photos are all glossy candids, circa 1958, ranging in size from 3.75 x 2.75, including: one of Elvis and Anita on the Norwoods’ back porch; one of Elvis and two fellow soldiers in the barracks at Fort Hood; one of Elvis and Anita kissing on the Norwoods’ back porch, taken from behind Presley; one of Elvis driving his car; and a full-length photo of Wood standing at the foot of a staircase. Letters from Wood include two ALSs and a TLS, totaling six pages on six sheets, dated 1958–1960, and are addressed to “Mrs. Olly Norwood.” One letter, November 26, 1958, in part: “I miss Elvis so much. There are times when I wish I could talk with you…I can’t help but worry Olly. He’s called me 4 or 5 times and written twice…We have talked about me going over but he says the publicity would really hurt—and it would, I guess, it’s getting so I just don’t care about the publicity at all. I don’t care what they say, as long as it doesn’t hurt Elvis. He is so homesick and I know his X-mas will be blue this year.” In overall fine condition. Accompanied by all three original mailing envelopes. Sgt. Norwood was given the assignment of training Presley upon his arrival at Fort Hood, and the two soon became friends. Homesick, Elvis spent much of his time at the Norwood residence, often with his girlfriend Anita Wood. Anita became friends with Olly Norwood, the sergeant’s wife, and when Anita would travel the two ladies frequently corresponded. Especially interesting is Wood’s observation that “his X-mas will be blue this year,” as Elvis had recorded the classic ‘Blue Christmas’ just a year earlier. Highlighted by the excellent candid photographs of Elvis and his girlfriend, this is a truly unique and intimate grouping of items.
