A Beatles fan from across the Atlantic donated her prized collection
of Fab Four records to Liverpool on her first ever visit to the city.
Vicky Mary, who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, was 13 years old when Beatlemania swept the US in the 1960s.
As a teenager she was so obsessed with John, Paul, George and Ringo
she ordered their first three LPs from Crease’s Music Store on County
Road.
But Vicky, who paid for the records by bankers draft from more than 3,500 hours away, had never been to the home city of her idols.
Now, after decades enjoying the sounds of Liverpool, she has been able to take in its sights, after tourist board Marketing Liverpool arranged for her to be flown over.
Vicky took the opportunity to donate her beloved copies of Please Please Me, With the Beatles and Beatles for Sale to the Museum of Liverpool for future generations to enjoy.
She said: “I’ve had these records for 50 years, since I was a teenager. I absolutely love The Beatles, and remember how excited I was when the records arrived in my mailbox.
“I attended The Beatles’ visit to Cincinnati in 1964, screaming my head off with all of the other girls.
“Now to be here in Liverpool, surrounded by the history of the band, really is a dream come true.”
Paul Gallagher, curator of contemporary collecting at the Museum of Liverpool said: “As a young girl, Vicky didn’t let the Atlantic get in the way of her love for The Beatles, and went to great lengths to get hold of these records, as they were never released in the US.
“The group’s early records in America had different sleeve covers and track listings, but Vicky got the bona fide releases as they were intended, all the way from Crease’s in Liverpool.
“It’s such a lovely story, and is particularly significant because it’s come full circle, with the records ending up here in the city’s museum for other people to enjoy.
“We thank Vicky very much for her donation, and promise to keep her pride and joy safe for many years to come.”
On her three-day visit, which has seen her take in the Beatles Story and Cavern Club, Vicky is also planning to see Port Sunlight and other regional places of interest.
She won the chance to come to Liverpool after winning a competition last year.
Duncan Frazer, visitor economy marketing manager at Marketing Liverpool, said: “Liverpool has very close links with the United States, stretching back centuries.
“The world’s first overseas US consulate was located on Paradise Street, our town hall was host to the final act of the US Civil War and we have enjoyed a rich history of cultural exchanges.
“The US market is key for Liverpool’s visitor economy, with thousands of American visitors coming to the city each year. They enjoy the range of our offer, from history to culture, sport and music.
“Not many UK city regions enjoy the same position with the States as Liverpool, so we must make every effort to develop this relationship.
“Visits like this are very important, as they show influential travel operators what we have to offer. It’s also been an absolute pleasure hosting Vicky, whose boundless enthusiasm and interest in Liverpool has been fantastic to see.”
Vicky Mary, who lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, was 13 years old when Beatlemania swept the US in the 1960s.
As a teenager she was so obsessed with John, Paul, George and Ringo
she ordered their first three LPs from Crease’s Music Store on County
Road.But Vicky, who paid for the records by bankers draft from more than 3,500 hours away, had never been to the home city of her idols.
Now, after decades enjoying the sounds of Liverpool, she has been able to take in its sights, after tourist board Marketing Liverpool arranged for her to be flown over.
Vicky took the opportunity to donate her beloved copies of Please Please Me, With the Beatles and Beatles for Sale to the Museum of Liverpool for future generations to enjoy.
She said: “I’ve had these records for 50 years, since I was a teenager. I absolutely love The Beatles, and remember how excited I was when the records arrived in my mailbox.
“I attended The Beatles’ visit to Cincinnati in 1964, screaming my head off with all of the other girls.
“Now to be here in Liverpool, surrounded by the history of the band, really is a dream come true.”
Paul Gallagher, curator of contemporary collecting at the Museum of Liverpool said: “As a young girl, Vicky didn’t let the Atlantic get in the way of her love for The Beatles, and went to great lengths to get hold of these records, as they were never released in the US.
“The group’s early records in America had different sleeve covers and track listings, but Vicky got the bona fide releases as they were intended, all the way from Crease’s in Liverpool.
“It’s such a lovely story, and is particularly significant because it’s come full circle, with the records ending up here in the city’s museum for other people to enjoy.
“We thank Vicky very much for her donation, and promise to keep her pride and joy safe for many years to come.”
On her three-day visit, which has seen her take in the Beatles Story and Cavern Club, Vicky is also planning to see Port Sunlight and other regional places of interest.
She won the chance to come to Liverpool after winning a competition last year.
Duncan Frazer, visitor economy marketing manager at Marketing Liverpool, said: “Liverpool has very close links with the United States, stretching back centuries.
“The world’s first overseas US consulate was located on Paradise Street, our town hall was host to the final act of the US Civil War and we have enjoyed a rich history of cultural exchanges.
“The US market is key for Liverpool’s visitor economy, with thousands of American visitors coming to the city each year. They enjoy the range of our offer, from history to culture, sport and music.
“Not many UK city regions enjoy the same position with the States as Liverpool, so we must make every effort to develop this relationship.
“Visits like this are very important, as they show influential travel operators what we have to offer. It’s also been an absolute pleasure hosting Vicky, whose boundless enthusiasm and interest in Liverpool has been fantastic to see.”
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