Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home facts for kids
The Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home is a special house in Savannah, Georgia. It's now a museum where the famous American writer Flannery O'Connor lived when she was a child. This historic home was built in 1856 and can be found at 207 E. Charlton Street, in an area called Lafayette Square.
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About Flannery O'Connor's Childhood Home
Early Life in Savannah
Mary Flannery O'Connor was born in 1925 and lived in this house until 1938. She spent her early years here, growing up in the city of Savannah. Her mother, Regina, sometimes used a "Kiddie's Coop" for her. This was a special screened crib or box to keep little Flannery safe from mosquitoes.
A Famous Chicken Story
When Flannery was six years old, she became a bit famous in her town. The Pathé News, which showed short films in movie theaters, reported on her. They featured "Little Mary O'Connor" because she had taught a chicken to walk backward! Flannery later joked that being in the news with her chicken was the most exciting part of her life.
Close to the Cathedral
While living in this home, Flannery O'Connor often went to church at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. The cathedral was very close to her house. She could even see its tall spires from her windows and hear the church bells ringing.
The Home as a Museum
Saving the Historic House
In 1989, a group called the Flannery O'Connor Childhood Home Foundation bought the house. Leaders from Armstrong State University, like Robert Burnett, Hugh Brown, and Robert Strozier, helped make this happen. After buying the house, the Foundation worked hard to find furniture and items from the time Flannery lived there. They wanted the museum to look just like it did in the 1920s and 1930s.
Events and Programs Today
Today, the house is more than just a museum. It also hosts many events and programs throughout the year. One of its most popular events is the annual Ursrey Memorial Lecture. This lecture started in 2009 and often includes readings by authors, talks, and educational workshops. It's free for everyone to attend. The lecture honors two brothers, Terry and Ashley Ursrey, who loved Southern storytelling, just like Flannery O'Connor did.
The Lee Garden
The home also has a beautiful garden. It was designed by a landscape architect named Clermont Huger Lee. She made sure the garden looked just like gardens from the time Flannery lived there. Today, this lovely green space is known as the Lee Garden. Both Clermont Huger Lee and Flannery O'Connor have been recognized for their achievements and are part of the Savannah Women of Vision.
See also
- Andalusia, another home of O'Connor
- List of residences of American writers
