Joel Chandler Harris House facts for kids
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Joel Chandler Harris
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HABS photo from 1985
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 Location in Atlanta
Location in Georgia (U.S. state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd., SW, Atlanta, Georgia |
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| Area | 3 acres (1.2 ha) |
| Built | 1870 |
| Architectural style | Late Victorian |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000281 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 19, 1962 |
The Joel Chandler Harris House, also known as The Wren's Nest, is a historic home in Atlanta, Georgia. It was built around 1870. This house was where Joel Chandler Harris lived from 1881 until he passed away in 1908. Harris was a famous writer and editor. He is best known for his wonderful Uncle Remus Tales. The house is now a historic house museum. It helps people learn about Harris and his stories. It was named a National Historic Landmark in 1962 because of its connection to Harris.
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Discovering the Wren's Nest
The house was built around 1868. Joel Chandler Harris started renting it in 1881. Two years later, he bought the house. He could afford it thanks to the money from his first book, Uncle Remus: Songs and Sayings.
Harris lived in this home until he died in 1908. In 1884, he made the house bigger. He added six new rooms and changed the front of the house. Around 1900, modern things like a furnace, indoor plumbing, and electricity were added.
In the late 1880s, Harris's goddaughter, Daisy Baker, lived here. She later became a famous actress named Margaret Dumont.
Why "The Wren's Nest"?
Harris first called his home Snap Bean Farm. This was a playful nod to another author's home. But the name "Wren's Nest" came about in a sweet way.
In the spring of 1895, Harris found a family of wrens. They had built their nest right inside his mailbox! The family loved it so much. They built a new mailbox so the wrens would not be disturbed. This special discovery led to the home's new name, "The Wren's Nest."
A Home for Stories
While living in this house, Joel Chandler Harris was very busy. He wrote more than twenty books! He also wrote many articles for newspapers and magazines. He even had his own magazine, The Uncle Remus Home Magazine.
In 1900, a poet named James Whitcomb Riley visited Harris. Harris's children really liked Riley. They gave him a special nickname: Uncle Jeems.
The Wren's Nest Today
After Harris passed away, a rich businessman named Andrew Carnegie helped. He gave $5,000 to turn the house into a museum. Carnegie had met Harris at the house in 1900.
From 1913 to 1953, volunteers managed the house as a museum. This group was called the Uncle Remus Memorial Association. In 1983, they changed their name to the Joel Chandler Harris Association.
Today, the house still has furniture that belonged to Harris. It even uses the original paint colors. The original mailbox with the wren's nest was rebuilt in 1991.
The organization that runs The Wren's Nest offers tours. They also have regular storytelling events. They even have writing programs for young people in Atlanta. These programs help high school students create their own literary journal.
See also
