Joel Chandler Harris
American journalist and folklorist
American journalist and folklorist
On a recent trip to Atlanta, we headed downtown to visit The Wren’s Nest – the beautiful old Queen Anne Victorian home of Joel Chandler Harris. Harris was a popular southern writer and journalist who wrote the Brer Rabbit tales for children in the late 19th century. Those stories became hugely popular among children and adults, and Disney even made an animated movie of the stories: “Song of the South,” in 1946.
The organization that maintains the Wren’s Nest keeps it beautifully preserved with its original furnishings. Stepping inside the house is truly like stepping back in time. The tour guides make you feel at home – like a visiting friend.
The lovely lady who greeted us and made us feel welcome is Nannie Thompson, Docent and Resident Southern Belle of the Wren’s Nest. She is the authority on all things Joel Chandler Harris. Her tour is packed with juicy, funny tidbits of Harris’ life and her own, and is told with great love and affection.
Queen Ann Victorian home
Porch
Front Entrance
Meet our delightful storyteller and tour guide Nannie
Entrance Foyer
Parlor
Nannie tells a tale
Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox humidor
Harris’ Rocker
Family Photo in the music room
Wallpaper
Daughter’s Bedroom
Harris’ Bedroom is left the way it was when he passed away
Joel Chandler Harris
Dining room
And the Stories
Off the Foyer opposite the parlor
Is where wide-eyed children and adults alike are enjoying
the storyteller.
Springtime in Atlanta
An old photo shows Harris sitting in his rocker on the porch. The rocker and tablecloth are displayed inside the house today.
The museum offers tours and scheduled storytelling. The house was packed with wide-eyed children who listened to the tales of Brer Rabbit outfoxing Mr.Fox. The storytellers are wonderful – they perform Harris' tales with great wit and creativity. There is also a gift shop with a great selection of books and gifts.
It was a wonderful, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Da kind of day!
It was a wonderful, Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Da kind of day!
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