Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Wren’s Nest Conservation Project — Repairing the Porch
Posted by: lain // Category: 2008 - 2009 Wren's Nest Conservation Project, Big Money No Whammies, Gussying up, Historic Preservation // 1:32 pm
You’ll be happy to know that Blalock Construction Co, our contractor, started exterior and foundation work on the Wren’s Nest around Thanksgiving. Workers have been busy banging on the house ever since.
We’ll be spending about $107,000 on this phase of the project. Curious as to what we’re doing? Let me show you!
Our carpenter started on the porch, which had been a victim of wood rot.
See where that subtle green arrow is pointing? That hole is the result of a pinhole leak, clogged leaves, and years of water dripping and dripping and dripping.
We fixed it. And those leaves are coming down soon, promise
Around back, the beam in the southeast corner had suffered from the same problem.
We took it out completely and replaced it in-kind.
Our carpenter took off the rail and replaced the rotted pieces in-kind too.
Many of the pieces, such as the wood that spans the bottom of the porch railings, had identical pieces underneath the house. They were left over from our restoration in the late 1980s.
Luckily, most of the porch was in decent shape, so mostly we repaired spots hither and thither.
Like here.
And here.
Finally, you might have noticed that you can now click on the pictures and scroll through larger versions of them. We aren’t just making changes to the house, folks.
Comments: 5Quasi Famous Visitors and Wacky Phone Calls
Posted by: lain // Category: Big Money No Whammies // 3:37 pm
Three items of note from today at the Wren’s Nest–
Dino Brugioni, former senior CIA official and History Channel regular, visited the Wren’s Nest today.
Not only did he have a lot of interesting stuff to say, but he also boasts a more extensive Wikipedia article than Joel Chandler Harris.
…..
Then, I got a weird phone call:
LAIN: Good afternoon, the Wren’s Nest!
GRANDMOTHER: Hi, I’m a grandmother.
LAIN: Okay.
GRANDMOTHER: And I would like you to pay my electric bill.
LAIN: (scrambling for an answer) That’s …not really what we do here.
GRANDMOTHER: (sounding dignified) Yes, but I’m a grandmother. I’m raising my grandchildren. I just need some help with my electrical bill.
LAIN: I’m sorry, but we’re a house museum. A non-profit house museum, and we’re hurting as well.
GRANDMOTHER: You don’t understand. I’m a grandmother.
LAIN: Ma’am?
GRANDMOTHER: (hangs up)
…..
Then, I dialed a wrong number and got this message:
ANSWERING MACHINE: This is about pimpin’! And that means money! And if you ain’t got no money, you ain’t got no businesses with this pimp. So, check your pockets. Got money? Get pimpin’.
Comments: 3BEEP.
Wren’s Nest Conservation Update
Posted by: lain // Category: 2008 - 2009 Wren's Nest Conservation Project, Big Money No Whammies, Challenges!, Historic Preservation, Transparency // 11:34 am
Lately I’ve been busy talking with architects and engineers and contractors about fixing up the Wren’s Nest. Sometimes I even know what they’re talking about.
Other times I just kinda nod my head and smile.
To give you an idea of the repairs we’re making, below are the architectural drawings of the basement and main floors complete with instructions.
Here’s the basement–
(Here’s a legible version)
And here’s the main floor–
(Yet another legible version)
These plans don’t include painting, roof repair, or structural repairs. If only it were that simple!
Comments: 7Iverson Park Literary Festival: Awesome Birthday Party for a Young Philanthropist
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Big Money No Whammies, Birthdays, Fame and Fortune, Not As Cruel Games // 11:44 am
This weekend Lain and I attended one of the most fun, creative, and altruistic birthday parties ever. For a nine-year-old we had never met. Would you like some background?
Several weeks ago, Lain and I received the following email:
Lain and Amelia,
My name is Jeff, long-time blog reader, first time writer, as well as 19th century folk-tale enthusiast (who isn’t?) and fan of house museums. I write to you with a proposal/request/announcement/heads-up. My 8, soon to be 9 year-old daughter Matilda has for the last several years hosted birthday parties at our home in which, instead of children bringing gifts for her, she raised money for some worthy cause. A car wash for the Humane Society at age 5, hit the dads with pies in the face for the Red Cross and Katrina Victims at age 6, a backyard Hawaiian fair for bookshelves for her school at age 7, and last year’s American Shoe-Kicking Association (ASKA) National Championships for the Red Cross. I’m proud and a little nonplussed to write that this was her own initiative, though I’m sure taken from some TV show.
I write you now to let you know that this year you are on the docket as planned beneficiaries of the first (and perhaps last) Iverson Park Literary Festival! Mathilda visited the Wren’s Nest with her class this past year and was impressed by he experience and wants to join in the fun. Possible events include a short-story telling contest and for those less inclined to prose, a book throwing contest.
Within about two minutes we told Jeff we were in. Playing it cool is not our strong suit.
The Iverson Park Literary Festival wildly exceeded any expectations we could have had. I mean, they had tote bags. And a mascot!
(Haiku the bookworm)
There was a lot of literary fun going on. You could guess the number of pages in the book.
(Waiting has never been so exciting!)
You could throw books at William Shakespeare, Louisa May Alcott, or Edgar Allen Poe.
(This activity made Lain nervous thanks to the children shouting “KILL SHAKESPEARE!”)
You could even tell your own story. Curtis warmed up the crowd, and then the kids competed to see who was the best storyteller. Lain and I served as Celebrity Judges.
Unfortunately, we did not get any pictures of the amateur storytellers, as we took our judging jobs VERY seriously.
Jeff, author of the above email, played the part of our host — Dr. Armstrong, PhD, MA, RN, NASA, from Valdosta State Technical Community College and State University A & M.
We even wore our most literary duds. A Kenyon shirt and tweed for Lain, and my “I’m a Bibliophile” shirt from age 5 for me. Still “fits”!
Curtis played it cool, as always.
We especially felt at home because some of the kids tried to bribe the Celebrity Judges by wearing their Wren’s Nest t-shirts.
The children really wailed on the authors. So much so that they broke and had to be fixed with a nail gun.
We would have left the nail gun by the snacks, too.
By the end of the Festival we had totally forgotten about how we benefited monetarily, being too busy making exclamations like “This is the best thing ever!” and “I love tote bags!” and “Too bad I will never produce a child as awesome as Matilda.”
So thanks to Jeff, Marisa, Matilda, and everyone at the first (and possibly last) Iverson Park Literary Festival. Did we mention we had a great time?
Comments: 7Kingsized at the Wren’s Nest — We’re Getting Nervous
Posted by: lain // Category: Atlanta, Big Money No Whammies, Burritos and Other Fine Foods, Challenges!, Failed Attempts at Looking Reputable, Fundraising, Inappropriate Beer Drinking, Kingsized // 2:04 pm
By now you might have noticed that Kingsized is playing our fundraiser here on September 27th.
That’s less than 10 days away. I’m a little worried.
Don’t get me wrong — the show will be phenomenal, the tacos will be delicious, and the margaritas will have tequila. I’m mostly worried that folks might miss out on a great time.
We’ve got a lot to compete with — class reunions, out-of-town plans, laziness, stock market induced excuses, hatred of fun and margaritas — you name it.
And in typical Wren’s Nest fashion, we were late spreading the word. The price we pay? Restrained panic.
We’re looking to you, dear Wren’s Nest blog readers, to help us out. And boy howdy, have I got some incentive–
Inspire nine folks to come to the concert with you, and drinks for your entire table are on me.
You heard me.
Honestly, I don’t think anyone will take me up on this offer. I’m sure you’re either too busy or it’s too expensive or you don’t have time to rally your crew. I will be shocked if you can pull this together.
So prove me wrong.
Free drinks for you and your buddies all night, but only if you (1) are at least 21; (2) mention this blog post; (3) assemble your crew of 9 or more; (4) pay for your tickets in full; and (5) tell me about it before 4 pm on September 22nd (lain@wrensnestonline.com).
Please, test my generosity.
Comments: 8Wordsmiths Books Asks For Money, Hosts Fundraiser This Weekend
Posted by: lain // Category: Big Money No Whammies, Bravery, Failed Attempts at Looking Reputable, Fundraising, Marketing Tricks // 2:39 pm
Our friends at Wordsmiths Books are asking for money–and not in exchange for goods or services. And no, they’re not a nonprofit.
This is, like, blowing people’s minds.
Since Wordsmiths started asking for contributions a few weeks back, they’ve been featured in everything from local blogs like BabyGotBooks and Decatur Metro, to national media outlets like NPR.
It’s been a marketing coup.
Here’s the quickest run-down of the details I can give–
- Wordsmiths opened last year, chose lackluster location.
- They moved to the location they originally wanted, saw increases in sales and visibility.
- Despite success, they’re suffocating under weight of debt from previous location.
- Owner Zach asks for a hand, makes promises of eventual returns.
You may call this last move tacky. And maybe it is. But it also happens to be brilliant.
Wordsmiths could have fizzled out this month and closed its doors with a whimper like so many small, noble businesses. Which would’ve been a shame. Who else was going to help us host an event about burning down house museums?
By asking for money, Wordsmiths has prompted many folks not just to take notice, but to form opinions about their bookstore. Asking didn’t cost them anything, and it has resulted in collecting 60% of their end goal.
Sure, they’ve garnered a lot of criticism along the way. But really, if you’re Wordsmiths, who cares?
They would close otherwise, and avoiding that fate is certainly their bottom line. Plus, they’ve created allies who are willing to support their business without receiving anything in return. Local bookstores: the new nonprofits? Not quite, but these past few weeks have demonstrated just how much they mean to their communities.
The moral: check out Wordsmiths in Decatur this weekend. They’re hosting a fundraiser. Jack Pendarvis will be there. Paste Magazine will be there. And now’s your chance to see what all the fuss is about before it’s too late.
Comments: 0The Concierge Society of Atlanta is Here, and We Like It
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Atlanta, Big Money No Whammies, Fame and Fortune // 5:58 pm
Remember that time you were staying in a hotel in a new city and were like, “Oh hey–I’ll just ask the concierge!” I remember, and that was very smart of you.
If that scenario took place in Atlanta, chances aren’t shabby that the concierge you spoke with is at the Wren’s Nest right now.
We like this. We like it a lot.
Naturally, we’re not pleased for some flim-flammy reason like “we enjoy being part of the Atlanta community”. Oh no. Instead, it has everything to do with making a good impression on the people who count. And in our world, that’s the Concierge Society of Atlanta.
We only got our brochures into metro Atlanta hotels this last year, and it’s key that concierges point them out to visitors looking for, say, this nation’s most exciting house museum (patent pending).
In order to up our visibility, we’ve even gone door to (hotel) door to say charming falsehoods like, “Do you have the Wren’s Nest brochure?! My important and well-traveled chums told me I just had to see it! I hope it’s prominently displayed at your fine hotel! Cheerio!”
Needless to say, we’re on our best behavior.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go stand guard in front of the historic bathroom and smile pleasantly.
Comments: 5Survey Says: The Wren’s Nest is Completely Awesome
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Big Money No Whammies, Good Questions, Nonprofit Management // 1:34 pm
Several months ago, in an effort to enact “legitimate” and “professional” nonprofit practices, we began asking our visitors to fill out a brief survey at the end of their tour.
Basic stuff to be sure, but we hoped that it would allow us to improve our visitors’ experiences and then totally benefit us when we’re asking for money. You know who loves assessment? Foundations, that’s who.
So a great idea, right?
Well, kinda.
Plenty of people have filled out our survey… and so far we have received zero negative comments. Not only has no one said anything negative, but NO ONE has chosen anything other than the most positive options.
For example, here are a few direct quotes in response to the question, “Is there any way we could have improved your visit to The Wren’s Nest?”:
- “It was delightful just as it was!”
- “It was perfect!”
- “Don’t change a thing!”
In fact, the closest thing we’ve received to a criticism is a request that we put in more lighting. You know, to a historically preserved home. Nothing like a few renovations to make the place more modern!
Anyhow, this puts us in an odd position. We have an assessment tool, but it is producing nothing but reasons to pat ourselves on the back.
All survey evidence to the contrary, we know we’re not perfect. But how can we know what to fix if everyone who visits is delighted?! Man, it is SO hard to be us.
Wren’s Nest Visitor Survey (.pdf)
Comments: 12Lain Won an Award from the Atlanta Urban Design Commission
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Atlanta, Big Money No Whammies, Fame and Fortune, Historic Preservation, Victorious! // 10:44 am
On Tuesday night our fearless executive director was awarded the Atlanta Urban Design Commission Award of Excellence.
Specifically, it was the Jenny D. Thurston Memorial Award for an Outstanding Preservation Professional.
(Lain, his parents, a fleeing Mayor Shirley Franklin, and my inability to keep my eyes open in pictures)
Lain was honored alongside people and projects like the oft-profiled architects Brian Bell and David Yocum, the renovated old-timey train depot and current restaurant The Depot, and the firm that renovated Rockefeller Hall at Spelman College. You can find the full list at the end of this article.
But Lain got the biggest award! We’re super proud, and Lain is super embarrassed when you mention it. It’s great.
Also great was the reception at the new Hilton Garden Inn, which boasted the sickest views of Atlanta I’ve ever seen.
(Wowee, right?)
Since the architect of the building was in attendance (not sure this makes it legit, but it helps), we got to go up to the helicopter pad and do our best to not fall off.
However, the absolute highlight of the night (that has nothing do with accomplishments) was courtesy of a woman in the elevator who asked, “Are you the baby who does Uncle Remus?”
When Lain confirmed, she incredulously (and loudly) recounted “I hear this long list of accomplishments, and then this BABY comes up to receive the award. You’re just a baby!!”
I laughed for about 4 minutes.
(Surprisingly young award recipient, awesome views)
Congratulations, you big baby.
Comments: 15Bad News: Mark Twain House Might Shut Down
Posted by: Amelia // Category: Big Money No Whammies, Celebrity Requests, Fundraising, Historic Preservation, Mark Twain, Very Serious Posts With No Funny Business // 9:56 am
And I thought our $46,000 was bad.
This morning the New York Times published an article about the tough financial times faced by the Mark Twain House in Hartford, CT, which is currently juggling somewhere in the range of five million dollars of debt. Uf.
(The Mark Twain House in all its Connecticut glory.)
Now, while the article does have some laugh-out-loud moments (don’t let Steve Wynn near your Picasso, har har!), it paints a pretty dire picture for the home where Mark Twain wrote some of his most famous works.
In short, the museum ambitiously built a totally awesome visitor’s center (I know. I’ve seen it!), the cost of which got out of hand, and quick. Combine that with increased energy and travel costs (fieldtrips are our bread and butter, too) and you’ve got an incredible landmark facing the possibility of closing its doors.
This. Is. TERRIBLE.
Now, dear reader, I am trying to do everything I can to play it cool here, but this legitimately makes me panicky. As a gal raised by Twain-quoting obsessives (my dad may or may not have taken the year before my birth to read Mark Twain exclusively) with a minor stake in the fate of writer’s homes these days, this is big time awful.
I mean, this is MARK TWAIN. His is not a forgotten name. Samuel Clemens, maybe, but that’s why he took a pen name, okay smartypants?
If his museum is in danger, what does that mean for the rest of us? And I don’t just mean in the world of house museums, either. Twain’s home is every bit as eccentric and clever as the writings of the man himself. It’s like one giant testament to his overwhelming awesomeness. And it might close?!
How about this: I’ll go breathe into a paper bag while you go here and donate money.
Thanks.
Also, it seems important to mention that Twain’s home may be the only thing Connecticut has to offer the rest of the country. I may or may not be serious.
Comments: 9