Robert Burns Cottage of Atlanta — Atlanta’s Oldest House Museum?
This morning Christa T of Pecanne Log was all like, “Did you know that there’s an exact replica of Robert Burns’ childhood home in Atlanta?”
And I was all like, “No, Christa T via Pecanne Log, no I did not.” Then I looked up Robert Burns to refresh my memory.
Then I stopped at the Robert Burns Cottage on my way to work this morning to check it out.
The place isn’t really open to the public. And it reminds me more of my old Cub Scout Troop House up on Log Cabin Road than a house museum.
Still, it was built in 1910, preceding the public opening of the Wren’s Nest by 3 years. Is it a museum? Is it a Robert Burns Cottage Clubhouse? Do I have to become a member of Burns Club Atlanta to find out? Pecanne Log, please have answers to these questions on my desk in the morning.
I only snapped a couple more pictures. It was raining, and I was busy keeping it real.
This sign is my favorite –
Related:
- Did you know? — Pecanne Log
- Robert Burns Cottage — Atlanta Time Machine
- Burns Club Atlanta — Wikipedia
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Amber Suitt
Program Director
Lain Shakespeare
Executive Director
16 Comments to Robert Burns Cottage of Atlanta — Atlanta’s Oldest House Museum?
I was sure someone from the Wren’s Nest would leave some comment about knowing about every writer’s house and replica writer’s house ever, especially those located in Atlanta proper! I can’t believe I beat you to the punch!
And how could you forget who Robert Burns is?!?! Have you ever heard of BOOKS?!?!?!
Growing up with the last name of Shakespeare, I was raised thinking that there could only be one Bard. Kind of like the Highlander, you know?
Great post though. I nearly spat my coffee at the screen this morning. House museum replicas. Brilliant!
The picture on the Pecanne (b)Log site makes me think that the Burns house is prettier in summer.
“Privately owned by the Burns Club of Atlanta”
I bet they do some cool, secret stuff in there…
As Scotland-ophiles, Cath and I faithfully (except for this year- whoops!) celebrate Robert (Rabbie) Burns Night every year. We eat haggis (you can get it in a can!) and neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) and drink copious amounts of beer and scotch (okay, more beer) and wear kilts (i.e. make the men we know wear skirts)-oh! and read “Ode to the Haggis.”
We missed it last weekend (Jan. 25)- so um… shall we have a belated birthday party for Rabbie?
ps- Cath and I planned to go to Burns’ ATL cottage last weekend… and then we got cold. Indeed, we do lack commitment.
When did we make the historic places registry? Did we at least beat them on that?? LaWren are you and Cath Burns Club Atlanta members? Will you teach us the secret handshake?
I almost bought a house a block from there back in the 90s and did wonder if they ever used the building. Fulton Assessor sez the Burns Club still owns it. If Wikipedia is correct, this Wednesday is the next meeting there (Feb 4). Hmmm
BTW, I was going to change to Joe2, but this seems better
Jodi, we became a national historic landmark in 1978. We win!
ATLhistoryJoe: yes, so much better than Joe2.
And thank you — now we can check out this article about the Burns Cottage and Burns Club Atlanta on ATLHistory.com — http://tinyurl.com/bxlypa
Iain,
I am a member of the Atlanta Burns Club. If you’d like to know more about us, feel free to shoot me an e-mail. We’re not a museum and we’re only open once a month for club meetings and the occasional open social event.
And yes, the cottage is gorgeous in the spring!
Cheers,
Adam R.
My uncle told me that his grandfather (my great grandfather) James McWhirter was president of the Burns Club in Atlanta. I would like to know if anyone knows if or during what years he was president. He died in 1905, so he couldn’t have been president too long.
Ms. Moon,
I will ask at the next meeting and see if I can find some information on your great grandfather.
Best,
Adam R
I am a native Atlantan but my father James Anthony McSorley was, many years ago, a member fo the Burns Club in Atlanta, so I have always been curious about the club. As a child, I remember my dad going to meetings. Since I am a female, I understand that I would not be able to join, but could I attend a monthly meeting as a guest? My father passed away in 1965, so you would have to dig back before that to find his membership records.
Great to see so much discussion on our Atlanta Burns Cottage. I came across this thread while conducting research on the Cottage history.
I can confirm that James McWhirter was president in 1905 and that a Robert McWhirter was president in 1917.
Perhaps you are related to both. Also, hello Adam.
As for McSorely, we don’t have very, very good records from that time, but if we could arrange for you to join us as guest for one of our meetings, or for a tour of the cottage, I would be glad to make the arrangements.
We are always interested in making connections and maintaining relationships with families of former members.
By the way, 2010 marks the centenary of construction of the Atlanta Burns Cottage.
Happy New Year!
Victor Gregg
The Burns Club will be participating in the 7th annual Phoenix Flies (March 6 through March 22, 2010), offering tours of the replica of Burns burth home. The Atlanta Burns Club, begun in the late 1800s was said to be the most cosmopolitan club in the south. Founded by Joseph Jacobs (his drug store first introduced Coca-Cola as a beverage) and many other notable Atlantans. PhoenixFlies.org should have 2010 event information by the middle of February.
Lain,
Do you know how I can get in touch with the Burns Club? I’m working on a book on historic granite buildings in and around ATL, and am considering including the Burns cottage.
Robert,
I am a member of this club and I will gladly put you in touch with anyone you wish to speak with. Please feel free to contact me at adamrhinehart@hotmail.com.
Best,
AC Rhinehart