The Wren’s Nest and The Allman Brothers Band’s “Big House” — A Side-by-Side Comparison

The AJC recently reported that the Allman Brother’s “Big House,” where they recorded many of their most memorable and influential songs, will open as a (house) museum this December.

Not only do we look forward to welcoming the Big House into the club of Georgia landmarks, but we also look forward to teaching them the club password and handshake.

In the meantime, let me highlight some of the similarities between us and them –

• “The Big House” is a nickname the band members gave the house based on its size.  It’s big, you see.
• “The Wren’s Nest” is a nickname the Harris family gave the house because there were some birds there.

• The Big House is planning to present Duane Allman’s bedroom as it looked when he died in 1971.  Expect some serious funk action.
• The Wren’s Nest has preserved Joel Chandler Harris’ bedroom just as it was since his death in 1908.  Expect some serious spittoon and gourd action.

• The Big House will have a bandstand outside for shows and concerts.
• The Wren’s Nest has a concrete stage from the 1920s for children and their garbled singing needs.

• Members of the Allman Brothers Band would often stop by The Big House for a trip down memory lane.
• Old ladies stop by The Wren’s Nest to tell us how awful our “new” (21 years old) paint colors look.

• Some pretty awesome and influential art was created at The Big House.  You know, about Midnight Riders.
• Some pretty awesome and influential art was created at the Wren’s Nest.  You know, about rabbits.

Overall, the Big House looks pretty neat, and I’m excited to visit when it isn’t 106 degrees in Macon.  I will not arrive by motorcycle.  Thank you.