Edited by Frank R. Shaw, FSA Scot, Greater Atlanta, GA, USA
Email: jurascot@earthlink.net

There has been “many a good time” held at our Atlanta Burns Cottage since it was built in 1910 and used for the first time on January 25, 1911. The time had come for this grand old lady to undergo some reconstruction, and so she did. Members have expressed the idea that maybe, just maybe, she will last another 100 plus years. Guests from all over the world have visited this venerable structure, it being the only look-alike structure patterned after the very home where Robert Burns was born and lived as a child. The reconstruction project provided a new warming kitchen, restrooms, and a wet bar, where I estimate more whiskey has been consumed by Atlantans and guests since 1911 than in any other space of the same size in Atlanta, if not in the entire state! (My estimate only, but I’ll bet anyone willing to lay down the money with me!)

A lot of hard work went into the renovation and a lot of money was raised by the membership for the occasion. The article by member Ross Wyllie below credits the movers and shakers in the club who got the job completed. The biggest holdup was the time it took getting the various permits from the governing powers that be in the City of Atlanta. Makes you wonder how the city has grown as much as it has over the years. But all of that is now over, and we have a beautiful home to meet in each month. Many of us can’t wait until the first match is struck to light the timeworn fireplace to make the place feel even more home like.

For those of you who are not members but might be passing through Atlanta, let us know ahead of time and we’ll do our best to accommodate your visit to one of Atlanta’s best kept secrets! (FRS: 9.23.15) 

Atlanta Robert Burns Cottage Rededication
Saturday, August, 22, 2015, 5:00 P.M.
By E. Ross Wyllie, Editor, Burns Club of Atlanta Newsletter

The Burns Club of Atlanta formally dedicated its newly renovated addition to the historic Burns Cottage replica in Atlanta. The addition includes a warming kitchen, a wet bar, modern handicapped accessible restrooms and a spacious gathering/reception area.

The planning and execution of this event fell to member David Piet, Chairman; and committee members, Dave McDaniel and Paul Douglas. These gentlemen and their wives (Jo Ann Piet, Mickie McDaniel and Susan Douglas) put on a first-class event with close to 90 members and guests attending. The arriving attendees were met by member and Past President, Henry Frantz, official Piper of the event. After some brief words of welcome, President Woody Woodruff introduced the special guests: Tom Gay, Phil Rutledge and Tom Cole of Gay Construction, general contractors for the addition Norman Koplon, Special Use Permit and Building Permit consultant; David Arnold, project architect; and Carol Basile, kitchen designer.

President Woodruff christened the stonework of the addition with a bottle of Robert Burns whiskey, followed by a ribbon-cutting with Richard Graham and Thomas R. Todd, Jr., the Chair and Co-Chair of the addition renovation project committee.

President Woodruff called on Past President, James Montgomery to unveil the granite slab over the back door with the inscription: “BURNS.”

Piper Frantz led the members and guests inside for the reading from Burns by Frank Shaw, who read John Anderson my Jo. The reading was followed by the building blessing and prayer from Past President, Rev. Dr. James Powell. A Burns Cottage Addition Dedication Cake, featuring the image of Burns was cut with a Claymore sword.

Honored guests were invited to be first in line for the dinner buffet provided by members and their spouses. When all were comfortably seated with well-charged glasses a round of toasts and thanks were offered to those most-deserving members who made the success of this project possible. Richard Graham was presented with a plaque for his outstanding service in supervising this project from start to completion.

After dinner entertainment was provided by members Keith Dunn on Scottish fiddle, Hugh Peterson on guitar, Vice President Bill Tucker on percussion and Walt Hubert on various instruments.

The dedication ended with 'circling up' for Auld Lang Syne with musical accompaniment by Keith Dunn and Hugh Peterson.

Many thanks for the photos by Bob Pierson and Susan Douglas. Also, the video by Past President Victor S. Gregg.

Here is a selection of pictures from the event...

Frank Shaw reciting the poem

The above pictures were taken by Susan Shaw Douglas and more pictures can be viewed at: http://tinyurl.com/p35v3lh