Straight Talk & Tech Tips to Online Success
Saturday Stories - Marietta’s Big Chicken
05/24/08 | Kathy Drewien | Category: Atlanta Relocation
Many of our readers are relocating to Atlanta. Looking at houses and researching school statistics is such a small piece of deciding where to live.
Let me tell you a story about living in Atlanta. We want you to see Atlanta the way we see Atlanta - with our hearts, memories, and stories.
The Big Chicken
I moved to the Atlanta area in 1981. My job was in Cobb County, so Marietta seemed the most convenient location to live.
Very quickly I learned the Big Chicken was critical for driving directions. “We’re above the Big Chicken.” “If you get to the chicken, you’ve gone too far.”
My husband loves telling a story about his trip to the Big Chicken with our daughter in 1993.
Over the years, the structure had deteriorated. Public outcry forced Kentucky Fried Chicken to rethink their decision to tear down the infamous landmark.
During final stages of construction, the chicken was shrouded from view.
Rick and Jessica planned for weeks to be on site for the much acclaimed unveiling - and free fried chicken.
Imagine the delight of an 8 year old when yards of canvas fell away to reveal bright yellow beaks, and a black round eye that moved.
What are your stories?
Do you have a favorite story about the Big Chicken? Add a Comment here.
We want to share your stories.
- Why did you move to Atlanta?
- Do you remember when an Atlanta Braves baseball game only cost a dollar?
- What do you like most about the Georgia Aquarium?
Tell us what you like - or don’t like - about living in Atlanta.
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Posted by Boomer Jack Boardman
on 05.24.08 7:25 am
When “schlock” becomes art & a landmark! I love it!
Posted by ines
on 05.24.08 1:24 pm
This is fabulous!! I could just imagine what it was like to not have the Chicken there while they were in the process of rehabilitating it!
Looking forward to more Saturday Stories Kathy.
Posted by Chris Shouse
on 05.24.08 1:47 pm
Wonderful story Kathy, can not wait to read more of these stories about your area.
Posted by Rick Drewien
on 05.25.08 12:05 pm
That’s right, the re-inauguraton of the Big Chicken was quite the event. I took Jessica over, because as a parent, I felt compelled to inject a certain dose of Southern fried kitsch into my child’s upbringing.
Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich was on hand, telling all within earshot was an historic occasion the day was. Plenty of crispy thighs and drumsticks were passed among the crowd, numbering at most 80 or 100. A few “Boot Newt” signs were seen toward the back of the throng, but not enough to dampen the mood of this prestigious moment in Marietta history.
Then came the dropping of the covering canvas shroud. The formerly rust colored, small beaked, postmodern cubist, steel chicken was now brand spankin’ new and bright red. Its immense day-glo yellow beak now opened and closed while the big eye-balls revolved, though somewhat out of sync. My daughter laughed when I pointed that out, “Look, I guess they used Marty Feldman as the model.”
Posted by Former Resident
on 05.26.08 12:03 am
Lived in Cobb county for years before relocating to the West. I love everything about Atlanta. The so not hyper, not too country lifestyle. I hate the fact that the area is still not completely open to diversity.
Posted by Kathy Drewien
on 05.26.08 12:20 am
Jack, guess I’ve been here much too long. I never thought of the Big Chicken as “schlock” - or art.
Ines, funny how something this large is not “seen” by the locals when passed daily. I’m always caught by surprise when my clients see it the first time.
Thanks, Chris. I’m already thinking about the next story. Stay tuned…
Oh, Rick! I so forgot about Newt!
Hi, Eddah. We are indeed southern in our relaxed lifestyle. And, you are right about some areas I call “Bubba-ville.” Are you thinking of relocating back to Atlanta? We know all the best places to live!