Little Nadine’s Playhouse Mausoleum

Suppose you’re looking for something truly memorable in Alabama, somewhere that feels like stepping into a gentle childhood memory with a twist. In that case, Little Nadine’s Playhouse Mausoleum in Lanett offers that rare mix of history, curiosity, and heartfelt storytelling. I’m always looking for places that make you stop and think, and this spot delivers. Whether you’re interested in quirky roadside wonders or hidden gems for thoughtful reflection, this one is worth adding to your travel plans.

The colors, scale, and peacefulness draw in photographers, artists, and writers

Where You’ll Find Little Nadine’s Playhouse

Nestled in the Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett, Alabama, Little Nadine Earles’ Playhouse sits quietly among more traditional gravestones. Lanett isn’t far from the Georgia line, a little over 80 miles northeast of Montgomery and around 90 miles southwest of Atlanta. It makes a day trip easy if you’re already exploring the region.

The cemetery is just off South 8th Avenue. While it’s not heavily advertised or surrounded by big signs, most folks in Lanett are happy to point directions if you stop and ask. There’s no entrance fee, and there’s usually plenty of room to park along the roads around Oakwood Cemetery. The mausoleum is hard to miss once you’re in the right place—a tiny, brightly painted house with a kidsized front porch, a gabled roof, and all the cozy touches you’d expect from a fairytale play cottage. The setting, beneath large oaks shading gravel paths, brings a sense of peace to the experience. For many visitors, finding the playhouse nestled among so many old markers makes the moment of seeing it stand out even more, almost like crossing into a world that values memory above everything else.

The Story Behind the Playhouse Mausoleum

Little Nadine’s Playhouse isn’t your average memorial. The story goes back to the early 1930s, when four-year-old Nadine Earles asked her parents for a playhouse for Christmas. According to most versions of the story, Nadine’s health took a serious turn not long before the holidays, and she sadly passed away just a week before Christmas in 1933.

Her parents, devastated by her passing but wanting to keep their promise, decided to build her the playhouse she’d been waiting for—but as a mausoleum and memorial instead of a backyard retreat. They made sure it had just about everything a child’s heart could desire: toys, a tiny table and chairs, dolls, even curtains at the windows. The family would visit often, leaving fresh flowers and keeping the playhouse tidy, treating it as a grave and a carefully tended memory of happier times.

The playhouse has stood for decades, with some original items inside preserved behind glass and new gifts arriving over the years. Local history groups sometimes share Nadine’s story with new generations, reminding kids and adults alike about the love that inspired it. Even now, on special anniversaries or during the holidays, you might find flowers, colorful pinwheels, or letters left on the porch—a testament to the ongoing connection between Nadine’s family, the community, and visitors from far away.

What Makes This Place So Unique?

This isn’t a grand, marble-covered tomb or a somber monument that towers overhead. Little Nadine’s Playhouse is a talking point because of its childlike innocence. The walls are painted in cheerful colors, and the decorations inside, many kept just as they were in the 1930s, turn a moment of heartbreak into a lasting celebration of childhood.

It’s common to spot small stuffed animals, flowers, toys, or handwritten notes left at the windows or on the porch by visitors and local kids. Over the years, people have respected this as a place of warmth and remembrance, not just a place of sadness. It’s hard not to be moved by the care and love shown by Nadine’s parents; their dedication makes for a very personal and touching historical site. The playhouse is a striking contrast amid rows of stone markers, illuminating how personal stories can shine through simply and unexpectedly.

Many visitors say the whole area feels lighter and more inviting than expected. The playhouse seems poignant and eye-catching, its bright colors calling out as much as its story. Whether you’re interested in Southern folklore or simply want a new experience, this site delivers lasting memories and fresh perspectives on what remembrance can mean.

Why Stop at Little Nadine’s Playhouse?

Many folks who stop in Lanett say they just wanted to see something different, but what sticks with visitors often goes a bit deeper. The playhouse has become a symbol of a family’s love, stretching through the generations. It reminds us how deeply we want to honor the people we care for, in ways that feel true to them and comforting to ourselves.

If you like history, this memorial gives a little glimpse into how people in the South mourned and celebrated life during the Great Depression. Even if you’re not usually into old cemeteries, seeing how the playhouse stands out from rows of granite headstones makes it clear why people remember Nadine’s story all these years later.

The colors, scale, and peacefulness draw in photographers, artists, and writers. Many folks bring their kids so they can leave a little gift at Nadine’s door or experience a different side of Alabama’s past. For travelers hunting for the road less traveled, adding this spot to your trip definitely checks the box for unusual Americana. With its inviting exterior and deeply emotional story, Little Nadine’s Playhouse offers something special for anyone ready to pause and reflect on the beauty of kindness and remembrance.

Visiting Tips and What to Expect

• Open Access: The Playhouse is almost always accessible during daylight hours. There’s no ticket booth or formal visitor center, so you can go straight to the mausoleum.
• Respectful Visits: This is still a working cemetery, and while locals are proud to share Nadine’s story, a little quiet and respectful behavior goes a long way.
• Weather Considerations: If you want lovely photos, spring and fall typically offer mild, comfortable weather. Alabama summers can get sticky, so plan accordingly.
• Photography: Feel free to bring your camera. Early morning or late afternoon brings the best light, and the playhouse’s bright colors really pop against the leafy, serene backdrop.
• Nearby Sights: Lanett is known for several vintage Southern diners and a few cool antique shops. If you have more time, West Point Lake isn’t far and offers some nice spots for outdoor picnics and birdwatching.

While Oakwood Cemetery is peaceful and quiet, consider pairing the playhouse with a trip to other local attractions. Downtown Lanett has murals and architecture from the textile boom years, and you can find family-run restaurants serving Southern comfort food. Visiting on weekdays often means fewer people, giving you more time to enjoy the playhouse in solitude. If accessibility is a concern, the cemetery roads are usually well-kept and manageable for most cars.

Common Questions About Little Nadine’s Playhouse

Is it open to the public year-round?

Yes, you can visit at any time of year. Stepping inside the playhouse is usually not possible, but the view through the windows gives you a clear look at its contents.

Can I bring children when visiting?

Absolutely! Kids are welcome; many families bring small toys or notes to leave as gifts. Just remind them to be gentle and quiet since other visitors may be nearby.

Is the site difficult to find?

Not really, especially with modern maps. As long as you head to Oakwood Cemetery in Lanett, you’ll spot the playhouse quickly once inside the cemetery.

What’s the etiquette for leaving mementos?

Locals appreciate it when visitors leave small, gentle items like teddy bears, flowers, or coins—nothing too big or disruptive. Avoid hanging things on the house, as it’s a protected site.

Can I learn more about Nadine or her family while in Lanett?

Sometimes, local historians or family members coordinate commemorative events and share stories. If you’d like additional background, consider checking with the local historical society or the library. They often have old clippings or more details about the era, the cemetery, and even interactions from the Earles family with the community throughout the years.

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Other Southern Curiosities Worth Checking Out

• Waverly Hall’s Bottle Tree: Quirky roadside folk art not far from Lanett.
• The Ave Maria Grotto in Cullman: A mini world of religious shrines built from recycled materials, about two hours west.
• Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro: Alabama’s famous lost-luggage warehouse makes for a fun pit stop for a totally different kind of discovery.
• Fanning Springs Park: If you want to experience natural swimming holes and woodland trails, this state park is just a short drive from towns near Lanett. It offers another perspective on the region’s history and beauty.

Experience and Reflection: My Honest Take

I’m always seeking places where history and emotion overlap. Little Nadine’s Playhouse delivers a quiet, gentle reminder that memorials aren’t always about grandeur. Sometimes, they’re about creating a lasting, heartfelt tribute in the most personal way possible. Walking up to the playhouse, it’s hard not to pause and reflect, even if you normally breeze through other cemeteries. The blend of grief, hope, and love that this site embodies sticks with you long after you leave.

Whether you’re a fan of local history, chasing Americana road trips, or want to stop somewhere that’ll spark conversation and maybe a little soul-searching, Lanett’s Little Nadine’s Playhouse offers more than you might expect from the outside. If you ever get the chance, it’s worth seeing the playhouse up close and maybe leaving a tiny gift to keep Nadine’s memory alive. Wrapping up, the playhouse doesn’t just keep the past alive; it welcomes us into its story, letting each visitor add a small mark of kindness and curiosity along the way.

To see all of my pictures from Little Nadine’s Playhouse, click here.