Version from Beth's Notes. She references the "Handy Play Party Book" as a source.
Version from the Handy Play Party Book by Lynn Rhorbough. She cites "Neva Mae Tom" in Columbus, Ohio as her source.
Version of Great Big House in New Orleans from the American Folk Song Collection - Kodaly Center at University of the Redlands. Their source seems to be a Pete Seeger recording; Pete Seeger's source was the above-mentioned Handy Play Party Book by Lynn Rohrbough.
Version from Sail Away: 155 American Folk Songs to Sing, Read, and Play, 1981.It is referenced as a play party.
Aimee Curtis Pfitzner wrote a lesson and blog post about "Great Big House" where she has detailed research. Here is what she posted on her website - click the picture of the text or this link to see the full post.
Azizi Powell is a researcher of Black culture and shares West African stories and shares information on her blog, Pancoco Jams. Here is a link to the post where Aimee retrieved her information.