07/25/2026
Since the Howard house was purchased by Project Pride in 1989, it has attracted visitors from at least 25 countries and virtually every state in the USA. The annual Robert E. Howard Days typically finds at least 125 folks from an average of 28 states and 5 or 6 foreign countries taking dead aim on Cross Plains and the REH Museum.
These visitors are serious readers, editors, researchers, illustrators and writers who enjoy all of the local writer’s many genres that were written in that little white house at the west edge of town.
Howard was a very unique author in that he wrote and sold short stories about such a wide range of characters, from a boxing protagonist to comic westerns, to serious westerns, to a Texan’s adventures in Afghanistan, and a puritan fighting wrong. In addition to his character short stories, he is credited with over 800 poems, ranging from religious to comic. And yes, he wrote fantasy stories and created CONAN the Cimmerian. It’s unfortunate that some folks think all he wrote were stories about CONAN and thus find it hard to accept his total range of creative talent.
The house was built in the early 1900’s and the Howards lived there from 1919 until the early 40’s when Dr. Howard moved to Ranger after Mrs. Howard’s and Robert’s deaths in 1936. It was a typical pier and beam style with the piers made from a stack of crossed bricks. It is a good three feet off the ground at the front and ground level at the back side, making an even more challenging problem. In time, the mortar between the bricks has deteriorated and the beams have been exposed to moisture seeping under the house.
And thus, the house is now experiencing severe damage to the floors with definite slopes in the rooms on the west side and in the hall. Rooms have been slightly rearranged to keep the weight of some furniture and visitors off of the weakest areas.
The Robert E. Howard Foundation has accepted the responsibility of restoring the house before it becomes unusable. Because the house received a Texas State Historical marker a number of years ago, the restoration work will need to be done by companies who are recognized as having the qualified and extensive experience in working on old historic buildings.
And this obviously will not come cheap! The Foundation has organized several projects to raise the necessary funds for this work. In addition to generous donations from individuals and foundations, they are pursuing a grant from a state historical source.
Project Pride has established a separate account at the local Liberty Capital bank to accept local donations. The silent auction and general donations at the recent REH Days as well as donations from regular visitors have netted over $11,000. One donor from a Foundation in NY recently sent $40,000 directly to the local fund for the project. In addition, the Foundation’s efforts have raised just over $75,000. It is expected that the work will definitely be over $125,000 as the house will most likely have to be lifted off the ground to do the necessary work.
Local folks, businesses and organizations are encouraged to get involved in the fund-raising efforts as the financial impact on Cross Plains since 1989 has been way up in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Without these visitors, our community coffers would take a definite hit. When Project Pride gets a call about arranging a visit, the visitors are encouraged to get to town to enjoy lunch around the tours. Frequently their response is “You mean there is a place in Cross Plains to eat?” Imagine their surprise when they hear the list of good eateries and a delightful coffee shop in town! Service stations are also a frequent necessary stop. When schedules coincide with Woody’s being open, they are delighted and totally impressed with that museum and their benevolence program. The Veteran’s Memorial, Butterfly Garden and Story Book Walk enjoy occasional visits, and the library is a definite stop if it is open. And thus, they spend money in town!
Does Cross Plains need the Robert E. Howard Museum?? That would be a resounding YES.
Donations may be sent to Project Pride at PO Box 534, or via PayPal or Venmo at [email protected] or made directly to the REH Museum Restoration fund at the bank.
Project Pride and the whole world of REH appreciate all support of this one-of-a-kind world-wide attraction.
