ABOUT
The History of the Howard House
Kenneth Lewis Howard constructed this grand two-story colonial revival mansion in 1908-1909. It was set on a quarter block lawn surrounded by mature oaks and an iron fence. This residence, built as a personal home, was taken from a replica of the North Carolina house constructed in 1907 for the Jamestown Ter-Centennial exposition in Virginia. The exposition opened in May of 1907 and was presided over by President Theodore Roosevelt. The Howards attended the exposition, fell in love with the house and received a free copy of the building plans.
Mr. Howard owned a lumber mill and personally hand picked the yellow pine, allowing it to cure before building. The grand staircase and wainscoting throughout the house was made by the Pearsall Furniture Factory located on the present site of Dunbar Foods in Dunn, North Carolina.
The Howards lived in the home until his death in 1934. Their daughter, Lucille and her husband Dr. Glenn Lee Hooper moved into the house with Mrs. Howard until her death in 1943. The Howards also had a son, Kenneth Felton Howard.
In 1953, the home was sold to the Woman’s Club of Dunn. This club was established in 1920 and was in the process of planning construction of a new club house. After many discussions among the membership it was decided to purchase the Howard’s house. These women were innovated thinkers because they knew this mansion could be used for more than just a club house. This group of women incorporated in January of 1961 as the Woman’s Club of Dunn. This club currently sponsors a wide range of projects to benefit the city and citizens of Dunn and continues to maintain the Howard House as their headquarters. The house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The Friends of the Howard House is a committee formed in 2002 by a group of caring and interested citizens who appreciate the Howard House’s asset to the town of Dunn. The goal of the committee has been to raise needed funds for the preservation and renovation of this beautiful home. This endeavor has been a work of love for all concerned. We hope that those who pass through the front doors will admire the architectural beauty of this 110 year old mansion as much as we do. It is the goal of both the Friends of the Howard House and the Woman’s Club of Dunn to provide an affordable venue for weddings and functions for our citizens.
INDOORS
The house offers a ladies and men’s parlors, large entry foyer, dining room and banquet/ball room, two handicapped accessible bathrooms and kitchen on the first floor.
For brides wishing to get married at the house or change clothes, there is a bride’s room upstairs. This room connects to a room that can be used for bridesmaids. In addition, there are two other rooms and 1-1/2 baths. The porch upstairs is off limits to all guests.
THE ACCESSORIES
OUTDOORS
Occupancy limit inside the house currently is 99. If the wraparound porch and/or tents are used, then the occupancy limit is nearly unlimited.
There is a vacant lot next door available for parking. The house is handicapped accessible with a wheelchair ramp located on the back with side entry.