Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Howard Payne University
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
1. Howard Payne University Marker
The Rev. John David Robnett, first president of the college Board of Trustees, traveled extensively to raise funds for the institution. His brother-in-law, Edward Howard Payne, made a large contribution to the school, which was then named in his honor.
Howard Payne College opened its doors on September 16, 1890, the same day the cornerstone was laid for the main school building. Classes were held in Robnett Hall, a building John Robnett had built with plans to provide boarding facilities at the college. Dr. A.J. Emerson served as the school's first president.
Over the years the college grew and enrollment increased. Daniel Baker College, a Presbyterian school which opened in Brownwood days before Howard Payne, was incorporated into the Baptist College in 1953. The school was raised to university standing in 1974. The old main building burned in 1984.
Erected 1989 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education.
Location. 31° 43.036′ N, 98° 59.138′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. It is at the intersection of Center Avenue and Austin Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Center Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1004 Center Ave, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Big Country. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Hey Paula" (here, next to this marker); The Rev. Dr. John David Robnett (here, next to this marker); The Rev. Noah Turner Byars (here, next to this marker); R. B. Rogers House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); J. A. Walker House (about 700 feet away); Brooke Smith (approx. 0.3 miles away); Brownwood Santa Fe Passenger Depot (approx. 0.3 miles away); Old Gray Mare Band (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
2. Howard Payne University Marker
The marker is the second from the right, next to "Hey Paula", The Rev. Noah Turner Byars and The Rev. Dr. John David Robnett Markers.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
3. Howard Payne University Marker
The marker is above the Old Main corner stone.
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
4. Old Main tablet mounted to the corner stone
Old Main
Howard Payne University Administration Building
Cornerstone laid September 16, 1890
Destroyed by fire May 8, 1984
Howard Payne University Administration Building
Cornerstone laid September 16, 1890
Destroyed by fire May 8, 1984
Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, April 16, 2023
5. Howard Payne University buildings
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 361 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 20, 2023, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.
