Celebrating Robert Heinlein: A Day to Remember in Butler, Missouri

Robert Heinlein’s 1980 Visit to Butler: A Grand Homecoming

On a lively Thursday in 1980, Robert A. Heinlein, renowned science fiction author and Butler, Missouri native, returned to his hometown for a day of honours and celebrations. Accompanied by his wife, Virginia Heinlein, the couple were greeted with a packed schedule of events and warm recognition from the community. Heinlein, who had just returned from a cruise following his recovery from a serious illness and brain surgery, expressed astonishment at the scale of the festivities.

“I’m confused, bamboozled, flabbergasted, and utterly astounded,” Heinlein exclaimed. “This is more complex and dazzling than I had expected… I’m amazed that there are this many people in Butler who have ever heard of me.”

The day began shortly before noon with a visit to the Bates County Museum of Pioneer History, where curator emeritus Reva Stubblefield led the Heinleins on a tour of the exhibits. As part of the visit, Mrs. Stubblefield presented Heinlein with a painting of his birthplace at 805 North Fulton Street.

Heinlein and his wife, Virginia, later stopped by the house itself, owned at the time by Dr. John Noe and occupied by the Bill D. McGuire family. Heinlein expressed his appreciation for a newly erected sign on the front lawn commemorating the author’s birth there in 1907. Betty Noe, Heinlein’s second cousin, was also impressed by the marker.

The Heinleins joined the Noes and other family members for a luncheon at the Noes’ home. Years later, Betty Noe was to say of the day: “It was a special time, the first time we had met. It was the beginning of something between us”. In the following years, Heinlein and his wife, Virginia, wrote and telephoned Noe periodically. 

Later in the afternoon, Heinlein visited Butler High School, where he addressed the creative writing class. He shared stories about his career and offered practical advice to aspiring writers. Heinlein explained that he began writing in 1939 to pay off his mortgage. “I had a notion for a story in my head and apparently the editors liked it because instead of the $50 fee, I was paid one-cent per word—for 70,000 words. When I looked at the check, I asked, ‘How long has this racket been going on?’”

The success of his first story led to more opportunities. “About a month later, the editors persuaded me to write another story, and as I put it, ‘I was hooked, yes, the monkey was on my back from then on, and still is. You never see a retired author, just some whose work no longer sells.’”

Heinlein emphasized the discipline needed to succeed as a writer. “The main thing you must do if you want to be a writer is write and not just talk about it. You must finish what you have started, refrain from rewriting except upon editorial direction, place your work on the market, and keep it on the market until it is sold.” He added, “The only opinions of your work that really count are the editor’s—they’re the ones who will say yea or nay on a check. Never mind what the literary critics say; it’s whether or not you can get the people to buy your paperbacks. In other words, if the audience is not laughing, the clown is not funny.”

Asked by a student if he compared himself to any other writer, Heinlein responded with humor: “You mean Moses?” He added that he had been compared to Aldous Huxley and cited Rudyard Kipling as an influence.

The Heinleins were honoured with a parade around Butler’s town square. From the reviewing stand, they watched performances by the Miami and Butler High School bands, along with floats from civic groups, Cub Scouts, 4-H members, antique cars, a mule team hitch, and the town’s fire truck. The Heinleins applauded frequently, showing their appreciation for the effort.

At a reception in the city hall auditorium, Heinlein received a standing ovation and multiple accolades. He was presented with plaques and certificates from the Bates County Historical Society, the Kansas City Science Fiction and Fantasy Society, the Chamber of Commerce, State Representative Ralph Hedrick, and the citizens of Butler. Later, Senator Harold Caskey presented a State Senate resolution, and Congressman Ike Skelton offered Congressional recognition.

In his remarks to the audience, Heinlein struck a note of optimism despite current world events. “I’m not going to comment on current events, because right now there is no good news. However, I feel the U.S. will somehow be able to wangle through again.”

At Butler Public Library, Heinlein signed autographs for more than 80 minutes. When asked if his arm was tired, he replied, “Oh no, that was nothing. One time I did that 12 hours straight.” The library, which had once been unable to keep his books in stock, now boasted a growing collection thanks to donations from Mr. and Mrs. Dean Scott, who had contributed funds specifically for this purpose.

Reflecting on the day, Heinlein admitted he had underestimated the scale of the event. “I really thought my visit to Butler would be a brief stopover en route to our home in California. I figured I would sign a few books at the library, see the museum, have lunch with the Noes, and that would be that. I never expected anything like this. I’ve never been the center of a parade in my entire life.”

Heinlein also reminisced about a previous visit to Butler four years earlier. He had stopped by the library, only to find that his books were no longer on the shelves. “I was informed that there had been some a few years back, but apparently all of them had been replaced, so I sort of slunk out of town,” he said with a grin.

The day concluded with a dinner in Heinlein’s honour. Late that evening, the Noes escorted the Heinleins to their suite at Kansas City’s Crown Center, where Robert and Virginia stayed before departing for their home in Santa Cruz, California, the next day. Bill Noe later reflected, “It sure was a great day,” a sentiment likely shared by many in Butler who had the chance to meet and celebrate one of their own.

The event, over a year in planning and spearheaded by Mayor Bill D. Thornton, drew significant attention. Local media, the Kansas City Times, and television crews from Kansas City and Springfield documented the festivities, ensuring that this memorable day was recorded for posterity. Heinlein’s visit to his hometown was not just a celebration of his literary achievements but also a sincere tribute to a man whose work had entertained and inspired countless readers.

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On May 11, 1980, Virginia Heinlein wrote a letter to Mayor Bill Thornton and his wife, Louise. In it, Virginia expresses gratitude for the overwhelming reception Heinlein received during “Robert’s Day” in Butler. She mentions that both she and Robert were astonished by the large turnout of people of all ages, who came to honour him. Despite the chaos of managing letters, fan mail, and other responsibilities, Virginia wanted to convey their deep appreciation for the event. She describes their delight in the day’s activities, including the high school bands, antique cars, and costumed performances, which left a lasting impression on them. “It will remain in our memories for the rest of our lives,” she wrote.

She also wrote: “I wish there were something we could do to tell Butler how much we do appreciate everything that happened.”

It turned out there was …

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