Lovecraft's Fame Used to Promote City's Weird Side

Fans of H.P. Lovecraft's writings are trying to use the growing fame of the early 20th century fantasy-horror writer to promote Providence, Rhode Island's, weird side.

Lovecraft so identified with Rhode Island's capital city that he wrote "I am Providence" in a letter. His headstone bears the phrase. Some of Lovecraft's best-known works are set in Providence.

Tuesday marks the 79th anniversary of his death. A marker will be unveiled near the spot where Lovecraft's childhood house once stood.

The nonprofit Lovecraft Arts & Sciences Council is placing the marker as part of a broader effort to foster the weird fiction and art community in Providence and highlight Lovecraft and other writers and artists.

The council wants to present Providence as a capital for weird, fun and imaginative events.