The mere mention of his name produces images
of courage and patriotism. The life story of
John Wayne began in the central Iowa town of
Winterset, the son of Clyde and Mary Brown
Morrison.
His father Clyde was a pharmacist who worked on
the south side of Winterset's town square. In
his youth, Clyde attended nearby Simpson College
in Indianola, Iowa. John Wayne described his
father as "the kindest, most patient man I ever
knew." Wayne's mother, Mary was of Irish descent
and the Duke said "she was a tiny, vivacious
red-headed bundle of energy." Step back in
time and picture the life of a young midwestern
boy and his family near the turn of the century.
This modest four-room home has been restored to
reflect its appearance in 1907, the year of the
Duke's birth. An impressive collection of John
Wayne memorabilia includes unique items such as
the eyepatch worn in the movie True Grit, a hat
worn in Rio Lobo, and a prop suitcase used in
the film Stagecoach. Hundreds of rare
photographs of the Duke are on display as well
as letters from Lucille Ball, Gene Autry,
Maureen O'Hara, Jimmy Stewart, Kirk Douglas, Bob
Hope, Ronald Reagan and George Burns. Since
its opening, the childhood home of John Wayne
has been visited by many celebrities and
dignitaries. On November 3, 1984, President
Ronald Reagan commented that the Birthplace of
John Wayne is an inspiring tribute to a good
friend and a great American.
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