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The life story of John Wayne began in the central Iowa town of Winterset. He was born Marion Robert Morrison on May 26, 1907, 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. Waynes mother Mary was of Irish descent, and 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 Dukes 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 Duke are on display as well as letters from Lucille Ball, Gene Autry, Maureen OHara, 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. BIRTHPLACE TOUR INFORMATION AND HOURSThe Birthplace of John Wayne is open seven days a week, 10:00am to 4:30pm except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Day and Easter. Guided tours of the house are available daily, with the last guided tour of the day beginning at 4:30pm. Handicap accessible.
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