John Wayne ~ Winterset, Iowa Birthplace Photos ~ Iconic Western Film Star
78Birthplace of John Wayne in Winterset, Iowa
Winterset, Iowa is a beautiful little town and was the birthplace of the well known film star known as John Wayne.
The man who was eventually called John Wayne by millions of movie goers was born to Clyde and Mary Brown Morrison in the little 4 room cottage pictured above on May 26, 1907 and he was named Marion Robert Morrison.
His dad was a pharmacist and in 1910 he was able to purchase his own drug store in Earlham, Iowa where he moved his little family. It was about 15 miles down the road from Winterset.
When a second son was born in 1911 (Robert Emmett Morrison) Marion's middle name was changed to Michael.
Home where "The Duke" was born
John Wayne
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John Wayne and the Pledge of Allegiance
Marion grew up absorbing turn-of-the-century Mid-West values and when his family picked up stakes and moved to California (primarily for the health of his father), one of the many jobs that he had was delivering newspapers.
He was very athletic and became not only a football player in high school, but was also captain of his team.
Duke was a nickname that he got which followed him all his life and the account of just how he was labeled with the name is interesting. He used to walk to school but left his dog whose name was Duke at a nearby fire station. The dog's name was known by the firemen, but not the boy's name. So when the men at the fire station saw the young boy they started calling him Duke. The name stuck and he was lovingly nicknamed Duke for the rest of his life. If someone many years later used the term, "The Duke," everyone knew of whom they were speaking.
Duke was an attractive young man with a 6 foot and 4 inch frame. He was spotted and received his first acting job in 1928 at Fox Studios where for a while he worked as an extra. He earned the salary of $75 per week.
He had been going to the University of Southern California and thought that he wanted to become a lawyer. For help with paying for his room and board he washed dishes while in school. When the movie offers started coming, he gave up his former idea of a career.
Some of the early movies of which the Duke played a part included "Salute" and "The Big Trail." One of his producers did not like the names of Marion or even Duke and renamed him John Wayne which he thought was a more American sounding name and a better moniker for the movies.
John Wayne he became and for the rest of his years, except for the nickname of The Duke, that was how he was known.
The movie Stagecoach was his break-through film and after that he started getting starring roles.
He went on to be featured in some 200 movies many of which are still well known and loved today by fans of his. A partial listing reads like a history lesson of our historic western past and includes such films as the following:
True Grit
Rio Lobo
Stagecoach
The Alamo
Rio Bravo
The Oregon Trail
This is a mere sampling of the films in which John Wayne played a part. He was known for his swaggered way of walking and his deep distinctive voice.
Politically he was a conservative and a Republican. He supported Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan among others and spurned offers to personally enter the field of politics. However, he made his feelings known through his efforts on behalf of others as well as in some of his films which were not always popular.
Although he did not enlist in the war effort when other actors were taking on that assignment, he personified commitment and bravery in his many war films.
John Wayne was known for speaking his mind with regard to how he felt about his country. He authored a book titled America Why I Love Her. He encouraged people to concentrate upon "the good things about America" and to "nurture her strengths and strengthen her weaknesses..." which is certainly good advice for anyone to follow if living in any country of one's birth or country of one's choice.
From visiting his birthplace in Winterset, we learned the following...
Maureen O'Hara went before Congress to urge them to strike a medal in John Wayne's honor. Many other people of note also testified as to wanting this honor bestowed upon the Duke. The medal was authorized by Congress and approved by President Carter in 1979. The inscription reads: "John Wayne - American."
John Wayne had three marriages and ended up with a total of seven children and twenty-one grandchildren during his lifetime. He ended up owning several ranch homes, a jet airplane and a 135 foot yacht called "The Wild Goose."
He was honored with a number of awards in his lifetime and after his death, Congress awarded him a Congressional Gold Medal which is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a civilian.
John Wayne epitomized the spirit of patriotism and has been dubbed The Great American by many.
His birthplace located at 224 South Second Street, Winterset, Iowa 50273 is open to the public daily from 10 AM until 4:30 PM. Adult tickets cost $4.
The kitchen and the parlor in the home have been restored and filled with authentic furnishings to showcase what the appearance would have been like in the year 1907. There are hundreds of photos of The Duke and other memorabilia to be viewed.
The town of Winterset still has many buildings that date from the late 1800's and has a beautifully constructed courthouse that dominates the small town.
John Wayne Tribute (with El Dorado sung by George Alexander)
Is Winterset, Iowa and viewing the birthplace of this most famous film star, John Wayne, worth a visit? We thought so and my mother, niece and I carried away memories of this Great American, the Duke, with a little more perspective about his simple and humble past as well as his lifetime achievements.
Town views of Winterset, Iowa
Click thumbnail to view full-size
Another excellent tribute to John Wayne showing his beloved America in photos; his films and all in his own words.
Do you remember John Wayne wearing a coonskin cap?
See results without votingJohn Wayne Birthplace
Iowa off the beaten path
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From JamaGenee...
- Clark Tower in Winterset Iowa City Park
Clark Memorial Tower at the outer edge of Winterset Iowa's City Park is dedicated to Madison County pioneers Caleb and Ruth Clark. But who were the Clarks and what did they do to warrant erecting the crennalated tower of a medeival castle in their h
True Grit (1969) Trailer
More Iowa hubs by Peggy W...
- Winterset, Iowa ~ Photos of City Park with Covered Bridge and Pioneer Log Cabin
How many city parks have a real log cabin & authentic covered bridge? Learn about the movie "The Bridges of Madison County" & more with photos & videos. - Iowa - History of - Walnut Grove Pioneer Village - A Look Back
- Beautiful Rest Stops in Iowa ~ Amazing Harvest Theme Artwork and More
Who would believe rest stops can be this beautiful? Amazing! - Iowa - Attractions - West Branch - Library - Hoover
- Picturesque Historic Site of Galena, Illinois ~ Photo Gallery
So much beauty & history in this small Mid-west river town! See a Ulysses S. Grant home & more. Photos & videos. - Illinois - Cemetery - Historic Chippiannock in the Fall
Other hubs you may like...
Winterset, Iowa - The Duke's last hurrah
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Peggy, the HP gremlins finally allowed me to add a link to this hub to the Clark Tower hub. Yay!
Hi JamaGenee,
From what you say, I am glad that we saw Winterset and John Wayne's birthplace before all the hoopla took place. I liked it just the way it was.
Winterset was already changing even while the movie was being made. Having celebrities around and visions of $$$ pouring in from tourism after the movie came out, etc. Wasn't such a thrill *after* the town was overrun with tourists who only wanted BoMC souvenirs and couldn't care less about the real charms of Winterset OR that it was the Duke's birthplace. Somewhere I have a copy of a newspaper article that explains the transformation such towns go through before, during, and after being used as a movie location, or just happen to be the location of a wildly popular best-seller.
Hi JamaGenee,
We must have seen it before the movie also as Winterset seemed to just be a charming little town. Speaking of tiny...that home where John Wayne would have lived for a time is REALLY tiny! Will check out your hub. Thanks for your comment.
Hi Don,
Glad that I could tell you a bit about John Wayne that you did not know. My husband, like you, was also born in Des Moines. Small world! Thanks for your comment and votes.
Hi Gail,
Thanks for commenting on this John Wayne hub. Many people loved him. It was fun to see where he lived as a child in Winterset, Iowa.
A friend and I came upon Winterset almost by accident. Since the neighbor watching my kids for the weekend was a HUGE JW fan, we pretty much had no choice but to go into it after seeing the huge sign "Home of John Wayne" out on the highway! If memory serves, the Morrison home was closed by the time we got there that day, so I could only snap a few pix to take back to the neighbor. But we loved Winterset so much that we went back several times, once ONLY for the Saturday night Steak Special at the Northside Cafe on the town square! If memory serves, it was before filming started on "Bridges of Madison County" and the cafe hadn't yet been "cleaned up" for the shots you see in the movie. There are pix of the Northside and the town square in my Wild Weekend in Iowa hub at http://jamagenee.hubpages.com/hub/Through-The-Look
That time or another we did tour the Morrison home, and it IS tiny! Hardly big enough for one person let alone a growing family!
Is Winterset worth a visit? Oh my, yes! But keep in mind that ATM (After The Movie), it lost a lot of its small town America charm and many of the really neat stores around the square became mainly souvenir shops. We were lucky enough to see it before the transformatoon took place. ;D
I don't think I knew he came from Iowa.Since I was born in Des Moines I have that much in common.That house is interestingly unusual.voted up,interesting and beautiful.
Great hub about a great American actor. I always loved John Wayne. The second tribute video was awesome and reminded me all over again why I loved him so much.
Voted up across the board except for funny.
Hello David Schaffner,
One of my brothers was also a HUGE John Wayne fan. He had everything available on film and had pictures of the Duke on his walls. Were he still alive, he would have loved seeing what you have collected and the two of you could probably have conversed for days on end. Winterset is a charming little town. Nice that you got to meet his son Ethan. Thanks for your comment!
Been a fan of the duke for about thirty years and like to correspond with other duke fans.I also collect autographs and started collecting autographs of the charactor actors who worked alongside him in his countless endeavors.I have so many that I have compiled about three binders and also have a room dedicated to his great memory.I also enjoy film festivals and getting autographs.Was at winterset in 2007 for his birthday celebration.His son Ethan signed a still for me and said that he wished his Dad was there to sign it too.
Hello loveroflife,
Many of us have small town origins like John Wayne did in Iowa. For certain, I did, although it was in Wisconsin instead of Iowa. Good profession...that of being a pharmacist. Thanks, as always, for your comment.
The pictures of Winterset, Iowa remind me of my early years living in similar towns. And, like John Wayne, my parents were also pharmcists.
I nicomp,
Happy to have shown you the birthplace of John Wayne so that you can add Winterset, Iowa to your vacation next year. It is a tiny house but all of the photos and other things inside will interest you since you are a fan of The Duke.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Love The Duke. Will add this museum to next year's vacation. Thanks!
Hi prasetio30, Glad you liked it. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Thanks for share. Great picture. I like it
Hi James,
John Wayne had such a distinctive look, walk and speech. Having a grandfather that looked and acted like him must have been fun for you. John Wayne is a part of American history and has left behind quite a legacy including a postage stamp in his honor; the Congressional medal; his book that he authored as well as many others written about him and his long list of films. Nice to know that you enjoyed this hub and also the photos of Winterset. Thanks for commenting.
I loved John Wayne. My Paternal Grandfather looked like him and acted like him! He was a patriot—apparently some have lost sight of what the word means. It means he loved his country. Anybody who doesn't love America has no concept of history, or of the true nature of humankind. Thanks for a joyous journey. Loved the pics of Winterset, too.
Hi Ethel, He certainly gave people a number of films in which to choose a favorite! Once Stagecoach came along, his career soared. I honestly haven't seen a John Wayne movie in so long a time, it would be hard for me to choose a favorite. Would have to refresh my memory. What is seared into my memory bank from childhood is the Alamo. Just the story and brave stand of the few men at the end... Thanks for your comment.
Hi Kiran,
My memories of him and his movies are mostly from my childhood. I never collected movies nor idolized him (like my one brother did). Since his birthplace was not far off the road from where we were traveling, we decided to stop and see it...mostly so my brother could see the photos. Decided to share this with fellow hubbers as a point of interest. Thanks for commenting as you always do.
Hubby is still a huge fan of Wayne. He was not really my sort of actor but I loved True Grit and The Quiet Man
Great hub, but honestly I did like John Wayne's movies, probably because there were many great actors during his time, who overshadowed him...
Hi Pete,
You are absolutely correct in pointing out these things about John Wayne. There is some speculation that he became such an outspoken "lover" of America because of some guilt over NOT having entered the war along with many of his other actor companions. And he DID play an active role during the McCarthy era with the House Unamerican Activities Committee and got some actors blacklisted. I believe many people lived to regret those days and their part in that...but hindsight is always the great teacher.
This hub was merely showing his birthplace and some history of what he had achieved during his lifetime. He has this lingering persona as being a great American patriot and because of his book and many war movies, this will be the impression that most people will always have of him.
The information you imparted is included in some of the links I attached to this hub. Whatever people thought of his personal life, he certainly was a part of some great and lasting movies that will live on through time.
Thanks for your informed comment. I'd be proud to do a hub about Jimmy Stewart's birthplace...but I have not been there. LOL
I'm afraid I can't agree that John Wayne was anymore a patriot that anyone else. He managed to stay out of war, unlike Jimmy Stewart. He did like to play the war hero. His attitude toward protesters was more facist than American. His role as an investigator for the House Unamerican Activities Committee suit him well. He was a McCarthy type. One to lock up anyone that didn't agree with the government.
Hello Enelle, Very happy to have shared these photos with you and other John Wayne lovers out there. Thanks for leaving a comment.
Great hub! Loved The Duke, I think I saw every movie he ever made...at least twice LOL...Great pictures - thanks for sharing them with us...almost as good as being there.
Hi Rochelle, That he certainly was...a film icon of monumental proportions. Your grandmother must have traveled to Winterset many years ago if she had that souvenir. Perhaps they still sell similar items there? My photos are always my best souvenirs. Thanks for reading and commenting.
He was ceratinly an American film icon. I saw many of his movies. Winterset-- and the family home certainly represent a nostalgic vision of earlier times. I used to have a little heart shaped dish that said "Souvenir of Winterset, Iowa". I think it was sold in a garage sale.It may have belonged to my grandmother. I wish I had kept it.
Hi TamCor, Glad I could fill in a few details for you. Winterset is a beautiful little town.......and the covered bridges in that county are worth a look also. Thanks for your comment.
What a neat hub--I learned a lot that I didn't know before about John Wayne-thanks so much for writing this!
I've always been a fan of his, so it's wonderful to read a bio on him and his birthplace--looks like a great place to visit!
Hi Candie, I had a brother just like you...also had all of his films and was a huge fan. I think most people thought that he was a great man. In fact, one of the statistics I read about him is that he is one of the three most loved actors of all time (even now that he is deceased he keeps that ranking.) Thought perhaps people might like to see his birthplace. Thanks for your quick comment.
I loved John Wayne!! Winterset sounds like the name of a lovely place to live. My brother-in-law has all of his films..a huge fan! He was a rare one, larger than life. Great hub Peggy!
Peggy W Hub Author 4 months ago
Hi JamaGenee,
Hooray! Now your Clark Tower hub will be linked to this John Wayne birthplace hub...both of which are set in Winterset, Iowa. Thanks!