Pampa in Gray County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Woody Guthrie
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, May 2, 2012
1. Woody Guthrie Marker
Inscription.
Woody Guthrie. . American folk musician Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie (1912-1967) moved to Pampa from his native Oklahoma at age 17. Here he learned to play the guitar and joined with other musicians to perform for area events. Guthrie briefly attended Pampa High School and, from 1930 until 1935, worked as a soda jerk at this site, home of the former Harris Drug Store. He also spent much time reading books in the Pampa City Library, preparing him for his most productive years as a poet-lyricist and folk balladeer during the 1940s and early 1950s. He left Pampa for California in 1937 and in 1940 went to New York City, where he was recognized for his writings and performances. He died there in 1967.
American folk musician Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie (1912-1967) moved to Pampa from his native Oklahoma at age 17. Here he learned to play the guitar and joined with other musicians to perform for area events. Guthrie briefly attended Pampa High School and, from 1930 until 1935, worked as a soda jerk at this site, home of the former Harris Drug Store. He also spent much time reading books in the Pampa City Library, preparing him for his most productive years as a poet-lyricist and folk balladeer during the 1940s and early 1950s. He left Pampa for California in 1937 and in 1940 went to New York City, where he was recognized for his writings and performances. He died there in 1967.
Erected 2002 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 12619.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 35° 32.002′ N, 100° 57.598′ W. Marker is in Pampa, Texas, in Gray County. Marker is on South Cuyler Street south of West Tyng Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 320 South Cuyler Street, Pampa TX 79065, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Quanah Parker Trail (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct
Image part of the New York World-Telegram and the Sun Newspaper Photograph Collection, Library of Congress.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 877 times since then and 34 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week February 22, 2015. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 5. submitted on May 31, 2012. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
