The Steinbeck House was the family home from 1900. It is located at 132 Central Ave. Salinas, California. John was born in the front bedroom, now the parlor (shown below), in 1902. At the age of 10 John moved into an upstairs bedroom overlooking Central Avenue. There he worked on "The Red Pony" and "Tortilla Flat." This house was so much a part of his life that he made refrences to it in "The East of Eden" and "Travels With Charlie." While living in Salinas he attended local schools and graduated from Salinas High School in 1918. He was president of his senior class and participated in basketball and track. Salinas High School is still in use and is currently being renovated.
Steinbeck's bed, now on display in basement gift shop.
Room of Steinbeck's birth, later parlor, now office and waiting room.
The Steinbeck House was later sold and converted into a restaurant and gift shop which occupies the first floor and basement. It is owned and operated by a non-profit volunteer group called the Valley Guild. For more information visit the Steinbeck House website.
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