woody guthrie boyhood home

Previously located at this now vacant lot was the boyhood home of Woody Guthrie. Named the London House for the previous builder/owner, the home was built in the early 1800's.

It was purchased in 1962 by local booster Earl Walker who hoped to restore it to honor Guthrie. However, due to Guthrie's political views, Walker had difficulty in securing funding for the project. The city council also forced Walker to tear down the house in the late 70's due to people using it as a drinking haunt.

Walker kept the original boards that constructed the house, and an ongoing plan is in the works to recreate the Guthrie house in Okemah from the salvaged material.

Just down the street, on the Woody Guthrie family lot, is a tall cedar tree that has been carved into a Guthrie memorial.

On the east side, the carving reads W.G. and Okemah, and the other side says "This Land is Your Land." There is a path and a handrail up to the carving.

The carving was done by the neighbor across the street who has other carvings in his yard.