American folk musician Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Guthrie (1912-1967) moved to Pampa from his native Oklahoma at age 17. In Pampa he learned to play the guitar, joined other musicians in performing for area events, briefly attended Pampa High School, and from 1930 until 1935 worked as a soda jerk at the former Harris Drug Store site. He also spent much time reading in the Pampa City Library, which prepared 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, went to New York City in 1940, was recognized there for his writings and performances, and died there in 1967.