In 1973, the Valley Guild was formed by eight enthusiastic women who shared a common interest in gourmet cooking and a desire to showcase the produce of the Salinas Valley. Through the hard work and dedication of these women, the historic Steinbeck House, built in 1898 and childhood home of John Steinbeck, was purchased, renovated, and opened in 1974 as a non-profit restaurant and house, and in 1975 as a gift shop. Since 1974, Valley Guild has owned, operated, and maintained John Steinbeck’s birthplace, which is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Steinbeck House is run by 146 volunteers and five paid employees who strived to keep the spirit of John Steinbeck alive.