Iowans are good at honoring their famous sons and daughters. Donna Reed, Andy Williams, Meredith Willson, Glenn Miller and John Wayne will be joined by a birthplace site in Corning for Johnny Carson.

"This is a significant part of pop culture history and people want to be a part of that," said Kathy Bowermaster of the Iowa Tourism office.

That's what many Winterset residents say. No matter how significant John Wayne's ties to the town, why not have his museum in Winterset?

Why not have a big celebration? Visitors from 36 states and three foreign countries are already committed to come.