IN JANUARY 1973, THE HOME IN WHICH JOHN STEINBECK WAS BORN, STOOD IN DANGER OF BEING TORN DOWN. THE VALLEY GUILD, A VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION, BANDED TOGETHER AND PURCHASED THE HOME. NOW CELEBRATING ITS FORTIETH ANNIVERSARY, THE GUILD OPERATES THE 15-ROOM STEINBECK HOUSE AS A GIFT SHOP AND LUNCH RESTAURANT, WHICH RECEIVES VISITORS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WANTING TO HONOR THE RENOWNED NOVELIST BORN IN SALINAS IN 1902.