Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site facts for kids
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Tao House
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Tao House in summer
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 Location in San Francisco Bay Area
Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Location | Kuss Road, Danville, California |
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| Area | 158.6 acres (64.2 ha) |
| Built | 1937 |
| Architect | Frederick Confer |
| Architectural style | Monterey Colonial |
| Visitation | 3,652 (2005) |
| Website | Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000137 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 6, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | July 17, 1971 |
| Designated NHS | October 12, 1976 |
The Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site in Danville, California, protects Tao House. This beautiful home was where Eugene O'Neill, a famous American writer, lived. He was the only American playwright to win the Nobel Prize! Tao House is built in a special style called Monterey Colonial.
Contents
The Story of Tao House
Eugene O'Neill won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1936. He used his prize money to build Tao House. It was a quiet home high up in the hills above Danville. O'Neill and his wife lived there from 1937 to 1944.
Even though he had lived in many places, O'Neill called Tao House his "final home and harbor." It was here that he wrote some of his most famous plays. These include The Iceman Cometh and Long Day's Journey Into Night. Sadly, he could not write any more plays after 1943 because of a problem with his hand.
O'Neill and his wife, Carlotta Monterey, loved Asian art and ideas. They designed the two-story house themselves. The ceilings were painted dark blue like the sky. The dark wood floors looked like the earth. Inside, you can see Noh masks and Chinese guardian statues. There are also Chinese lacquerware furniture pieces.
Outside, Carlotta created a special garden. It had a zigzag path, which in Chinese tradition, was thought to keep away bad spirits. They also planted many trees, like pine and redwood. After World War II, the O'Neills moved away from Tao House.
Saving Tao House
In the early 1970s, Tao House was almost torn down. But a group of women formed the Eugene O’Neill Foundation. They worked hard to raise money to buy the house. They even held special performances of O'Neill's play Hughie to help.
Because of their efforts, Tao House became a National Historic Landmark in 1971. Then, in 1976, it became a National Historic Site. In 1980, the National Park Service took over its care. The Foundation still hosts an annual festival of O'Neill's plays at the site.
Why Tao House is Important
Tao House is important for two main reasons. First, it helps us remember Eugene O’Neill. He was one of America's greatest writers. He wrote his best plays while living in Tao House. Preserving the house lets people learn about his life and amazing works.
Second, the site helps teach people about the performing arts. The National Park Service believes in offering cultural experiences to everyone. Tao House provides a place for learning and enjoying theater.
What's Happening Now
The Eugene O'Neill Foundation continues to support Tao House. They keep an archive of things related to Eugene O'Neill. This includes old photos, playbills, and even his record collection. They also put on O'Neill's plays in the barn next to the house.
Visiting Tao House
The National Park Service keeps the exact address of Tao House private. This is to protect the quiet nature of the site. You need to make a reservation to visit. Private cars are not allowed to drive directly to the house.
A free shuttle bus takes visitors to the site. It leaves from Danville on Wednesdays to Sundays at 10 AM and noon. On Saturdays, there's an extra shuttle at 2 PM. Saturdays also offer self-guided tours.
You can also reach the site by trails from Las Trampas Regional Wilderness. If you plan to arrive on horseback or on foot, it's still a good idea to make a reservation for a tour.
See also
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Contra Costa County, California
- List of residences of American writers
