Eugene O'Neill, America's first Nobel prize winner, chose to live on the height of his writing career in Danville, California. O'Neill composed his last, most unforgettable plays inside the walls of his home: The Iceman Cometh, Long Day's Day's Into Night and A Moon for the Misbegotten. The Tao House and its environs were established as the National historical site of Eugene O'Neill, run by the United States. Interior Ministry, Division of the National Park.
In 1936 Eugene O'Neill received the Literature Nobel Prize and used the prize money to build the Tao House that he built above Danville. Between 1937 to 1944, O'Neill and his wife lived at home. By the time he moved here, O'Neill was staying in 35 places already, but this secluded house was dubbed his "last home and harbor." O'Neill wrote his last plays: The Iceman Cometh, Into Night Long Day Journey, Hughie & A Moon to the Misbegotten in this house. He could not complete another play after 1943 due to a degenerative disease in his hand.
In the early 1970s, the house was saved from demolition. A number of women, including President Darlene Blair and President-in-Office Lois Sizoo, founded the Eugene O'Neill Foundation to raise money to buy Tao House that in 1971 was declared a National Landmark. The Foundation maintained an archive of Eugene O'Neill's content (including photos, playbills, handbooks, posters, and the initial version of the O'Neill phonograph record) at Tao House and organized events, such as O'Neill's plays, which took place in the next barn.
ACCESS TO THE NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
A private, maintained road owned by a group of the local residents will access the Eugene O' Neill National Historic Site. Only national park service shuttles, including self-guided Saturdays is open to Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site. The site is not permitted to be driven by tourists to their individual / private vehicles.
This adorable spot is conveniently located near some of Danville’s other places of interest. Make sure to check them out on your next visit:
-
Blackhawk Museum
-
Museum of the San Ramon Valley
-
Glass House
-
The Discovery Center
-
Lindsay Wildlife Experience
-
Shadelands Ranch Museum
After visiting these lovely spots make sure to stop by and say “Hello” to us at our downtown Danville location, DPG Pavers Danville Location on 4115 Blackhawk Plaza Circle!
