Eugene O'Neill: O'Neill in Danville

Eugene O'Neill: O'Neill in Danville. . , We really have an ideal home with one of the most beautiful views I have ever seen - pure country with no taint of suburbia. , Eugene O'Neill, to a friend, 1937, With the reception of the Nobel Prize in 1936, Eugene O'Neill was at the peak of his career. Longing for solitude, he and his wife Carlotta built a home in Las Trampas hills west of Danville. They named it Tao House, using the word which means "the right way of life” in Chinese. He called it his final harbor., The O'Neills lived for six years at Tao House. The playwright worked by day, isolated in his study, evenings, the taking time out in the afternoons for gardening and swimming in the pool. In the O'Neills were entertained by his vast record collection and a player piano nicknamed "Rosie,” which was given its own room., With America's involvement in World War II, it became increasingly difficult for the couple to maintain their large home and property. Their driver, bodyguard, and man of all work, Herbert Freeman, joined the Marines. Servants were scarce. Both of the O'Neills were in poor health and access to medical attention was problematic due to gas rationing. They left their beloved Tao House early in 1944, never to return.