Tao House Courtyard: Cultural Landscape Report, Eugene O'Neill Historical Site, National Park Service

Gilbert, Cathy; Stevens, Rebecca

Several studies have been conducted that document the historic character, archeological resources, landscape features, and historic structures at the Tao House. Easily distinguished, the Tao House itself is the site’s primary resource. Several other structures and features remain intact from the O’Neill period, are relatively stable, and contribute to the historic scene. To date, however, key landscape areas and gardens that are integral to the historic context and potentially contribute to the historic scene remain undefined and unarticulated. The purpose of this report is to consolidate and summarize available data regarding the courtyard garden and greater landscape contexts at the Tao House between 1938 and 1944. The primary focus of the report is on the courtyard garden as it was designed and developed by the O’Neills. The intent and goal of the project is to restore the courtyard garden to the O’Neill period, 1938-1944. This project is organized in two phases: documentation and design development. Phase one, the written report, is comprised of a historic overview (based on Carlotta O’Neill’s diaries from 1938-1944 and photographic documentation), an analysis and evaluation of the courtyard garden according to National Register criteria, a historic base map delineating key historic patterns and features, and a current conditions map. The recommendations and design proposal for reestablishment of the historic garden is also part of phase one. Based on this collective information, phase two of the project includes the related construction drawings for implementation of the proposal. It should be noted that while this report focuses on design of the courtyard garden, some consideration will be given to the greater landscape systems that together compromise the Tao House site. As a whole, the site has several landscape areas (including the courtyard) that possess a distinct and significant relationship to the primary residence (and to each other). Understanding these relationships is essential for ascertaining the relative significance of any single or isolated feature. Finally, this report does not reflect new research. Rather, it is the consolidation of existing material on file in the National Park Service’s, Western Regional Office, and at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site. In this context, this report is intended as part of a design package, rather than as a comprehensive history.

Tao House Courtyard: Cultural Landscape Report, Eugene O'Neill Historical Site, National Park Service

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