Piano concert at Jack London on Aug. 19

It all began with a piano, but not just any piano, this one happened to be a 1901 Steinway bought in 1910 by Jack London himself for his wife Charmian, who was an accomplished pianist. The sounds of Charmian’s playing graced the “House of Happy Walls,” which was built by Charmian and Eliza Shepard, Jack London’s stepsister, after London’s death in 1916. Designed to be a museum as well as Charmian’s home, Charmian lived in the house from 1934 until her death in 1955 and today the House of Happy Walls includes, along with Charmian’s piano, displays in many rooms, with a complete set of first-edition books penned by Jack London, in addition to many unique crafts and mementos Jack and Charmian collected in their travels around the world.

But the Happy Walls fell silent to the sounds of the piano up until 1988, when then park rangers Greg Hayes and Matt Atkinson decided it should be played again. Park volunteer Leslie Goodrich suggested her husband, Jud, start a piano club to play the historic instrument and the Jack London Piano Club was born.

Starting with a core group of five pianists, the club has blossomed over the years to now have 25 different pianists who regularly provide musical entertainment for visitors.

The group has presented piano concerts over the years and since 2011 and has raised more than $15,000 to benefit operations at the park.

Goodrich will be playing his final concert on Saturday, Aug. 19, at 2 p.m. and all that have enjoyed his performances over the last 26 years are invited to come and sing-along with him one last time. The event is free but there is a parking fee at the park. For more information, point your browser to jacklondonpark.com/retirement-concert.html or call 938-5216 for tickets, as limited seating is available.

The venue is accessible by stairway only. For information about special access, call 938-5216.