Jack London State Park, unscathed by fires, will be free for the rest of the year

A couple walks up to the House of Happy Walls Museum at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen, Calif., on Friday, July 13th, 2012. The park, which was unharmed by October's deadly wildfires, will reopen Nov. 1 and be free to all through the rest of the year. less A couple walks up to the House of Happy Walls Museum at Jack London State Park in Glen Ellen, Calif., on Friday, July 13th, 2012. The park, which was unharmed by October's deadly wildfires, will reopen Nov. 1 ... more Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle Photo: John Storey, Special To The Chronicle Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Jack London State Park, unscathed by fires, will be free for the rest of the year 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

Starting Nov. 1, Jack London State Historic Park in Sonoma County will reopen after narrowly escaping devastation earlier during the Nuns Fire this month. The scenic grounds will be free to the public through the end of the year to give the community a safe place to reflect and recover.

The park's staff thanked the public for the support they'd gotten throughout the wildfire disaster, which obliterated many of its neighbors beginning October 9th. The historical landmark survived unharmed. The flames destroyed several homes on London Ranch Rd., the pathway to the 1,400-acre site. The park is home to the graves of Jack London and his family as well as a museum dedicated to his life and work.

"It's a miracle," Susan St. Marie, director of program and volunteer management at the park, said. "We just feel very fortunate and happy to be able to open up and provide a place of solace and healing to our community."

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In a public post, the park announced that it will serve as a "community resource where you can rejuvenate the soul and spirit." Glowing comments of appreciation and relief followed.

"Great news about the park being in good care," Traci Verardo-Torres wrote on Facebook. "What a wonderful reflection of how parks are places of civic connectedness and community."

St. Marie said the state rangers did a "gargantuan job" removing almost all of the park's original artifacts once news of the fire spread. First edition copies of London's books and his wife Charmain's saddle and riding boots were among the artifacts they worked quickly to save.

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However, those relics are still in the process of returning. St. Marie said while the museum will be open, very few artifacts will be available for viewing. The cottage's opening day is still to be determined.

The 2,000-year-old redwood tree and sprawling miles of sylvan trails are among the offerings housed in the historic site that users are free to enjoy.

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"Everything outside is ready to rock 'n' roll," she said.

The park earned its landmark title in 1963 and sees about 90,000 visitors every year.