By Kylie Towers Smith, Kappa Kappa Gamma’s Archivist/Museum Curator
“We should live together when we’re old!” My sister and I said that when we were little. My school friends and I talked about it while we were growing up. And my college friends and I STILL talk about how great it would be to live together in our twilight years. The most recognizable attribute of the women’s Fraternity system is shared living in large and gracious homes, despite the fact that less than half of our undergraduate chapters actually have chapter houses. As the Archivist/Curator for Kappa Kappa Gamma, I frequently hear a rallying cry to bring back a novel idea that was tried in the 1930s – a retirement home for Kappas.
In 1936, a committee was formed to create a clubhouse for alumnae “who sought congenial companions, security, and pleasant surroundings.” Property was purchased in Winter Park, Fla., in 1937, and in 1938 was dedicated as the Boyd Hearthstone – in honor of Kappa Kappa Gamma Founder, Louise Bennett Boyd. The venture met with such enthusiasm that Kappa’s second Grand President, Charlotte Barrell Ware, announced at the dedication that she would deed *Warelands (her husband’s ancestral 17th century farm in Norfolk, Mass.) for a second Hearthstone.
At one point the base rate to stay at the Boyd Hearthstone was $42.50/week, including meals; a figure that went down if one took advantage of the six-month special. The home could accommodate ten guests and a hostess manager. It was intended for year-round use, but seasonal demand complicated planning and operation. Sadly the house was never fully utilized and as a result was financially unsound. In 1960 the Fraternity voted to end the project and the Boyd Hearthstone was sold in 1962. The timing was somewhat fortuitous and in 1965 it was voted to use the proceeds toward the restoration of Fraternity Headquarters, which had been severely damaged by fire.
The initial dream and later demise of the Boyd Hearthstone sounds a bit familiar to anyone who has read about Panhellenic House in New York City. I’ve heard it said that no one lives longer than an educated woman, so it seems likely that one day we’ll figure out a way to spend our golden years together, in fraternal (dare I say panhellenic?) harmony!
* Warelands proved to be a tremendous tax burden and the property was sold before a second Hearthstone could be planned.
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