The Hopscotch House, Louisville, KY. Photo: Kentucky Foundation for Women.
I bought Hopscotch House thirty years ago and gave it to KFW to be used for feminist artists in Kentucky who come for a weekend or weeks of creative work and restoration. Ten years ago, a not-for-profit board dedicated the Acequia Madre House to be used as a retreat for international women scholars. I was the founding donor for Hopscotch House and, with other women, a major contributor to The Acequia Madre House since its goals were in line with my values.
Hopscotch House has been closed and empty for more than a year, its future to be debated at a fall board meeting of the Kentucky Foundation For Women. Since it is across the road from a vast housing development called Norton Commons, it is in danger of falling into the hands of that developer.
Although the Acequia Madre House is not threatened by development, its transformation into a museum would have many negative consequences. The contents, as left by its original owners, are delicate and irreplaceable: paintings from the early twentieth-century artists who came here from the East, furniture carved by Hispanic craftsmen, rugs, china, silver and furniture that recreate the hospitable and artistic atmosphere of an earlier time. The enormous archive of the three women’s personal papers has never been organized or opened to the perusal of a possible biographer. And the narrow tree-lined street in front is already overburdened with tourist traffic.
At the time of my donation to the Acequia Madre House, I was told that the contents were too fragile to allow for foot traffic, and on inspection this seemed to be the case; this concern has evaporated as the board attempts to turn it into yet another museum in this small town that already hosts seven museums. Even more alarming, the original mission for which I and many other women gave money seems to have been abandoned.
Hopscotch House is home to a collection of paintings by the feminist artists practicing in Kentucky in the 1980’s which I bought and donated, as well as a library of hundreds of books written by largely forgotten Kentucky women. The fate of these collections is now in limbo.
As we as a society slide backwards, the concerns of women obliterated by warmongering and consumerism, the fate of these two houses stands as a cruel symbol of what we are losing.
Acequia Madre House, Santa Fe New Mexico. Photo by John Phelan (Wikipedia).
[If you are interested in the proposed use of The Acequia Madre House, the Board of Adjustment hearing originally scheduled for July 11 has been postponed until August 1st, but in the meantime you may submit public comments or contact the case manager for more information at this link.]
Sally, would you consider donating the books @ Hopscotch House to the University of Kentucky or Duke University? Also, please keep me updated about the Acequia Madre House. I am very aware of that property & would like to know about any major decisions concerning its future. Clarice Coffey, 505-690-8741.
Sally, this makes me sad. I enjoyed a few creative retreats with my RG tribe at HH. Especially marveled at the art & library. Enjoyed cooking in the kitchen, making art, walking the grounds and a peaceful sleep. 🥰
So glad you were there
Hopscotch House holds such special memories as I benefitted from several retreats there. Thank you, again, for all you have done and do for women in so many ways. You have made a difference.
Thank you for all your good feminist work. I’m sorry I can’t help but wish you well as you stand up for our values….
I share an equal dilemma inheriting the Alma Wallace Lesch 1917-1999 studio home in a rapidly changing landscape of Shepherdsville. Art HERstory and historic preservation are absent in this cultural black hole. Bullitt County’s third attempt at 501c-3 Arts Council crashed and burned after 20 years with no brick and mortar.
Dennis Shaffner
Dennis, you have and continue to honor her memory. To those of us who owe her so much, thank you.
I am heartsick with the loss of the safe and creative space offered by Hopscotch House. For those of us who remember the fight for hard won rights that are now being disassembled it is a painful time. Thank you Sallie for all of your efforts on behalf of women.
Kay Grubola
I have fond memories of Kentucky, and of Hopscotch House, where I spent a delightful few days with my women’s group. Thanks for all your stories, and for the emails I receive from you. I enjoy reading all of them. My son is getting ready to retire from the Courier-Journal after 40 years, and he has many good memories of your family’s time in the newspaper business. Definitely a different paper now! Keep writing!
This is sad but not surprising. If this is progress, I am not sure I understand the definition.
What does Hopscotch House need? Could opening it go Air BnB traffic a few nights a month help it to pay the bills?
Sallie, you and I have spoken often about this very thing and it hurts me to the bone to hear of this loss to feminists. My stays there were the most productive ever. There is so little peace in our lives and the gift of quiet is invaluable. How could the KFW leave the house empty for so long? Very sad.
Sarah
So serendipitous, I posted a story on my blog yesterday about the Hopscotch House that came out of a provocative question from a writer friend. May I share here?
http://jacquelynmarkham.com/2023/07/22/musings-from-poet-voice/
It is entitled “How a Spiral Garden Changed My Life” and now I see that even that space is threatened by development and greed.
I allude to the wonderful library in this piece.
Is the decision to sell an irreversible one at this late date? I am saddened beyond words to think of Hopscotch House not being available and used for its intended purpose. If an individual or group of individuals formed a non-profit with the same intention as yours could possibly buy it, if a person of integrity would agree to oversee needed renovations and donate his or her services, if a manager agreed to operate it, is there a chance of its use for women artists being extended?
The house is now the subject of my lawsuit and can’t be sold now fortunately. Your suggestion is very interesting and may offer a solution. Thank you!
Sallie- Please keep us posted.
I too was able to spend time at your beautiful gift, the Hopscotch House. I coordinated with KFW several retreats to the house on Wolf Pen Branch.
Many years ago when I was on my own, trying to make it through college, I had your name and phone number written down and saved in a book. (prior to cell phones) My plan was if I could no longer pay for my tuition I was going to drive from Richmond to Louisville and knock on your door. I planned to ask to borrow enough money to finish my degree and then repay you.
I started off as an art and nursing major and eventually graduated as an Occupational Therapist.