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Kentucky, renowned in song and story, and immortalized in the pioneer history of America, is the home of Beta Chi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Right in the heart of the bluegrass country lies the city of Lexington, which houses the University of Kentucky and Beta Chi Chapter. On February 12, 1910, eight members of Chi Epsilon Chi, a local sorority of long and strong standing, became charter members of Beta Chi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Kappa was the second national women’s fraternity on the Kentucky campus, with Alpha Gamma Delta having preceded it by a few months. The installation took place at the Chapter house located on Limestone Street, just opposite Patterson Hall. Edith Stoner, the Grand President, was the installing officer. She was assisted by members of Delta Chapter, Indiana University.
In the May 1913 issue of ''The Key'' Magazine, Carolyn Barker, a Beta Chi member, wrote that the University of Kentucky opened a new department called "Household Arts." She explained in the article that the first year was entirely devoted to sewing, both hand and machine work, and to drafting patterns and fittings. The second and third years broadened out into all the other household arts. Barker noted that this new department was interesting to many women at the university during this time. Also in 1913, a Kappa tea was held at the Chapter house as a social event. The invitations were sent to the whole student body. The house was decorated with pink tulips, ferns, and was lighted with pink shaded candles.
Records show that the first few years of Beta Chi’s history were filled with problems such as housing, frequent initiations, and campus activities. The question of whether the Chapter could or could not keep the house was an ever-present and much discussed matter. The rent in 1910 was an extravagant one--$15 a month! On account of the financial difficulty, faculty pressure, or possibly a little of both, the house was relinquished the following year, and the Chapter was removed to Patterson Hall to hold meetings in a room reserved for that purpose. At this time, the Kappas moved almost annually. The trouble was neither bill collectors nor landladies, but a general feeling of dissatisfaction with the surroundings. The Chapter really preferred Limestone to any other place of residence.
