Founders & History
Founders
Hannah Jeannette Boyd, Mary Louise Bennett, Martha Louisa Stevenson, Mary Moore Stewart, Susan Burley Walker and Anna Elizabeth Willits were the six young founders of Kappa Kappa Gamma. They were among the first women to avail themselves of the privilege of Greek-Letter societies.
These women were indeed pioneers when they dared to march into the most public part of the Monmouth College campus, its chapel, on October 13, 1870. They wore golden keys, bearing the Greek letters of KKG in their hair, the symbol of the fraternity.
This historic event is remembered every year on Founder's Day, October 13, a day the founders are honored. Founder's Day also is a time for Kappa members of all generations to come together in sisterhood and friendship.
History of Beta Phi
On Febuary 24, 1905, six girls met and organized the first local sorority in Missoula. The Beta Phi chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma was nationally adopted on March 20, 1909. The Kappa Kappa Gamma House at 1005 Gerald Ave was built in 1902. John Toole, the original owner, was a Montana industrialist and Legislator. Two Toole daughters, grand daughters, great-grand daughters and a daughter-in-law have all been members of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
Our Home - 1005 Gerald Ave.
Kappa House Today
The Kappa Kappa Gamma House, at 1005 Gerald Avenue, was built during 1902 and 1903. Its original owner, John R. Toole, was a Montana industrialist and legislator.
The six Toole children and several of their children have lived in this gracious home. Two Toole daughters, a daughter-in-law, granddaughters and great granddaughters have been members of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
In 1931, Anna Hardenbrook Toole, widow of John R., sold the family home to the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association. She, a daughter, and son-in-law continued to live in the Barn in 
the back of the house, which had been remodeled into a home when horses were no longer needed for transportation in the city of Missoula. The Barn is still an intact, attractive home, but is no longer part of Kappa property.
Five years after the purchase of the Toole home by Kappa Kappa Gamma, the class of 1936 made it a significant gift - a unique, centuries old four by ten foot mirror. The mirror, originally from the Lord Baltimore estate, was made in France and the frame in Italy. Italian marble covers the bench beneath the mirror.
The house from which the mirror was obtained was built in 1642. It burned and was rebuilt several times, but each time the mirror was saved. In 1898, Lord Baltimore's heirs sold the mirror and it eventually arrived in Washington, D.C. Mrs. Frank Keith, the revered housemother at Beta Phi, heard about it from her sister, Mrs. Sara Sumner, of Washington D.C. Mrs. Keith told the Kappas about her find, and it was purchased for the house. According to Mrs. John H. Toole, wife of the grandson of the original owner, a 
member of the Kappa graduating class of 1936, who remembered its deliver to the house, the mirror cost $50.00, which was considerably less than the cost of shipping it by train all the way to Missoula from Washington, D.C. By now, hundreds of young women from different continents and centuries have seen themselves reflected in the Kappa mirror.
In 1969, a major addition was completed, enlarging the south portion of the main floor, replacing a garden area and creating new dining room. Other renovations occurred in 1950 and 1984. An active House Board and Alumnae Association continue maintenance and beautification.
In 1983, the John R. Toole/Kappa Kappa Gamma house was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.