By Elizabeth Murphy
We have all probably heard of Grailville, and many of us
have been to events or retreats there, but did you know that Grailville is
celebrating it’s 65th Anniversary?
Sixty-five years ago a group of women, members of an
organization called The Grail, came to Cincinnati after several years of
searching for a place to settle in the United States. “Our requirements were absolutely daunting,” says Janet
Kalven who came from Chicago, it’s wartime, a real farm, with city water, with
enough buildings to put up 50 people right away, within walking distance of a
railroad station.” The young
women were resourceful, determined and had the help of Archbishop McNicholas of
the Cincinnati Archdiocese. He
lent them his real estate agent, (providing good advice and encouragementas well). One day while driving out through the Loveland area they saw a beautiful
Victorian house and surrounding buildings – it was perfect but it was not for
sale. It was vacant however and
where there is a will there is a way – the women of the Grail were able to
purchase this estate from the Stearns family and began to move in. Eventually they also purchased additional adjoining farmland and today there are approximately 300 acres in what we know as Grailville.
The Grail at Grailville has mostly been a quiet neighbor,
but their good works in the community both in the Cincinnati region and beyond
are many. Today Grailville offers
a number of programs related to personal development, spiritual search,
ecological sustainability and social justice. They also provide a place, an oasis if you will, for other
groups and individuals to come and stay and use the beautiful peaceful spaces
for their own meetings, retreats or seminars.
This September 20th Grailville is hosting a
special event. “Shake the Hand that Feeds You” – 
this is an opportunity for all
of us who care for Grailville to support it, while enjoying an afternoon and
evening of mini-programs, entertainment, wine tasting and a fine dinner. Tickets are $65 each ($40
tax deductible). Reservations are required. Call 513-683-2340. Or go to www.Grailville.org. If you cannot
attend but wish to support Grailville ask about opportunities to be a sponsor.
If you would like to learn more about the fascinating early
years of the Grail women at Grailville be sure to come to Grailville’s 65th
birthday party and see the premier of a documentary by Elizabeth Murphy and
Elizabeth Robinson, “The Grail at Grailville - The Early Years”.
