The Legacy
The Sparrow House is inspired by Anna J. Smith, who resided in the house since the age of two with her mother, Evelyn Sparrow. She was a proud and well-respected woman born and raised in the California Neighborhood. Anna was known by many as "The Avon Lady". More than 30 years ago, Ms. Smith and a close friend founded the popular California Day event; a family-oriented celebration that became a community institution. Each August, she kept the tradition going by providing food, music, and life-long memories to those that shared her love for the California neighborhood.
Anna J. Smith also co-founded the California Neighborhood Coalition, Inc. with Dr. Michael Brooks in 2006. She served as Vice President of the CNC for 3 years, before being promoted to President in 2009. In 2010, she received an award from Louisville Metro Councilman George Unseld for Outstanding Community Leadership and Service to the California Community. Additionally, Ms. Smith served on the Louisville Neighborhoods Roundtable at the Community Foundation of Louisville and New Directions Inc. This roundtable was instrumental in setting Neighborhood Policies for Neighborhoods throughout the city of Louisville from 2010-2012.
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Anna remained the President of the California Coalition up until her death, November 25, 2019. On November 30th of 2019, Anna was recognized for her outstanding community work and presented a Proclamation, by Louisville Metro Councilman, David James before being laid to rest.
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Upon inheriting the home, Smith's granddaughter, Mar'Kesha began building the vision for a place that would allow the California Community to grow and be empowered; a rethinking of the traditional community center...and from this seed, The Sparrow House was born.
Ms. Anna J. Smith
Young Evelyn Sparrow with her mother, Jessie Hurt
