Quality Row
During the 1920's this block of East Leigh Street was known as Quality Row. Upper middle class African-American families lived in these homes. Their neighborhood, Jackson Ward, became the most enterprising African-American business district in the nation and its leaders flourished in these surroundings.
Reverend J. Andrew Bowler lived here at 112 E. Leigh Street with his family from 1915 until his death in 1935. Reverend Bowler founded nearby Mount Olivet Baptist Church. He also organized and taught at the first African-American school located in Richmond's Church Hill Neighborhood.
Mrs. Lillian H. Payne lived at 114 E. Leigh Street for more than 20 years. A very close friend and business colleague of Maggie L. Walker, Mrs. Payne managed the office of the Order of St. Luke. The order was the largest of its kind in the country. She supervised nearly fifty employees at the St. Luke building, 900 St. James Street.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Churches & Religion • Education • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1915.
Location. 37° 32.86′ N, 77° 26.257′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Jackson
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Legacy on Leigh Street (a few steps from this marker); Maggie Lena Walker (within shouting distance of this marker); Alfred D. "A.D." Price (ca. 1860-1921) (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller’s and Eggleston Hotels (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Ward (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Third Street Bethel A.M.E. Church (about 500 feet away); Giles Beecher Jackson (about 500 feet away); Saint Joseph Catholic Church (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
More about this marker. On the left is a photo of Rev. Bowler and on the right a photo of Mrs. Payne.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 31, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,241 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 31, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 4. submitted on September 4, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
