Danville, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Frederick Delius

(1862–1934)

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 8, 2017

1. Frederick Delius Marker

Inscription. One block west on Church Street is the site of the Henry P. Richardson house where Frederick Delius lived while teaching music at Roanoke Female College, now Averett. An unsuccessful orange grower in Florida, the Britisher Delius worked in Danville in 1885–1886 to earn return passage to Europe where he pursued a musical careeer, becoming an internationally acclaimed composer.

Erected 1985 by Virginia Landmarks Commission. (Marker Number Q-5g.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Education. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1885.

Location. 36° 35.722′ N, 79° 23.128′ W. Marker is in Danville, Virginia. It is at the intersection of North Main Street (Virginia Route 293) and Keen Street, on the left when traveling north on North Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 626 N Main St, Danville VA 24540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southside Virginia

and specifically in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Neapolis (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named North Danville (within shouting distance of this marker); The World's Largest Magic Wand (within shouting

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distance of this marker); 714 North Main Street (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Riverside Cotton Mills (approx. 0.3 miles away); Mills Along The Dan (approx. 0.4 miles away); Moffett Memorial Baptist Church (approx. 0.4 miles away); a different marker also named Riverside Cotton Mills (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Danville.

Other markers no longer nearby. North Danville (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Calvary United Methodist Church (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been permanently removed); The Lady Astor Rose (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia Entry for Frederick Delius. “While in Florida, Delius had his first composition published, a polka for piano called Zum Carnival. In late 1885 he left a caretaker in charge of Solano Grove and moved to Danville, Virginia. Thereafter he pursued a wholly musical career. An advertisement in the local paper announced, ‘Fritz Delius will begin at once giving

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 8, 2017

2. Frederick Delius Marker

instruction in Piano, Violin, Theory and Composition. He will give lessons at the residences of his pupils. Terms reasonable.’ Delius also offered lessons in French and German. Danville had a thriving musical life, and early works of his were publicly performed there.” (Submitted on June 17, 2017.)

2. Frederick Delius: Florida Suite (1888) - Welsh Opera Orchestra conducted by Sir Charles Groves(1963).
Audio begins with nine seconds of silence.
“Frederick Delius wrote his Florida Suite in 1888 and it was largely forgotten until the 1960's when Sir Thomas Beecham, friend of the composer, made a reedition. Here, Delius showcases his musical memories and inspirations from his two years in the United States of America.” (Submitted on June 18, 2017.)

Photographed by J. J. Prats, June 8, 2017

3. Frederick Delius Marker

“Fritz” Delius image. Click for full size.

Unknown photographer via Wikipedia Commons

4. “Fritz” Delius

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, November 5, 2024

5. Frederick Delius Marker

With the beginning of Church Street in the background

Henry P. Richardson House along Church Street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 24, 2024

6. Henry P. Richardson House along Church Street

Deed records show that this bungalow house on Church Street is the only City property ever owned by Henry P. Richardson.

Henry P. Richardson House image. Click for full size.

Photographed by C. Ryan Dodson, December 24, 2024

7. Henry P. Richardson House

Frederick Delius lived in this house during his time in Danville.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 17, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 899 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 17, 2017, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6, 7. submitted on December 24, 2024, by C. Ryan Dodson of Danville, Virginia.