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 • Education • Industry & Commerce • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers •
this page online
Location. 37° 32.86′ N, 77° 26.257′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in the Jackson Ward. It is at the intersection of East Leigh Street and North 2nd Street, on the right when traveling west on East Leigh Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23219, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is 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: 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); Millers and Eggleston Hotels
Another marker is no longer nearby. Alfred D. A.D. Price (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
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 1,651 times since then and 35 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.
