Virginia Union in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Treble Clef and Book Lovers' Club
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 6, 2026
1. Treble Clef and Book Lovers' Club Marker
Mary Simpson, the wife of a Virginia Union University professor, founded the Trebel Clef and Book Lovers' Club in 1908 to foster appreciation of music and literature. Black women's clubs were popular outlets for leadership and civic engagement during this era. The club sponsored arts events, supported public education, and awarded scholarships. Members included Dorothy N. Cowling, the first female acting president of Virginia Union University, and Undine Smith Moore, who taught for 45 years at what is now Virginia State University and gained national recognition as the "Dean of Black Women Composers." This is among the oldest operating African American women's book clubs in the U.S.
Erected 2025 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number SA-140.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Education • Women. In addition, it is included in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1908.
Location. 37° 33.84′ N, 77° 27.068′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in 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: White Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); First Southern African American Girl Scouts (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Henderson Center (about 600 feet away); President's House (about 700 feet away); Huntley Hall (about 800 feet away); Virginia Union University 150th Anniversary Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Virginia Union University
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), September 6, 2026
2. Treble Clef and Book Lovers' Club Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
