LeDroit Park in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Willis Richardson Residence
512 U Street, NW
— African American Heritage Trail, Washington DC —
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 8, 2015
1. Willis Richardson Residence Marker
Willis Richardson (1889-l977) Was a prolific and acclaimed playwright known for realistic portrayals of ordinary African Americans. Family circumstances forced the promising writer to choose work over college, and Richardson spent his career at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, writing on the side. His The Chip Woman's Fortune was the first drama by an African American produced on Broadway (1923), and his Mortgaged was the first black-authored play produced by the Howard Players (1924). He won awards for The Broken Banjo and other plays. Richardson also compiled anthologies of plays for Carter G. Woodson's Association for the Study of Negro Life and History.
Richardson and his wife lived here a newlyweds.
Erected by Cultural Tourism DC.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the African American Heritage Trail series list.
Location. 38° 54.99′ N, 77° 1.155′ W. Marker is in Northwest Washington in Washington, District of Columbia. It is in LeDroit Park. Marker is on U Street Northwest west of 5th Street Northwest, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The University Next Door (within shouting distance of this marker); The Flower Garden of Washington (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); T Street Elites (about 400 feet away); The Doctor Is In (about 400 feet away); Alice Moore Dunbar [Nelson] and Paul Laurence Dunbar Residence (about 500 feet away); Edward Kennedy “Duke” Ellington (about 500 feet away); Best in the Country (about 500 feet away); Cecilia Penny Scott (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Northwest Washington.
Also see . . .
1. Willis Richardson. (November 5, 1889 – November 7, 1977), The Black Renaissance in Washington. (Submitted on August 9, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.)
2. Willis Richardson Residence, African American Heritage Trail. (Submitted on November 23, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.)
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 8, 2015
2. Willis Richardson Residence Marker
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 8, 2015
3. Willis Richardson
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 8, 2015
4. 512 U Street
Willis Richardson Residence
Willis Richardson Residence
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 9, 2015, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5. submitted on November 23, 2017, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
