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 Treble Clef and Book Lovers' Club  Description Formed in 1908 in Richmond VA, Treble Clef and Book Lover's Club is the oldest African-American book club in the U.S. The organization is an association for women who possess an affinity for literature and music.

Mission To foster and financial support scholastic achievement. Encourage and support writers and musicians.

Background Treble Clef and Book Lover's Club was established in 1908 by Mrs. Mary Simpson in Richmond, Virginia. Formed in the same year as the first African American sorority,(Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc.), the club pre-dates nearly all of the cultural organizations in the country and is the oldest for African American women in Virginia. It is also the oldest book club of African-American women in the United States.

Founder Mrs. Simpson was the wife of Dr. Joshua B. Simpson, a Latin Professor at Virginia Union University (VUU). A native of New England, Mrs. Simpson lived in Washington, DC where she enjoyed an enriched cultural and social life. She was a member of the Treble Clef Book and Music Lovers' Club in DC. When she moved to Richmond, she wanted to replicate her cultural experience in DC and formed a similar club. Initially, the members were married ladies whose husbands were the faculty of VUU. Today, the Treble Clef and Book Lovers’ Club is comprised mostly of women who hold careers in education, business and health.

Past Presidents

Mrs. Mary Simpson: 1908 – 1943

Mrs. Bernice Nelson Sampson: 1946 – 1971

Mrs. Georgia Sampson Williams: 1971 – 1991

Mrs. Grace Charity: 1991 – 1993

Mrs. Irma Browne: 1993 – 2004

Mrs. Thelma Pettis: 2004 - present

Accomplishments 1908 - 1943 Fund-Raising for Hartshorn Memorial College Conducted receptions for Artists and Lecturers Helped Established Richmond's First Kindergarten for Colored Children

1946-1971 USO Involvement Supported Janie Porter Barrett Learning Center (formerly Virginia Industrial School for Colored Girls) Promoted Community Interest in Virginia Union University (VUU) Established a Library in a local YMCA branch

1971-1991 Supported the Fine Arts and Festivals at VUU Supported Shakespeare Fine Arts Festival at VUU

1991-present Supports Community Learning Week Annual Scholarship Program for a Fine Arts college student from VUU

More information can be found by reading: Treble Clef and Book Lovers' Club: A Pictorial History, 1904-2004: The History of a Woman's Club. By Dorothy N. Cowling.