Marble Quarry Colored

Marble Quarry Colored School, Mercer District

Re-edited 8/15/2023

Mattie Berryman (bottom right, undated) See Instructors.

Additional Photographs:

Undated Marble Quarry.  Found in archives of Virginia State University.

Undated Marble Quarry.  Probably 1940.

Photo  By Thos E. Sims, Jr.  Source:  EWP 11. Yr. 1940 Insurance Photos.   Insurance Analysis and Permanent Record – Property of Loudoun County School Board: Garrett Insurance Company (Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company), Leesburg, Virginia.  October, 1940. 

Opening and Closing

  • Construction was in 1874 as a one room frame building for $350.  Source: Report of Survey Committee on Long Range Planning for Loudoun County, Jan, 1940.  Location: LCPS: Archives folder 2.2 County School Board, 1918-1952.
  • In 1973, the congregation of Mount Zion Baptist Church of Marble Quarry purchased the former school building and converted it into their church. Source: History Matters Staff. (2004). Loudoun County African-American Historical Architectural Resources Survey. Leesburg: Balch Library and Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, page 38.

Physical and Map Location

22282 Sam Fred Rd, Middleburg, VA 20117

Petitions

Transportation

History

Students 3x5 cards in EWP 6.6 Marble Quarry indicate the school was closed in Academic years 1920/21 and 1921/23, though the reason is not clear.

Grade were 1-7.

In 1938/39, the number designation for Marble Quarry was #46. Source 1.7 1939 Socio Econ Study

A sharp decline in the student body took place in academic year 1946/47, leading the school being closed in 1947/48.

Instructors

  • 1917/18:  Albert Valentine of Lincoln.  1 year experience.
  • 1924/25 – 1935/36: Mrs. Gertrude Stewart. Sources: Term Reports, EWP Archives. Also Loudoun Times Mirror Staff. (1930, June 12). School Board Holds Its Regular Session. Loudoun Times Mirror, p. 1.
  • 1936/37 – 1937/38: Charles H. Willis, Source: Term Reports, EWP Archives.
  • 1938/39 – 1942/43: Hazel Brown (Madden by 1942). Source: Term Reports, EWP Archives. Loudoun Times Mirror, Times Staff, School Board (from page 1), pg 2 showed colored teachers. April 16, 1942.

  • 1943/44: Mrs. Mattie (McQuay) Berryman. Born Sept 7, 1895, died May, 1976 and buried at Solon Cemetery in Loudoun. Her home was in Middleburg. Educated at Hampton Institute; but did not acquire a degree. Prior to working at Marble Quarry, Mrs. Berryman instructed at Lincoln. She resigned from the system during the 1943/44 academic year. Sources: Term reports and Teacher Reports, EWP Archives.

  • 1944/45 – 1945/46: Hazel Madden
  • 1945/46 – 1946-47: Charles Willis

Insurance and Physical Description

1874:  Constructed as 1 room frame school for $350.

1923/26  Insured by LCPS system for 1923/26 as a “Colored” school in Mercer District. Source:  LCPS Staff. (1924-1936). Insurance Record. Purcellville: LCPS. (Found in EWP Archives.  Black Book with Red Spine and Corners)   Page 24/25.

One room school house with bell on top.

Prev Next