Mary Europe facts for kids

Mary Loraine Europe was an American pianist, organist, and music teacher. She became well-known in the early 1900s. Mary performed with the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society. She was an African-American musician. Her older brother was James Reese Europe, a famous ragtime composer and bandleader during World War I.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Mary Loraine Europe was born in Mobile, Alabama, in October 1885. Her parents were Henry J. Europe and Loraine (Saxon) Europe. Her father was from Alabama and was a strong member of the Baptist Church. Her mother was a talented musician. She taught all her children to love music.

In the late 1880s, Mary lived in Mobile with her parents and siblings. These included Ida S., Minnie, John Newton, and James Reese Europe.

Before 1890, her family moved from Mobile to Washington, D.C.. Their first home was near the U.S. Post Office. Her father worked there as a clerk. By 1891, he was a supervisor. He also studied law at Howard University School of Law.

Mary and her siblings continued their studies. They took piano lessons from their mother. They also attended public schools in the city. Her older brothers, John and James, went to Washington’s Preparatory High School. This school was later called “M Street High.” James also learned to play the violin. His teacher was Joseph Douglass, who was the grandson of Frederick Douglass.

In 1894, her father left his postal job. He started a new career as a realtor. Mary and her family moved to a new home in Washington, D.C. Her older siblings, Ida and John, still lived at home. Ida was a secretary for the U.S. Government Printing Office. John was a music teacher. James was still a student at M Street High School. The family attended the Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church.

During this time, Mary reportedly took music theory lessons. Her teacher was Hans Hanke, who trained at the Leipzig Conservatory. In July 1894, she performed a duet with her brother, Jim. This was at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church. Later that year, she won first prize in a community music competition. She even beat her brother!

Sadly, her father passed away on June 21, 1899. This was a difficult time for the family. His death caused financial problems. But her older siblings found better-paying jobs. As the new century began, many of the Europe siblings became famous for their musical talents.

A writer named Reid Badger wrote about James Europe. He said that John, James, and Mary Europe all worked in music. John and Mary became well-known pianists. John performed and taught ragtime in New York. Mary taught and played religious and concert music in Washington. James became the most famous of the three.

A Career in Music: Performing and Teaching

By the spring of 1900, Mary Europe was finishing her studies. She was attending M Street High School. Records show she lived with her mother in Washington, D.C.

After graduating from the Minor Normal School in 1902, she became an assistant pianist. She worked at the Park Temple Congregational Church. By 1901, she was the main pianist and organist for the church choir. Her brother’s mentor, Joseph Douglass, hired her. She played for his performances. She also played for other famous musicians like Harry T. Burleigh and Clarence C. White.

From 1903 to 1944, Mary Europe worked at Dunbar High School. This school was also known as “M Street High.” She started as an accompanist for the school’s music groups. Ten years later, she became a music teacher. Dunbar High was a very important school. It was known as the best public high school for African-Americans in the U.S. Many of its students went on to college.

Mary’s performing career grew even more. In 1904, she joined the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society. She played for their performances of Coleridge-Taylor's work, Hiawatha. Newspaper critics often praised her performances. Walter B. Hayson called her “a young musician, but of decided genius.” He said she played Hiawatha with great skill.

In 1906, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor asked her to play with his group again. This was for a music festival in Washington. By 1907, a newspaper called the Freeman listed Mary Europe. They said she was one of the top African-American instrumentalists.

Mary remained close to her family. From 1913 to 1919, she lived with her mother and siblings James, John, and Ida. But 1919 brought more sadness. On May 9, her brother, James Reese Europe, was tragically killed. This happened in Boston, Massachusetts. He was buried with military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Soon after, Mary learned that her sister, Ida S. Europe, had also passed away. Ida died in New York City. Her body was brought back to Washington, D.C., for burial.

By 1920, Mary Europe was the only sibling still living with her mother. Her 8-year-old nephew, George Mayfield, also lived with them. He was the son of her older sister, Minnie.

Continuing Education and Legacy

Mary Europe never stopped trying to get a higher education degree. She used her summers to study at Columbia University’s Teachers College. In 1922, she earned her A.B. degree from Howard University.

Mary Europe became a beloved teacher. She started a group called the Cantoren. This group was made up of Dunbar graduates. They performed regularly in the Washington area. They even appeared on a radio show called Major Bowes.

During World War II, she trained students for concerts and radio shows. Some of her students became very famous. These included Lawrence Whisonant (Larry Winters), a well-known singer, and Frank Wess, a great jazz musician. Her students said Mary Europe had perfect pitch. She could also read and play difficult music very accurately.

By 1930, Mary still lived at the family home with her mother Loraine and brother John. Her nephew, George Mayfield, also lived there. John was an orchestra musician. Mary was listed as a public school teacher.

Later Years and Death

Mary Lorraine Europe passed away in 1947. She lived a life dedicated to music and teaching.

External resources

• Davis, Ralph and Dr. Beverly Gordon. The M Street School, 1896-1916. 2010.
• “James Reese Europe,” in Encyclopedia of Alabama. Birmingham, Alabama: Alabama Humanities Foundation, retrieved online June 11, 2018.