On January 23, 1903, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a recitation in Baldwin, Kansas. The next day, he visited nearby Lawrence as part of a lengthy western tour.
On Friday night, January 23rd, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a reading from his own works at Centenary hall. Fully 500 people heard the poet-genius and accomplished reader. Mr. Dunbar was the master of his audience from the utterance of his first syllable. He passed with consummate skill from the most laughable to the most sublime and pathetic. As a man he is interesting and instructive; modest in bearing, pleasing in manner, and versatile in conversation. Those who have not done so will be benefitted to hear his peculiarly magnetic voice, either in his readings or conversation.
"Baldwin, Kan." Topeka Plaindealer (Topeka, Kansas). January 30, 1903. Page 4.
Paul Laurence Dunbar spent the day here as the guest of McWilliams and Clark. At 3:30 this afternoon the colored people tendered him a dinner.
Lawrence Daily World (Lawrence, Kansas). January 24, 1903. Page 2.
Lawrence, Kansas, had a large and vibrant African American community with its own churches, businesses and social organizations. Two Black lawyers, Robert McWilliams and John Clark, hosted Paul while he was in Lawrence. Paul used stationery from "McWilliams & Clark, Attorneys at Law" when he wrote to his mother Matilda, who was living with relatives in Chicago.
I have had a good reading and have had a pleasant time in Lawrence, Kansas. Met a great many acquaintances here. My reception at Baldwin was great and I shall possibly read here.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, January 24, 1903. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
According to newspaper reports, Paul next went to Topeka, and then Kansas City and Sedalia, Missouri.
Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar spent several hours in the city Saturday, January 24. While in the city he was the guest of the Business Men's Club. Mr. Dunbar is to appear in the University chapel under the auspices of the Palacean League of the University of Kansas. He departed at 5:12 p.m. for Kansas City.
The Topeka Plaindealer (Topeka, Kansas). January 30, 1903. Page 4.
Paul Laurence Dunbar has been giving a series of readings for the past week or ten days under the management of the amiable Dr. Dibble.
"Locals." The Rising Son (Kansas City, Missouri). February 6, 1903. Page 5.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Famous Negro Poet, at George R. Smith College. Friday Evening February 13. Admission 25 Cents, Reserved Seats 35 Cents. At McClellan's Book Store.
Advertisement. Sedalia Democrat (Sedalia, Missouri). February 13, 1903. Page 8.
Paul was 30 years old and his health was declining due to tuberculosis. He and his wife Alice had separated permanently about a year earlier. Paul lingered in the West for weeks and jokingly told his mother that he was going to stay in Kansas City to raise hogs.
I am dropping you a line just to keep you informed of my whereabouts. I am still in Kansas City, and with the exception of a possible trip over the state of Kansas, I shall remain here until March. I am in first rate health, and am having a good time. I am going into business here, into the work of hog farming.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, February 9, 1903. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
I am not doing nearly so much reading but I am loafing and having a good quiet time. It is very snowy here today but the weather has been delightful. I go out driving every day and am feeling pretty good for an invalid.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, February 16, 1903. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
A front-page display ad in a Kansas City newspaper said that the "last opportunity" to hear Paul recite was on February 27, and the event was reportedly well attended. Paul became so popular in the region that a Kansas City tobacco company named a cigar after him.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Famous Poet, will be at Allen Chapel, Friday evening, February 27. He will render an interesting program, consisting of his own writings. This will be your last opportunity to hear him. Admission -- Adults, 25 cents; children, 15 cents.
Advertisement. The Rising Son (Kansas City, Missouri). February 20, 1903. Page 1.
Paul Laurence Dunbar seems to have forsaken the East. He is winning new laurels out West. An immense throng gathered to hear him in Kansas City, Mo., on the 27th.
"Race Gleanings." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). March 7, 1903. Page 11.
Smoke a Paul Laurence Dunbar Cigar.
Price 5 Cents.
A better cigar cannot be bought, even at a cost of twenty-five cents each.
Colored-American Cigar Co., Kansas City, Mo.
Advertisement. The Rising Son (Kansas City, Missouri). March 20, 1903. Page 5.