On March 11, 1896, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a reading of his works in Indianapolis, where he was serving as temporary editor for an African American newspaper called The Indianapolis World. Paul was 23 years old and had gained notoriety in the Midwest, but was not yet nationally known.
Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Ohio poet, gave a recital from his writings in Indianapolis this week.
The Leavenworth Herald (Leavenworth, Kansas). March 14, 1896. Page 2.
Paul Dunbar gave one of his choice concerts at Allen Chapel on last Wednesday evening.
"City Happenings - Personal." The Freeman (Indianapolis, Indiana). March 14, 1896. Page 8.
Paul was busy with public speaking and social engagements in Indianapolis, as he described in letters to his future wife Alice Ruth Moore in New Orleans.
There was a meeting of the Booker T. Washington Society last evening. Rev. Joseph A. Milburn made an address. He gave a characteristic talk, dwelling in particular on the question of solving the race problem in America. Mr. Milburn paid a glowing tribute to Paul Dunbar, the young author and reader, whom he characterized as a genius, and he told the people that they ought to give him every support and encouragement possible in his work, for they might expect great things of him. Mr. Dunbar then read a number of selections from his own writings.
"Mr. Milburn on Race Problem." The Indianapolis Journal (Indianapolis, Indiana). March 7, 1896. Page 8.
For two weeks now I have been back at my desk in the "World" office, but only temporarily. Talking about your rounds of gaiety -- just ask me if I am not in one now, one in which the Lenten season cuts no depressing figure. Indianapolis is a sort of home to me, and the people are very kind to me -- in a way (they magnify my faults as well as my virtues). The climax was reached Monday night when two opposing cliques gave me, one a reception, the other a theatre party and late supper. The next night a supper at the club and so on night after night until I am broken down. I am now looking forward to a reading tonight after which the club! a quiet dinner tomorrow night (?) and -- I know you will be shocked -- a stag dinner on Sunday.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, March 6, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Didn't I tell you what I did the night of the opposing entertainments? You are a social diplomat. What would you have done? I simply explained to one party that I should have to miss the theatre with them, but would join them later; went to the reception, stayed until 11:30 and then joined my other friends in time for the late supper, not too late for the sherry and in plenty of time for the champagne. Neither party kicked, and at the latter place I remained till 3 p.m. the next day. I enjoyed myself.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, March 23, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).