On April 8, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar read some of his poems during a musical and literary recital in Jacksonville, Florida. Also on the program was the African American violinist Rosamond Johnson. Paul was on an extended visit to Jacksonville and was staying with Rosamond and his brother, the poet James Weldon Johnson.
Paul Laurence Dunbar will give a public reading from his own works tonight at Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church, corner of Beaver and Newnan Streets. An excellent musical program has been prepared for the occasion.
"Dunbar's Recital." The Florida Times-Union and Citizen (Jacksonville, Florida). April 8, 1901.
Dunbar at Mount Zion A. M. E. Church
April 8, 1901
Creole Love Song - Mr. Johnson
Temptation, Signs of the Times, When Malindy Sings - Mr. Dunbar
As the Dawn - Mr. Johnson
A Coquette Conquered, Returned, The Party - Mr. DunbarRecital program, April 8, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
The audience that came out to Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church to hear Paul Laurence Dunbar last night nearly filled the large auditorium. Mr. Dunbar was in excellent voice. Mr. Dunbar was laden down with gifts of flowers by the ladies of the church, which expression of appreciation he most gracefully acknowledged.
"The Dunbar Recital. Poet and Author Last Night in Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church." Unidentified newspaper clipping [Jacksonville, Florida, April 9, 1901]. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Despite his many admiring fans in Jacksonville, Paul did not earn much from the reading. He wrote to his wife Alice in Washington, D. C., and asked her to send him some money.
Well, the reading last night was a great artistic success, but there were not more than three hundred people in the house. Talk about flowers -- my. I was covered with them. I came home in a carriage after the reading looking like a funeral procession: one big wreath, one basket and four bouquets. Send me forty dollars instead of 20 when you get this.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, April 9, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul went to Jacksonville hoping that warm, sunny weather in Florida would bring some relief from tuberculosis, but it was cold and rainy while he was there.
Florida seems to be doing nothing for me and both throat and lungs are very sore and painful. My cough is bad and altogether I am very depressed and discouraged. I have been feeling that I am on the skids.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, March 29, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
It is a bright cold morning here and my regular walk was taken in my heavy overcoat. It is the coldest April here for years, which is quite natural since I came here for warmth. I have had a severe coughing spree this morning and nothing seems to do me any good. How I do want your arms around me and your lips to comfort me.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, April 4, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Alice wrote to Paul from Washington and enclosed some heroin tablets that a doctor had left for him.
By this time you are doubtless in Jacksonville and happy, I hope, and feeling good. I do hope you will be in good condition for your reading, and will have another big success. Dr. Francis was in and left the heroin tablets for you, which I enclose, also a prescription for the cough medicine should you have any trouble.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, March 21, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
It is raining here and the sand is drinking in the water. I am feeling tip-top despite my nasty cough. I got your letter this morning and thank you for the medicine enclosed. My only regret down here is that you can't be along, darling. Be a good girl and write me often.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, March 24, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
According to medical textbooks of the period, doctors commonly prescribed heroin to patients with respiratory illness.
Heroin is somewhat superior to morphine in cough; the more so since it is less apt to create a habit; and also because the therapeutic dose and the toxic dose lie far apart. The predilection of heroin is so pronounced, that this action can be obtained by appropriate doses, without producing any other nervous effects. The bulk of the evidence is certainly in favor of heroin.
A Textbook of Pharmacology and Some Allied Sciences, by Torald Sollmann, M.D. W. B. Saunders Company (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). 1906. Pages 185 - 186.
Heroin -- It is a white crystalline powder, of faintly bitter taste, but practically insoluble in water, but rendered soluble with dilute acids. It is useful as a substitute for morphine as an antispasmodic in cough, and is particularly valuable in respiratory difficulties. It is less of a cerebral depressant. Its use can bring about a habit.
A Textbook of Materia Medica: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, by George F. Butler, A.M., Ph. G., M.D. W. B. Saunders Company (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). 1908. Page 191.