On April 18, 1899, Paul Laurence Dunbar was in Lexington, Kentucky, to participate in a literary and musical recital. Paul was 26 years old and trying to earn a living by writing and reciting, having resigned his job at the Library of Congress the previous year.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, the negro poet who will read from his works at the theatre this evening, arrived in the city Monday from Washington and is the guest of Dr. P. D. Robinson. He was present at the rehearsal of the chorus of the Chandler Normal School during the afternoon and complimented the children on their excellent singing.
"Dunbar Arrives." The Morning Herald (Lexington, Kentucky). April 18, 1899. Page 5.
Tuesday Evening, April 18th, 1899, at Eight O'Clock,
Paul Laurence Dunbar Will Read Selections from His Works.
The Poet and His Song.
Angelina.
The Cornstalk Fiddle.
A Coquette Conquered.
Trial Sermons on Bull-Skin.
When Malindy Sings.
Returned.
The Warrior's Prayer.
The Party.Recital program, April 18, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 4).
Dr. and Mrs. P. D. Robinson performed on the musical portion of the program, and the Robinsons were Paul's hosts during his stay in Lexington. While he was in the city, Dr. Robinson helped Paul seek out some relatives of his mother Matilda, who was a native of Kentucky.
A pleasing incident is told of Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar during his visit to Lexington. He was met at the train by Dr. P. D. Robinson, whose guest he was. After exchanging greetings, Mr. Dunbar at once asked Dr. Robinson if he had known Alexander Burton, who was a shoemaker, but had died several years since. Dr. Robinson replied in the affirmative, and then Mr. Dunbar asked the Doctor if he knew Ann Scott, who lived on Corral street. Dr. Robinson did know her, and also was aware of the fact that she was far from rich, making her livelihood by washing. Mr. Dunbar then told him that Burton and Ann Scott were his uncle and aunt on his mother's side and that he wished to see her at once. Dr. Robinson drove Mr. Dunbar to the humble home on Corral and the latter found his aunt busy with her washing, he greeting her with perfectly simple affection, and the following day dined with her. The honors that have been heaped on Mr. Dunbar have evidently not loosened the bonds of natural affection.
"A Pleasing Incident." The Daily Leader (Lexington, Kentucky). April 20, 1899. Page 3.
Paul described his Lexington experiences in a letter to his wife Alice in Washington, D. C., and he asked her to tell Matilda he was able to find their relatives.
I arrived all safe and sound in Lexington after a very pleasant trip, and found the genial Dr. Robinson awaiting me at the train. The opera house is sold almost solid for tomorrow night's entertainment and it looks like a great financial success. I am stopping with the doctor and have a charming place.
Tell ma that I found the folks. Aunt Ann hasn't been well since Christmas. I also ran up on a half-brother of Uncle Alec's, a John F. Burton, a tailor and a fine fellow.
I tell you the trip was a beautiful one. And I have never seen anything like the scenery through the Blue Ridge, the golden brown of the sunlit hills and the deep blue of those in the shadows. It was wonderful. There seemed a hundred contrasting colors all running down at last into the deep green of the Shenandoah Valley. How I wish you might have been with me.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, April 17, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).