On May 14, 1900, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a recitation of his works in Toledo, Ohio. He was already a popular figure there, having given his first recital in Toledo in 1893. Paul and his wife Alice were returning to their home in Washington, D. C., after having spent the winter in Colorado.
At the Collingwood last night Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a most entertaining recital. Despite the uncomfortably warm weather the hall contained a large audience. The proceeds went to the benefit of the new Collingwood Avenue Presbyterian Church. The pleasant-voiced poet entertained his hearers for an hour. Some of his recitals were received with enthusiastic applause, indicating that the colored author is a prime favorite in this city.
"Paul Dunbar at the Collingwood." The Toledo Bee (Toledo, Ohio). May 15, 1900.
Paul Laurence Dunbar was an attraction at The Collingwood last night which quite completely filled that popular place of amusement, in spite of the intense heat, and numerous counter entertainments. Probably no reader who has ever appeared in Toledo has attracted the popularity which is now Mr. Dunbar's, and it is certain that none received a more enthusiastic reception than that given last night. Mr. Dunbar has not been well for more than a year and said last night that, although he was much better than he had been in some time, the evening's work had told upon him and he felt that it would have been impossible for him to do more than he had done and expressed a sincere regret that he was unable to give the several little poems which he had been requested to give. He did, however, give "The Party" which is a favorite with Toledoans. The verses were heartily applauded and certainly must have relieved the reader himself of all doubt as to his standing with Toledoans. After some of his numbers he was given a perfect ovation.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar. Negro Poet and Author Delighted a Collingwood Audience." The Toledo Times (Toledo, Ohio). May 15, 1900.
Mr. Dunbar is popular with Toledoans -- but perhaps not more so than with all who know him. His auditors insisted on an encore after Mr. Dunbar had recited and read a number of his poems and sketches. "The Party," a story in rhyme and dialect of a plantation social gathering, satisfied the audience. During his stay in the city, Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar, for he is accompanied by his wife, have been given many social attentions.
"Paul Dunbar Entertained. Popular Author and Reader at the Collingwood Last Night." Toledo Blade (Toledo, Ohio). May 15, 1900.
Paul wrote to his mother Matilda about his visit, and he mentioned Dr. Henry A. Tobey, who was superintendent of the Toledo State Hospital and one of Paul's earliest supporters.
The reading in Toledo was a wonderful success, in fact an ovation and at the close the people refused to leave their seats and applauded until I responded to another encore and I spoke altogether about one hour and a quarter and was very tired, but Dr. Tobey took good care of me. He inquired particularly about you and regretted that you could not be with us.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, May 18, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).