On May 15, 1899, Paul Laurence Dunbar was scheduled to recite his works in Minnesota. His planned appearance was enthusiastically previewed in Twin Cities newspapers.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, accredited to be the leading Afro-American poet of the world, has been secured at great expense to read from his own works at People's Church, on May 15th. It is due to him, to the cause for which he comes, and to yourselves, to make the occasion a notable one. Everybody should feel that it is his or her duty to see that this affair is a brilliant success. To do this the first thing necessary is to sell the tickets. A commission of ten cents on the dollar will be paid for the tickets sold; and, as a further incentive, to the one selling the largest number of tickets will be presented a complete set of Dunbar's works.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar's Coming." The Appeal (St. Paul, Minnesota). May 6, 1899. Page 3.
The most notable Afro-American, the one whose name and fame will go down to posterity in a way which will prevent being forgotten, is Paul Laurence Dunbar. Arrangements have been made for Mr. Dunbar to appear in St. Paul Monday evening, May 15, at People's Church, and read from his own works. The occasion will be made the more auspicious because of the fact that Senator C. K. Davis has kindly consented to introduce Mr. Dunbar to the audience.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Black Poet of America to Visit St. Paul." The St. Paul Globe (St. Paul, Minnesota). May 7, 1899. Page 3.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, who is known as the world's greatest negro poet, author and reader, will appear for the first time in Minneapolis, Wednesday evening, May 17, at the Lyceum Theatre. He will present a selection of readings from his own works. He has been called the James Whitcomb Riley of the negro race for his gift of dialect poetry.
"Entertainments." The Minneapolis Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota). May 7, 1899. Page 4.
However, Paul became critically ill with pneumonia at the end of April while in New York City. He was unable to travel for weeks, so the events in Minnesota were cancelled.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, the Afro-American poet, who was announced to give a program of readings in Minneapolis next week, is seriously ill with pneumonia in New York. He was taken ill a week ago having gone to New York to fulfill engagements. Mrs. Dunbar was sent for, and is attending him at his bedside. It was announced in New York that he had been compelled to cancel all engagements, and that although his physician did not despair of his recovery, the best of care would have to be taken of him to ensure his return to health.
"Entertainments." The Minneapolis Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota). May 9, 1899. Page 6.
The reading of Paul Laurence Dunbar at the People's Church next Monday evening has been indefinitely postponed. The poet is seriously ill of pneumonia in New York.
"City News." The St. Paul Globe (St. Paul, Minnesota). May 10, 1899. Page 2.
On last Tuesday a telegram was received from Mrs. Paul Laurence Dunbar stating that her husband was seriously ill in New York with pneumonia and that all engagements were canceled by order of his physician. This was quite a disappointment, for he was to appear in the Twin Cities and read from his own works. A large amount had been spent in advertising him and the outlook for a large crowd was very favorable. However it is hoped the poet will soon recover and be able to make a date for his appearance here. The illness of Paul Laurence Dunbar has caused much sorrow and disappointment among the people who were so anxious to see and hear him.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar Ill." The Appeal (St. Paul, Minnesota). May 13, 1899. Page 3.