On May 16, 1902, Paul Laurence Dunbar made a public appearance at the Appomattox Club in Chicago. He was scheduled to recite some of his poetry, but a handwritten verse on the back of the program implies that he took the stage only long enough to apologize to the audience.
You scarce expect me with this voice
To make an audience rejoice
I've been in bed for near a week
And now am still too hoarse to speak
I only come to show you that
I'm not entirely a flat
Now having done what's best to do
I make my humble bow to you.
Program for Appomattox Club recital, May 16, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
The Appomattox Club was a prestigious social organization for African Americans in Chicago. Many prominent visitors to the city made appearances there, such as Booker T. Washington and Robert Todd Lincoln (the son of Abraham Lincoln).
After separating permanently from his wife Alice in January 1902, Paul spent the winter in New York City and moved to Chicago in early April. Paul's two half-brothers lived there, as well as his mother Matilda. Letters and newspaper reports from the spring and summer of 1902 indicate that Paul was in poor health.
A letter from New York states that Paul Laurence Dunbar is convalescent, and expects to leave shortly on a visit to his brother in Chicago.
"City Paragraphs." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). March 15, 1902. Page 15.
I am sorry to hear that you are so broken down but I am sure the rest and treatment is what you need. I hope you will come out stronger physically, and every other way, than you have been for a good while past. Physical laws must be obeyed and when we violate them long enough we have to pay the penalty. Let your moral resolve grow with your physical improvement, and come away strong and determined.
Henry A. Tobey to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 30, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Paul Laurence Dunbar continues ill in Chicago.
"Washington under the Calcium." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). July 5, 1902. Page 10.
Paul Laurence Dunbar is himself again after a serious illness of several months' duration. He gave a recital of his work in Chicago, August 26th, and received an ovation upon his appearance for the initial number.
"City Paragraphs." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). September 6, 1902. Page 16.