On May 17, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar read from his works at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 1883 by the Methodist Episcopal Church, Gammon was open to students of all races and denominations and is still in existence today.
Gammon Theological Seminary will celebrate its fifteenth anniversary in a unique way May 12th to 19th. Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar will read from his poems, "Lyrics of Lowly Life," and his stories, "Folks from Dixie."
"Fifteenth Anniversary Celebration." The Freeman (Indianapolis, Indiana). April 23, 1898. Page 2.
Gammon Theological seminary is preparing a great university week. A literary feast is in store for all who may attend. The program is an extensive one and contains the names of some of the able thinkers of both races. Among these are Bishop Hartzell, bishop of Africa, and Paul Laurence Dunbar, the poet laureate of the colored race in this country. There will be thousands of visitors here from all parts of the country to enjoy and take part in these exercises.
"What the Negro is Doing." The Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia). May 1, 1898. Page 22.
The interest in the preachers' assembly at Gammon Theological Seminary continues to grow. Over 200 ministers and delegates, besides throngs of visitors, are present at each day's proceedings. At night Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a reading from his poems and stories before a great audience that filled every available spot in the chapel, including the gallery and halls. Mr. Dunbar not only shows genius as a poet, but has much force and attractiveness as a reader. The audience was charmed by the graceful and effective rendering of his productions.
"Many Addresses Heard at Gammon." The Constitution (Atlanta, Georgia). May 18, 1898. Page 6.
Paul and his wife Alice had been living together for only one month when he went on this trip to Atlanta. Alice remained with Paul's mother Matilda at their home in Washington, D. C. While he was away, Paul wrote to Alice using Gammon stationery. His letter mentioned Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois, as well as Dr. John Wesley Edwards Bowen, a formerly enslaved person who became a professor at Gammon and eventually the seminary's president.
Here I am all safe and sound and would say happy if you were near me. Booker T. arrives tonight and speaks. I just got in in time to hear Du Bois' paper. It was a finely constructed article. I am being and shall continue to be a very good boy. It's a shame. They want me to stay for the banquet but your lonesome hubby expects to start home Tuesday night by the 11:50 which ought to put me into Washington about 10:10. I am anxious to see little wife and to be at home again in my own cozy nest. I hate people in general, although Dr. Bowen with whom I am stopping is very nice. Give mother my love. I am going upstairs "to lie down on baby's pillow."
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, May 16, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar collection, New York Public Library, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).