On June 15, 1903, a newspaper in Ottawa, Kansas, reported that Paul Laurence Dunbar had been engaged to appear in that city as part of a university lecture course. Over the next few months, anticipation over his visit began to build.
The lecture course which the University is contemplating for next season is practically arranged, and includes some of the most famous talent in the United States. In fact the most important number is the Suzanne Adams Concert Company. Ida Benfey, America's greatest story teller; Paul Laurence Dunbar, the negro poet; the Mendelssohn Male Quartet; Eugene V. Debs, the great labor leader; Prof. P. M. Pearson, lecture-recitalist of the east; and F. E. Hopkins, a noted lecturer of Chicago. The course contains seven numbers and promises an unusual series of entertainments.
"O. U. Lecture Course." Ottawa Daily Republic (Ottawa, Kansas). June 15, 1903. Page 1.
The University is offering a great list of attractions in their course this season. Never before has such a strong series of entertainments been contracted for in Ottawa. The names include the most noted in their several lines. The Madame Adams Concert Company is one of the greatest companies of musicians ever got together; Ida Benfey, as reader has no superior; Paul Laurence Dunbar, is the most unique literary figure of the day, having done as a poet work that has won the highest praise of the most exacting critics; the Mendelssohn quartet is as fine a quartet as money can buy; Frederick Hopkins and P. M. Pearson, while young men, are already in the front rank of their professions, and Eugene Debs is one of the most noted labor leaders in the country. Considering the cost of the talent and its celebrated character, the cost of season tickets is very small indeed.
"Really Great Attractions." Ottawa Daily Republic (Ottawa, Kansas). October 13, 1903. Page 1.
Paul was 31 years old and living with his mother Matilda in Chicago. He was in poor health and decided to go to the Catskill Mountains in New York, but made it only as far as Dayton.
Negro Poet and Author is Suffering from Pneumonia in Mother's Home, in Chicago. Paul Laurence Dunbar is dangerously ill at the home of his mother, No. 3209 Dearborn Street. Dr. Daniel H. Williams, who is attending him, says that he is suffering from an aggravated attack of pneumonia. Mr. Dunbar has been feeling poorly for more than a week, but took to his bed only four days ago.
"Paul Dunbar Seriously Ill." New York Herald (New York, New York). June 22, 1903. Page 3.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, the well-known colored poet, is very ill from a complication of stomach troubles at his home, 3209 Dearborn Street. It was said yesterday morning that he was dying, but later information was to the effect that he was resting easily, and would probably recover.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar Is Ill - The Colored Poet Has Stomach Trouble." Xenia Daily Gazette (Xenia, Ohio). June 22, 1903. Page 2.
Mr. Paul L. Dunbar, who is on his way to the Catskill Mountains for his health, is here very ill at his aunt and uncle's Mr. and Mrs. Robert Burton. His mother and a trained nurse are with him.
"Paul L. Dunbar Very Ill. The Gem City's Personal, Social and Other News of the Week." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). August 15, 1903. Page 2.
Several weeks before Paul was scheduled to speak in Ottawa, doubts arose about his ability to appear. Eventually, another performer was chosen to substitute for him.
A rumor to the effect that Paul Laurence Dunbar will not fill his date in the University lyceum course was circulated today. "I have heard nothing whatever regarding the matter," said Prof. R. E. P. Kline, who is managing the course, when asked regarding the report. "I would be first to hear if it were so, but I have no information regarding it."
Ottawa Daily Republic (Ottawa, Kansas). December 21, 1903. Page 8.
The engagement of Paul Laurence Dunbar to appear in the University lecture course, which has been reported canceled, is still in doubt and the management are very much in hopes that he will be able to fill his date here.
"The City in Brief." Ottawa Daily Republic (Ottawa, Kansas). January 14, 1904. Page 8.
Melvin Robinson, who will present the comedy "David Garrick" at the Rohrbaugh tonight, takes the place of the Paul Laurence Dunbar date. The management think themselves fortunate in securing such an artist as Mr. Robinson is to fill the vacancy. Ottawa undoubtedly has a fine entertainment in store.
"It's Number Five." Ottawa Daily Republic (Ottawa, Kansas). February 5, 1904. Page 3.
One of the finest entertainments given in Ottawa this winter was the impersonation of the eleven characters in "David Garrick" by Mr. Melvin Robinson at the Rohrbaugh last night. It was the fifth number of the university course and was enjoyed by a large audience. Prof. R. E. P. Kline and the other managers of the course are to be congratulated upon having secured Mr. Robinson to supply the vacancy in the course caused by the cancellation of Paul Laurence Dunbar's engagement. The substitute pleased the audience probably far better than the original number would have done.
"An Artistic Entertainment." Ottawa Daily Republic (Ottawa, Kansas). February 6, 1904. Page 5.