On July 7, 1895, Charles Thatcher, an attorney in Toledo, wrote to Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton inquiring whether he planned to visit the area.
Please let me know whether you expect to come to Toledo soon. If you go to Lakeside, you will come this way. Do you expect to go to Lakeside? If arrangements have not been made for you and you desire I will write Mr. Gill the secretary.
Charles Thatcher to Paul Laurence Dunbar, July 7, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Located on the shore of Lake Erie, Lakeside was a resort established in 1873 by the Methodist Church. As part of the Chautauqua movement, Lakeside was a center for recreational, religious and educational activities.
A summer vacation during the heat of July and August seems to be a social condition recognized alike by all classes of people. Having decided to take a vacation, the next most important question to the great army of church-going people is where to go to find just such attractions as they desire for themselves and their children. Here is where the promoters of the Chautauqua doctrine begin their good work. They offer not only their services, but assembly grounds already prepared with lecture halls and amphitheaters for the amusement and entertainment of the multitude. The program at these assembly resorts is made up of the best literary and musical talent obtainable. There is, perhaps, not a more attractive region in all Christendom than the forest-clad shores of the Peninsula of Sandusky, and the beautiful, green islands that obtrude themselves from the purple waters of Lake Erie. In the midst of these luring charms, and under the shadows of the grandest forest ever nurtured by the God of Nature, is Lakeside, the assembly grounds and summer rendezvous for the prosperous and happy people of the great Ohio Valley. Are you a poet? Then sit in dreamy silence, and breathe the buoyant air, until the heavenly muse moves you to give utterance to the thoughts and feelings of your soul.
"Put-In-Bay," by Frank Rader. Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California). September 23, 1889. Page 4.
Samuel R. Gill was one of the founders of Lakeside. At the suggestion of Charles Thatcher, Gill invited Paul to spend a week at Lakeside, performing alongside a group of Black vocalists called the Tennessee Warblers. Paul visited Lakeside that summer and recited his poetry.
Some time ago, Mr. Thatcher of Toledo spoke to me about having you come to Lakeside and that you would do so for expenses for a week. We are to have the Tennessee Warblers here July 23rd to 30th and they will give three concerts. It occurs to me that you might be worked into those concerts.
Samuel R. Gill to Paul Laurence Dunbar, April 22, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Paul Dunbar, a gifted young colored poet, of Dayton, recited Monday evening and was three times recalled, showing the appreciation of his efforts.
Lakeside News (Lakeside, Ohio). July 31, 1895. Page 4.
During his visit, Paul wrote a lyrical letter to his future wife Alice Ruth Moore on stationery of the Lakeside Summer Assembly and Camp Meeting. He included some verses that later appeared in his poem called Premonition.
I have been downstairs on the hotel verandah enjoying the lake breeze and some very sweet music, mandolins, guitars, flutes and sleighbells, and a voice that was like an angel's. She stood out under a tree and sang one of my favorite songs, "All Through the Night," until I felt as if I didn't want to do anything for the rest of my life but just stand and listen, but I knew I couldn't afford that. This spot is one of God’s cozy corners, cool, sweet and picturesque -- a love of a place in which to dream, and dream I do. One of my windows faces the park and the other looks out over that great inland sea -- Erie, and in either of them I lean and dream and dream, until
The warrior Sun with flaming shield
Strides down in the gory west.Even now the night goes pale and feebly tottering to its bed,
So dear goodnight
The late winds in the lake weeds shiver
And spray flies cold and white
And the voice that sings gives a telltale quiver
(Ah yes the world is bright)
But, dearest heart, goodnight!Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, July 25, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).