July 19 was the birthday of Alice Ruth Moore. Born in 1875, she was about three years younger than Paul Laurence Dunbar. As her 22nd birthday approached in 1897, Alice was living in Brooklyn and her fiancée Paul was in England. She wrote him a letter that mentioned her upcoming birthday but did not reveal her age.
One month from today, July 19, and I have another figure to add to my years; another number to my cycle, more years, less wisdom -- a birthday, in brief. Take notice thereof and save your pennies and farthings. I want a pretty birthday gift. Sister says I deserve one for telling my age. I shall be ___ years old. Think how old I am getting!
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, June 19, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul and Alice had been corresponding for about 15 months and were engaged to be married, although they had seen each other in person only once. In his reply, Paul told Alice he already knew how old she was, and pointed out that she had neglected his birthday on June 27.
What on earth shall I get you for a
wedd-- birthday present? (that mistake was really unintentional and I am laughing at myself.) I don't know what to get for a girl. How would a ginger cake house do? Nobody remembered that last Sunday was my birthday; but I must return good for evil. By the way, I know how old you are because you told me last year.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, July 4, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Paul's visit to England was not as successful as he had hoped, and he considered returning to the United States. He was still overseas on Alice's birthday, but sent his greetings by mail.
As I have walked through the fields and gardens under the full moon, I have thought of you and longed for you, my darling. I had expected to sail for home next Saturday but I made such a hit last night that they want me to recite at several other places in the provinces and so stay a month or two longer but I don't know whether I shall do it or not, for I am anxious to see my little lady. I bought you a little birthday remembrance and mentally wished you many happy returns. I did not send the former because I expected to bring it, but if I decide to stay, I will send it over.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, July 15, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Paul and Alice got married the following year, but separated soon afterward. Alice spent her 23rd birthday apart from her husband. She went first to New York City to visit a friend and then stayed with her family in Massachusetts until the fall.
Mrs. Paul Laurence Dunbar was the guest of Mrs. Victoria Earle Matthews early in the week.
"Personal." The New York Age (New York, New York). July 14, 1898.
By 1899, the Dunbars were reunited and Alice served as Paul's nurse while he recovered from a critical case of pneumonia. As her 24th birthday approached, they were in the Catskill Mountains of New York, hoping the mountain air would improve Paul's health.
I am not feeling so well today as when I last wrote to you. It has been very rainy up here, and that keeps me coughing and my chest aching. Also it confines me to the house when I need the open air especially. While I cough a good deal, I am really much stronger. I take exercise when it is dry and spend hours in a bowling alley playing ten pins. We shall probably leave here for the Adirondacks next week or the week after if it does not get dryer.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, July 9, 1899. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
The Dunbars spent several months in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado during 1899 and 1900, but were once again in the Catskills as Alice's 25th birthday drew near. While there, she submitted some short stories to The Atlantic Monthly, but they were rejected by an editor.
We liked the enclosed story very much, and it is only the inexorable condition of space that forces us to return it to you. If you can send us as good a story as this, not more than half as long, we shall be very glad to have you do so.
Bliss Perry to Alice Moore Dunbar, July 10, 1900. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Alice's 26th birthday in 1901 was the last that she spent with Paul, since they separated permanently in early 1902. Paul traveled for much of the year, taking extended trips to Jacksonville, Florida, and Tuskegee, Alabama. A few weeks before her birthday, she was staying with her family in Massachusetts and he was in New York. Though they remained a couple for several more months, this is the last known letter from Alice to Paul.
It was a most uneventful trip save that it was so hot I was nigh driven to tears. It is hot here and I know what it must be in New York. I have done nothing but lay all day in a kimono. Come soon, heart of mine, and let me know. Mama, Leila and all the babies send love. Leila is about four months to the good again! Yow!
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, June 23, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).