On July 21, 1902, Ida Dempcy in Chicago typed a terse letter to Alice Moore Dunbar in Washington, D. C., as dictated by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Mr. Dunbar requests me to ask that you send him at once all his scrap-books and the stories from the Saturday Evening Post which were placed between boards ready to be sent out to them for publication. His address is #5355 Grove Avenue, Chicago, Ills.
(Mrs) Ida M. Dempcy.
Private Secretary to Mr. Paul L. Dunbar.
Dictated.Ida M. Dempcy (for Paul Laurence Dunbar) to Alice Moore Dunbar, July 21, 1902. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
About six months earlier, the Dunbars had a violent separation and Paul left home quickly without taking his belongings, so he had to ask Alice to send them. It was unnecessary for Dempcy to include the Grove Avenue address, since Alice had already written to Paul's mother Matilda there (though she didn't write to Paul). The letter may refer to Paul's short story "The Last Fiddling of Mordaunt's Jim," which was published in The Saturday Evening Post on August 30, 1902.
Paul wrote most of his letters by hand, but this one was typewritten by his secretary Ida Dempcy. During 1902 and 1903, Paul wrote several checks to her; the average amount was about $5.50. Dempcy was active in Chicago-area women's clubs, religious organizations and political campaigns (during a time when women were not allowed to vote).
The all-absorbing anxiety as to the outcome of the pending campaign has for the time being overshadowed the part which Illinois women may rightfully bear in the coming election. There are many ways by which, in the most unobtrusive and womanly manner, women may influence and augment the national and state vote, even if they themselves may not deposit the full ballot.
Women's Republican State Central Committee . . .
Mrs. Ida M. Dempcy, Chicago
"Women in the Campaign." Alton Evening Telegraph (Alton, Illinois). October 13, 1896. Page 2.
Two years later, a different secretary typed letters to Alice asking her to send more of Paul's possessions. By this time, Paul had moved to Dayton and Alice was in Wilmington, Delaware.
You will do a great kindness by sending some little personal trifles which are dear to Mr. Dunbar's heart -- his walking sticks -- one of which he won when but a boy, and Ridpath's history of the world, with the standard dictionary, which you will be good enough to give him.
Marie E. Deemer (for Paul Laurence Dunbar) to Alice Moore Dunbar, November 16, 1904. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
The letter refers to a walking stick that Paul won in an oratory contest when he was 17 years old.
Dayton, O. -- An entertainment was given at the City Hall last Thursday night for the benefit of the A. M. E. church. The tricycle was awarded to Minnie Jones for being the most graceful walker, and a gold headed cane to Mr. Paul Dunbar for being the best speaker; subject, "Unity Among Our Race."
"Won Two Prizes." The Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). May 10, 1890. Page 2.
A few days later, Paul (through his secretary) repeated his demands and threatened to take legal action if Alice did not send his belongings.
Mr. Dunbar begs to reiterate his demand for certain things sent for within the past week, and to add to it, his old portfolio and first scrap book containing Riley's letter. These must be sent or his attorney will be authorized to take due action to bring them.
Marie E. Deemer (for Paul Laurence Dunbar) to Alice Moore Dunbar, November 19, 1904. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Marie Deemer was employed at Dayton's Miami Valley Hospital at the same time Paul was treated there in March 1904. She later left the hospital and opened her own clerical service in the Dayton Arcade. Paul wrote at least one check to Deemer: he paid her $8.50 in April 1905.
Miss Marie Deemer, who for the past six years was the efficient bookkeeper and secretary at the Miami Valley Hospital, and who resigned her position there in June, has returned to this city from an extended vacation, and has opened offices in the Arcade building, 267 - 269, where she will do stenography and typewriting. Miss Deemer's return to Dayton is pleasant news to a host of friends who wish her abundant success in her business venture. She is an expert shorthand writer and will conduct a public stenography.
"Public Stenographer." The Dayton Daily News (Dayton, Ohio). September 2, 1904. Page 4.