On August 16, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar recited his poetry at a literary and musical recital in Newport, Rhode Island.
Paul Laurence Dunbar the Poet, Author and Elocutionist, and one of America's Greatest Entertainers, will give Newport the Grandest, the Best and the Most Unique Entertainment of the Season. "Once in a lifetime" does the opportunity come to see and hear such a world renowned character as Mr. Dunbar. Don't miss this chance.
Promotional flyer for Newport recital, August 16, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 3).
At the time, Paul and his wife Alice were experiencing a lengthy separation due to domestic conflict. Alice was living with her family in Massachusetts, but she traveled about 75 miles south to attend Paul's recital in Newport. She arrived a few days early and wrote to Paul about how the city was anticipating the event. Alice hadn't seen her husband for a month and was eager for a reunion.
I arrived this morning at one o'clock, left Boston in a drizzling rain, and found Newport in a pouring, steady, discouraging storm. The town is nothing but posters of your affair. I send you one of the handbills. Oh how I wish Tuesday would hurry and come! It seems I can't wait to snuggle in Hubbin bird's armlings. Oh, I do want to kiss you so badly! My lips and arms fairly ache.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, August 11, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
Paul told Alice he was also looking forward to their time together in Newport, and that he hoped there would be no more conflict between them.
I love you so much, my precious wife, for the gift of your love to me. I shall be so glad when we are together again in our own little nest. I shall be glad too of the little time we spend together there by the sea; but I want that to be short so that I can get you away to myself. Then, dear I do hope there won't be any little spats or bickerings. I have been thinking it all over, and I am going to try to be too big to quarrel over petty things with you. I must strengthen your love by loving kindness.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, August 12, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
After the Newport recital, Alice wrote a letter about the event to her mother-in-law Matilda, making her separation from Paul sound like a vacation.
I spent a delightful week at home. Had a harbor party, went bicycle riding, driving and quite a little company. Last Thursday I left and came to Newport, and have been here a week now. I don't know when I have enjoyed myself better. Paul arrived Tuesday evening in time for his reading Tuesday night. For two weeks before the papers have been full of the nicest possible notices, and the windows of all the principal stores had display cards for advertising. I send you a circular and a program. There was a good house Tuesday night of the very best people here. Paul read again yesterday afternoon at a matinee. The audience was very enthusiastic. Paul is quite tired, but we are allowed to do just as we please here and we are spending a most delightful time.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, August 18, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
After their brief reunion in Newport, Paul went back home to Washington, D. C., and Alice returned to her family. She rented "a wheel" (a bicycle) for a month, as if she had no intention of going back to Paul soon.
We all miss you so much. Just think of me last night in that big bed all by myself with no one to snuggle up to. It was quite cold too. The thermometer dropped into the fifties, and I wanted my hubbins. Rented a wheel for a month yesterday. It's a little beauty, bright, easy-running, delicate. I wish you could be here to ride with me.
Alice Moore Dunbar to Paul Laurence Dunbar, August 28, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).