On September 10, 1901, Paul Laurence Dunbar was in Lexington, Kentucky, where his musical comedy Clorindy, or the Origin of the Cakewalk was being performed.
Paul Laurence Dunbar arrived at 12 o'clock today over the C. & O. His first thought on leaving the train was to send a telegram to his mother, she being en route to Chicago. Those who had the privilege of being present last night at the rehearsal of "Clorindy" came away convinced that a treat of value and uniqueness is in store for those who are going to be on hand tonight to enjoy the performance. Mr. Dunbar has cancelled Eastern dates in order to accommodate his friends and relatives here. He has made the trip from Washington entirely in honor of "Clorindy." Mr. Dunbar will remain in Lexington several days.
"Dunbar's 'Clorindy,'" by Daisy Fitzhugh Ayres. Lexington Leader (Lexington, Kentucky). September 10, 1901.
The sale for Paul Laurence Dunbar's musical comedy success "Clorindy" began this morning with encouraging prospects. The date of the performance is next Tuesday, September 10. A number of out of town parties of well-known colored people are expected here to witness the performance.
"Sale for Clorindy." Lexington Leader (Lexington, Kentucky). September 2, 1901.
Paul's mother Matilda was a native of Kentucky. Her maiden name was Burton, and some of her relatives were involved in the production of Clorindy.
Paul Laurence Dunbar's successful musical comedy "Clorindy" will be seen for the first time in Lexington Tuesday evening at the Opera House. Mr. Dunbar has consented to come to Lexington and personally supervise the performance. His engagement in Lexington is one more of pure sentiment than business. Ties of kinship have induced him to come here and it was only by special consent that permission for a performance in this city was secured. The local cast presenting "Clorindy" has been selected from the very best colored talent obtainable.
Clorindy -- Miss Ella Burton -- This is not Miss Burton's first appearance before the local public, but her first in a leading part. She will surprise her many friends and admirers by her rendition of Clorindy.
Unidentified newspaper clipping [September 1901]. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Paul Laurence Dunbar's successful musical comedy "Clorindy," which has made such a hit in New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, St. Louis and other cities is to be presented in Lexington this fall. Mr. Dunbar himself, the famous poet, will be present at the performance here. Local talent will be used, the training of the choruses and general management of the preliminaries being placed in the hands of John Burton, Mr. Dunbar's uncle, in this city.
"'Clorindy,' Paul Laurence Dunbar's Musical Comedy to be Produced Here." Unidentified newspaper clipping [Lexington, Kentucky, 1901]. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
When Paul left Lexington, he gave his mother an update on some of the relatives he had seen.
I arrived home from Lexington on Tuesday afternoon pretty well tired out. I was very well received in Lexington and the entertainment was a success, as was the fair which I attended twice. Aunt Anne is well, but Clara has lung trouble.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, September 19, 1901. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).