On September 30, 1895, Paul Laurence Dunbar in Dayton wrote to his mother Matilda in Chicago about the possibility of going to college. He had graduated from high school four years earlier, but lacked the money for further education. Dr. Henry Tobey, a supporter in Toledo, had offered to help pay his tuition, but he then sent Paul a letter with disappointing news.
You saw by Dr. Tobey's letter that I may not get off to college. If I don't go this year, I shall not go at all. But I want anything that will settle me for the winter. I am tired of uncertainty.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, September 30, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Dr. Tobey, director of the Toledo State Hospital, had read Paul's poetry and was eager to assist him. Tobey offered to pool his money with some Toledo friends to help Paul pay for college.
I have talked with a number of friends of mine and believe I am in position to give you financial aid if you desire to increase your education or to travel with a view of better qualifying yourself to pour out your poetical songs to the world. I am anxious to assist or help you in any way I can. Write and tell me what your ambition is and what you desire to do.
Henry A. Tobey to Paul Laurence Dunbar, July 6, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
After meeting Dr. Tobey in Toledo, Paul became optimistic about going to college. When Paul was asked to return to Toledo for another recitation, he planned to follow up on Tobey's offer.
I spent five days in Toledo and had a very good time. Dr. Tobey gave me $10.00 for my work. Dr. Tobey and his friends want to loan me 400 or 500 dollars to spend a year in Boston at Harvard. I am going to take it.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, August 18, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
I have a call to West Carrollton & Toledo again, to recite. I have made up my mind long ago to go to college, and am now waiting on Dr. Tobey's movements. If I go to Toledo, I shall call upon him. My two trips will replenish my pocket considerably as I get $10.00 and expenses from each.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, September 21, 1895. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
A lawyer in Toledo named Charles Thatcher was also very impressed by Paul's literary ability. He was part of the group offering to contribute money toward Paul's college tuition.
I have for some time felt that since nature has endowed you with such gifts that you should have an opportunity of acquiring a thorough education so that you may be fitted for future work. If you find that by your own efforts that you will not be able to enter college I will be one of the persons to loan you $50.00 per year during the time you may wish to spend in college. Think I can procure four others in Toledo to do the same and do not doubt but that there are five in Dayton who would be glad to join us. Let me know how you feel about such a plan.
Charles A. Thatcher to Paul Laurence Dunbar. April 21, 1893. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Thatcher spoke on Paul's behalf to two college presidents: James Bashford of Ohio Wesleyan and William Ballantine of Oberlin. Both schools welcomed students of color long before they were admitted at most colleges. However, Thatcher reported that E. W. Tolerton, a wealthy attorney in Toledo, backed out of his agreement to contribute.
Enclosed find letter from Dr. Bashford. Please return it to me as have not answered. When I called on Mr. Tolerton, who had agreed to be one of the number to advance $50.00 per year, he said that he had just pledged $100.00 to help a colored girl and asked to be excused from his promise. Stopped at Oberlin a few days since and talked with the president of the college. He did not offer as much encouragement as did Dr. Bashford. Will do what I can to find others so that you may do something by first of the year.
Charles Thatcher to Paul Laurence Dunbar, December 1, 1894. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).
Paul's dream of attending college was never realized, and he considered it one of his greatest disappointments.
There are two things I have wanted in my life and wanted badly, that I could not have. College and work on a newspaper. I wanted to go to Harvard and study under A. S. Hill. That was my great ambition. But I had a mother to support and I could not leave my work in Dayton. As for the newspaper, I wanted the drill it would give me and the association, but I was barred from the work.
"Dunbar to Write a Novel." The Daily News (Chicago, Illinois). September 14, 1899.