In October 1897, Paul Laurence Dunbar was searching for a place to live in Washington, D. C., where he had recently begun working at the Library of Congress. He wanted to find a home that was small enough to be affordable, but large enough to accommodate himself, his future wife and his mother. Paul wrote to his fiancée Alice Ruth Moore in West Medford, Massachusetts, about where they might live.
I do not know, dear, that I can follow your wishes implicitly about one little task. I have come to see how far from great even an income of $1500 or $1600 is. Don't you think that we might squeeze along with a six-room house at first until I have a chance to grow some?
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 7, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Paul's salary at the Library of Congress was $720 per year, and Alice seemed to have aspirations that were larger than his paycheck. They were both very poor, and their lack of money was a major hindrance as they planned to get married.
Will six rooms do? It would if we were to live alone, but if your mother is to be with us, you know it wouldn't ever do. I don't think eight would make such a difference, would it? I am far from having extravagant ideas, and no one realizes more than I do the swiftness with which an income like yours can be eaten up by bare necessities. I will try to help you to save not spend.
Alice Ruth Moore to Paul Laurence Dunbar, October 10, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).
I want you so badly and I want you so soon that it seems almost like treason to reason about it, but if reason did not cool us now it would freeze us hereafter. However dear if you can stand a six-room house such as most of my Washington friends who make more money than I do occupy, why should we not marry soon? Then dear why should I live better or more luxuriously than men who have for years been getting good salaries? I am just starting.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 11, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
I haven't found a house to suit me yet, but am still on the search. I wonder if there is any possible show of our marrying in December? Do you think so? Everything, you know depends upon the coming in of the cash. How I wish it would hustle in, for I want you with me darling soon, soon, soon.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, October 29, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
Soon afterward, Paul happily reported to Alice that he had rented a house with seven rooms at 1934 Fourth Street N. W.
I was so proud of the house I had rented. It is a three-story brick with seven rooms with pretty alcoves on the two upper floors and with all modern improvements. I had grown so hopeful and happy too when I got it, for it seemed to bring the culmination of our love nearer.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, November 7, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).