On November 9, 1903, Paul Laurence Dunbar was scheduled to recite his poetry in Indiana, but his appearance was postponed due to illness. He was 31 years old, in poor health, and living in Dayton with his mother.
Nov. 10 - Paul Laurence Dunbar, who was to give a reading here last night, was taken sick and was not able to appear.
"Poet Paul Dunbar Ill." The Indianapolis Journal (Indianapolis, Indiana). November 11, 1903. Page 2.
Several weeks after the cancelled engagement, Paul gave a series of readings in Indiana, including at a Black church in Indianapolis.
Paul Laurence Dunbar has been engaged to give a recital at Bethel A. M. E. church, Monday evening, December 21, under the auspices of the Ladies' Alliance of the church. Mr. Dunbar, who is recovering from a protracted illness, has consented to fill several engagements in the West.
"Recital by Colored Poet." The Indianapolis News (Indianapolis, Indiana). December 5, 1903. Page 5.
Much interest is being taken in the recital by Paul Laurence Dunbar at Bethel A. M. E. Church next Monday night. Mr. Dunbar, who has national fame as a poet, will read from his own poems, which he clothes with a most effective interpretation. His writings include selections in negro dialect and portrayal of Southern life, which are regarded as beyond successful imitation. Mr. Dunbar, who has been in failing health for several months past, has almost completely recovered and is able to resume work on his new book.
"Colored Poet's Recital." The Indianapolis News (Indianapolis, Indiana). December 19, 1903. Page 5.
Paul Laurence Dunbar, well known in the literary world, gave a reading at Bethel M. E. Church last night. He read from his own selections and delighted a large audience. After the program was completed, Mr. Dunbar was given a reception in the church parlors. Dr. Ward, a leading negro physician, will this evening give a dinner in his honor.
"Dunbar Says That Wife is the Cleverer Writer." The Indianapolis Journal (Indianapolis, Indiana). December 22, 1903. Page 9.
At the time, the Indianapolis public school system was segregated. African American students attended a school named for William McCoy, a Black educator and diplomat. While in the city, Paul donated his services to benefit the fundraising efforts of graduating seniors at the McCoy School.
A large and delighted audience heard Paul Laurence Dunbar at the African Methodist Episcopal Church last night. His readings are inimitable, both as to dialect and manner. He is graceful on the platform, suiting the gesture to the sentiment with artistic ease. Mr. Dunbar will read tonight at the McCoy School for the benefit of the gift fund, which the class graduating in February is raising to purchase a gift to leave with the school.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar Delights His Audience." The Indianapolis News (Indianapolis, Indiana). December 22, 1903. Page 2.
Another large audience -- the second -- greeted Paul Laurence Dunbar at the McCoy School last night. The reading was Mr. Dunbar's donation to the gift fund of the school under the auspices of the nine seniors who will graduate in February. Mr. Dunbar gave a private reading yesterday afternoon before the faculty of the Central College of Music. He will go West early in January to fill a number of engagements.
"Poet at McCoy School." The Indianapolis News (Indianapolis, Indiana). December 23, 1903. Page 2.