On December 15, 1896, Paul Laurence Dunbar appeared at a literary and musical recital in Washington, D. C. He was 25 years old, not yet married, and living with his mother in Dayton.
Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, assisted by Mr. Joseph Douglass, Violinist; by Miss Lola Johnson, who will sing Mr. Dunbar's songs, set by Walter Damrosch and S. Coleridge-Taylor; and Miss Beatrice Warwick, Pianist, will give a recital of his newest work at Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church.
"Late Locals." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). December 14, 1901. Page 7.
Paul Laurence Dunbar will make his second appearance before a Washington audience at The 15th St. Presbyterian Church
Tuesday Eve'g, Dec. 15, 1896, 8 o'clock
Under the auspices of Manassas Industrial School
Admission, 25 cents, Reserved Seats, 35 cents
You are cordially invitedRecital handbill, December 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 2).
Paul appeared at a fundraiser for the Manassas Industrial School, an institution that taught vocational skills to young African Americans. Located in Manassas, Virginia, it had been established two years earlier by a woman who had formerly been enslaved. The school needed financial support because its teachers worked for no pay and one of its buildings was being rebuilt after a fire.
The school opened October 25, 1894, in the kitchen of the little frame farmhouse of the place, with two teachers and seven pupils. The character of its work at once attracted attention and drew to it more pupils than it was possible to accommodate. Instruction was given in language, arithmetic, geography, history, physiology, vocal music, carpentry, cooking, sewing, housekeeping, laundry work and some farming. The school was a real workshop, in which every workman was inspired with the spirit of labor and its dignity. Funds are badly needed to entirely complete the new building and to pay the teachers next year.
"Manassas Industrial School." The Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). September 9, 1895. Page 2.
Newspaper reports indicate that the event was a success and Paul was well-received by the public.
Washington, D. C. The Paul Dunbar entertainment took place last Wednesday night, in which that great poet emphasized his title to his place among America's sweetest bards. His readings were in every way a success.
"The Dunbar Recital a Success in Every Way." Cleveland Gazette (Cleveland, Ohio). December 19, 1896. Page 1.
An entertainment was given at the Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church last night for the benefit of the Manassas Industrial School by Paul Laurence Dunbar. Notwithstanding the bad state of the weather a handsome sum was taken in from the sale of tickets at the door, which will help materially in the assistance of the charity for which the entertainment was given. Mr. Dunbar was greeted with loud applause. He read a number of his dialect verses, which were received enthusiastically.
"Mr. Dunbar's Readings." The Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). December 16, 1896. Page 8.