On August 27, 1896, Paul Laurence Dunbar gave a reading at a hotel in Rhode Island. He was 24 years old and experiencing widespread fame for the first time. Paul was in New England for an extended visit, during which he signed a publishing contract, gave poetry recitations and visited friends.
Mr. Dunbar has a natural, free delivery that is most entertaining. He recites from his own writings, consisting of humorous Negro and Irish dialect, also pure English. He will give a reading at The New Mathewson, Thursday Evening, Aug. 27th, 1896, at 8.30 o'clock. He will be assisted by Prof. Robb and the full orchestra of the New Mathewson Hotel. For the purpose of aiding Mr. Dunbar to complete a university course, an admission fee of fifty cents will be charged.
New Mathewson recital promotional flyer, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
The New Mathewson Hotel at Narragansett Pier was a popular summer gathering place for New Englanders.
Nature was joyous when Narragansett was designed, for the fruit of her labors was a combination of beauties of land and sea almost ideal. This delightful spot has for years been the most popular summer resort on the Atlantic coast. This state of affairs being particularly felt at the Mathewson, a beautiful example of Colonial architecture facing the ocean.
"Far-Famed Summer Resorts." Brooklyn Life (Brooklyn, New York). June 12, 1897. Page 42.
While in Rhode Island, Paul wrote a letter to his mother Matilda in Dayton, telling her that he expected to be paid $50 for one evening's work. He had recently been earning $4 a week as an elevator operator.
I am to give a reading Thursday night in the parlors of the big hotel and we expect to clear about fifty dollars. The very wealthy people are very much interested in me and are willing to pay fifty cents admission. I am kept very busy here giving recitals to introduce myself before the one grand recital of Thursday.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Matilda Dunbar, August 25, 1896. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 1).