On November 5, 1932, Matilda Dunbar, the mother of Paul Laurence Dunbar, made out her will. After Paul's death in 1906, Matilda continued to live in their home on Summit Street in Dayton. Intent on preserving Paul's legacy, Matilda specified in her will that his room and its contents remain unchanged.
It is my particular request that the room which my late son used as his library, be preserved as such, and that all the books, manuscripts, pictures, furniture, and mementos of all kinds in said library room be kept intact as they are now, as I have no doubt it will be of interest to many who visit this spot from time to time, and who may continue to do so.
Last Will and Testament of Matilda J. Dunbar, November 5, 1932. Montgomery County, Ohio, Probate Court; Will Record 91, page 121. Montgomery County Records Center and Archives.
Matilda died on February 24, 1934, at about 89 years of age, and her son Robert Murphy inherited her property, including the Summit Street house. Local residents endeavored to preserve the home as a memorial to Paul, and in 1936 the state legislature authorized the Ohio Archeological and Historical Society to acquire it. Summit Street has been renamed for Paul Laurence Dunbar and, in accordance with Matilda's wishes, her son's room remains open to visitors today.
DAYTON, O. -- Led by Mrs. Adah Dodd-Prince, a movement was launched here Saturday, following the death of Mrs. Matilda Dunbar, mother of the poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar, to purchase the Dunbar home on Summit Street as a shrine to perpetuate the name of the poet.
"Launch Move to Buy and Keep Dunbar Home." The Pittsburgh Courier (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). March 3, 1934. Page 4.
For the purpose of establishing a state memorial and museum building, the Ohio State Archeological and Historical Society is hereby authorized to acquire the home of Paul Laurence Dunbar, located at 219 North Summit Street, Dayton, and establish thereat a state memorial and museum building commemorating the life and work of said Paul Laurence Dunbar. In order to furnish and equip such memorial building, the said society is further authorized to acquire by gift, purchase or otherwise any of the works, personal effects or personal property associated with the life of Paul Laurence Dunbar.
Amended Senate Bill No. 450, July 23, 1936. The State of Ohio Legislative Acts Passed and Joint Resolutions Adopted by the Ninety-First General Assembly of Ohio. The F. J. Heer Printing Company (Columbus, Ohio). 1936. Volume 116, Part 2, Pages 256 - 257.
DAYTON, O. -- The home to which Paul Laurence Dunbar returned broken in health after he had won acclaim for his writings will be preserved as a shrine to his memory. The home where the poet spent the last years of his life is in the custody of the Ohio State Archeological and Historical Society and soon will be opened to the public.
"Ohio Historical Society Will Erect Lasting Shrine to Memory of Celebrated Negro Poet." East Liverpool Review (East Liverpool, Ohio). June 25, 1937. Page 16.