On November 24, 1897, Paul Laurence Dunbar participated in a literary and musical recital at a church in Washington, D. C. He was 25 years old and had recently moved to Washington to begin working at the Library of Congress. Also on the program was violinist Joseph Douglass, a grandson of Frederick Douglass, and one of Paul's frequent collaborators.
READING
15th Street Presbyterian Church
PROGRAMThe Spellin Bee, Paul Laurence Dunbar
Fantasie Caprice, Joseph H. Douglass
Ere Sleep Comes Down, Paul Laurence Dunbar
Violin Solo, Joseph H. DouglassRecital program, November 24, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 4).
About three years older than Paul, Joseph Douglass was part of a prominent family in Washington. Joseph learned the violin from his grandfather Frederick, and he became a talented musician who made frequent public appearances, including concerts at the White House.
Mr. Joseph Douglass, grandson and companion of the late Frederick Douglass, is without question the most finished violin player of the colored race. He was the special pride of his illustrious grandsire. Joseph Douglass' renderings of the classics is nothing less than masterful and inspiring.
"Thirty Years of Freedom." The Daily Inter Ocean (Chicago, Illinois). April 21, 1896. Page 8.
Joseph H. Douglass, the young violinist and a grandson of the late Hon. Fred Douglass, will appear at the concert for the Metropolitan Church this evening. Mr. Douglass is a violinist of no mean ability. He has been a student at the New England Conservatory of Music, and has, by steady and conscientious practice, developed a fine technique and a full, sweet tone.
"Draws His Bow for Charity." The Washington Post (Washington, D. C.). February 14, 1896. Page 2.
In August 1893, Paul and Joseph Douglass appeared together at Colored American Day at the World's Columbian Exposition. As their careers progressed, they repeatedly took the stage together.
On Monday evening January 31st, our distinguished poet, Paul Dunbar, will give a reading at the 19th Street Baptist Church, for the benefit of the Home for Friendless Colored Girls situated on Meridian Hill. Mr. Dunbar will be aided by our famous Amphion Glee Club, our distinguished violin virtuoso Mr. Joseph H. Douglass, a quartet from the Howard University Mandolin Club and others.
"Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Home for Friendless Colored Girls." The Washington Bee (Washington, D. C.). January 29, 1898. Page 4.
Paul Laurence Dunbar will appear at Quinn Chapel this evening, reading his own dialect poems. This is his first appearance since his illness. Joseph Douglass, violinist, grandson of Frederick Douglass, will render musical compositions. It is to be an evening with negro poets and musicians, under the auspices of the North Side Woman's Club.
"Colored Men to Entertain." The Inter Ocean (Chicago, Illinois). November 19, 1903. Page 6.