On December 6, 1898, Paul Laurence Dunbar recited some of his works at a private home in Albany, New York. Hosted by a wealthy woman named Winifred Haring Edgerton (or Mrs. F. J. H. Merrill), the afternoon social was very successful according to local newspaper reports.
Mrs. F. J. H. Merrill is giving the second of her "at homes" today, from four to seven, 268 State Street. The spacious drawing rooms are brilliantly decorated with a profusion of yellow roses that bloom on mantles and tables. Groups of palms are scattered about the rooms and form cozy corners for the society folks whose social hour is interspersed with the literary hour in which Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, the author of so many pretty little sketches and poems, will give a reading of his works. The literary flavor given the reception is a delightful innovation after the usual routine of afternoon receptions, luncheons, etc.
"In Society." The Times-Union (Albany, New York). December 6, 1898.
The most interesting "at home" of the season was given yesterday afternoon at the residence of Mrs. F. J. H. Merrill. Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, the celebrated young Negro poet, was present, and gave some delightful dialect selections from his own works. The readings were supplemented by several of Mr. Dunbar's songs with banjo accompaniment. The entertainment was most enjoyable and Mrs. Merrill is to be congratulated for her efforts in introducing an element of originality in the Albany afternoon tea.
"For the Women. An Original 'At Home.'" Albany Evening Journal (Albany, New York). December 7, 1898. Page 8.
Paul was on a leave of absence from his job at the Library of Congress, but instead of staying home and resting he went on a long recital tour. Paul believed he could earn more money by writing and reciting than he could by working at the library. This trip convinced him he was right and he resigned from the Library of Congress soon afterward. Paul's annual salary at the library was $720, and he told his wife Alice that he earned $100 from just one afternoon's reading.
Hubbins has an awful case of swell head this morning. It is positively enormous. My reading yesterday was a red letter success. There were two bishops in the house, an ex-mayor, and Melville Dewey the librarian. The old men roared and the young girls gushed. I got the hundred, also sixty dollars for the companion story and I am safe and sound. Mrs. Merrill says she has never had such an "at home." She says the people were expected to hear some of the reading, take some refreshment and move on, but no one moved and those who came late had to stand up. She also says that she never saw such enthusiastic people in her life. I have lots of funny experiences to tell you. Don't forget to ask me about the sauterne punch and the Episcopal bishop. I am simply bubbling over. I hope all the rest will be as successful as this was.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Moore Dunbar, December 7, 1898. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 8).