On December 11, 1897, an article in an African American newspaper promoted a charity ball in Philadelphia at which Paul Laurence Dunbar was going to appear.
On Thursday evening, the Royal Blue train on the B. & O. railroad will carry away the Washington delegation to attend the Grand Concert and Charity Ball at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia later in the evening. This affair will be one of the grandest ever undertaken by colored men. When we consider that the rent of the building is $1,000 and that everything else is on the same magnificent scale some idea may be gathered of its scope. Among those leaving on the train will be Messrs. Lewis H., J. H. Douglass, Paul Laurence Dunbar, W. Calvin Chase and Major C. A. Fleetwood.
"Off for Philadelphia." The Washington Bee (Washington, D. C.) December 11, 1897. Page 5.
In addition to Paul's reading, a vocalist sang at the event and the evening culminated in a social dance. The ball was promoted frequently in Philadelphia newspapers.
A concert and charity ball in aid of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School will be given on the evening of December 16 in the Academy of Music. The Ringgold Band, Miss Mamie Saunders, soprano, and Paul Laurence Dunbar, the colored poet, will take part in the entertainment previous to the dancing, which begins at 10:30 o'clock.
"Tete-a-Tete." The Philadelphia Times (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). December 9, 1897. Page 6.
The most pretentious affair ever undertaken by the colored people of Philadelphia is the approaching charity ball, concert and recital in aid of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital. It will take place December 16 at the Academy of Music. The leading attraction of the literary part of the entertainment will be the reading of selections from his own poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar.
"A Big Affair." The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). December 12, 1897. Page 13.
The fundraiser took place during a busy week for Paul. In addition to working during the day at the Library of Congress, he gave four poetry recitations in the evenings. Paul had been engaged to Alice Ruth Moore for nine months, but they couldn't afford to get married. He hoped that earning money at public appearances would hasten their wedding day.
I shall perhaps not write to you often next week as it will be a very hard week on me. Monday night in Baltimore, Tuesday in Wilmington, Thursday in Philadelphia, Friday at a white church here, and coming back to the library every day. It won't be a snap. But I wish every month could be like this one. I should soon be out of debt and very cozy.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 11, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
After the event, Paul considered his appearance to be somewhat unsuccessful, though he still earned his $50.
Had rather an unresponsive audience at Philadelphia. Thought it was on my account until I found them more unresponsive to the singer. Was afterward told that they were pleased, but were in a hurry to dance and the program was a makeshift to draw a select few. Lord preserve me from any more colored charity balls. Though fifty dollars and all my expenses was an incident.
Paul Laurence Dunbar to Alice Ruth Moore, December 16, 1897. Paul Laurence Dunbar Papers, Ohio History Connection (Microfilm edition, Roll 5).
At the Academy of Music last evening occurred the swellest colored society event of the season. It was the first charity ball, preceded by a concert and recital, ever given in aid of the Frederick Douglass Memorial Hospital and Training School. All of the most prominent colored people in Philadelphia and for miles around were there. Some of those who assisted in the concert and recital are among the best known in the circles of colored talent. Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, whose verse is frequently compared to that of James Whitcomb Riley, and who has been lionized both in America and abroad, gave a number of readings.
"Colored Society Dances for Charity." The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). December 17, 1897. Page 3.