Alice Moore and Paul Laurence Dunbar's relationship began in 1895 when Paul, inspired by a poem written by Alice and published beside her portrait, wrote to her. They married secretly in 1898 and lived together in Washington. Their relationship, apparently rocky throughout, ended in 1902 with their divorce.

Alice Moore was born in New Orleans and graduated from Straight College (now Dillard University) with a teaching degree in 1892. Three years later she completed her first book, Violets and Other Tales. She would go on to write more prose and poems. Perhaps one of her most important works is a diary she kept from 1921 to 1931. One of the few known diaries kept by a black woman in this time period, it is an illuminating chronicle of her life, including her experiences in and out of Washington. From 1926 until 1930, Alice wrote “As in a Looking Glass,” a column for the Washington Eagle newspaper.

Paul Laurence Dunbar, born in Dayton, Ohio, published Oak and Ivy, his first book of poetry, in 1893. He would write 11 more volumes of poetry as well as short stories, novels, and a play. Paul, who wrote in literary English and also in dialect, was considered a master of black folk experiences and was an important forerunner to Sterling Brown, who also wrote in dialect, capturing the language, rhythm, and cadence of “the folk.” Paul collaborated with composer Will Marion Cook, writing lyrics for Cook's musicals. Paul came to Washington, DC in 1897 to work at the Library of Congress as an assistant to Daniel Murray. Already an accomplished and acclaimed poet, Paul stayed at the library for just one year before leaving to focus on writing.

Both Dunbars left Washington soon after their separation in 1902. Alice, however, would continue to return to the city and play an active part in its literary and social life.

Photo: Dunbar residence. Credit: Bill Lebovich.