Raymond G. Dandridge

Raymond G. Dandridge

Born in Cincinnati in 1883 (though some sources say 1882), Raymond Garfield Dandridge attended public schools, including Hughes Night High School where he was active in sports. After graduation, he became a house painter and decorator. In 1911, at the age of 29, he was stricken with polio that left his legs and right arm paralyzed. Confined to his bed, Dandridge began soliciting orders for a coal company via the telephone.

As an outlet for his artistic talents, Dandridge tried composing poetry. Soon, some of his poems were printed in newspapers and magazines. With help from his friends, his works were compiled into three volumes: Penciled Poems in 1917, The Poet and Other Poems in 1920, and Zalka Peetruza and Other Poems in 1928. Dandridge's poems also appeared in anthologies of African American poetry, such as The Book of American Negro Poetry.

"Meditation" by Raymond G. Dandridge, July 16, 1914.
Raymond G. Dandridge Family Papers, 1880-1993.
Cincinnati Historical Society Library. Cincinnati Museum Center.

Dandridge died in 1930 and is buried in Spring Grove Cemetery.

"An Appeal" by Raymond G. Dandridge, n.d.
Raymond G. Dandridge Family Papers, 1880-1993.
Cincinnati Historical Society Library. Cincinnati Museum Center.

Having spent most of his time confined to his bed with only a window to the outside world of which he wrote, the Whittier Garden Foundation at UC, along with civic organizations in Price Hill, developed and named in his honor a garden at the corner of W. Eighth and Grand near the home in which he resided.

To learn more about Raymond G. Dandridge, consult the following resources:

Penciled Poems
By Raymond G. Dandridge
General 811 D178p
This 1917 collection of Raymond G. Dandridge's poetry includes "Ashes of Love," "Fo Yoreself," and "Price Hill." View catalog record Request this

The Poet and Other Poems
By Raymond G. Dandridge
General 811 D178d
This collection of poems was published in 1920. View catalog record Request this

Zalka Peetruza and Other Poems
By Raymond G. Dandridge
General 811 D178
Zalka Peetruza and Other Poems was published in 1928 and contains over 80 poems. View catalog record Request this

The Book of American Negro Poetry
By James W. Johnson
General 811 J72
Raymond Dandridge's poems also appear in anthologies of African American poetry, such as The Book of American Negro Poetry. View catalog record Request this

Davis Collection of Raymond Dandridge Photographs
Photo SC#302
This photograph collection contains images of Raymond Dandridge and family members: his sister, Ruth Dandridge Penn; his brother, Charles Dandridge; and his mother, Ella Dandridge. It also includes photos of Jesse Locker, who was the first African American City Council member in Cincinnati, elected in 1941. Request this

Raymond G. Dandridge Family Papers, 1880-1993
Mss 552
This collection contains poems, newspaper clippings and other materials about Raymond Dandridge and his family. Request this

Sources Used for Biographical Sketch:

Dandridge, Raymond G. Zalka Peetruza and Other Poems, General 811 D178, Cincinnati Historical Society Library, Cincinnati Museum Center.
Raymond G. Dandridge burial record, Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio.
"Price Hill Garden Honors Poet," Cincinnati Enquirer, September 10, 1993.
"Black History Month Feature," Cincinnati Enquirer, February 16, 2001.