BALTIMORE — A mysterious visitor paid his annual tribute at the grave of Edgar Allan Poe early Saturday, placing three red roses and a half-filled bottle of cognac before stealing away into the darkness.
Nearly 150 people had gathered outside the cemetery of Westminster Presbyterian Church, but the man known as the “Poe toaster” was, as usual, able to avoid being spotted by the crowd, said Jeff Jerome, curator of the Poe House and Museum.
The visitor did not leave a note, Jerome said, electing not to respond to questions raised about the history and authenticity of the tribute, which takes place on the anniversary of Poe’s birth.
In 1993, a note read, “The torch will be passed.” A later note said the man, who apparently died in 1998, had handed the tradition to two sons.
Poe, who wrote poems and horror stories including “The Raven” and “The Telltale Heart,” died Oct. 7, 1849, in Baltimore at the age of 40. Next year will be the 200th anniversary of his birth.
The Associated Press
