January 19, 1809 - October 7, 1849
A crowd gathered but the 'Poe Toaster' did not visit the grave of Poe last evening to leave the traditional rose and half-filled bottle of cognac.
According to historians the tradition began in the 1940's. On the evening before Poe's birthday a visitor dressed in black cape, dark wide-brimmed hat and carrying a silver tipped cane paid visit to the deceased writer, toasted him, left the traditional gifts and snuck back into the darkness.
In the 1990's the Poe Toaster left a note stating that he was passing the 'torch on to his sons'. Since no 'Poe Toaster' has left a rose and cognac since Poe's 200th birthday in 2009 it is thought that perhaps the yearly tradition ended on that birthday.
The only known photo of "The Poe Toaster" was captured by a motion activated camera that was set up in the cemetery in 1990 Source: Life Magazine |
"I think it's obvious that this tribute is over with, and we should let it die a peaceful death. Anything similar to it is just a cheap imitation." - Jeff Jerome, Poe House Curator
Poe's birthday will always be celebrated and the Poe House will still
host readings of the writer's works. Readings will be held tonight at 8:00 -
Tradition, nevermore.
....Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door;
Darkness there, and nothing more.... The Raven/ Edgar Allan Poe