Rowdy spectators try to disrupt annual Poe graveyard tribute

The Washington Times ^ | 1-20-06 | Metro

[JZelle]

BALTIMORE (AP) -- For the 57th year, a mystery man has paid tribute to Edgar Allan Poe by placing roses and a bottle of cognac on the writer's grave to mark his birthday. But some of the 25 spectators, drawn to the tiny, locked graveyard in downtown Baltimore to view the ceremony, climbed over the walls of the site and were "running all over the place trying to find out how the guy gets in," according to the most faithful viewer of the event. Jeff Jerome, curator of the Poe House and Museum, who has seen the mysterious visitor every Jan. 19 since 1976, said early yesterday that he had to chase people out of the graveyard, fearing they would interfere with the mystery visitor's ceremony. "They had a game plan," Mr. Jerome said. "They knew from previous years when the guy would appear." Although the visitor managed to get in and go out without anyone stopping him, Mr. Jerome said because of the disruption early yesterday and of previous years, he will not reveal details of what the Poe Toaster was wearing, what he did at Poe's grave and whether he left anything besides the roses and cognac, such as a note. "In letting people know about this tribute, I've been contributing to these people's desire to catch this guy," Mr. Jerome said. "It's such a touching tribute, and it's been disrupted by the actions of a few people trying to interfere and expose this guy."

[Cicero]

Thanks. I think I may have read this many years ago, but it was good to read it again.

[Ace of Spades]

My goodness, let the guy be. These people are going to ruin a really neat Baltimore tradition.

[Ciexyz]

The cooping theory is a credible explanation, IMO.

My grandfather introduced me to Poe's works when I was a pre-teen, by loaning me a copy of Poe's collected works. I've always had great admiration for Poe's mastery of the horror story.

[Kenny Bunk]

In those days, Baltimore elections were notorious for corruption and violence. Political gangs were willing to go to great extremes to ensure the success of their candidates. Election ballots were stolen, judges were bribed etc., etc,

Plus que ça change, plus que c'est la même chose.

PS, those were the days when Nancy Pelosi's Dad ran the town. BTW, E. A. Poe is still registered to vote in Baltimore in several precincts. He often votes (or vice versa) by absentee ballot.

[Ciexyz]

Thanks for posting that photo.

I recall seeing Poe's lodging at the University of Virginia. It's a little hut located in a row of similar huts that are now occupied by honor students. Poe's lodging is not occupied.

[Cicero]

Since Poe is dead, I presume he votes Democrat.

[Jhohanna]

Thank you for this. :)