Edgar Allan Poe is making headlines–or rather a mysterious visitor who had been showing up at the writer’s gravesite each year is in the news, as reported by USA Today, The Huffington Post, and other media. For the last 60 years in the early morning hours of January 19th (Poe’s birthday), an unknown person has left red roses and a bottle of Cognac at the scribe’s grave–until today. The “Poe Toaster” failed to show, leading to speculation about why and disappointing the three dozen bibliophiles who camped out near the cemetery to try and catch a glimpse of the birthday phantom.
In other Poe news, a portrait of the writer is going up for auction, reports the Associated Press. Unlike the well-known daguerreotypes taken later in his life, which depict a pale and haunted-looking Poe, this image, a watercolor, shows him in his earlier years–happier, more robust, and sitting at a desk with pen and paper in hand. “It actually represents Poe as he appeared to his contemporaries — a handsome, sophisticated young man on the rise,” said Cliff Krainik, a Poe scholar owner of the portrait. “The daguerreotypes show him in his rather dissipated state, where he has gone through the difficulties of his life.” (Click through to the article to see the portrait.)
The portrait will be on display this Saturday and Sunday at Westminster Hall in Baltimore. The one-time church is adjacent to the cemetery housing Poe’s grave. The portrait will be sold in June at Cowan’s Auctions in Cincinnati. It’s expected to fetch at least $30,000.
[Photo of gravesite: Rob Carr, AP]
6 comments
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January 20, 2010 at 1:40 am
Rob V
It’s certainly been an up and down day for Poeists like me!
January 20, 2010 at 8:37 pm
meagansk
That’s disappointing. I remember reading about the visitor a couple of years ago, and thinking it was really cool. Someone else will have to pick up the mantle I guess.
January 21, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Gary
Any more news of the “dude” showing up late? I sure did hope to be in Baltimore one day,and be there the night of.
I will keep my fingers crossed that the guy will show up next year.
January 31, 2010 at 2:22 pm
noveldestinations
Sadly, no one has come forward with an explanation for the no-show, but Jeff Jerome, the curator of the Baltimore Poe House, says he plans to continue the tradition of keeping vigil on Jan. 19 until at least 2012. Fingers crossed for next year!
January 31, 2010 at 5:26 pm
Gary W
Didn’t I see on the news some woman showed up from Chicago? Or does that not count since she wasn’t dressed in black,and did it in the dark of night?
Also, any news one when you ladies, one or both, are coming to Hannibal, Missouri for the big anniversary celebration for Twain?
February 1, 2010 at 1:57 pm
noveldestinations
I think the woman from Chicago was just a zealous fan who left roses and cognac, like the toaster usually does.
Shannon is setting out on her year-long cross-country RV adventure this spring, so I am hoping she can make it out to Hannibal for the celebrations this year. You’ll definitely be the first to know so that you can rally all the traveling bibilophiles out there!!