The Poe Toaster

[Welsh Wench]

Every year on Edgar Allen Poe's birthday, January 19th, three roses and a bottle of cognac have been left on his grave.

For the past two years, there has been no appearance of the man who was the Poe Toaster.

Sad to see a tradition die.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poe_Toaster

[Merlin the Elder]

Do you think that perhaps there is some significance to 61 visits, or is it more likely that the last Poe Toaster died suddenly (or was killed) without naming his successor?

[Welsh Wench]

The Poe Museum is giving him one more year to show up. If he doesn't in 2012, they will officially declare the tribute over.
They are asking that there be no Poe Toaster posers.

Yeah, try to say THAT fast ten times...

I find it interesting that the bottle of cognac is half full.
Or half empty, depending on your viewpoint mood. 

[Anna Iram]

There have already been posers, along with people over the years who have tried to apprehend the fellow and discover who he is. I think it's likely this romantic gesture has had it's day.

[Welsh Wench]

A wonderful article on the Poe Toaster--

http://labyrinth13.com/Poe_Toaster.htm

As Poe said, 'There are some secrets that do not permit themselves to be revealed.'

I hope we never find out.

[Welsh Wench]

There have already been posers, along with people over the years who have tried to apprehend the fellow and discover who he is. I think it's likely this romantic gesture has had it's day.

'The identity of this dark stranger has never been revealed. And out of respect to the memory and legacy of Poe, and with a desire to preserve the sanctity of the performance of the ritual, no attempt has ever been made to stop or hinder this enigmatic admirer.'

http://labyrinth13.com/Poe_Toaster.htmn

[Anna Iram]

There have already been posers, along with people over the years who have tried to apprehend the fellow and discover who he is. I think it's likely this romantic gesture has had it's day.

'The identity of this dark stranger has never been revealed. And out of respect to the memory and legacy of Poe, and with a desire to preserve the sanctity of the performance of the ritual, no attempt has ever been made to stop or hinder this enigmatic admirer.'

http://labyrinth13.com/Poe_Toaster.htmn

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply that it was a yearly goal of the observers to intercept the toaster, but there was an event in 2006 when a group, upset by the new (his son?) toasters notes left at the gravesite, tried to stop him and discover his intentions. It seemed the new toaster had taken on some political overtones. Quite different in tone from the original toasters more romantic bent. Perhaps he was an imposter himself, though I do understand that he was thought to be the true successor. I do know there are certain signs the watchers look for to determine the true from the false.

[Welsh Wench]

Well, it is officially over.

http://apnews.myway.com/article/20120119/D9SC19EG0.html

Thank you, Poe Toaster, for the tribute and a glimpse into a romanticism that is long lost.  

[DonaCatalina]

It is sad.

[Merlin the Elder]

It is sad.

Sad, yes, but apropos, in some ways. Poe wasn't much for eliciting giggles. Whoever was responsible over the years, it was a lovely gesture.