Poe Toaster to Strike Again!
This country is nothing if not a wacky amalgamation of customs and traditions. Take January 19th for example, on which one of the strangest traditions takes place, revolving around perhaps the strangest horror writer of all time. The subject: Edgar Allen Poe. The Place: Baltimore. What exactly happens on January 19th, a.k.a Poe?s Birthday? For over half a century, old Edgar?s grave has been visited by a mysterious figure known only as the ?Poe Toaster.? This mystery man (or woman) dresses in a top hat and cloak (obscuring his or her face), walks up to Poe?s grave, and raises a toast to the great writer. The Toaster then leaves three red roses and a half bottle of cognac. If you?re in the Baltimore area, and have time to spare in the wee early hours of this Saturday, Poe?s 199th birthday, stop by and watch (but don?t interrupt)?-the toaster, whose identity has never been revealed to the public, will continue this mysterious legacy. Want to add to your horror hipster status? Be sure to catch the Toaster this week--before the hype machine starts churning for next year?s Poe Bicentennial!
