Happy Birthday Edgar Allan Poe: 1/19/1809-10/7/1849.
He was a bit of a chancer. Had a tough start to life with both his parents dying when he was two years old. Liked to drink and gamble. Lived on the generosity of others until he couldn’t. Failed far more than he succeeded in life. But no one can argue that his was not a life worth living. And I love a good backstory.
And AEP spent some quality time as a Bronx native. For that, he will forever be one of my peeps.
The Bronx cottage is where he wrote Annabelle Lee,
and The Bells.
He lived there from 1846 until he died in 1849. But he didn’t die there. His wife (and first cousin), Virginia did pass there, in 1847.
Virginia Eliza Clemm Poe, Child Bride And First Cousin Of Edgar Allan Poe
Her passing is what sent EAP hurtling towards his own end. And that is true love.
Virginia is the story behind Annabelle Lee. Annabel Lee – Wikipedia
I visited Poe Cottage back when I was a teen one Saturday morning in the 70s.
Cool factoid: It was moved from another location just off the Grand Concourse to a public park where it sits today.
I spent a few weekend nights drinking in Poe Park with some friends – pretty sure Lenny was with me – at around the same time. Why not? Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore – General Topics – Edgar Allan Poe, Drugs, and Alcohol
The cottage visit was far more memorable. I couldn’t believe that anyone could live in such a small building. The forts we built in the woods seemed larger.
I think there were just four rooms altogether. You could feel both the love and tragic energy within its walls.
Something about his dark hair, pronounced forehead, longish nose, receding hairline, dark furry brows and moustache feels familiar.
Let’s see. Maybe this will help. This is one of the last photos of me lit. Next to me is Ralph Droz, who appears as a central character in Finding Jimmy Moran.
This may be the last photo of me holding a beer. I probably couldn’t get that cummerbund around my thigh right now.
Anyway, the coolest thing about AEP, besides his writing, is the way he passed and what happened afterwards.
The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe’s Death (U.S. National Park Service)
AEP was found on election day, 10-3-1849 – outside Gunner’s Tavern in Baltimore — either drunk or delirious, wearing someone else’s clothes. He had been purportedly returning to NY by boat when he got off in Baltimore.
He was taken to Washington College Hospital, where, after a few more days of delirium, during which he was described as engaging in “vacant converse with spectral and imaginary objects on the walls,” he crossed the veil. 10-7-1849.
What I find even more interesting, is that beginning in the 1930s and every year since then until 2010, some mysterious legend has placed three roses and an unfinished bottle of whiskey on AEP’s grave on his birthday – today.
After the mystery toaster did not appear for 3 years running, an official Poe toaster was appointed who carries on the tradition to this day.
So, if this reaches you early enough today, head out to the Westminster Hall Cemetery and see if you can spot the Poe Toaster.
Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave | Atlas Obscura
Well, what writer could ask for anything more?! I may have to rethink being cremated and tossed off The Three Witches.
Anyway, that is my rambling for today. Respect, Edgar Allan Poe.
Now today is a Monday where most of my fine, five readers can get behind.
Today is the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. He was a great man and well deserves the honor. So, while you are otherwise enjoying your day off from work, take a moment to say a short prayer for the man and his mission.
And no matter what else we get up to, let us make today a great one.
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