If you went to High School, you read Edgar Allan Poe. His writings have become classic! His personal life was far from it! He married his 13 year old cousin who died 11 years later. Some say that her death drove Poe to alcoholism. He died in Baltimore at age 40 after collapsing in a tavern.
You're probably thinking, "Fine Tom, but why do you bring this up?"
This is why: Today, January 19th, is the anniversary of Poe's birth. He would have been 199. Every year, someone - the "Poe Toaster" - delivers three roses and a half empty bottle of cognac to his grave. Some say that this tradition began in the late 1940's other say the 1970's. I remember first hearing about it in the '60's. Last night, shortly after midnight, the "Poe Toaster" struck again! Nearly 150 people were on hand at the Westminster Burial Grounds in Baltimore as the toaster did his thing. His identity is unknown. Bystanders are not permitted to interfere with the "Poe Toaster."
Hmmmmmmm.
