Mystery of the Poe Toaster Solved?

For decades, a mysterious figure would come forward on the anniversary of Edgar Allan Poe’s birth (January 19^th) to salute America’s founder of supernatural literature. This man was deemed the “Poe Toaster,” since he would effectively raise a toast to Poe at his graveside by leaving a bottle of cognac and three roses. Word of the tradition spread, drawing further Poe admirers to raise their own toasts, while also raising a romantic legend of international proportions.

Now, it seems the mystery has been solved. 92 year old Sam Porpora claims to have created the Poe Toaster as a promotion to improve the standards and reputations of both his beloved cemetery and the author buried there. Read on to learn more about this startling revelation and the reactions to it.

-Grim Blogger