Between 1949 and 2009, a bottle of cognac and three roses were left at Poe's original grave marker every January 19 by an unknown visitor affectionately referred to as the "Poe Toaster". Sam Porpora was a historian at the Westminster Church in Baltimore, where Poe is buried; he claimed on August 15, 2007, that he had started the tradition in 1949. Porpora said that the tradition began in order to raise money and enhance the profile of the church. His story has not been confirmed, and some details which he gave to the press are factually inaccurate. The Poe Toaster's last appearance was on January 19, 2009, the day of Poe's bicentennial.
Between 1949 and 2009 a bottle of cognac and three roses were left at Poe's original grave marker every January 19 by an unknown visitor affectionately referred to as the "Poe Toaster" Sam Porpora was a historian at the Westminster Church in Baltimore where Poe is buried; he claimed on August 15 2007 that he had started the tradition in 1949 Porpora said that the tradition began in order to raise money and enhance the profile of the church His story has not been confirmed and some details which he gave to the press are factually inaccurate The Poe Toaster's last appearance was on January 19 2009 the day of Poe's bicentennial