Let the name roll slowly off your tongue: Edgar Allan Poe.
Just the sound of those three words conjures up images of ravens, bodies and beating hearts. The name also is irrevocably linked to Baltimore.
"This city is where the world's largest Edgar Allan Poe birthday celebration is held every year," says Jeff Jerome, curator of Baltimore's Poe House and Museum. He has a persuasive argument for making such a claim.
Other cities where Poe lived may note the birthday, he says, standing in a house the author once called home, "but . . . after all, we have Poe!" Mr. Jerome says with a touch of barely repressed glee.
Poe's body is buried in downtown Baltimore at Westminster Hall, Fayette and Greene streets.
Baltimore is also the home of the Edgar Allan Poe Society, formed in 1923. "We unofficially formed in 1865 when a Poe memorial fund was started to erect a monument over his grave," says Jeffrey Savoye, the secretary/treasurer of the organization.
There are about 300 members. "They range from the mildly interested to noted Poe scholars," says Mr. Savoye, a computer programmer.
This time last year, about 1,000 people attended the celebration and annual Poe toast at the grave. Weather permitting, as many or more are expected this year, including the mysterious stranger who makes an annual visit to Poe's grave to leave three red roses and a half bottle of cognac, Mr. Jerome says.
Highlights of the weekend include the East Coast premiere of a two-hour drama called "Poe Alone . . . A Visit to the Haunted Palace" performed by actor David Keltz, musical selections on a restored 1889 pipe organ and the viewing of a lock of Poe's hair.
The apple cider toast by the curator will note "that even though it's been 144 years since your passing, your life and works continue to shine . . ."
The Poe House, 203 North Amity St., will be open Saturday and Sunday and will not be open again until mid-April, Mr. Jerome says.
Baltimore may be noting Poe's birth in a big way this weekend, but it isn't the only city to claim Poe as its own.
Richmond, Va., is the author's true home, claims that city's director of the Edgar Allan Poe Museum. "Mr. Poe considered Richmond his home," insists director Ron Furqueron.
With that point made, Mr. Furqueron adds he is good friends with Mr. Jerome and will be in Baltimore this weekend to celebrate.
