Man Reveals Legend of Mystery Visitor to Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave

(Associated Press, 8/15/2007)

The legend was almost too good to be true.

For decades, a mysterious figure dressed in black, his features cloaked by a wide-brimmed hat and scarf, crept into a churchyard to lay three roses and a bottle of cognac at the grave of Edgar Allan Poe.

Now, a 92-year-old man who led the fight to preserve the historic site says the visitor was his creation.

“We did it, myself and my tour guides,” said Sam Porpora. “It was a promotional idea. We made it up, never dreaming it would go worldwide.”

Porpora is an energetic, dapper fellow in a newsboy cap and a checked suit with a bolo tie. He’s got a twinkle in his eye and a mischievous smile, and he tells his tale in the rhythms of a natural-born storyteller.

No one has ever claimed ownership of the legend. So why is Porpora coming forward now?

“I really can’t tell you,” Porpora answered. “I love Poe. I love talking about Poe. I had a lot to do with making Poe a universal figure. I’m doing it because of my love for the story.”

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This entry was posted in Deaths, Edgar Allan Poe, Urban Legends. Bookmark the permalink.

3 Responses to Man Reveals Legend of Mystery Visitor to Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave

  1. Mert says:

    nooo !!!!!!

  2. Angie baby says:

    Just realized this is a Fox “news” page, so…. take it with a grain of salt.

  3. PINKGUY says:

    wwwwwwwwhhhhhhhhhhhhaaaaaaaaattttttttttt

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