Sam Porpora, who is 92 and lives in the Charlestown Retirement Community in Catonsville, is claiming credit for starting the tradition of putting roses and a cognac toast on the grave of Edgar Alan Poe on Poe’s birthday. Porpora, who was curator of the Poe House and Museum, said he started the tradition in 1967 as a way to help garner attention and money for the church where the writer is buried.  He claims that he only did it that one year. Porpora recently confirmed he was the one to a friend.

However, the news report indicates that most people, including the current Poe curator, have established 1949 (100 years after Poe’s death) as when the tradition started.