Since 1949, a mysterious figure has been visiting the grave of Edgar Allan Poe every January 19, the anniversary of Poe’s birth. Since 1949 the anonymous visitor has worn the same dark outfit, topped with a wide-brimmed fedora. And every year, he has laid a bottle of French cognac and three red roses at Poe’s grave.

Every year until 2010, that is.

Today’s article in the Baltimore Sun wondered whether the “Poe Toaster” has died.

If so, at least his devotion needn’t die: Today I’m picking up the torch (digitally, at least) of the annual tribute to Poe, whose wonderfully macabre stories still shine with originality and imagination.

Rest in peace, Edgar Allan Poe.