September 06, 2009
Poe & Westminster Hall #101
The grave of Poe's grandfather, Revolutionary War and Ware of 1812 patriot. Poe was orphaned by the age of three and was never adopted. However, he lived with his Grandfather for many years. Accounts indicate their relationship was tenuous at best.
Poe & Westminster Hall #103
Poe's original burial site and marker, fittingly features a raven. He was later relocated to the front part of the Cemetery. . .The mysterious site where a mysterious man leaves 3 roses and a bottle of Cognac every year on Poe's birthday - Jan 19 (1809).
Poe & Westminster Hall #105
C checks out a display at Westminster Hall Cemetery. The gentleman that designed some of the tombs here, also designed portions of Fort McHenry. Apparently he used the same "vented" masonry techniques for the cemetery as he used for the powder and ammunition buildings at the Fort.
Poe & Westminster Hall #107
Here, you can see the cylindrical shapes of the tombs located in Westminster Hall.
Poe & Westminster Hall #110
This marker is unique or a couple of reasons. First of all, prior to this cemetery, I had never seen this elevated type marker. Also, this odd marble marker appears to have "bent." It was actually on Ripley's Believe it or Not according to the display marker beside it.
Poe & Westminster Hall #117
The gravesites seem jumbled together don't they? There is a display showing the layout of the cemetery.
Poe & Westminster Hall #119
C checks out the cemetery. The site is surrounded by the University of Maryland and neighbors a courtyard complete with patio and outdoor seating. It's located on the busy corner of Fayette and Greene Streets but it still feels peaceful - especially towards the back of the cemetery - with it's mature landscaping.
Poe & Westminster Hall #124
You can get an idea of how the Church was built over the cemetery. The Church also offers interior tours - including tours of the catacombs. C says I might not care of the catacombs given my dislike of tight spaces with stale air but we might still try a tour. Never know until you try.
Poe & Westmnister Hall #126
Wrought Iron. . .
BTW, I see that I've used 25% of my blogger capacity. If anyone can suggest a different way to archive, store, relocate the blog to a bigger capacity, that would be great.
Poe & Male Grammar School #128
Poe apparently was connected to two Grammar schools - one for boys and one for girls. The female school has been torn down. The male school remains across the street from Westminster Hall and is now part of the University of Maryland School of Law.
Poe & Westminster Hall #130
The Cathedral is beautiful. During the day, I was attempting to capture sunlight and shadows on the buildings and monuments. I realized after the first few pics, the camera was sent to a "night" function??? Not likely the most appropriate setting for my pursuits.
Poe & Westminster Hall #141
Poe is interred at the Westminster Hall Cemetery. . ."Where Baltimore's History Comes to Rest. . ."
The Cemetery is very impressive. In fact, the church - which is in the style of a Gothic cathedral - is built upon the cemetery. This was done to preserve the grave sites. Later, rural burials became en vogue and may of the well-to do "residents" were exhumed and moved to Greenmount Cemetery. Their graves and crypts are still maintained at Westminster Hall. It's a fascinating place.
E. A. Poe #138
This is the death portrait of Virgina Poe. This is rather creepy but must have been something typical for the time. Painting a portrait of someone dying or dead. Apparently Poe's poor wife died of a respiratory illness - tuberculosis or similar. She rests with Poe in Westminster Hall Cemetery at the corners of Fayette and Greene Streets.
E. A. Poe #137
Poe's house is located in a pretty urban part of the city. It's nestled in among what appears to be Section 8 housing on North Amity Street. C and I drove past the house several times. We were both a little uneasy about the situation and I said to C if we drive past here one more time someone might think we're trying to buy drugs. This was obviously an unfair and stereotypical observation because on the next pass, a kind gentleman asked us if we were looking for the Poe House and very kindly pointed it out to us.
This display is in the kitchen area of the house. The entire house is small and it's difficult to imagine how the family managed to fit in the small space. The upstairs was so cramped and full of people, I got no more than a quick glance around before claustrophobia got the best of me.
I didn't find it particularly creepy or haunted as the legend says. . .Just old.
It's Not A (Nasty) Tumor
Molly was at the Vet's again late last week. Weird bumps appeared on her right front "elbow." I didn't like the looks of them one bit and neither did the vet. Luckily, the biopsy seemed to indicate a benign tumor. That pleased us very much. She's in E-Collar purgatory for the next 3 weeks until we see if it goes away on it's own or if we need to surgically remove it. Feel very fortunate with the outcome. Molly is definitely a geriatric dog - although she seldom acts that way.
September 05, 2009
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