There's a commentary in today's Inquirer (Friday, Oct. 19th) on the Edgar Allan Poe house at 7th and Spring Garden. In essence it notes that he was snever appreciated nor acclaimed when he lived in Philadelphia. It brings to my mind the episode of when the house was transferred from the City of Philadelphia to the Federal Government, to be made into a National Historic site.
Mrs. Frayne, who was the curator of the home at that time, lived upstairs of the Poe house. When it became a part of the Federal government, they were forcing her to move. Northern Liberties was at the forefront to convince them that she should remain in the house. After testifying before City Council, we were successful in allowing her to stay. She was so committed to Poe that it was as if she knew him personally. Well, Mrs. Frayne is now deceased and once again the Poe House is making news.
I have an article from the Inquirer, dated February 4, 1968, showing what the house looked like at that time, replete with furniture from the era of Poe.
Mary Dankanis
