Page:Edgar Allan Poe - a centenary tribute.pdf/19



The approach of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe found the people of Maryland realizing that it should witness their full acknowledgment of his genius.

Among those with whom sentiment had quickened to conviction were the members of The Woman's Literary Club of Baltimore, who first discussed the subject in March, 1904. From the flint and steel of their interchanging thoughts was lit the flame of purpose on April 18, 1907, when The Edgar Allan Poe Memorial Association was incorporated by the board of management of the Woman's Literary Club with the object of "erecting in Baltimore a monument to the poet worthy of his genius."

The Association was brought before the public on April 20, 1907, at a meeting in the club's rooms, 105 West Franklin Street. Its invitations were responded to by the presidents or representatives of the women's clubs and societies of city and state, who accorded enthusiastic concurrence with the movement. The press was most inspiring. To the Sun's vital interest too high value cannot be accredited; also to the Baltimore American and other journals from seaboard to mountains.