The Poe 200!

Yesterday may have been MLK's birthday observed, but it was the actual birthday of Edgar Allen Poe. And his 200th to be exact. (And sadly, he died at the far too young age of 40!)

Lynka and Ron, some of James' literary friends, hosted a Poe salon and birthday party in their fantabulous home last night, and were kind enough to extend the invitation to me. Unbeknownst to me, Lynka is a Poe scholar, and has even written a fictionalized biography.

And the evening featured interesting hosts and interesting guests. The invitations were formal, as were the participants who dutifully (for the most part) appeared in dark and/or period attire.

James gave the heads up a couple of weeks ago so we could prepare wardrobes accordingly. It came as no surprise that I could dress out of my closet. James looked resplendent, as always, in his waistcoat.

Lynka Adams and James Hass

I say "as always" as he now rightfully fears that he's wearing it in almost every photo of him on Facebook. Lykna is also a rare book collector/dealer, and her library sent the librarian in me into little bibliogasms. Add to that Ron & Lynka's deeply personal and eclectic... I'll call it "art" collection, and I was in heaven. I have always been a Poe fan, and even studied his work in a semiar and performed the Raven as a dramatic pieice in college.

There was the Poe shrine:

detail:

and wonderfully Addams Family accents such as antlers, bones, ephemera, Victorian engravings, and a opossum of good fortune.

I believe my first children's book is going to be titled "The Possum in the Parlor." (Without the silent and confusing "o".)

I was particularly fond of the antique doll's head,

with empty eye-sockets and a battery-operated votive flickering within.

As with most great authors and great collectors, every piece had a story, and these were tales I was eager to have told. Their dining set, Lykna's from childhood, was bought at auction and is a beautifully ornate art deco set from the 1920s and is from the Hertz family mansion in Miami. A perfect setting for the birthday cake. She had ordered a raven, and graciously accepted what came out looking like a black duck.

There were Poe accents throughout the house (I had to take a photo of their bedroom).

I thought I was being clever for bringing a bottle of Ravenswood wine.

We enjoyed a group reading of The Raven, historical anecdotes, a Poe quiz, and a gastly, grim and gruesome murder. Okay not the murder. But still.

I did not get any photos of me, but I did use black liquid makeup to darken my eyes for a more macabre appearance. At one point in the night, Ron, who was not wearing his glasses, commented on mine. "That's so cool: from the sides you lenses look clear, but looking at you straight on your eyes area all black!"

And to think that this week is also the Edwardian Ball ("A staple of San Francisco culture with its elaborate costumed revelry of Gorey-inspired doom and gloom."). (Check out Laughing Squids photos!) It's a shame I can't do everything in this City.

The night was lovely in every way. Although I did appear later in the Victorian attire complete with top hat and raccoon eyes for a quick round with friends at the Midnight Sun and the final 80's night at TBOC. I was dressed in the 80s, it was just the 1880's. This also made for an interesting evening in the dimly lit back area of 440, which was hosting a steamy Monday theme night. Victorian in appearance, but not in attitude.

My MLK afternoon: working in an internet café, followed by Recovery at the Lookout, a Poe birthday party with aged sherry, absinthe and local literary luminaries; videos and 2/4/1 Jack Daniels at the Midnight Sun, and darkened eyes and darkened vibe in the back of 440.

I love SF.


Note from Lykna: The Raven as read by Christopher Walken.

I'll have to see if I can't find an old recording my my interpretation...