Times of Toil, Tales of Terror: Poe’s Philadelphia

by Scott Mastro
Trekking Spring Garden Street north of Philadelphia's Historical District, one arrives at 530-532 Seventh Street, the only standing structure remaining of Edgar Allan Poe's five Philadelphia residences. This one complete with brass knocker and United States park ranger's patches, caps and all, since designated as a national park site in 1978.  Although Poe lived in Boston, Baltimore and New York City throughout his thirty-eight years, this Philadelphia address was Poe's most prolific hearth and home.
Edgar, wife Virginia, mother-in-law Maria Muddy Clemm, and kitten Catterina, s...