Fans of Edgar Allan Poe packed the University Chapel yesterday to commemorate the 150th anniversary of his death and to remember his time as a student at the University.
Poe attended the University in 1826 and left the same year after his adopted father did not adequately fund his expenses.
The Raven Society and the Associates of the University of Virginia Library hosted the commemoration yeseterday, which included a eulogy performed by Historical Impressions actor Ron Furqueron.
The speaker said Poe did not have a "cold, repellent cynicism," as one of his contemporary detractors charged.
"His company was a pleasure in every respect," Furqueron said.
Poe was immersed in his writing, an "all-consuming passion," especially poetry, which "he considered the highest art form," he said.
While Poe was at the University, students' drinking, gambling and fighting tested the faculty's control, according to a booklet distributed at the event.
During his time at the University, Poe witnessed numerous fights, one of them involving gunfire, and occasional mob violence during his stay, the booklet states.
After listening to the speaker and the Library Ad Hoch Chorus, attendees visited what is thought to be Poe's room on the West Range, where he sketched charcoal drawings on the wall, Furqueron said.
Afterward, the group gathered at Alderman Library for a rededication of Poe's bust, which will be displayed in the new Special Collections Library to be constructed in the location of Miller Hall.
Attendees said they enjoyed the presentation.
Architecture Prof. Edward Clay said he enjoyed the presentation and remembering Poe was a part of the University.
"The interesting part is that he was here," he said. "I thought it was wonderful."
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