This newspaper story is about a recluse in Michigan who fits the stereotype of quirky eccentric in the American style. “Dapper Dan” lives in a trailer outside of town on 40 plus acres, retired on Alaska oil field income, consumes a lot of processed food, and is 73. His life may not be so different than the pattern of solitary seniors thoughout the modern U.S.
URL: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=
/20060629/FEATURES07/606290453/1032.
Mobile Hermitage
The Mobile Hermitage is a small house designed and constructed for Greg Johnson, director of Resources for Life, who resides in it in Des Moines, Iowa, USA. The mobile hermitage is an innovative idea for communities, homeowners adding guest quarters — and simple-living solitaries.The dwelling is easily portable, not difficult to construct, and accommodates one or two adults. Details about construction, electricity, heating, kitchen, technology and other features are described on the Resources for Life website, along with pictures.
URL: http://www.resourcesforlife.com/groups/mobilehermitage/.
Brought to our attention by a friend of Hermitary.
“Hermit of Montrose” again
Here is a reprint of the New York Times articles on Henry Stuart, the “hermit of Montrose” originally profiled in the article listed here on May 9. URL:
http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/446908.html.
“The Hermit of Manana” film
Filmmaker Elisabeth has just finished “The Hermit of Manana,” a documentary film described as
the true story of Ray Phillips, a New York City dropout who lived alone on a tiny isolated island [Manana Island, Maine] for fifty years. The film traces his journey, pieces together the stories of those who knew him, and sifts through the myths which engulf his legacy. While the hermit lifestyle seems outlandish to most, this film shows the value in a life of simplicity and survival.
The film will premiere in New York City on May 30 and be available as a DVD sometime in June (and can be reserved via e-mail now). A trailer is available on the web site Harris has established for the film, plus stills, history, and other information.
Elisabeth Harris has worked on projects for major media firms, including Discovery Channel, PBS, and CBS. She early communicated with Hermitary about the project. The film is a captivating historical documentation with a humane and personable approach.
URL: http://www.thehermitofmanana.com.
Henry Stuart, “Hermit of Montrose”
“A Hermit’s Refuge Is Now a Writer’s Muse” is a New York Times article about an eccentric in Mobile Bay, Alabama, named Henry Stuart. Stuart was called the “Hermit of Montrose,” and built a concrete hut in the 1920’s where he wove rugs for a living. Local resident Sonny Brewer has published a novel about Stuart entitled The Poet of Tolstoy Park, so named because Stuart had an interest in Tolstoy. Brewer is trying to have the unusual hut declared a national landmark in order to preserve it. Meanwhile, Brewer uses the hut for meditation. His guestbook shows over two thousand visitors to the hut, many interested in communicating with the spirit of Stuart.
URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/05/07/fashion/sundaystyles/07AUTHOR.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.