Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1891-08-05
SAILOR HERMITS.
QUEER LITTLE CABINS PUiLT UP
IN THE MAINE WOODS.
An Old Comrade Keeps Him Company.


writer in the Lewiston Journal. At
ter mile or so we came to what first
appear ed to be group of South Sea
islanders huts, located in a group of
tall pines and hemlocks. "There are
the headquarters of an old SALT" said
my companion, and was introduced
to Mr.. John Ivers of North Yarmouth,
who for nine years (from 1S41 to 1S5O)
served as sailor in the United States
navy. In 1923 he was aboard the
Columbian Frigate. under Commodore
Morris, at the Brazil, S. A, station.
Thence he sailed to the Mediterranean
Sea, and after three years and four
months returned to Norfolk, Va.
when he left the service.
Next he enlisted on the sloop of wal
Marion, going to the west coast of
Africa, remaining there several years
before returning again to his native
land. After his arrival home Mr.. Iv,rs
enlisted third time and went to Nor
folk, Va, aboard of receiving ship
and was, later on, detailed on duty OH
board of dispatch boat carrying the
mails between Charleston, S. c., and
Pensacola, Fla. In heavy gale they
drifted on the Panama banks, and lost
their anchor. Ivers in diving to recov-
er it, was so severely burned that one
of his arms became partially paralyzed
and he received his discharge.
He is 62 years of age, short and
thick set. His heavy gray beard reaches
nearly to his waist. His eye is still
clear, however, his movements vigo-
rous; and he is worker, being attir-
ed in frock and overalls. He is also
man of much intelligence and claarly
explained the arrangement of his
home.
First he introduced us TO his cabin
residence, building 1Ox7 feet, 6 feet
posted, the corner posts being trees
sawed off at the requisite height. The
walls were made of what he called
''common faggots' interviewer and
plastered with clay, one end being
built up with flat stones in which was
fireplace. The roof was matched
with straw. In weaving the thatch
upon the roof he invented a method of
his own. '.IIundreds of Irishmen
from the old country who were cxper-
fenced in thatching would come here
and say | was not doing it right, but l
had thatched rope at sea for chatting
gear and did it my own way. When
| had finished my roof | found it was
water tight"
The interior walls of the cabin were
covered with small flags pasted on. Il
got those from the soldiers graves in
the cemetery where they had been IA
year." he said. On shelves in the
room were lasts which he had used in
mending his shoes, and he showed us
locker filed with wearing apparel.
Out of it he took what he called
blanket jumper. He put it on and the
Dig hood, which was part of it com
pletely covered his head. Imade the
garment all myself" he said.
Mr.. Ivers has three woodsheds and
is now engaged in filling them so as to
have a store full for winter. One is
unique structure. Its dimensions
are some 10x6 feet, and it is completely
matched with long, black grass, the
roof being composed of poles bent
over a central ridgepole, the ends be-
ing planted in the ground. Thus
circular shaped roof is obtained. This
contains ordinary wood, but shed
adjoining is made of sticks with slant
inc roof and is devoted to the storing
of pine knots. Mr.. Iyers, however,
has just completed third woodshed
of about the same size as the others,
the walls of which are made of slaves
up to within two feet of the roof when
common swamp flags are used. The
roof is also built of slaves and flags.
The veteran has planted row of beans
in front of his cabin and a walk con-
sisting of fiat stones extends from the
front door. All the buildings are en-
closed by a pole fence, and at one side
peculiar contrivance which the sold
sea dog" has fashioned attracts the eye.
A fifteen foot pole is erected and at
the summit is a horizontal wheel on
which are four sloops in full sail, Wit
Union flag in the centre. The sloops
whirl around rapidly when there is
brisk breeze. ..How much do you
think think this entire establishment
cost me?' asked Mr.. Ivers, "Just
nine cents which 1 paid for flour
which | made into paste to stick the
flags on to the walls of my ROOM"
Outside of the yard, just in front of
the buildings is singular looking pile
of rocks, with big hole in the middle,
and large quantity of little flakes of
stone scattered about. ''That was a
,olid ledge once" said the old soldier,
.and the man who was here before me
made the hole by building hot fires
lpon the ledge and often the stone
vas thoroughly heated, throwing cold
water upon it each time removing
portion. He did this repeatedly until
he hole was excavated."
Hard by this spot spring of pure