The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-05-22

Providence has hermit; not one OF
the red-covered novel sort. but real
live recluse who has forsaken the ways
of the world. Peter Scanlon. rs a her
NIT is unique, in that he is u modern
hermit his name testites to thOt, He
neither lives on goats milk and ''ysrhs'
as other heTmits do, nor does he attire
himself in the skins of foxes and dCge,
yet his personality and mode of living
are wierd and strange
Peter lives in the little house Mt
Bloom avenue and Oak street. Proyl-
dence the Storm beaten sides Of which
are almost hidden by dense taugle OF
unframed wsodbine and ivy. In sum
mer time the yard is fragrant with the
odor OF fruit blossoms and fringed with
mass of old-time posies, hollyhocks
and honeysuckle, just like Peters
hoary face is friuged with mass Of
unrestralned beard and hair.
DOGS FOR COMPANIONS.
The interior arrangements of the
wee house are unknown, and many
persons have ventured 10 gain peep
vt the spectacle within. but have been
deferred by the ferocious Growls of two
hounds. The dogs are Peters only as
sociates and have become imbued wite
their masters resignation TO solitude,
and their demeauor bespeGks woe to
any who dare venture upon their emf
nent domain.
Peters mental machinery is peculiar
VS. is evident from his attire and regal
waving back of any who presume to
question him during periodical tXcur.
slons to Providence for supplies When
he is espied swinging down the hill the
children flock after him--snd no won.
derl Fantastic is mild word TO de-
scribe his dress Imagine man Of
the Nineteenth century wearing breech-
cloth Yst the Providence hermit
wears one Of bood-red color His
reason for so doing cannot be explained.
Tor his other garments. though tat
tered and yellow from age, are OF more
modern fashion.
The crowning glory, however, Of
Peters outfit is staff about ten feet
long, 10 ihe TOP Of which is attached o
crosspiece. The whole is shaped to re-
sembled 3 scythe, and when Peter
s!Eidss along with the odd thing dangl-
Ing over his shoulder, he resem blss
Father Time. the obsolete old fellow,
whose caricsture haxeu-hsired and
dark-naired children love 10 ponier
over as it appears in "ye oIden alma
max,
yENERATEs HIS STAFF.
The scythe staff is Pster's fetch and
is the only subject Of his commuuica-
tions with man. He regards it with
tender care and when asked its pur-
pose says il is a boon to longevity and
keeps away the bewilching glsnces Of
eyil.eyed women.
This last sentiment attaches ITSELF to
the true reason for the hermit's seclu.
sion and oddity OF character Years
ago, when Peter was endowed with
more ct the Ersces Of handsome man
hood than It Is now his lot 70 possess,
lie We'd with several other men 10 pay
ing courtship 70 ayouns woman From
the fall Of Capid's flag, signitying that
The race Of love had begun, bis ad-
miration for dis Dulcina was uucon-
, cea.sd, persistent and honest. Peter
had condiments 10 back his sui. In the
way Of stocks and government bonds.
bu; they did no; win.
This love disappointment was the
last bitter dreg Of lae odd fellows cup
Of sorrow. aud, swearing eternal ssps-
ration from tie world generally and
yCulg women particularly, he resigned
himself 10 everlasting soliii.uie.
he still has his stocks and govern
ment bonds but wiIholis the surplus
Of bis Income with miserly affection.
He has aged rapidly these last few
years and neither ns stride nor the
trot Of the hounds is az springy as OF
yOre. However, the power OF his arm
"a just as capable Of waving aloit the
scythe-!etich ~ 1t ever was aud he
shows nowadays a greater disposition
70 shade HE eyes when in reach Of the
glaDcss Of fckls women.
MENTAL CONDITION EXAMINED.
About year ago some medical men
examined him with view OF placing
him 10 an insane institution. They De.
cided he was harmless and inolfousiye
and refused to take bis liberty from
him. His hair has not been cut for
years aud hangs in wild profusion
about his shoulders.