The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-24
HERMIT OF BRONX PARK.
Aged Reciuse Compelled 80 Shave
md Go to work.

NEW YORK, Sept 23.-Metamorphosed
by the loss of hushy whiskers three feet
long and his tangled thick hair two feet
long, William Lee for twenty years
known as the hermit of Bronx Park,
works disconsolately in the office of
broker in Boston Avenue. He has held
Job there just week. He did not seek
it. 1t was thrust upon him; it was either
that or go to the poorhouse.
For twenty years Lee, who is sixty
nine ears old. led the life OF a reeluse
in Bronx Park For years he had tho
park almost to himself. He built little
hut on the bank of the Bronx River and
supported himself by working now and
then for farmers in the neighborhood.
very little money suficed % buy him
provisions for weeks. so frusally did he
live In his little hut he had few books
Inv standard authors and a couple of en-
cyciopedias, which he read almost con-
stuutly But there was no bed in the hut.
pile of old coats served him for pillow
and leaves strewn in corner answered
for bed.
1t was Lees proud boast that he had not
had his hair cIut nor oeen shaved in the
twenty years he had lived in the park, and
his looks indicated that he spoke the
truth.
L
bad luck" he would say, when people re-
marked on his long whiskers and hair.
He was great favorite with children who
wandered into the park. At first they had
feared him, called him the wild man" but
he was fond of them and used to win their
confidence by telling them fairy tales by
the hour. He also taught them how to
distinguish the different trees and shrubs
that grew in the park. He knew the scien-
on other subjects besides forestry and bot
any.
In March, 1883. when the great blizzard
swept over New York. Lee was showed in.
His little hut. however, was well supplied
with provender. but farmers did not know
this and they organized a party to go to
his relief. They found the little hut al
most buried in a snow bank Inside Lee
was sitting beside his little stove, con-
tentedly smoking corncOb pipe and read
ing "Tame's English Literature" "Oh, l
don't mind the snow" ne said.
Lee remained in undisturbed possession
of his little hut all through the regime of
the park police but when the force was
consolidated with the regular metropoli-
tan department he was ordered to move.
He refused and for time ne was allowed
to remain.
Two weeks ago, however, peremptory
OiGeTS were issued tHdI Lee must De taken
to the poorhouse. I'll never go to the
poorhouse," said the old hermit.
George Stiemetz, broker at 2025 Bos-
ton Avenue, took pity On the old man snl
offered him a home with him provided he
would get his beard and hair cut, and act
as an office attendant.
We'll rather than go to the poorhouse
I'll consent to cut my hair and beard,
but | wouldn't do It for any other rea-
/ son" said Lee, and so, he gave barber
! a three hours job. The barber declared
the whiskers and hair weighed pound.
II Is said Lee comes from Canada
who're he was wealthy but that he quar-
relied with his father and went from
home. declaring that he would never re-
turn. and that his family should never
hear of him again. Efforts were made
from time to time to get him to reveal
his identity and that of his parents, but
the old fellow steadfastly refused. Since
he has had his hair cut his former &C
quaintances hardly recognize him.