OT - Last of the Mountain Men

[soon 2 retire]

I first read about "The last of the mountain men" Sylvan Hart in The Last Whole Earth Catalogue in the early 70's. He lived alone up the Salmon River and was almost totally self sufficient. He even made his own personal flintlock rifles. He made the barrels himself from jackhammer bits made of Swedish steel. Here's a link to an article I found from Oct. 3, 1966 in the Sports Illustrated Archives. I hope you enjoy it.


http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/ ... /index.htm

Bob in NE Indiana

[Paladin]

Thanks, I had not read this before. Makes the Walter Mitty in me act up.

[Alan Wood]

A very interesting read indeed!

Thank you!

[jkbrea]

This was on the internet today about another old timer that passed away recently. Sylvan Hart is mentioned in the article. I thought it was funny that he rented caves for $2 a night.

[Malamute]

Hart was an interesting character. I didnt realize that there were a number of guys living out along the river.

http://bushcraftusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12466

[Chas.]

The Last Whole Earth Catalog - now there's a blast from the past. I'll bet there's still a copy around here somewhere.

[kimwcook]

I give Dugout Dick credit for doing what he wanted and making it work, but I couldn't do it. Heck, I wouldn't be able to communicate with all my brothers and sisters here.

[bdhold]

thanks - an excellent read.

[Rusty]

I bought the Book "Last of the Mountain Men" from the shop at "Backwoodsman Magazine." It has to be one of the best books out there. Hart made everything from a Russian Tea set to all his rifles. There have also been several articles about him in "Backwoodsman Magazine" over the years.

[jkbrea]

This was on the internet today about another old timer that passed away recently. Sylvan Hart is mentioned in the article. I thought it was funny that he rented caves for $2 a night.

Oops, forgot to post the link.
http://www.thenewstribune.com/2010/04/2 ... -dick.html

[Griff]

Good read.

[Lawyer Daggit]

Very interesting. In this day and age he is lucky they did not pick him up in a straight jacket and take him off for a mental health assessment 'for his own good'.