Last of the Pineys
- Thread starter Frolickin
- Start date
Thanks, Guy, for the link to the article about Wasiowich. Years after the summer I worked on the cranberry bogs I read McPhee's accounts of him and remember thinking at the time that he and I would have been close to contemporaries. And I have wondered, from time to time, what became of him and what his life was like. And now I know, and am pleased - and, I'll admit, a bit envious at several levels of imagination.
There's a poem to which I was introduced by the light of an outback campfire in Queensland which, sometimes, when I read or recite it, calls an imagined image of Wasiowich -or one of a number of similar independently-minded characters I've actually known - to mind. The poem is by Banjo Patterson, the Australian poet laureate, and it's a rare Aussie who got past the eighth grade that doesn't know it by heart. I won't transcribe it here, but if you're interested, google "Banjo Patterson" and "Clancy, of the Overflow". You might enjoy it. If you don't find it, I'll be glad to send it by PM. When I read or think of that poem, images of two areas leap to mind, and blend in a strange but comfortable way - the high plains of west river of SD and WY, and the Jersey Pine Barrens.
Now there's a fellow (Wasiowich) who, if he ever were to get online, would probably be surprised to find himself right at home with some of the subscribers to the forums at this site. Fat chance 'tho, eh? Too bad! I'd like to see his input on many of our threads. Personally, I'd love to hear him hold forth on workin' the cranberry bogs in the 50s and 60s!
I'd not, for the world, be one to encroach on his self-imposed isolated life-style; sounds like an archetypal independent American with a straight-line philosophical descent from the original colonists. The mold was broke a while back; the species wanes but so long as remnants persist, their extant ways hold off the status of mere myth. I've had the honor and privilege of running into a few of his ilk and, in a few cases, of getting to know them more than casually - and I'm truly the richer for it.
This evening I'll lift a wee dram to the man, his intent, and his meaning (at least as I perceive them... and really, in the end ... maybe it's better that we don't meet...)
Dave
There's a poem to which I was introduced by the light of an outback campfire in Queensland which, sometimes, when I read or recite it, calls an imagined image of Wasiowich -or one of a number of similar independently-minded characters I've actually known - to mind. The poem is by Banjo Patterson, the Australian poet laureate, and it's a rare Aussie who got past the eighth grade that doesn't know it by heart. I won't transcribe it here, but if you're interested, google "Banjo Patterson" and "Clancy, of the Overflow". You might enjoy it. If you don't find it, I'll be glad to send it by PM. When I read or think of that poem, images of two areas leap to mind, and blend in a strange but comfortable way - the high plains of west river of SD and WY, and the Jersey Pine Barrens.
Now there's a fellow (Wasiowich) who, if he ever were to get online, would probably be surprised to find himself right at home with some of the subscribers to the forums at this site. Fat chance 'tho, eh? Too bad! I'd like to see his input on many of our threads. Personally, I'd love to hear him hold forth on workin' the cranberry bogs in the 50s and 60s!
I'd not, for the world, be one to encroach on his self-imposed isolated life-style; sounds like an archetypal independent American with a straight-line philosophical descent from the original colonists. The mold was broke a while back; the species wanes but so long as remnants persist, their extant ways hold off the status of mere myth. I've had the honor and privilege of running into a few of his ilk and, in a few cases, of getting to know them more than casually - and I'm truly the richer for it.
This evening I'll lift a wee dram to the man, his intent, and his meaning (at least as I perceive them... and really, in the end ... maybe it's better that we don't meet...)
Dave
uuglypher said:
It actually was Batona and not me with the link.
I have seen quite a few articles about him, and they never actually mention where he lives to keep some privacy for him, but this article throws that all away. And some of the other things mentioned seems to me tells to much of his private life, but he must have told the reporter and must not care that we all know about it.
I wonder what it is like to live there all year long mostly by himself, and then come hunting season all these people barge in and take over your place. That is unless he has a separate section just for himself.
Guy
Yes, there are still pineys around gathering moss and cutting hog brush. I have lunch with them on occasion and talk about old times. Pineys usually do come to a sad end. My father worked 33 years on a cranberry farm with no pension, and barely received $600 a month SS. When he became ill and could no longer work, he was given a year to move. (many people would dedicate their working lives to rich farmers in exchange for living for free in there workers shacks. And shacks they were. No hot water, no toilets and at times no proper draining for even the sinks!) It was more then a generous amount of time to move... but considering his state of poverty, didn't mount to much. At the time I lived in the heart of Delanco, and offered to take him in. Being a true Piney, he refused to move to the "city", so he took his only belongings and moved on a commune type farm (yes they still exist too) and lived in a bus.
As for the incest...there is alot of controversy over weather it did occur in the pines. Well now lets look at this logically. Incest occurs in all walks of life. Now consider the desperation in these people's lives. Extreme poverty turned them to much alcohol abuse. Most of these people were lucky if they graduated 8th grade. Morals were low as well as the availability of partners, weather the partners were for marriage or boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. Now don't get me wrong...I am talking many many years ago. Hopefully, with advances in our overall society, issues like incest, rape, and murder will decline.
As for the incest...there is alot of controversy over weather it did occur in the pines. Well now lets look at this logically. Incest occurs in all walks of life. Now consider the desperation in these people's lives. Extreme poverty turned them to much alcohol abuse. Most of these people were lucky if they graduated 8th grade. Morals were low as well as the availability of partners, weather the partners were for marriage or boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. Now don't get me wrong...I am talking many many years ago. Hopefully, with advances in our overall society, issues like incest, rape, and murder will decline.
I remember pulling in there once and there were a few guys standing around talking...and one old guy...who was probably him. I hope he is not pestered too much due to this...or maybe he'd enjoy some company. It was a really good feeling to know someone is still making a living with the moss!
I wonder if some property owners let him extract it so that he can make a living? I can't see the state letting him do it.....but then again maybe they don't bother him unless they get complaints. The articles mention's they do, but the authorities must understand his situation and apparently have not told him to stop.
Guy
Guy
If you get caught taking anything off of state land, you are in big trouble. I don't think the rangers would have any mercy on him or his plight. He proberly goes so far back in the woods, the chances of him being bothered are slim.