This sounds like such a nice story of a man who had given up on society and community, only to accidentally create and embrace his own supportive community
Someone in that area should start holding an annual John Smith Storytelling and Folk Craft Festival at that cave. It would be an awesome way to remember such a unique character from local history.
I just found this channel 12 hrs ago. I completely agree, a n d would add that the way he vocalizes his heartfelt emotions and thoughts is moving. My empath side is just melting by listening to him.
Imagine if people just helped and welcomed people who arent necessarily living a "normal life." Imagine if we as a people had heart for the less fortunate the way those people did.
Totally couldn't agree more!! Only problem though.. I did let people stay with me various times, I have a heart for those struggling... Every single one of them started great, I will call it the honeymoon period... But ended with them stealing from me, making false police accusations trying to force me to keep them there, (paying me nothing BTW), though it's my home... It almost worked for them!! 😮 I was shocked!! They accused me of being a Bible thumper because I didn't allow drinking in excess or wild guests... I mean if you can party you can work. I could go on and on. It actually broke my heart because I'm very understanding and wanted to help them better their life... But they took advantage of me. Big time. I didn't feel safe. I've had to stay with a friend before so I get it, but I considered my place as a servant, helping with anything I could that they asked. I think it just gets weird actually living with others. Little things that are no big deal become mountains you can't overcome if the other person isn't even willing to see the problem nor work on it, let alone work on themselves. It's hard to know who you'd clash with until they're already there... and police said, if their toothbrush is there, they're a resident with full rights. That gets very dicey legally when issues do arise. I think it would be better if we used our money for ensuring every citizen has a starter home, a half acre to grow food, with a mobile home, and utilities... Before we offer other countries a single cent.
Your vids are a big inspiration, this winter as the weather moves in I plan on writing a series of historical pieces on local oregon history, I really like your cadence and ability to weave human centric narratives with moral takeaways.
this was a touching story so beautifully told. I think it’s such a wonderfully human story, that this man was so determined to be alone and drown in his heartbreak & fear of others, but instead was met with a community equally determined to care for him & surround him with life and love. I’m local to MA and learning so much about the state from your videos. I am excited to go see some of these places. also fully cried when I saw the cat’s tiny tombstone
Your videos just keep getting better and better. Please never stop doing this! A totally unique voice on the platform. Thanks for doing this. Also, I love the 4x3 ratio your videos!
My god! How did you figure out to do these pieces????? I have been obsessed with watching episodes, and without exception, they are brilliant! They scratch an essential and periennial itch that resides in humanity. I came across this poem on a gravestone in an old cemetery on an abandoned dirt road near my house in the Finger Lakes region of NY when I was about 10 yr, old. It made quite an impression on me. I am sure you have come across it in your adventures: And now, dear friend, As you pass by, As you are now, So once was I. As I am now, You soon will be. Prepare to die, And follow me. I saw Black Sabbath at the Filmore East. I saw Starwars first release. I watched Secretariat win the Triple Crown. I watched the moon landing. I am nearly 80. Is it any wonder I love seeing someone bring dead people back to life and give them other attributes besides just being "dead"?
That is amazing. It didn't matter what was fact or fiction of his early years, the reality of his later years was the stuff of fairy tales and legends. Thank you.
I lived in New England when I was a kid and went to a lot of these places decades ago. These videos are so incredible to watch, as soon as I saw that cave I vividly remembered being 9 years old again.
John went to live in a hole in the ground just hoping he wouldn't be noticed and hurt. He saw the best from the people around him, including you keeping his memory alive. ❤❤
Watching this, I remember hearing or reading that hermits were all the rage among the wealthy or aristocracy in Victorian times in Britain. They would have a hermit on the grounds of the estate that would provide a curiosity for guests. That's probably what was referenced in this video about his life, moving around as a hermit across the pond. Since hermits were much more scarce in the US, owing to the lack of aristocrats needing to keep up with the fad, it makes sense that he was all the rage over here.
The photographs in the library book that are "doubles" are probably stereoscopic photos, you put them on two sides of some glasses and they'll be 3D. Which is really cool they took those of this area here.
Your passion makes my heart sing! I’m slowly making my way through your back catalogue, eking it out so I can fully enjoy it… it’s hard not to binge them all in one go but I feel your subjects deserve the care and attention from your viewers that you’ve put into each video. Who’d have thought a video about a man from Scotland, living in a cave in the US all those years ago would bring someone to tears? Well, it did for me. These people live on through your work and that makes you pretty amazing 👏👏👏
I SAW Star Wars on its opening day in Pittsburgh. There was no crowd, the theater was pretty empty. We had heard that the opening credits were awesome so we sat in the first row of the balcony. WOOOSH. I will never forget that Empire Battle Cruiser going over our heads for what seemed like forever! By the next weekend crowds went around the block! A week later we went back (straight this time) and enjoyed it once a week for its entire run. Daytime shows on weekdays were still not very crowded.
Hands down best of your videos yet! (and you have done some that were way more local to me, ie; RI area) …but this story was just sooo darn cool lol and the pictures!! Thank you!
Every time I see a notification you've uploaded something new it makes me smile. I literally save your video all day until I'm in tucked into bed and then I press play. Sometimes it takes me a few days to get through the video because I love falling asleep to your stories. Thank you for the amazing content 💕
Anyone else get the impression that maybe he had to leave the woman he loved behind in Scotland because he was in trouble with the law there? Not wanting people to know his real name, the weird story about hearing American caves were better, being so worried about being found at first... He sounds like a gentle soul, so its hard to picture him doing something violent, but the law back then could be extremely harsh, even on minor offences.
Gotta say this is my new fav channel :) videos are super informative and really interesting, I love that youre bringing light to americas historical quirks!
I love this channel, I just discovered it today. The way you tell historical stories, with humor. I wish you were my history teacher, i would be wide awake!
Such a fascinating story. There must certainly have been a really good vibe to this man and his "castle" in the woods. And from the pictures, which were probably staged somewhat, it seems like a very relaxed atmosphere. John looks and sounds like a really nice man, in spite of his heartbreak and what must have been somewhat a harsh life.
That was terrific! I love to see young people loving history! My question to you is how you discovered this love and curiosity? Also, we are close by to these areas and would love to visit. Should we just ask around town to find the trailhead. Thank you for all your time,research and most of all love for the past! Carrieann
I WAS among the first group to see "Star Wars" opening night. It was a great experience. I still have the booklet. And I saw a lot of great people in their prime, like Frank Zappa and Robin Trower.
Not surprised. That town has a weird vibe. Of all the towns you drive through on route 2, that one really sticks in my mind. The "welcome to Erving" sign self-proclaims it as "a great place to live!" or something like that. I does look nice, quiet, and of course green. If you're looking for more old timey caves to cover, there's a cave in Berlin, NY called Bentley's Cave which became a gambling den in the 19th century and there's rumor that it was part of the underground railroad.
Enjoying all the videos. Yes, I can hit pause to read clips from newspapers. Having them dwell on the screen for just a few moments longer would help. Even if you dont, still a huge fan! :)
This sounds like such a nice story of a man who had given up on society and community, only to accidentally create and embrace his own supportive community
Someone in that area should start holding an annual John Smith Storytelling and Folk Craft Festival at that cave. It would be an awesome way to remember such a unique character from local history.
absolutely obsessed with this channel, i have to stop myself from watching too much so i have something to watch next time
😂❤ Just commented similar! Love the random, well researched and well presented historical curiosities!!
💯💪😃👍💯
🤔💥🕵🏻♂️🗞️📰📜📂🗄️🗃️📼🎥
Same here!
Me too lol! I usually just listen whilst doin chores etc but I have to See these ones ! No time to even comment now, but here I am….
same
Same here! I love how whimsical and homey this channel is, its like a cup of hot cocoa in the fall! Hes such a geeat story teller!
your pure joy about libraries and history and knowledge is so wholesome and relatable. thank you so much for making this channel. you're awesome
I just found this channel 12 hrs ago. I completely agree, a n d would add that the way he vocalizes his heartfelt emotions and thoughts is moving. My empath side is just melting by listening to him.
Love the way you make a cave in the woods feel like Disneyland.
Imagine if people just helped and welcomed people who arent necessarily living a "normal life." Imagine if we as a people had heart for the less fortunate the way those people did.
Totally couldn't agree more!!
Only problem though.. I did let people stay with me various times, I have a heart for those struggling... Every single one of them started great, I will call it the honeymoon period... But ended with them stealing from me, making false police accusations trying to force me to keep them there, (paying me nothing BTW), though it's my home... It almost worked for them!! 😮
I was shocked!! They accused me of being a Bible thumper because I didn't allow drinking in excess or wild guests... I mean if you can party you can work. I could go on and on. It actually broke my heart because I'm very understanding and wanted to help them better their life... But they took advantage of me. Big time. I didn't feel safe.
I've had to stay with a friend before so I get it, but I considered my place as a servant, helping with anything I could that they asked.
I think it just gets weird actually living with others.
Little things that are no big deal become mountains you can't overcome if the other person isn't even willing to see the problem nor work on it, let alone work on themselves. It's hard to know who you'd clash with until they're already there... and police said, if their toothbrush is there, they're a resident with full rights. That gets very dicey legally when issues do arise.
I think it would be better if we used our money for ensuring every citizen has a starter home, a half acre to grow food, with a mobile home, and utilities... Before we offer other countries a single cent.
This is by far the most underrated channel I keep finding myself watching every day. Great videos!
Your vids are a big inspiration, this winter as the weather moves in I plan on writing a series of historical pieces on local oregon history, I really like your cadence and ability to weave human centric narratives with moral takeaways.
We will watch your career with great interest
this was a touching story so beautifully told. I think it’s such a wonderfully human story, that this man was so determined to be alone and drown in his heartbreak & fear of others, but instead was met with a community equally determined to care for him & surround him with life and love.
I’m local to MA and learning so much about the state from your videos. I am excited to go see some of these places. also fully cried when I saw the cat’s tiny tombstone
Your videos just keep getting better and better. Please never stop doing this! A totally unique voice on the platform. Thanks for doing this. Also, I love the 4x3 ratio your videos!
16:01 i love that he was selling merch. Smith was the first youtuber!
My god! How did you figure out to do these pieces????? I have been obsessed with watching episodes, and without exception, they are brilliant! They scratch an essential and periennial itch that resides in humanity.
I came across this poem on a gravestone in an old cemetery on an abandoned dirt road near my house in the Finger Lakes region of NY when I was about 10 yr, old. It made quite an impression on me. I am sure you have come across it in your adventures:
And now, dear friend,
As you pass by,
As you are now,
So once was I.
As I am now,
You soon will be.
Prepare to die,
And follow me.
I saw Black Sabbath at the Filmore East. I saw Starwars first release. I watched Secretariat win the Triple Crown. I watched the moon landing. I am nearly 80. Is it any wonder I love seeing someone bring dead people back to life and give them other attributes besides just being "dead"?
I grew up near there. We always regarded the story as being that of some old hippie everyone forgot about. lol
Wow. Such a good one. And that epilogue is perfect. You would make a great historic tour guide.
That is amazing. It didn't matter what was fact or fiction of his early years, the reality of his later years was the stuff of fairy tales and legends. Thank you.
I love love love matching up old pics to current ones. I appreciate you going to these locations! So happy to have found tour channel
Incredible acoustics from preacher’s rock.
It’s absolutely criminal this video has so few views.
Wtf. Wow. Keep grinding.
The hermit would jump for joy to be entertaining us after all of this time. Great story ❤
This made me emotional, especially the end. Oh, to live in a world like the one this man created.
Not sure if you noticed but the images you show around 27:42 stereoscopic cards - meaning 3d photographs
You are one hell of a storyteller!
So criminally undersubscribed. Keep the faith Dude. You’re doing great work.
I lived in New England when I was a kid and went to a lot of these places decades ago. These videos are so incredible to watch, as soon as I saw that cave I vividly remembered being 9 years old again.
i dont know if anyone ever says it but i really like your "speech voice" that you put on when you get really into the finale
A man's home is his castle.
Fantastic video, love your style and content!
This history lesson is crazy. Thanks for this detailed vid!
John went to live in a hole in the ground just hoping he wouldn't be noticed and hurt. He saw the best from the people around him, including you keeping his memory alive. ❤❤
Watching this, I remember hearing or reading that hermits were all the rage among the wealthy or aristocracy in Victorian times in Britain. They would have a hermit on the grounds of the estate that would provide a curiosity for guests. That's probably what was referenced in this video about his life, moving around as a hermit across the pond. Since hermits were much more scarce in the US, owing to the lack of aristocrats needing to keep up with the fad, it makes sense that he was all the rage over here.
The photographs in the library book that are "doubles" are probably stereoscopic photos, you put them on two sides of some glasses and they'll be 3D. Which is really cool they took those of this area here.
I found the passion with which you spoke incredibly moving!
One of the best Edutainment channels on the toob!
My life has entered a great stage toward completeness thanks to the telling of the tale of The Hermit of Erving Castle.
So good.
💟You are a natural storyteller!
Your passion makes my heart sing! I’m slowly making my way through your back catalogue, eking it out so I can fully enjoy it… it’s hard not to binge them all in one go but I feel your subjects deserve the care and attention from your viewers that you’ve put into each video. Who’d have thought a video about a man from Scotland, living in a cave in the US all those years ago would bring someone to tears? Well, it did for me. These people live on through your work and that makes you pretty amazing 👏👏👏
I SAW Star Wars on its opening day in Pittsburgh. There was no crowd, the theater was pretty empty. We had heard that the opening credits were awesome so we sat in the first row of the balcony. WOOOSH. I will never forget that Empire Battle Cruiser going over our heads for what seemed like forever! By the next weekend crowds went around the block! A week later we went back (straight this time) and enjoyed it once a week for its entire run. Daytime shows on weekdays were still not very crowded.
Just a few minutes in, but the energy is very high, loving this so far!
Whoa, those photos and side by side were sick
I absolutely adore your enthusiasm and storytelling. The outro made me so happy.
your speech at the ending was just beautiful
Wow and Thank You. I appreciate your diligent work, keep it up
of all the stuff i watch on you tube i love ur history stories so so very much best channel on u tube
Seeing the photographs of the place was so amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Hands down best of your videos yet! (and you have done some that were way more local to me, ie; RI area)
…but this story was just sooo darn cool lol and the pictures!! Thank you!
He should Team Up with Jason Allard and do a video in Rhode Island
The way you started the video cracked me up so much I had to watch it a few times 😂love your energy and enthusiasm!
Every time I see a notification you've uploaded something new it makes me smile. I literally save your video all day until I'm in tucked into bed and then I press play. Sometimes it takes me a few days to get through the video because I love falling asleep to your stories. Thank you for the amazing content 💕
Hey perfect timing, love your videos bud.
my man. keep it coming.
Anyone else get the impression that maybe he had to leave the woman he loved behind in Scotland because he was in trouble with the law there? Not wanting people to know his real name, the weird story about hearing American caves were better, being so worried about being found at first... He sounds like a gentle soul, so its hard to picture him doing something violent, but the law back then could be extremely harsh, even on minor offences.
The framing with the leafs falling down between you and the camera every once in a while is great
What an interesting story. Thanks for sharing
So as a local from Massachusetts I’m assuming you’re going to reinstate pulpit rock and tell us some crazy dime store adventures from there!
Great video, good production and storytelling as always.
I love your dedication for researching this kind of stories.
Ok,subscription earned. Delightful and entertaining! Keep them coming.
Gotta say this is my new fav channel :) videos are super informative and really interesting, I love that youre bringing light to americas historical quirks!
One of my favorites yet. Awesome stuff.
Your words at the end, to borrow a phrase, were, some kind of wonderful.
your visual essays are always a pleasure to watch thanks
I love this channel, I just discovered it today. The way you tell historical stories, with humor. I wish you were my history teacher, i would be wide awake!
Yet another awesome dime store adventure!
I'm with you on going there! It sounds like the kind of place I would love to be part of!
Another gem. "Though those days are gone, their memory isn't."
This was probably the most interesting and edifying video the algo has ever given me. Incredible work
I love your videos, great ideas, and youre so passionate about it too. We need more small history lessons about our world
Your enthusiasm is contagious 😅
I've been binge watching your videos. You're such a talent, I really enjoy your video. Thank you, for being awesome!
So evocative. Thanks again.
Thanks again for your passion for life and allowing us all to come along for the ride. Keep up the good work Brother
Such a fascinating story. There must certainly have been a really good vibe to this man and his "castle" in the woods. And from the pictures, which were probably staged somewhat, it seems like a very relaxed atmosphere. John looks and sounds like a really nice man, in spite of his heartbreak and what must have been somewhat a harsh life.
Absolute banger! The pix at the end really brings it home.
I can't wait for you to publish your book, New England Travel Guide: Locations of Understated Beauty and Relatively Untold History.
That was terrific! I love to see young people loving history!
My question to you is how you discovered this love and curiosity?
Also, we are close by to these areas and would love to visit. Should we just ask around town to find the trailhead.
Thank you for all your time,research and most of all love for the past!
Carrieann
This is one of my favorite stories on this channel
Just waiting for this channel to blow up, and to be able to say, I was there before you.
Check out the "hermit of mosquito pond" in the Manchester NH area. Similar story.
I love the format of your videos, its great to see how much research goes into each one of these projects.
You gotta be a pretty incredible guy to make the history books as a homeless man
This was absolutely wonderful
You sir, are a great storyteller. An honorable occupation. Keep it up.
This is a great video, thanks for making it! I've lived in Greenfield most of my life and I'd never heard of the Erving hermit before!
what do you record on, its beautiful in the Emerson kind of way
I WAS among the first group to see "Star Wars" opening night. It was a great experience. I still have the booklet. And I saw a lot of great people in their prime, like Frank Zappa and Robin Trower.
Fantastic man and story! Hope they will keep the site up keeping it.
Awesome video, pretty much binged your channel in the last few days. Thank you!
I'm loving your channel. Great stories.
His favorite band was Herman's Hermits.
I love your story telling style. Look forward to every new video.
What an unusual man. It seems like he lived several lives in his one lifetime.
I wish I could like this twice. This channel is always excellent ❤
As a resident of Salem, NH I'll have to make a trip to visit the hermit some day. Thank you for the content and keeping the past alive with us today.
Another wonderful episode, thank you.
I keep watching some of these same videos every week 🙈 idk its just so relaxing 🧖💆
I love this guy lol. John Smith was a real one for sure he sounds like he was a load of fun.
Thank you!!!
Not surprised. That town has a weird vibe. Of all the towns you drive through on route 2, that one really sticks in my mind. The "welcome to Erving" sign self-proclaims it as "a great place to live!" or something like that. I does look nice, quiet, and of course green. If you're looking for more old timey caves to cover, there's a cave in Berlin, NY called Bentley's Cave which became a gambling den in the 19th century and there's rumor that it was part of the underground railroad.
Love the dogtown attention. i was up there as a kid a few times. huge area. I'm a massachusetts boy. i love exploring too. thanks.
Enjoying all the videos. Yes, I can hit pause to read clips from newspapers. Having them dwell on the screen for just a few moments longer would help. Even if you dont, still a huge fan! :)
I was literally thinking Star Wars and Black Sabbath.
Also another great video - really appreciate the obscure history you dig up for us.
Love your channel! I love adventures and I am finding out so much I never knew about my home state!
So now I understand why i only wear black, already know I'm a hermit but I'm wearing the right colours lol. Love your channel ❤