Henry Dalmas

Henry Dalmas first lived in Virginia and later moved to Ft. Myers Beach, Florida. He visited Mr. Seeley on Dismal Key and began to dream of living the life of a hermit. He spent weekends on an island when he could but always returned to Ft. Myers Beach as he felt he must make enough money to be able to support himself on an island. Finally, at the age of seventy-two he felt prepared. He had not intended to be as primitive as the rest of the hermits and had saved money to buy a generator to run his electric lights and power tools.

Henry was able to live on his island for only six months before he died.

Mr. Seely commented about Henry's short lived career as a hermit. "If you ever have any thoughts about becoming a hermit," he said, "you shouldn't wait until you are at death's door to do it. Do it now!"

The following sources were used for some information regarding area hermits:

Collier County Historical Museum

Collier County News

Collier County Semi-Centennial, 1923-1973

Daughtrey, Rufe, Hermit Leaves After Hurricane Wipes Out Home, September 29, 1960

Douthat, L. Stration, A Space Age Hermit Lives

Naples Daily News

New York Times Service, Man, 94 Is Sole Resident of Isle

Tebeau, W. Charlton, Man In the Everglades, 1968

Prop Roots - Mangrove Trees