Let me introduce you to Hermit Joe. He was a true Mississippi Hermit. In the 1970's and 80's, he lived on the outskirts of Meridian, MS where he was a well-know icon of eccentricity. He lived alone, with his goats, in an open-air, lean-to style shed located a few miles outside the city limits of Meridian.
I was introduced to Hermit Joe during the Summer of 1983. Some friends of mine drove me out to his place one dark Friday or Saturday night. From that night to February 1988, I visited with Joe probably hundreds of times. I was then, and am to this day, intrigued, fascinated and entertained by Joe. From his appearance and the way he lived, to his beliefs and practices, Joe was quite a character. I wasn't the only one who thought so. Often when I'd visit him, other people would be coming or going up or down the narrow, two-track dirt road that led to his place. He was always cordial and polite and would receive visitors at all hours of the day and night. He was a quiet, meek man that inadvertently acquired cult-status fame in and around Meridian and beyond. Joe died in 1988.
Hermit Joe and one of his goats. Photographer unknown. (Approx. 1984)
For 29 years, I've told the story of Hermit Joe to those who would listen. In February 2006 I created this website and began a more intensive effort of researching and documenting what is known about Hermit Joe. The forthcoming website is to be a respectful, but truthful, chronicle of the existence of a man whose memory now resides in the realm of folklore. Anyone with a story, memory, audio or video recording, or any other interesting information about Hermit Joe is invited to contact me. I may include it at the website. Those that simply wish to join the "Friends of Hermit Joe" mailing list are also invited to contact me. If you are on facebook, type "Hermit Joe" in the search bar and check out the "Friends of Hermit Joe" group. - Arlan Gibson
