Story by Recie Hornyak and Rick Watson

Author Rick Watson in front of one of the many shafts dug into the hillsides near where the Hermit lived.

Reunion organizers for Basic High School ask that those planning to attend, send a Mini-History, so that old classmates can read about their lives during the years since they last met. Loreace (Recie) Sanders Hornyak, class of 1958, commented on changes to her old hometown, saying … “I am amazed at the development – Especially Lake of Las Vegas. I wonder if the Hermit’s Ghost is hanging around?”

Her question brought back memories and prompted me to send her a letter to find out how much she remembered about the Henderson folk legend who inspired children to venture through desert and nearby “swamp” to visit him. (more…)