"Hillard Green" Summary

Hillard Green lives far back in the mountains in the middle of a vast forest. His home is described by his interviewer as "somewhere between a lean-to and a cabin." Virtually a room with a roof, the floor of the cabin is bare; there is no ceiling, no running water, and no electricity. Furnishings include only a wood stove, sofa, bed, table and a single chair; but, additions such as a can for a soap dish, a homemade mop, canned food under the bed, and other items, make this a home. Hillard is eighty-five years old, and still farms his own food and cares for his own land.

Hillard is canning tomatoes, and laughs as the interviewers set up the camera, knowing he may look foolish. He points out, however, that an old man has to have something to...