Homer Collyer

Homer Collyer (November 6, 1881 – March 21, 1947) was an American recluse and hoarder who became famous for his eccentric lifestyle and the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death. He lived in Harlem, New York City, with his brother Langley Collyer, in what became known as the Collyer brothers' hoarder house. Their story is one of the most notorious examples of compulsive hoarding in American history.

Early Life

Homer Collyer was born to Herman Livingston Collyer, a respected Manhattan gynecologist, and Susie Gage Frost, a former opera singer. The Collyer family was part of New York City's upper class. Homer and his brother Langley attended the city's finest schools. Homer graduated from Columbia University, where he studied admiralty law.

Career

After completing his education, Homer worked as a lawyer. However, his career was short-lived. By the early 1930s, both Homer and Langley had withdrawn from society and lived in seclusion in their Harlem brownstone at 2078 Fifth Avenue.

Life in Seclusion

Over the years, the Collyer brothers became increasingly reclusive, turning their four-story brownstone into a maze of hoarded items and trash. The brothers were rumored to have set booby traps to protect against intruders. Homer suffered from rheumatism and became blind, relying on Langley for care. Langley took care of Homer by bringing him food and reading to him, despite the squalid conditions of their home.

Death

Homer Collyer was found dead in the Harlem brownstone on March 21, 1947, at the age of 65. His cause of death was starvation. Langley Collyer was found dead weeks later, buried under debris in the house. It was determined that Langley had died from asphyxiation after being crushed by one of his own booby traps. The discovery of the brothers' bodies and the condition of their home shocked the public and garnered nationwide media attention.

Legacy

The story of the Collyer brothers has become a cautionary tale about the dangers of hoarding and isolation. Their lives have inspired numerous articles, books, and plays, contributing to the mythos surrounding the brothers. The term "Collyer brothers syndrome" is sometimes used to describe extreme cases of hoarding.

See Also

• Compulsive hoarding
• Reclusiveness
• Harlem