Explore the fascinating life of Harrison G. Dyar, Jr., an entomologist and hobby tunneler. From his upbringing and education to his tumultuous personal life and contentious divorce proceedings, Dyar's story is filled with intrigue. Discover his fallout with the Entomological Society, his involvement in publishing entomological journals, and the court ruling that raised questions about his ex-wife's husband. Learn about the professional consequences of his divorce, his donation to the Smithsonian, and his subsequent mental breakdown. Uncover his involvement with the Baha'i Faith and the discovery of secret tunnels in 1924.
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Quick takeaways
Harrison G. Dyar, Jr. made significant contributions to the study of Lepidoptera and mosquitoes, playing a crucial role in controlling diseases like yellow fever.
Dyar's eccentric hobby of tunnel-digging attracted public interest and speculation, serving as a source of exercise and relaxation for him.
Deep dives
Harrison Dyer's Life and Career
Harrison Dyer, a renowned entomologist, led a complex and unconventional life. Born in 1866, he grew up in a financially comfortable home and developed a passion for insects. Dyer made significant contributions to the study of Lepidoptera, particularly with his work on measuring larval heads to track life cycles, known as Dyer's law. His research on mosquitoes also played a crucial role in controlling diseases like yellow fever. Despite his scientific accomplishments, Dyer's personal life was filled with scandal, including his involvement in a love triangle with his wife, Zella Peabody, and another woman, Waleska Pollock. The public divorce proceedings and allegations of bigamy tarnished his reputation. Dyer's later years saw financial difficulties, multiple real estate investments, and a hobby of tunnel-digging under his properties.
Harrison Dyer's Tunnels
One of the surprising aspects of Harrison Dyer's life was his hobby of tunnel-digging. Dyer created extensive tunnel systems beneath his properties, with multiple levels, electricity, and careful construction. While some speculated that the tunnels connected Dyer's home with Waleska Pollock's residence, these claims were debunked. Dyer stated that his tunnel hobby began as a garden project for his wife but grew into a personal passion. His tunnels became a source of speculation and generated public interest, particularly when one of the tunnels under an excavation site was discovered. Dyer's tunnel-digging provided him with exercise and relaxation, reflecting his eccentricities and unusual interests.
Dyer's Controversial Life After Divorce
Following his divorce from Zella, Harrison Dyer's personal and professional life took a downturn. His financial standing suffered due to legal fees and poor business decisions. Attempts to secure employment with the US Department of Agriculture were unsuccessful. Dyer's reputation as an entomologist was marred by scandalous divorce proceedings and accusations of misconduct. He resorted to publishing his own magazine, Reality, which allowed him to share his thoughts and writing. Dyer's life became more challenging after suffering a stroke, and he died in 1929. His widow, Waleska Pollock, carried on his legacy in the Baha'i Faith until her own passing in 1940.
The Complexities of Harrison Dyer's Life
Harrison Dyer's life was marked by a mix of scientific achievements, personal scandals, unconventional hobbies, and financial struggles. His contributions to entomology, particularly in the study of Lepidoptera and mosquitoes, were significant. However, his involvement in a love triangle, divorce, and bigamy allegations tarnished his reputation. Dyer's tunnels, a unique and eccentric hobby, attracted attention and speculation. Despite his challenges, Dyer's passion for entomology and tunnel-digging persisted. Ultimately, his life exemplifies the complexities of a person who both excelled in his profession and faced personal controversies throughout his journey.
Harrison G. Dyar, Jr. is known today largely as a hobby tunneler. But he was also an influential entomologist, and his personal life was much more convoluted than any tunnel he ever dug.
Research:
“Allen v. Allen.” The Pacific Reporter, Volume 193. https://books.google.com/books?id=cbyZAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA540&lpg=PA540&dq=wellesca+pollock&source=bl&ots=PvDosq-Q0D&sig=QTmSy0vOgN9DzncgGGpPagodRHE&hl=en&ei=dtjjTaWUNIfhiALuq5mkBg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CCkQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q=allen%20v%2C%20allen&f=false
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Dyar, Harrison G. “THE NUMBER OF MOLTS OF LEPIDOPTEROUS LARVAE.” Psyche: A Journal of Entomology. 1890. https://downloads.hindawi.com/journals/psyche/1890/023871.pdf
Dyar, Harrison Gray. "A preliminary genealogy of the Dyar family." Gibson Bros. Washington, D.C. 1903. https://archive.org/stream/preliminarygenea03dyar/preliminarygenea03dyar_djvu.txt
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Kelly, John. “Inside the Tunnels of Washington’s Mole Man, Harrison G. Dyar.” The Washington Post. Nov. 3, 2012. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/inside-the-tunnels-of-washingtons-mole-man-harrison-g-dyar/2012/11/03/169851cc-1d41-11e2-9cd5-b55c38388962_story.html
Kelly, John. “1915 letter from Dyar’s mistress to his wife.” The Washington Post. Nov. 5, 2012. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/1915-letter-from-dyars-mistress-to-his-wife/2012/11/05/dc19bb56-1c61-11e2-9cd5-b55c38388962_story.html
Kelly, John. “Wellesca Pollock, before she Married Harrison G. Dyar.” The Washington Post. Oct. 30, 2012. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/wellesca-pollock-before-she-met-harrison-g-dyar/2012/10/30/52a7009e-1c4e-11e2-9cd5-b55c38388962_story.html
“Mix-up Over Mosquito Tale.” The Washington Herald. April 28, 1908. https://www.newspapers.com/image/48225958/?terms=Evelyn%20Mitchell&match=1
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“Mrs. Zella Peabody Dyar filed suit … “ The Washington Post. Oct. 8, 1915. https://www.newspapers.com/image/28826160/?terms=Zella%20Dyar&match=1
“Mystery Allen Case Is Partially Lifted.” Nevada State Journal. Oct. 15, 2016. https://www.newspapers.com/image/1009663765/?terms=zella%20dyar%20wilfred%20allen&match=1
“Mystery Tunnel Joins Two Homes.” The Washington Times. May 19, 1917. https://www.newspapers.com/image/79910879/?terms=dyar%20tunnel&match=1
“Named Defendant in Suit for Divorce.” Evening Star. Oct. 7, 1915. https://www.newspapers.com/image/332095519/?terms=Zella%20Dyar&match=1
“Sales of Realty.” Evening Star. March 12, 1906. https://www.newspapers.com/image/146325388/?terms=Harrison%20G.%20Dyar&match=1
Smith, Ryan P. “The Bizarre Tale of the Tunnels, Trysts and Taxa of a Smithsonian Entomologist.” Smithsonian. May 13, 2016. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/bizarre-tale-tunnels-trysts-and-taxa-smithsonian-entomologist-180959089/
“Tunnel Puzzle Solved; ‘Prof’ a Human Mole.” Chicago Tribune. Sept. 27, 1924. https://www.newspapers.com/image/354882108/?terms=Harrison%20G.%20Dyar&match=1
“Widow of Dr. H.G. Dyar Dies of Heart Ailment.” The Evening Star. June 23, 1940. https://www.newspapers.com/image/866032864/?terms=Harrison%20G.%20Dyar&match=1