The Carefree Floating Lifestyle

On this date back in 1902, the Seattle PI published an article on the idyllic lifestyle of those living on houseboats in Elliot Bay.  Noting that it was a rent and tax free environment and bonus, no lawns to mow.  The reality was that many of the house boaters were very poor and couldn't afford to live on land.  The dreamy life of a house boater prevailed, and has the 20th century matched on those who lived on water were increasingly middle class or even affluent.  By the middle of last century there were 2,500 house boats in Seattle.  Today that number is less than 500 and with new legislation being considered by the city council that number may even drop further.