Still Afloat: Seattle's Historic and Iconic Houseboats

Before they were Sleepless in Seattle, they were notorious. Dive into the gritty, rebellious, and fascinating history of Seattle’s iconic houseboat community. Still Afloat reveals a story far richer than the romantic image—a world of scrappy survival against all odds. For over a century, these floating neighborhoods were a haven for the city's outsiders: blue-collar workers, "free-spirited Bohemians," political radicals, and "more than a few criminals". This book uncovers their forgotten world, from Prohibition-era speakeasies to the "slum boat" communities of the Great Depression. Discover the story of an unsinkable community that: Fought City Hall: Learn about the decades-long political battles to save their homes from politicians who saw them as "immoral, rowdy, [and] unsightly". Bred colorful characters: Meet houseboat legends like the city's beloved Umbrella Man and notorious figures tried for murder. Forged a unique culture: Understand the tenacious defense that united a fiercely independent community and preserved an essential piece of Seattle's soul. Written by official Floating Homes Association historian Adam Woog—who lives the Seattle houseboat life on Lake Union—this book is packed with rare photographs and untold stories. It's the definitive account of how a so-called 'menace' became one of Seattle's most treasured icons and an enviable way of life. View Less