Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1886-09-22
LIFE ON A HOUSEBOAT.
.uarms of Existence on One of These
Movable Homes

Movable Homes
About six years ago a domicIle on a
houseboat was viewed IN the light of an
eccentricity. At the present time sixty
or more of these movable homes fringe
the edge of the Bucks shore, and, with
their brilliant drapery and flower
gardened fronts, impart color and ami
nation to town that was formerly ac-
credited with drowsiness during $50
days IN the year. Life on houseboat
offers many charms besides that of va
erity. We are most of us acquainted
with the recommendations set forth in
favor of life on flat; the houseboat may
lay claims to all of thsn, with the ad-
ditional advantage of facility for
changing aspect, position, neighbors,
and encourage whenever a desire for
fresh scenes and society arises. On a
houSeboat there are none of the diScom-
forts of semi-detached villa, ard neith-
er need for nor any possibility Of many
servants. Upon these latter the atmos-
phere of the river houses seems to exer-
else happy influence.
The difficulty cook experiences when
in town of sending up a dinner, unless
her well-appointed kitchen be supplied
with every modern invention and de-
vice, appears never to occur to her
when on board boat. There her
sanctum of about four feet square, with
utensils in proportionate limits, and the
atmosphere of an inferno, satisfy all the
requirements of that, under other circum-
stances, exacting woman. Is it that,
like her betters, she has sense of pleas
ure in discovering that she is possessed
of undreamed of resources? Or is it
that the small excitementS, shifting
scene, and somewhat relaxed dignity of
the surroundings of her employers
awaken in her feeling of community
of interests? The cause is ineXplicable,
but the fact remains.
\ second woman on board is in the
accidental rather than the regular course
of events, as mans services prove
more efficient in beat which can rarely
place two berths at the disposal of the
servants. The pantry for table requi-
sites is equally limited, but then every
glass and cup fits into its appointed
groove: and when each thing has place
and duly fills it, there is no sense of
overcrowding. The sleeping accommO-
dation is appOrtioned with similar
economy, the arrangement Of berths
being the same as those which prevail
on yachts and steamers; everything done
for the promotion of comfort and exclu-
sion of superfluities. The drawing and
lining rooms afforded more scope for
ornamentation. Turkey carpets impart
feeling of luxury; the velvet cushions
of the cOucheS are made movable, and
do acceptable service in barge and skitf.
The tops of upright pianos are easily
converted into available etagereS, on
which are placed photographs, pictures
and variety of serviceable ornaments.
Cabinets fit into every corner, and form
receptacles for painting or sketching re-
quisites and work.
In many instances a large and service
able Japanese lantern hangs from the
centre of the ceiling flanked with Japa-
neSc fans, palm leaves, Pampas grass
and Makart bouquets are all available
decorations, and much taste and inge-
nuity are shown in the arrangement of
mirrors to double the proportions OF the
saloons. Few boats can boast OF a room
so spacious as that afforded by the roof
or deck of house boat. Although the
latter varies in size rs in form and deco
ration, 80 and 60 feet in length are by
no means unusual, and the social
home life is usually passed on these fiat
roofs. which are also the scene of numer-
Gus al fresco entertainments. Some are
entirely devoid of awnings, others have
canopieS represented by huge japanese
umbrellas; but most of the larger boats
show canvas, either arched or straight,
stretching from stem TO stern. Pendent
from the centre are baskets of flowers
and numerous japanese lanterns.
Entertainment without limit seems to
be the order of river life; so long IS the
fine weather and presence of neighbors
continue. As night draws near, and
the twilight fades into the dusk which
renders every object dim, the excursions
on the water cease. Then each boat and
launch puts forth its light, and snatcheS
of song with musical accOmpanlmentsare
heard along the stretch of river. In the
pauses may occasionally be diScerned
the note of the corncrake from the ada
cent shores. or the distant sounds from
neighbOring town or village. IL Is often
late before all the occupants of the boat
sink into silence, as the temptation to
watch quiet river. sky and moon are
more alluring than the tiny berth below.
Dress requirements are happily few, and
those habituated to the river life may be
distinguished by the simplicity of their
attire. Pain skirts of serge or flannel
are mostly adopted with skirts of wash
ing silk. The BOATS colOrs are shown
in the necktie, hat and waistband, and
its name on the silver buckle that clasps
the latter.