The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1886-02-25
A City on the Water.

~
1t will perhaps be news to our readers
to lesrn that there is near by a new city,
one which is migratory and comes and
goes with the swallows. This. may SEEM
strange and striking, but it is neyerthe;S
less true. In all this city there is only
one trade-one profession, If it may be go /
called. Strangest Of all to relate, this
city forms no integral portion of any
domain. Tt is feetiDg but permanent
reality. At ever.recurring seasons it 4
dissolves of its own volition and wanders
in sections from state to state, coming
together again at stated periods and
resuming the functions ofa we'll govern
ed and civilized community, and, increds}
ible as it may seem, the marvellous city
is within stones throw of New York:
1t is bounded by Brooklyn on the east,
by Manhattan Island on the west, and It's |
foundations are continuously washed by
the waters of the East river. Indeed, at
is upon the water, and its precise loca-
ton is in the Erie basin, and its title ISL
Canalboat City. Every winter, when old |
King Borcas pays his chilling visits to us
the novel city forms. All the canal boats
which ply upon the Hudson and the
intermediate waters during the spring
and summer lie up for the winter in the {
Erie basin.
Not less than 1,2OO canal boats com.
pose this community, and on these, wood.
en- hills 1900 people live Throughout the +
season. All the necessaries of life they
have among themselves. The massive
hulks are transformed into business
marts. Grocers' ships and liquor saloons,f
and even BARRIERS shops rise up where
coal and lumber find a home during the
season of transportation. The people. .
live wholly among themselves. TheyH
are transformed for the time being into
a business community. The cabin of
one boat is brought into use as billiard
and pool room, while in another tailor's
shop prevails. Then in the hold of
another there is a miniature coal and
wood yard, while several of the boats
bear signs that washing and ircning
are done. A pretentious cigar and tos
bacco shop is a feature of this city also,
and brings in handsome revenue to it's
owner.
By the means enumerated, theinhabit-Il
ants of this community are enabled toE;
reap considerable income. Many off
the ablebodied men work along the shorat
when the weather permits. Not singlds
case of outlawry, assault or larceny hasE
ever occurred. Whatever little disputeaE
happen are settled among themselves. TN
mi light readily be thought that drunken1f
ness would prevail, but this is not thdl
case. The men, as class, are sober and
industrious. Their wives and families
live with them through all seasons of thef
year, and know naught of the pleasures
or wickedness of city life. In the spriugE
summer and autumn months the men
earn comfortable living pursuing thei5s
occupation as boatmen. The business ID
all things considered, lucrative. They
have no rent to pay. 1t costs little for
themselves and families, and they are|
accordingly enabled to save much
money. Some of the boatmen ply a
lucrative business by letting out snial
boats during the winter months to fishing
parties.-Mew York JlaI and cypress. 4,