Questions & Answers about Seattle’s Floating Homes & FHA
Q: What is a brief history of Floating Homes in Seattle?
A: Seattle’s floating homes have a rich history, shaped by the lives of unconventional people seeking an alternative way of life1. From the late 19th century to the present day, these communities have evolved from simple, cheap dwellings to a distinctive and desirable neighborhood.
In the early days, around the turn of the century, houseboats were primarily the domain of working-class individuals, such as lumberjacks, fishermen, and other migrant laborers4…. These “stiffs,” as they were sometimes called, sought refuge from the harsh realities of city life, finding in houseboats an escape from miserable conditions and a sense of independence5…. They built their floating homes from readily available materials like retired barges, boat hulls, and log rafts, creating rent-free havens on the water.
As Seattle prospered in the early 20th century, a different kind of houseboater emerged: the middle-class seeking summer retreats9. Luxurious floating homes with modern conveniences like electricity and indoor plumbing began to dot Lake Washington. These houseboaters, however, were sometimes viewed with contempt by those in the working-class communities.
During the interwar years, particularly the Great Depression, houseboats became a crucial housing solution for Seattle’s struggling working class13. Colonies of floating homes multiplied, offering an affordable alternative to land-based dwellings. These “sampan cities,” though often considered unsightly by upland residents, fostered a strong sense of community among their inhabitants15. Amidst the challenges of poverty and social stigma, houseboaters found solace in their unique way of life, reveling in simple pleasures and neighborly camaraderie.
The mid-20th century brought new challenges and transformations to the houseboat communities. World War II led to an influx of war workers seeking housing, further straining the city’s resources17…. While some old-timers leased their homes to newcomers, the war years saw a mix of families with “victory gardens” and those continuing to produce home brew19. In the postwar era, returning veterans and their families sought affordable housing on Lake Union, drawn by the economy, convenience, and unique charm of floating homes20. Despite facing opposition from upland residents and the threat of elimination, the houseboaters organized and fought for their way of life, forming the Floating Homes Association in the 1960s.
By the late 20th century, houseboats had shed their Bohemian stigma and were becoming a stylish alternative to suburban living for affluent individuals23…. Architectural innovations and modern amenities transformed the floating homes, attracting professionals, artists, and intellectuals to the water25…. However, this new respectability also created tensions between the old and new houseboaters, as two-story structures and rising moorage fees threatened the community’s character and affordability.
Despite these challenges, Seattle’s houseboats have persevered, thanks to the resilience and activism of their residents. The Shorelines Management Act provided official recognition and protection for floating homes, ensuring their place in Seattle’s unique urban landscape. Today, these communities continue to evolve, blending history and modernity, and offering a distinctive and vibrant way of life on the water. (Source: Howard Drocker’s book Seattle’s Unsinkable Houseboats)
Q: Who was Terry Pettus?
A: Terry Pettus, a man of many passions and unwavering principles, became the unlikely champion of Seattle’s floating homes. Born with a fire for social justice, Pettus’s life took him from the newsrooms of the Midwest to the radical circles of the Pacific Northwest. However, it was his unexpected embrace of life afloat that cemented his legacy as the savior of Seattle’s unique houseboat communities.
Pettus’s journey began far from the tranquil waters of Lake Union. As a young journalist, he honed his skills and developed a keen sense of observation. But it was his growing awareness of social inequalities that ignited a lifelong commitment to activism. He became deeply involved in the labor movement, fearlessly advocating for workers’ rights and challenging the status quo. His dedication to progressive causes led him to embrace radical politics, a path that would later bring both accolades and adversity.
In 1943, seeking affordable housing during a time of wartime shortages, Pettus and his wife Berta stumbled upon the unconventional world of Seattle’s houseboats. They found not only a roof over their heads but also a community of kindred spirits, mavericks, and nonconformists who embraced tolerance and celebrated individuality. Little did Pettus know that this seemingly simple decision would set him on a course to become the unlikely guardian of this unique way of life.
The tranquility of lake living was shattered in the 1960s when the houseboat community faced a series of existential threats. City officials, driven by visions of progress and fueled by complaints from upland residents, sought to eliminate the floating homes, viewing them as eyesores and environmental hazards. Faced with eviction and the potential destruction of their homes, the houseboaters turned to Terry Pettus for leadership.
Despite his initial reluctance, Pettus recognized the urgency of the situation and reluctantly took up the mantle of leadership. Drawing upon his years of experience as a journalist, union organizer, and radical editor, he galvanized the houseboat community, forging a united front against the forces threatening their existence. Pettus transformed the disparate group of water-dwellers into a formidable political force, the Floating Homes Association, capable of challenging the city’s power structure.
With his sharp wit, eloquent voice, and unwavering determination, Pettus became the face of the houseboat movement. He navigated the complex world of city politics, skillfully negotiating with officials, mobilizing public support, and crafting innovative solutions to the challenges facing the community. He understood that the key to their survival lay not only in defending their own interests but also in promoting the well-being of the entire lake environment.
Pettus’s vision extended beyond simply preserving the status quo. He championed the upgrading of floating homes, advocating for improved sanitation, safety, and aesthetic standards. He recognized that by demonstrating their commitment to responsible lake stewardship, the houseboaters could win over their critics and secure their place as valued members of the Seattle community.
Pettus’s efforts culminated in the landmark Shorelines Management Act, which provided official recognition and protection for Seattle’s floating homes. This pivotal legislation enshrined the principle of a “diversified marine environment,” ensuring that houseboats would remain a vital part of Lake Union’s unique character.
Terry Pettus’s legacy extends far beyond the shores of Lake Union. He demonstrated the power of grassroots activism, showing that even the most unconventional communities can shape their own destiny with vision, courage, and unwavering commitment. His tireless advocacy not only saved Seattle’s floating homes but also left an enduring mark on the city’s soul, reminding all that the most vibrant communities are those that embrace diversity, celebrate individuality, and fight for what they believe in. (Source: Howard Drocker’s book Seattle’s Unsinkable Houseboats)
Q: Who was Bill Keasler? Is this why the Floating Home Office is named Keasler Cottage?
A: Bill Keasler was president of the FHA from 1981 to 2010.
Bill Keasler was a pivotal figure in Seattle’s floating home community, known for his leadership, advocacy, and long-term fight to preserve houseboats on Lake Union. Born in Lakewood, Washington, he studied electrical engineering at the University of Washington and developed a deep connection with the water from his family’s beach property on Puget Sound.
In the 1970s and 1980s, as Seattle’s floating homes faced increasing threats from urban development and restrictive regulations, Keasler played a key role in defending the community. After experiencing two personal evictions due to moorage issues, he became a fierce advocate for houseboat owners, helping shape policies that protected their rights. He led the Floating Homes Association for over 30 years, working closely with fellow advocate Beth Means to fight against eviction threats, excessive moorage fees, and other challenges.
Beyond houseboats, Keasler was a civic leader who pushed for sustainable development in Eastlake, fought against overbuilding, and co-founded initiatives like the Seaplane Environmental Coalition to regulate noise pollution. He was also instrumental in advocating for a shoreline park at the south end of Lake Union.
A successful computer systems designer, Keasler had a deep love for science, sailing, and family life. He was known for his thoughtful, conversational leadership style—engaging with everyone from government officials to local houseboaters to rally support for his causes. His efforts ensured that Seattle’s floating home community survived and thrived, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. (Source: FHA Newsletters)
Q: What was the Shoreline Management Act?
A: The Shorelines Management Act was vital in securing the future of Seattle’s floating homes. Due to a lack of official action to protect the state’s shorelines, the citizen’s Washington Environmental Council (WEC), including the Floating Homes Association, successfully brought Initiative 43 to the state legislature in early 1971. The state legislature then wrote an alternative bill, which took effect June 1, 1971. Both bills were overwhelmingly passed by voters in November 1972, with the legislature’s version becoming law because it shared authority between state and local governmental bodies and was more agreeable to property interests because it encompassed less territory. The Act made local governments responsible for drafting their own guidelines for shorelines management, which were subject to state approval. Seattle’s Master Program under the Shorelines Management Act then created a new comprehensive plan for Lake Union, with stringent land-use controls in the form of “environmental designations” as overlays to existing zoning. The advisory committee that helped draft Seattle’s Master Program included Terry Pettus. The regulations established under the Shorelines Management Act ensured the preservation of Lake Union’s “diversified marine environment,” adopting the language of the Floating Homes Association. The act gave official recognition to floating homes as water-related uses and therefore as “preferred uses” for the lake surface. However, it also effectively outlawed additional two-story houseboats on old docks and restricted future houseboat moorages to preserve areas for navigation and public enjoyment. Thus, the Shorelines Management Act was crucial in protecting Seattle’s floating homes by giving them official recognition and ensuring the preservation of Lake Union’s unique environment. (Source: Howard Drocker’s book Seattle’s Unsinkable Houseboats)