Near the turn of the century, much had been written about St. Petersburg, Florida, but almost nothing about a neighboring settlement to the south, first known as Pinellas Village, later as Big Bayou. Here’s a brief glimpse of primitive times in an area inhabited by hardy fisher-folk, who lived in houseboats in order to avoid incursions by wildlife ashore. Despite a trolley line cut through in l905, it remained a time when panther or wildcat could raid your chicken coop and razorback hogs prowled downtown dirt streets at sundown. Here’s a brief view of what a Florida backwoods was like at a time when the Bayou’s population was only beginning to grow. Life aboard a houseboat offers a unique view of comfort afloat at a time when local waters were teeming with fish. Part of this narrative offers a visit to early fish netting procedure, and includes some of the hazards. It’s a brief romp in the past as seen by youthful eyes; Alby is a boy like all boys everywhere. Offered is an opportunity to grow up - again.