73473-sb3-17.tif
"Shanty boats, such as the one shown above photographed from the bridge at Belzoni, Humphreys County, are a familiar sight in the river country. The families that occupy these boats constitute a particular group of people that might well be termed 'river gypsies'. A precarious living is eked out by fishing and salvaging such treasure as might float by on the river where they may be moored. When better hunting is thought to be had in another spot downstream they drift down with the current; when their fancy directs them up-the-river they 'pole' their way up, beg or pay for a tow. Their's is a careless and uncertain existence - the principal concern - are the fish biting."
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"Shanty boats, such as the one shown above photographed from the bridge at Belzoni, Humphreys County, are a familiar sight in the river country. The families that occupy these boats constitute a particular group of people that might well be termed 'river gypsies'. A precarious living is eked out by fishing and salvaging such treasure as might float by on the river where they may be moored. When better hunting is thought to be had in another spot downstream they drift down with the current; when their fancy directs them up-the-river they 'pole' their way up, beg or pay for a tow. Their's is a careless and uncertain existence - the principal concern - are the fish biting."
Details
- Title: Pictorial History: Mississippi in Architecture, Assembled and Arranged by W.P.A. Historical Research Project
- Description: "Shanty boats, such as the one shown above photographed from the bridge at Belzoni, Humphreys County, are a familiar sight in the river country. The families that occupy these boats constitute a particular group of people that might well be termed 'river gypsies'. A precarious living is eked out by fishing and salvaging such treasure as might float by on the river where they may be moored. When better hunting is thought to be had in another spot downstream they drift down with the current; when their fancy directs them up-the-river they 'pole' their way up, beg or pay for a tow. Their's is a careless and uncertain existence - the principal concern - are the fish biting."
- Call Number: Series 0443
- Filename: 73473-sb3-17.tif