ABCedar Key: An Island Alphabet

Miriam Walrath is a native Floridian who grew up in the island com-munity of Cedar Key. Four generations of her family have lived and worked on the island as commercial fishermen; crabbers; and oys-termen. Miriam's parents owned and operated a grocery store on the island for 40 years. Growing up in Cedar Key is a privilege that only a small few are grant-ed. After-school and weekends were spent playing on the beaches; or crabbing from the many fishermen's docks; or exploring the bayou and surrounding islands in a small skiff. The gulf served as a swim-ming pool and the quiet streets were safe enough to become the play-grounds for the island children. Childhood memories are as rich and vivid today as 50 years ago. After graduating from college; the author's career as a school librari-an took her inland and off the island. The author is now retired after spending 40 years sharing her passion for reading; books; and librar-ies to children of all ages. Cedar Key has experienced many changes over the last 50 years. It is no longer the small fishing village it once was. Nevertheless; the smell of salt air and the feel of mud between the toes con-tinues to pull the author back to the idyllic setting of the island community. Cedar Key will al-ways be home.