Forty years ago when I was a counselor at a summer camp, I was surprised that there were kids who had never used a toilet that did not flush. Perhaps those kids are in a majority today.
Around here the historical preservation people would probably want to restore and preserve a structure like that. I think I would agree with them--the old outhouse is a feature of the past that deserves to be preserved so we can better understand what life was like for our ancestors. And the one you found is special--a log cabin outhouse.
November 8, 2009 at 7:30 AM
Anonymous said...
This is a charming looking piece of the past, although I did not love using them. We had outhouse at a school where I taught in southern Indiana. The other teacher NEVER would use the facility. I guess I grew up with outhouses at a summer lake cottage. This is handsome. I think we should have one at our village at our fairgrounds, but I suspect "tipping over the outhouse" would be a constant activity.
In a few more decades when it collapses into a heap, go back to it and dig out the hole. You might find some pretty cool old medicinal bottles and household junk.
This little shelter looks so creepy, anyway excellent stuff!
September 22, 2011 at 10:31 AM
[Image]When we go touring around old homesteads, we frequently see an old outhouse or two. But this one caught my attention, because it's not built like most outhouses. Most have planed lumber that is nailed together. Take a look at the size of logs on this outhouse--and how they're heald together. Why, it's a Lincoln log outhouse! [Image]The door is slightly askew, but there's still a hole inside. [Image]It's hard to make out the first word on the sign above the outhouse, but the second two words read "Guest Potty." [Image]It looks like a fairly sturdy building even after decades. Good construction lasts. I have to wonder if anyone knows anything more about this outhouse and who went to so much work to put it together.
posted by Desert Survivor at 1:44 PM on Nov 7, 2009
8 Comments
Close this window Jump to comment formThank goodness for indoor plumbing! This is a pretty cute outhouse, though. A bit of a fixer upper, but with a lot of potential.
November 7, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Forty years ago when I was a counselor at a summer camp, I was surprised that there were kids who had never used a toilet that did not flush. Perhaps those kids are in a majority today.
Around here the historical preservation people would probably want to restore and preserve a structure like that. I think I would agree with them--the old outhouse is a feature of the past that deserves to be preserved so we can better understand what life was like for our ancestors. And the one you found is special--a log cabin outhouse.
November 8, 2009 at 7:30 AM
This is a charming looking piece of the past, although I did not love using them. We had outhouse at a school where I taught in southern Indiana. The other teacher NEVER would use the facility. I guess I grew up with outhouses at a summer lake cottage. This is handsome. I think we should have one at our village at our fairgrounds, but I suspect "tipping over the outhouse" would be a constant activity.
November 9, 2009 at 5:30 AM
Ask Shawna and Brian for some background. I'm pretty sure they put up the sign.
November 9, 2009 at 6:31 AM
That outhouse is standing the test of time better than my speedily constructed home in Eastern suburbia!
November 9, 2009 at 12:47 PM
In a few more decades when it collapses into a heap, go back to it and dig out the hole. You might find some pretty cool old medicinal bottles and household junk.
Ask me how I know this.......
November 10, 2009 at 1:25 PM
Gayle, I'm very curious about what you know about the outhouse! I figured you're probably more familiar with it than about anyone :)
November 12, 2009 at 8:06 PM
This little shelter looks so creepy, anyway excellent stuff!
September 22, 2011 at 10:31 AM