2004
11/29 We loved the feature of our outhouse. Thanks so much for a great job. The following is an email that I received back from the daughter of Howard and Lucy Freeman. She grew up with this outhouse. I sent her the link and here is her response. (Thanks, I received everything and the kids got a kick out of grandpa's house. Christine said she didn't know that they renovated outhouses. I sent it to a niece in Illinois who is doing a family history. Vivian) Lanny and Joyce O
11/29 I am the youngest daughter of the Freeman's. When the folks put a bathroom in the house in 1952, dad moved the outhouse out of the backyard to behind the chicken house. He wouldn't use the indoor one unless it was really cold and snowing. They moved to town in the 1970's and we sold the farm in the late 1990's. Vivian
11/29 How much are the outhouse kleenex boxes do you have any other things related to outhouses? [YES!!!]
11/29 Hello, I am jerry K. I live in Buford, Georgia. I have a name I play under at all the game sights and my playing name is Outhousemouse. People tell me all the time they love the name. Do you have any pictures of a mouse near an outhouse or Illustrations? I would be glad to pay if the price is right. thanks
11/27 I am searching for quilt block patterns of outhouses but having no luck. If you should happen to have any information along this line, I would really appreciate it. thanks.
11/24 So my dad brought me Trenary Toast when he came to
visit me in New York, which I shared with my friends
at work. They asked me, "Trenary? Where's that?" So
I popped on the internet to show them. This brought
me eventually to your website. Outhouse Races!
That's great! So I showed them to give them a taste
of UP culture. And as far as they're concerned, the
upper peninsula of Michigan is just a bunch of beer
guzzling racists who think it's really funny to dress
up in blackface. It's so embarassing.
I went back to MI to go hunting this year, and I've
gone to great lengths defending my pride in Michigan
and outdoor sports to them. But mostly in vain now,
as your website has pretty much undermined my efforts
to convince them that hunting is anything more than a
part of a greater culture of rural ignorance.
I would like to see those two crackers wear those
costumes and walk down the street in my neighborhood
in Brooklyn. That would be hilarious too, and you
could post those photos on your site. Just let me
know, and I can make the travel arrangements for them,
including the ambulance to the hospital.
11/14 Hi, Live in Indiana on a lake...surrounded by old farms. Started collecting Ball jars, finding them at auctions. Have fallen in love with bottles. Have a great metal detector...thought about looking for outhouses amongst other things. Used to teach history and always taught the kids that garbage dumps were really goldmines. My question is this: is there a way to find an outhouse "depository" without the actual stall sitting above ground? I know this sounds like a really dumb question, but I have friends on farms who wouldn't mind my digging up their yards...but they have no clue where the outhouses were. I NEED to do this. Kids in their 20s and I now have a life! And this is it -- who would have thought?! LOL Hope to hear from you, Karen
11/13 Hello from the Central Indiana, I stumbled onto your website and saw the Outhouse of America Tour, I've
lived in lower Michigan all my life but my work transferred me to Indianapolis. I have been looking for something to get my wife back op to God's country and found your wonderful event............... We are even now planning to be there in Feb. to take in the race. Dad and Mom live in Kalkaska and we'll be picking them up on the way. Any good places to stay close by would be helpful. If you could just give me a quick email our family would be so appreciative We just laughed and laughed over the website and we are truly longing' for some good Michigan winter fun!!!! Thank you
Donald and Gayle P
11/10 Yes there is another name for the good old reliable OUTHOUSE . The name that we always used for it was The Ruby Room. I am not sure how it came about but it sure seemed to fit.Sometimes when ya had a good case of the turkey trots, your backside got real red. My name is James Tolle and this is just another bit of outhouse lore
11/7 why do outhouse doors have half moons on them?
11/2 Regarding Trenary, Michigan; I Love this I am in the Cener in Farwell.
10/24 Hello, Recently my husband built an old fashioned outhouse (tool storage) in our wildflower garden in the back yard. We've been having a discussion regarding the crescent moon on the door versus a starburst. The moon means ladies only, the starburst for men only. Right? But is the crescent moon typically waxing or waning? We would like to keep it looking as authentic as possible. The wood used for the outhouse was from an old chicken house that was on the property from 1948 and has that rustic appearance. Thanks for your help and I enjoyed your outhouse website.
Sincerely, Jill L
10/15 I HAVE OBTAINED THE CONCRETE BASE OF A ONE HOLE WPA OUTHOUSE THAT WAS ON MY FATHER N LAWS FARM IN WEST TEXAS, I AM IN NEED OF PLANS ETC SO I CAN RECONSTRUCT IT IN MY BACKYARD IN DALLAS TEXAS, ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED CARL G.
10/13 Good Morning, I would like to buy a Amish built "Outhouse" do you have any suggestions where I can get one?
Thanks, Fred H
10/12 After looking at your photos and reading the commentary, I couldn't help but notice the repeated reference to the cresent moon cut outs. I myself am from TN and somewhat familar with this structure. The moon and star cutouts were to designate sex. The female being the moon and the male the star. It is said that the men let theirs fall into such disrepair, that many collapsed. This being why we see so many more with the moon cut out.
10/8 Swamp Shit Sitters,I am fortunate to have lived in a town in Northern Michigan, many a cold night with flashlight in hand ,I trod the the long path of sand. I finally reached the 2 holer -so great! ALAS !!!!!!!!!!TOO LATE,to my knee was warm pee.I still remember the treat when I sat on the wood seat of the Squat Pot. Often I think, how I wish those days could return , with all that I yearn. The love of family ,the goal of a good life, the end of sorrow an strife. All the Honored Outhouses in the race, an builders are number #1 an Crowned with Grace .Thank you so much for the all American touch
10/8 i love your site! 1) because you are capturing a piece of early Americana, so quickly dissappearing. 2)because i love a good photo essey. it is like collecting antiques, or a particular item. i collect snow globes from across America, and did several photo essays when i drove across the states 5 years ago. one of abandoned drive-ins, one of delapitated buildings along Rt. 66. keep up the good work! David G, Fla.
10/4 I decorated my bathroom w outhouses-----can not find prints fr curtains . I used this theme as I remember going out with a latern --brick and catalouge in zero degrees to make a daily deposit, marbra
9/29 I am desperatly trying to find a santa in an outhouse. Your site came up in a search. I was hoping you might know where your santa in an outhouse was purchased. It is for my boyfriends stepmom who is a antique dealer that loves outhouses and santa's. Please if you have any information as I said I am desperate. Thank You
9/29 I did not see a sod outhouse on your web site. Visiting in Minnesota some years back,[not that long ago] we stayed at a sod house B & B which also had a two -holer outhouse. Bob M
9/24 We are interested in publishing your outhouse photos in our magazines published and sold in Japan. Please advise if this can be arranged. Thank you.
9/22 I came across your website when looking for the Gays, Illinois official website. I wanted to let you know that I am from Gays, the home of the oldest two-story outhouse in existence. I noted one little falsehood in your write up. You stated that there are no stairs because the second story was not used unless the snow drifted. Amusing, but not true. There are no stairs because it was attached to a building which has since been condemned. The outhouse was detached and moved across the street to the area in the picture on your website. There are no stairs because the second story of the outhouse could be reached from the second story of the building it was attached to. The building was originally a general store on the first level and an inn on the second. The two-story outhouse was built so people staying at the inn would not have to go down to the general store to use the outhouse. Coming from someone who grew up as one of the 250 residents of Gays, that is the story you can believe! - Hillary
9/18 Is there a place that we can get the official rules on building an outhouse. Also, is there an entry form, fee, deadline, etc. for entering an outhouse? We plan to be in the U.P. that weekend this winter and thought it would be fun to give it a shot.
9/17 In your research, have you come across a serpentine stone outhouse? There is one in Birmingham Township, Chester County, PA, and it is a four-holer with a dividing wall, two holes on each side with two entrances. The owners have been told that it is a his & hers outhouse. It echoes the palazzo style of the main house with its gently hipped tin roof, cubicle shape, and cut serpentine stone construction. I perused your website, and didn't find anything similar. I would appreciate any information you might have on this subject.
Susan H.
9/14 Enjoyed your site. If you're taking new entries to the tour - I'll send along a snapshot of the outhouse we just built to accommodate guests who prefer things a little less rustic. Since the photo was taken, we've added a clear fibreglas roof, painted the interior trim and added a fake potted plant. The exterior walls are made from cement-board - to keep the porcupines from chewing holes in it. Also note the padded seat. Warms up quickly in the winter. The outhouse is located in Osceola County, Michigan. Keep up the good work! Lou
9/13 there is an outhouse on a church lot in New Carlisle IN and I mentioned to my daughter there that it may be worth something. It has cedar shakes on the outside walls painted white. The hand-made door has a moon on it and
I suspect it is quite old. I didn't go inside. Would there be a market for this privy? Any idea who might be interested? Linda H
9/11 Interesting that I have heard yet another local variation of this song:
Sam, Sam, the lavatory man...
All time king of the outdoor can
Issues the tissues and hands out the towels...
And listens to the rumblings of the human bowels!
Down, down, underneath the ground...
Big ones, small ones, floating all around.
Constipated logs in a yellow sea!
Sam is the keeper of the can and me!
9/2 Hello: I have heard of a "concoction" that keeps down the odor in outhouses. All I remember is that is contains molasses; I think it was called "Murphy's Solution". Have you heard of it? If so, what are the ingredients and how do you use it. Thanks, Bettyanne H.
8/27 Were you aware that there exists a genuine (old) two story outhouse attached to the old two story hotel in Nevada City, Montana? It still remains in reasonably good condition and is still usable after all these years. Bob H.
8/27 Hi!
I see you have just one picture of an outhouse in Sussex County, DE - which looks like one that was just described to me in an interview that I did. There is a gentleman in Ocean View, DE, Brent Hurley, who has been collecting & restoring outhouses for about the past 10-12 years - he now has a collection of 6 restored - and 1 in the process - in his yard - on Privy Lane. Going by the description - it looks like the one you have a picture of is the first one he restored.
Mr. Hurley will be awarded the Crescent Moon Award at the Great Outhouse Blowout in Gravelswitch, KY in October (hence the reason for my interview with him - and about his odd collection)
Just thought you might be interested. Mari Lou WGMD News Rehoboth Beach, DE
8/25 I was looking for the lyrics to The Little Brown Shack and came caross yours, I was going to make a cute little page for my grand-kids, and was wanting to know if I could use the words to this one.. LaVerne
8/22 Do you know of a web-site that features “how to”instructions for building outhouses and their upkeep? You got some great ones on your site that will be my inspiration. Thanks, Chris [We sell plans on our web site on-line store. Follow the link below.]
8/21 Was the crescent on both male and female outhouses or a crescent on female outhouses and a star on male outhouses? Yours in Caca, Jerry
8/21 I started [Outhouse] digging approx 3 years ago, I had never heard of anyone doing this until I looked it up on the net. Everyone thought I was crazy. I've just recently opened my own buisness (flea market)and I've met crazy people just like me. Can you tell me how do i know if i'm digging in a privy. I live in the city of Breaux Bridge and I've found many things in my backyard everywhere i dig there's marbles, bottles buckles, military items. Why do you think all of this is spread throughout my back yard. If you have time please write back. Thank You, Lynette
I'll try to answer your query about outhouse digging. One almost never digs into one unless you intend to. We determined diggers use spring steel probes to search for them. There is a "break" in the resistance of the soil, and usually you feel material deeper in the ground than the surrounding area. One can feel the clinks, clunks, and grinding of shells, glass, bricks, metal, etc.
The pit usually is lined with wood, stone, and brick, in most cases. You must establish the sides and take it down evenly to prevent it from caving in. Privy digging is a team sport. After you get to a certain depth, the fill must be removed with a bucket and shovel.
I've been asked questions about all this so many times that I created a Microsoft Word Document with some tips. I attach that to this message.
Tell me more about the items you have found in your yard, particularly the bottles. Do you know how to tell a hand blown bottle from a machine made one?
Usually a privy needs to be at least one hundred years to be worth digging, and for the “bad stuff” to have decomposed. Charlie Cook in Houma
8/16 I LIKE TO KNOW HOW MUCH DO YOU CHARGE FOR YOUR OUTHOUSE TISSUE BOXS. I LIVE MO. MY MOTHER IS REDOING HER BATHROOM. THIS WOULD LOOK SO PRETTY IN THERE WHEN SHE GET IT DONE. [Follow the link below and then look in the Outhouses department.]
8/16 One of my recent responses generated by my little corner of your web site was from a Wisconsin lady who is writing a novel in which a murder victim’s body is found in an out house pit. One of her questions was how one could get a body down into the pit. I suggested that many privies had the bench seat, with the holes cut into it, were hinged, so the entire bench top could be opened for dumping. (no pun intended)
8/13 Just about crapped myself when I was researching outhouses for a carving I am making and came across your info on Mickey Lou's.......WOW! I am a former Marinette Marine and my wife is a Menominee Maroon. I an Vic T. class of '59 and my wife is Judy K. class of '60 (I think). My dad was a cop on the Marinette police force. Mickey Lou's Definatly has the best burgers in the world. When we go home for a visit, we eat there at least 5 times...we live in St Paul Park MN now. 6 hour drive. Anyway. send me a note so we can know who you are...small world, ya know. vic
8/10 We are having an outhouse race in honor of our Sesquicentennial - it's next Thurs, Aug 17 - and we wanted to give our winners the "Corn Cob Buckets." Please call me so I know if this is still an option - we'd want about 3.
8/9 John, Yes, an interesting site indeed, and the subject made for an equally interesting sidebar to my own web site. I'm always interested in pictures of dug lamps and parts if you have any. Best regards, Dan
8/5 I AM LOOKING FOR AN OUTHOUSE FOR SALE, IN THE NH AREA, WILL TO TAKE IT APART, MOVE IT WHATEVER. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU DO THIS SORT OF THING, OR KNOW OF SOMEONE I COULD CONTACT THAT HAS OUTHOUSE'S FOR SALE. THANK YOU DEBORAH J. B.
7/28 [Curator's Comment: Here is a FUNNY story!] Hi there outhouse webmaster,
Great website!!!, There is art work on the lovely detail of shi_ burning in vietnam by Jim nelson of the 22nd INfantry Regiment. i personally had the lovely task on several of those rare occasions that my line infantry company returned to base camp. But most times it was the poop and bury method. One of my army combat buddies, Tyrus O Rourke was doing his "duty' outside our permimeter around 11 pm on the night of July 15,1967 when we had incoming mortar rounds and awaited a VC attack. He did not have his weapon and climbed up a rubber tree(as we thought we had the easy job of road security) Needless to say he was without weapon and scared shi-less. We saddled up and went to the aid of our 1st platoon that was being overrun by VC/NVA and poor Tyrus was left 'behind' . WE did not realize he was missing for about 4 hours and came back to get him still up in the tree with his pants at his ankles and bare behind showing.
I live out in Oregon and years ago a neighboring community used to hold "Outhouse races" on wheels as we do not get the snow levels you get in Michigan.I do not know if the event is still held but about 10 years ago it was an annual event.If you are interested, i can research it for you in the local newspaper. GARY H
7/27 It was always my understanding that the top story of the outhouse in Gays, Illinois, was accessed from the top story of a railroad hotel that was built next to it.
7/27 I am the proud owner of an outhouse outside my cabin on the Cedar River. It is a "grandfathered in" outhouse that I am not allowed to move. I've been told that if I use a mixture of yeast, sugar and water and add red worms to the top of the heap the decomposing of the deposits will be greatly expedited. Do you know of this and can you give me any insite as to the proportions and how often to do this - etc. Any help would be appreciated. It is kind of a neat 2 holer. Thank you
Ted7/25 [This message is from a person in London, England] I think the earth closet still is the system of the future. If you grow plants on soil, they take up nutritious minerals. If you don't find some way of returning those minerals back to where they came from, the soil will eventually be depleted of minerals. Either the soil won't be able to grow anything, or whatever is grown won't be nutritious.
I suspect that many mysterious modern diseases, such as Parkinson's Disease (which I have), are basically deficiency diseases caused by mineral depletion of the soil. From Dave W
7/20 I am interested in more information about the outhouse kleenex holder. [Follow the link below and then look in the Outhouses department.]
7/16 Hello...
I am a postcard collector from the Midwest. I found your most fascinating website via a search of "outhouses".
I have a postcard depicting a double deck Outhouse constructed of timbers attached to a 2 story building with a 2nd story wooden fenced walkway. It appears there are other log cabin type buildings in the background.
The postcard was published by Petley Studios, in Phoenix AZ. On the backside, it is identified only by stating: "A remnant of the Old West, this ingenious structure was considered 'real class' in 1800's as it was available for hotel guests ... "
Although your site offers some double deckers to check out, the one I am seeking is not shown.
I am seeking information as to where this 2 story outhouse might be located?? I file my postcards by state and by city within the state. This particular postcard has become an obsession with me now. I'm clueless. Can you help me??
Will look forward to hearing from you, thanks. Carolyn
7/16 My grandmother called the outhouse the "Garden House." It was screened from view by a canebreak through which ran a narrow path.
7/15 My name is Alicia M. and my grandparents live in Oran, Iowa. I also lived in Oran when I was little. Now I live in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and I miss the little town where you know everyone. I come back often to visit my grandparents. Its great for riding four wheelers because the cops dont come by very often. Thanks for having Oran on your website. Your smalltown friend, Alicia
7/13 I’m very interested in purchasing the exploding outhouse on your website, http://www.jldr.com/ohnumb1.htm, in the bottom right-hand-side of the pictures. I’ve looked long and hard on the web but have only found either a dead end or a different kind of outhouse that isn’t the one like yours. I would really appreciate it if you told me where I could purchase the exploding outhouse like the one in the picture.
7/11 I am looking for an outhouse theme shower curtain and window curtain or a shower curtain with an outhouse on it. Do you know where I might get one? Thanks, melanie [We have Outhouse crafts in our on-line store:
7/10 Please help me. I do not know much about computers so I really messed up. I was reading Frequently Asked Questions About Outhouses and Other Topics and thought it would be fun to copy and put the copy in our outhouse. I went to File then Print and then printed it. Then I clicked on the right mouse to go back to the previous web page and the information came up about not copying it. I need to know what to do now. Can I pay for it? Thank You for any help you can give me to correct this. Rita
7/8 I couldn't get the song 'Ode To The Little Brown Shack' (from your internet site) to play... Any chance of getting it Emailed to me? Thanks, Tom W
7/5 Believe it or not, we (the outhouse owners) are a dieing breed. We have a cabin on Lake Superoir ,and there are two outhouses left there in that location, one of which is ours, and our next door neighbors. Yet,you can still see abandoned shacks in cabin owners yards, or they have been renovated to storage shacks. We currently have a two seater with two 1/4 moons on the door. My question I have searched several websites for an answer to, is, If some one can help me with, What can we use to keep the smell at bay? Our family has grown quite large, so the outhouse is used constantly. My husband and I have installed a vent pipe last summer, there are screens around the top of the house, my brother and I clean it frequentley, (yes, I'm a girl, and I shovel out the outhouse through a trap door in the back) we use woodstove ashes after every use of house, my mother dumps buckets of water down the hole frequentley (we took the ammonia bottle away from her, she thought it was helping, what she wasnt thinking about was that urine contains ammonia, so you about dropped in your tracks when you opened the door) and we have tried lime or lye for barns. We are still fighting the battle of the obnoxious wafting smell of the infamous outhouse. Any suggestions would help. Thank-you!
7/4 Love your website! Just found it searching for the answer to the question of "why is there a crescent moon on outhouses?" How "custom" can you go with the motorcyle theme. Just wondered if you could do a Honda Ace Shadow Tourer? Also , a breast cancer survivor outhouse? Thanks, JuneBug
7/4 dear sirs, i need to know a little more about how to dig the hole...sizes and dimentions please. also; how far away from a creek or stream do i have to put it? thank you. judy
6/23 Hello, Iam looking for a historic picture of a "bucketman" back in the 20's someone who used to clean out the outhouses.... If you have anything like this or know where i could find it, i would really appreciate it. thanks so much emily
6/17 An old farmer had owned a large farm for several years. He had a large pond in the back, fixed up nice; picnic tables, horseshoe courts, basketball court, etc. When the pond was built it was properly shaped and fixed up nicely for swimming. One evening the old farmer decided to go down to the pond and look it over, since he hadn't been there for a while.
As he neared the pond, he heard voices shouting and laughing with glee. As he drew closer, he could see a bunch of young women skinny dipping in his pond.
He politely made his presence be known to the women, and in doing so he watched as they all went shuffling to the deepest end of the pond.
One of the women shouted out to him, "We're not coming out until you leave!"
To which the old man replied, "Miss, I didn't come down here to watch you ladies swim in the nude nor did I come here to make each one of you get out of the pond naked. I merely came down to feed the alligator."
The Moral of the Story:
Old age and treachery will triumph over youth and skill.
Always has.
Always will.
6/15 I just bought a older house (about 53 years old) it has an outhouse in the back of the 1 1/2 acres and its staying there! right now it stores tools but you never know one day it might be used. Min I. Pennsylvania
6/10 Greetings, A while ago, I stumbled onto a fellow's site that had everything to do with the benefits of and construction details for a composting outhouse. One could download his PDF file of the entire text, upon his suggestion and brainlessly, I didn't do it then and can't find his sight or anything now. Part of the beauty of it was that he presented some pretty decent arguments in favor of composting outhouses, some that I would like to present to our county health board for discussion. Do you have any idea or direction I might surf in ? Thanks a lot. Curt W.
6/2 i just found an outhouse that appears to be possibly from the late 1800's to early 1900's. can you possibly help me find out what its worth? or maybe even where to sell it? thanks in advance hope you can help me :) mac
6/1 Someone sent me your site- it is hysterical- there is a picture of an Army soldier burning s**t in VietNam- it looks just like my husband, Lenny, who was a medic in Nam and really did burn the crap as part of his duty. He says he used to love doing it during meal time if the guys in his unit didn't be nice to him! Do you know where this picture came from? Thanks. peace, Ginnie from West Palm Beach, Florida
6/1 I am looking for an outhouse toilet paper storage container (not dispenser). I was directed to your website after a google search, but did not find where to buy it. Please let me know if it is still available and at what price. Cassie J [We have them in our store]
5/31 Gays Two-Story Outhouse - That was a good teaser about the snow having to be high enough to use the second story of the outhouse. I was raised in Windsor, 6 mile from Gays, born in 1948, so I know how people got to the second story. Rich M
5/31 I would like to know if you have plans for an outhouse with a pitched roof----by that I mean a flat roof---lower at the back---higher in the front--above the door. Like the bird feeder.
5/28 "moule" UKTV program "Local Heroes" references this commode.
5/18 I am desperately searching for a granny with curlers in her hair and a nightdress on. She holds a candle in one hand and is walking to the outhouse. There is a grandpa behind her walking with a nightcap on and a candle also in his hand. Have you ever seen a pic such as this? My mother had wall decorations of this when I was a child and am searching for the same thing. Any help that you can give is greatly appreciated. Nancy
5/13 Hi! I found your website on the internet as I"m looking for bathroom accessories for our bathroom. I've decided to decorate it in Outhouses and it's SO HARD to find the shower curtain, rugs, etc. Do you have any suggestions? THanks and can't wait to hear fromyou. Denise L.
5/5 Hello, I am doing a documentary on a man who used to be what I was told was called a BUCKET MAN
He was a black man who lived in Daytona Bch Florida around the 20's-30's. I am looking for a still of a man leaving or walking to an outhouse which could represent such a living to show behind him while he speaks of his experience. PLease let me know if this is something you have in stock or can possible find for me. Thank you, Emily S.
4/30 I thought you guys sold TP earrings in your store?? If you guys don't, do you know who does and a site? Thanks for all of your help, John! Have a great day- Susan
4/29 I Have a question with reguard to the half moon on the doors of outhouses. Why a moon? and is there any story behind it? Thanks. B. Bode [Check out our FAQ's page for the answer.]
4/29 We are planning our first ever race in honor of this year's Sesquicentennial at the Iowa State Fair. We are seeking port-a-potty companies to sponsor our event. Des Moines only has three companies, two of which declined. Do you guys have any ideas for sponsorship? Know any port-a-potty companies out of state that would love to get involved regardless of where? -Susan Sesquicentennial Assistant Iowa State Fair
4/27 HI! Loved your site. You’ve established that any kind of time is not good to add to an outhouse, but is there any product or pro-biotic that will aid in the breakdown of waste in a pit outhouse? Thanks very much, Scott
"So, which lime was used in outhouses? All of them at one time or another, but by far the most practical for killing germs is the erroneously named chloride of lime, which again correctly is calcium hypochlorite. This kept the stink down but it killed off all the bacteria so the contents of the outhouse pit never reduced biologically. The result of this was an uncomposted outhouse pit that filled up very rapidly." It would seem from your website that lime is good as a odor reducer, but actually prevents the breakdown of waste. Do you know of anything that aids in the breakdown of waste? We're facing a situation where our outhouse is filling up, and would like to delay having to scoop it out as long as possible.
4/16 I am a lighting researcher writing an article about privy-dug oil and kerosene lamps and parts. I read on your site about the cobalt whale oil founts and would like to get a picture of them, if possible. Also, if you have other lamps or lamp parts in your collection, or know of anyone else who does, I'd appreciate the information. Also, if you have any interesting stories which relate to the topic, I'd consider publishing it on my web site (link below).
Best regards, Dan
4/14 We just purchased a farm in Indiana and it has an old outhouse on it. We were curious if there were people actually interested in purchasing one. Let me know if you get any inquiries. Thanks Elaine
4/14 Here’s a version from the Stanislaus County California YMCA summer camp "Camp Jack Hazard" about 1960…..
Sam Sam the lavatory man
Chief engineer of the public can
He hands out the papers and he hands out the towels
And he listens to the Rumbles of the other men’s bowels
Down down in the bottom of the ground
A big black turd comes rolling down
Lands in a pile so nice and neat
And our man Sam sits down to eat
Not very pleasant but that’s the way we sang it at Y camp
4/4 Hello, I have just begun my first privy dig. The house is circa 1790's, still stands, there was an old barn along the front side. next to the barn I have found a privy I believe, the ground had sunk so I started to dig it.
I believe I have found at least 2 sides as they have some sort of brick/cement sides. there is also rock borders, as you move the rocks in the sides you can see how deep it goes, on the surface I have found some pottery shards, and a few broken bottles 1880's-1900's,. My question is this, some large rocks are near the top, is this common that they would fill the hole with large rocks? And how large of a hole do you dig? Do you start in the middle or work the sides? I never knew a #%$#& job could be so much fun. Any help would be appreciated. Also in the woods at the cellar holes, where would they most likely put a privy and how far away would they put them. I am digging in the boston area and digging old sites 1700's-1880's, Any tips you can send my way would be great. Such as tools of the trade etc... Thanks again Pat
4/3 [Curator's Comment: Once in a while you get a gem of a comment. This is one of them!] After looking over your web pages about outhouses and toilets, I knew I had to send you an email about something I did while in college. I was taking a speech class. Most of the speeches people gave were boring. I decided to do one that was a little off beat and called it "Toilets of the World." When I went to the library do some research on the subject, one of the books the librarian suggested was, "Flushed with Pride." During the speech, the students were laughing so hard, tears were streaming down from their eyes. I thought one guy was going to lay down on the floor and start rolling around. Even the professor enjoyed every minute of it. He gave me an "A". I doubt any of the class forgot that speech.
3/29 That Little Brown Shack Out Back! Wonderful, wonderful song! A friend of mine had this on vinyl back in the
late 60s, early 70s. It was one of our favorites (we were about 10 and 'potty talk' was extremely funny to us)! While I have no personal outhouse experiences (other than in a school play), I grew up in rural Vermont near my grandfather's boyhood home. His old house was about down to the foundation, but the outhouse (possibly preserved by decades of
noxious fumes) still stood proudly out back! Scott P. Vernon, CT
3/28 Hello - I am transcribing a journal from northern Michigan in the year 1900 and on Aug. 9, there is the following entry: "Regulated the chamber dressing room."
I know this was a small farm house or even a log cabin. Could this refer to some activity related to their outhouse?
Thanks in advance. Dave
3/27 I have a few pictures of unusual mich outhouses would you like to see them?
3/25 I have a picture of an outhouse with one door open on the right. There is a dog house in between the two doors with a dog on top of the outhouse. Do you have a picture like that in your collection? My ancestors are from Pa mostly.
I look forward to hearing back from you. Kathy
3/25 I will be moving to West Virginia soon and will be putting to use an out house. What kind of maintenance do out houses require? What should I know about an out house. My aunts and uncles had them when I was growing up but I never had to maintain one. Thanks. Melody
3/21 I would like to know where to order pictures of outhouses and other decor to decorate my bathroom with. Thanks Donna
[Curator's Comment: We have 'em here:
3/21 I recently built a outhose and need to put a moon on it. what are the dimensions for one and what is used to get the correct curves of the moon????
THANKS for ANY info you can supply, Jim
3/19 Sam, Sam, lavatory man, chief inspector of the outhouse clan. The issues, the tissues, the paper and the towels, and listen to the sound of the rumbling bowels. Down, down, down beneath the ground, where all the little poopies are swimming around. There sits Sam, lavatory man, scoopin' up the poopies, scoopin' up the poopies, scoopin' up the poopies in a little tin can.
3/3 it was great to meet you and your brother-in-law. I understand that you busy with the race, it was nice to have someone to make me feel welcome. The weather was terrific. I am planning on going back next year and would like to make an outhouse for the race. I have told everybody how much fun i had. IT WAS GREAT TIME !!!!!! See you next year HAVE A GREAT DAY AND KEEP SMILING TOM
3/1 Did you know that Elk Falls, Elk County, Kansas has a decorate/theme of out houses. They have a contest each fall to select the best. People come from miles just to vote on their favorite out house. Most are "original" but no longer in "use". Kay
2/25 i stumbled onto your site through google images "upper penninsula". it fits my friends and i,type of stuff. we like michigan but like the off the wall stuff much better. we were talking about a michigan trailer living site but never went through with it. you,ve inspired us to proceed. thanks for the entertainment -jim
2/20 Saw the pictures of your Outhouse Kleenex Holder on the web site and I am interested in one. Please send price information and ordering instructions. Thanks, Shirley [Curator's Comment: Follow this link to our store. They are located in the "Outhouses" department in the store:
2/19 I am planning on going to the Outhouse Classic races this year and would like to meet you. I don't know if you recall me but you put my outhouse on your tour. Also i have tried to get the article in the Wall Street Journal and hve been un successful. If your are going let me know of some way i might find you to meet you. Again thanks for putting my outhouse on the tour. HAVE A GREAT DAY AND KEEP SMILING
2/15 I was visiting your site and thought I would write to you and ask if you know of anyone or anyplace that I can get bathroom curtains with outhouses printed on them. I have a bathroom that is done up in outhouses and I am now just missing some sort of window coverings! I look forward to hearing back from you, Jennifer R.
2/14 [regarding names for the Outhouse...] The "Oval Office"
2/9 Hello, My 12-year old daughter is doing a paper for her English class on the evolution of the outhouse! I think the photos on your website are fantastic (not to mention hilarious!). I was wondering if you would consider sending me a few photos either via email or via US Post. She would love to have a photo of any/all of the entries of this year's Outhouse Races. If not, I understand...but thought it wouldn't hurt to ask!
2/8 My mother and I joke about toilets since we both were very aquainted with using them on the farm in Missouri.
She sent me a joke about a two storie outhouse with a stairway on the side and was to be from Gay, Iowa. Was there such a toilet and is there a Gay, Iowa? Thanks, David
PS: If the one using upstairs, where did it go, straight down or special shut to protect the one below?
[Curator Comment...Yes! We have it on our tour HERE]
2/4 I want to be sure of the date this year.....is it still the last saturday in feb.? [YES]
2/3 hi, i'm from mississippi and i was just seeking some information i hope you can help me with. i am trying to find some information on the web about the history of outhouses. my mother and i own a very unusual outhouse outside a very old home we think dates 106 years old. i'm not sure how old the out house is though. it is built upon a concrete foundation that raises 4 feet high and it is a dual outhouse. there is no opening in the concrete base but up under the seat there is a hole about 4inches in diameter. it looks as though it was made for a hose. that is just my assumption. was there ever a way of cleaning outhouses out? or did they just rebuild? i can not find much online except pictures and such, no history at all. if you know of anything that can help me please write me back at xxx i would greatly appreciate it....... thanks....
2/2 To Whom this may CONCERN or better yet...to all the tioletheads,inc., "it has been a long time , since:* I laughed -- my -- ^s^--o ff* and enjoyed the 'view' with all of you." a grateful montana- c'boy artist,
1/28 Hello-I am looking for a large, decorative print of the poem Ode To The Outhouse by James Whitcomb Riley to frame and hand on my powder room wall. Do you offer such an item or know where I could purchase one? [We have all kinds of Quality Outhouse Prints in our on line store. Follow the link below:
1/27 Looking for the date for the race this year.. please email me back [February 28, 2004 Always the last Saturday of the month in February in Trenary, Michigan USA] Here is the Race Information
thank you Jodi
1/17 I knew Haskell Penn and I have used his outhouse. When I was about 20, I stayed in Haskells Trailer ( in exchange for tending his garden and canning the veggies and occasionally filling in at the store where making 1/2 thick baloney sandwiches on white with miracle whip was the special of the day), until I had could buy my own place. Where ever you are Haskell, hope you are well. With Best Regards
1/16 Hello, I just found the site and stumbled across this bit of Americana, "WPA Chapman Family Outhouse" in Milton, WV. I would very much like to contact the owners, as I am also a Chapman living in Fredericksburg, VA. Originally born in Mason County, WV and supposedly, some of my ancesters are from that area. Maybe a family connection. Can you help me out on this? Thanks and I really love this web site!
1/12 Dear Curator, I've enjoyed cruising your website. Thanks for all of your hard work. Since I love reading history and reading about the progression of things, can you tell me where you found the outhouse "legend" ...Probably the most recognizable symbol associated ...crescent moon...I would like to read more about sings and symbols from that source. [Read our FAQ's page. Answers are in there...]
1/10 By any chance, do you happen to have an address, phone number or website to where I can communicate to this [Amish Outhouses for Sale] place that has the outhouses for sale? I'm really interested in getting one.
1/7 So glad thatI found this site and it is so neat. We make an out house that both stores extra rolls of paper and holds the roll that you are using. We make these out of both old rustic wood and new wood. We would be interested in putting these on your website to sell Please let me know what you charge etc. Thanks
1/6 Hello from Lake Cavanaugh, Washington and home of Lake Cavanaugh Brewing Company (specializing in small batch, hand crafted ales) 2ft of snow and good beer! Anyways, we have a specialty beer in "honor" of the outhouse and eventually would like to send you some. Also, have plenty of pix of Lake Cavanaugh outhouses to send if interested.
We are talking some seriously "old dumping grounds". No web site as of yet, but soon!
1/5 Do you have, or do you know where I can get, the sheet music for That Little Brown Shack Out Back?
1/4 Hello, My husband and I will be changing our annual UP snowmobiling vacation to the weekend of the outhouse races. Do you know when the scheduled weekend will be? Hope to see you there, and thanks for the wonderful pictures from last year's race.
1/4/2004 Whens the next one and what are requirements? [Here is the Race Information]
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