Outhouses

When the term outhouse was first used, it referred to any building outside of the main domicile or residence. Outhouses could mean a garden shed, smokehouse, animal storage and more. In earlier centuries, outhouses were sometimes used to cook meals to avoid heating up a home. An outhouse was also a place to take a bath or even a workshop.

However, the most prevalent definition of outhouse was a building used for the sole purpose of a toilet. In some cases, this privy was just a hole in the ground with a building around it. Other times, out houses had seats with a hole cut out so that all bodily functions went straight down a hole that was dug in the ground. An out house was a necessity for many people until they got indoor plumbing.

Outhouse toilets are still used today in some areas. For instance, if you lived in a remote area where no indoor plumbing existed, only a well for water, then you would have an outhouse. Remote camping areas also employ outhouses as well. Outhouses have often been the butt of many jokes and continue to be so today.

Some people collect outhouse pictures or even photos of privies in the 19th century. In fact, these pictures can be turned into outhouse home décor. Some outhouses were rather utilitarian while others were rather fancy and tried to go for climate control. Depending on where you live or even visit, you may still see an old outhouse or two. This is especially true in the country areas of the United States.

If you want to build a privy, you can probably find outhouse plans on the internet. However, keep in mind that the city is no place for outhouses. However, if you have an old hunting cabin or remote area where you like to go camping a lot, an outhouse is a viable option. Search the internet for free outhouse plans. You could also head to the library to see if you can dig up any outhouse blueprints from old history books and such. Be sure that you build your outhouse away from your sleeping area or cabin. You don’t want to smell anything stinky when the wind changes direction. You also don’t want any outhouses located near any fresh water or well source. An outhouse could contaminate those sources.

If you look for books on outhouses in the library, you will see a variety of sizes and styles. The fancier the outhouse, the more affluent a family was at the time. The history of outhouses is both humorous and educational. It makes you thankful for indoor plumbing that is for sure!