Back on the Outhouse Trail

Well, I've finally gotten my computer back, so I'm back in the saddle again . . . and back on the Outhouse Trail for today's Blog.

Those of you out in the Blog-O-Sphere who have been following the Blog or visiting our companion Bass River History Web Site know that I am on a quest to photograph all the existing outhouses in the New Gretna-Bass River Township area. I'm like a knight pursuing the holy grail.

Click on the link below to see the photos of the Bass River Township outhouses posted on the Bass River Township History Web Site:


I thought that I had photographed all the available outhouses until my Men's Breakfast buddy, Rickie "White Shoes" Steele, gave me a lead on an outhouse on a property on Hammonton Road. Yesterday afternoon was a beautiful, sunny day, so I thought I would venture over to Hammonton Road and see if I could find the elusive structure. I was not disappointed, as I found the cedar shaked beauty, entrance door askew, sitting in fallen leaves, and nestled in a small grove of pines. The window on the door was missing it's screen, and the hinges had seen better days but, all in all, it's a lovely out building.

November 17, 2009 photo by Pete Stemmer.

Peeking inside, I noticed that it was a two seater. This was always a puzzlement to me. Why more than one seat? Did couples go to the outhouse together in the old days? Togetherness is often thought of as a virtue but, I'd have to say, "Not in this case!"

I wonder if anyone out in the Blog-O-Sphere has any memories of outhouses with more than two seats. Now, that must be a really close family!

I can't help wondering if there is another outhouse out there that has evaded my wandering camera. If you hear of or see one, let me know.

Pete S