Just when I thought I had posted my last outhouse for a while, the unexpected popped up. My history and Men's Breakfast buddy, Harry DeVerter, gave me a hot lead. Actually, he told me about it last June but, somehow, it slipped my mind.
Seems there is a double, back to back style outhouse on Route 9, across the highway from the Off Shore Manor development - right behind the old Ernie's TV building.
The double outhouse is nestled behind the old Ernie's TV shop on Route 9, across the street from the Off Shore Manor development. (March 26, 2009 photo by Pete Stemmer.)
I've been riding along Route 9 on my way to Tuckerton from New Gretna for over 30 years and never noticed it. It's been hidden in plain sight all those years. Of course that wouldn't surprise my wife, Jackie. Seems that, often, I can't find that elusive sock in my sock drawer or my favorite shirt in my closet. I swear it's not there but, somehow, she always finds it right away and tells me that it's a male thing. I think that the female species has a special radar. You ladies out in the Blog-O-Sphere know what I mean. Somehow, us fellas just don't get it.
The double outhouse - left side. (June 28, 2009 photo by Pete Stemmer.)
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The double outhouse - right side. (June 28, 2009 photo by Pete Stemmer.)
In case you're wondering why Ernie would need a double outhouse, he didn't. The outhouse was not his. It was erected sometime in the 1930's, probably by the Cruise family who operated an Esso gas station and luncheonette on the site. The HIS and HER outhouse was for the use of their patrons.
If you're interested in learning more about the Cruise's gas station and luncheonette click on the January 8, 2009 Blog entry, "Eat and Get Gas", listed below. Scroll about 3/4 of the way down to see info and photos on the Cruise family and their business interests.
Well, hopefully, that takes care of the outhouse situation in Bass River Township for a while, unless, there are more hidden in plain sight. Maybe, I should enroll Jackie to help on my out house quest. Now, where did I put my laptop?
Pete S