Grant,

You might want to check out a book called "The Vanishing American Outhouse"
by Ronald S. Barlow.  It has the best collection of outhouse architecture
photos.  I think that it is going to be difficult to figure out what the
superstructure of the privy looked like.  The types vary in size,
construction material, and style.  No one type prevailed at certain times or
there were no particular styles like we have with house architecture.  Of
the few 19th century examples that I have seen in Kentucky (which is just a
few) most were brick, but probably because brick allowed them to survive
longer than wood.  I would first look at the earliest Sanborn map or other
map that shows building footprints you can get a hold off and see if a
structure appears in the location of your privy to at least get some basics
such as building material, size, and roof type.  A look at 1880s-1890s
Sanborns for Louisville and Frankfort show that most were small wood frame
structures along the alleys or towards the rear of the lot.  I have never
seen possible privy structure designated at a brick structure on the
Sanborns I have seen.  However, I noticed that some privies I studied may
have been part of a stable or carriage house at the rear of lots.  Also,
find out what the socio-economic status of people was.  If they were well
off, they may have had a brick or more elaborate privy.  The brick ones I
had seen were associated with wealthy rural folks.  See if you can possibly
get a sense for how other outbuildings on the property or neighboring
properties were constructed.  Finally, take a look at the architectural
artifacts that you will find in the privy vault.  The nails, window glass,
hardware etc. may be related to the privy superstructure.  Also, be on the
look out for post holes or footers around the privy shaft, which may be
further evidence of your superstructure.  Personally, I would be real
hesitant to speculate on the look of the superstructure without any
archaeological, map, photographic, or historical information on that
particular privy.


M. Jay Stottman

----- Original Message -----
From: Grant Q <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2001 1:46 PM
Subject: Privy Excavations


> I'm starting the excavation of an urban privy  (ca.
> 1852) in a few weeks, and I'm looking for a good book
> with several pictures of privies in it. As part of the
> project, I'm creating an exhibit for the musuem where
> the privy is located. For my exhibit, an artist friend
> is doing a drawing of how the privy looked in 1852 (no
> photographs exist that show it on the property), and I
> need a few examples of  southern 1850's privy
> architecture to show her. Also, does anybody want to
> recommend any good references that you feel I should
> read. I've read pretty much anything dealing with
> privies I can get my hands on for a past project, but
> chances are, there is a report or article out there
> that I have missed.
>
> Thanks in advance for suggestions,
> Grant Quertermous
> Student Archaeologist
> MSU Archaeology program
>
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