The common practice for outhouse pits was to throw a handful of lime in it
on occasion. Coal ash was also used. We had a bin in the shed next to the
outhouse with a barrel of lime in it. Also used it in the horses stalls.
Stephen P. Austin
----- Original Message -----
From: "Keith R Doms" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2001 10:46 AM
Subject: Re: Rain barrels
> The University of Delaware Center for Archaeological research excavated a
> mid to late 19th C. rural free black house set on wooden piers in New
> Castle Co., Delaware. At one corner of the house just below the plowzone
> ( the whole site had been plowed) we excavated an iron barrel hoop
> surounding rotted wood and filled with lime. The PZ was about 10 inches
> so the bottom of the barrel could have been set about a foot below
> surface. This would have made the barrel very stable. Because of it's
> very close proximity and location (at the corner) it was interpreted as a
> rain barrel. The lime might have been added to help seal the bottom of
> the barrel.
> Most of the photos I have seen of rain barrels show them at the
> corrner of houses. I never noted if they were set on ground level or
> slightly resesed/burried.
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