Lewisberry, Pennsylvania, USA

A newly-built outhouse that is for sale! They are made right here on Mt. Airy Road in northern York County. The structure's orifice is for light and ventilation. Today, we think of them as crescent moons, but the crescent shape did not show up as a part of outhouse lore until the mid-20th century. [2021]

Marksville, Louisiana, USA

Inside the outhouse was a bench with a hole that gave way to the pit toilet below, hidden from the eyes but not the nose. This one served residents of the Hypolite Bordelon House, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. What is needed, though, is an outhouse that commands a historical marker of its own. Do any exist? [2022]

Independence, Virginia, USA

The Grand Privy Race takes place every October in Independence, Virginia: any excuse for a festival! What used to be hidden out back, the outhouse, is now flaunted on the town square. And, the odors of everyday life have been replaced by sanitized memories of the past. They were good days, weren't they? [2015]

Ten Mile, Pennsylvania, USA

What used to be common is now very rare. Still, some visual evidence from the past reminds us of what life used to be like. The outhouse was a staple of the American frontier right up until the 20th century: Houses, schools, and churches, and businesses all had them. Imagine what it was like in the winter! Or even how hot it could get in the summer! [1991]

South Mountain, Pennsylvania, USA

Here is the ancestor of the modern chemical toilet (a.k.a., porta potty). It is a classic outhouse that has been relieved of its duty out back and assigned to a new position out front where everyone can see it and wax nostalgic. As for the iconic crescent moon: Users needed light and appreciated at least some ventilation. But why a crescent? [2019]

Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

Here is why they call them porta potties. They are portable. Behold: the porter! The truck itself looks as if it was made specifically for its intended load. [2016]

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Find a major tourist destination (ditto: construction site, country fair, music festival) and there you will find a major collection of portable toilets. Blue porta potties are to New Orleans what red telephone boxes are to London: Agree or disagree. [2018]

Callao, Virginia, USA

The real Santa Claus was a flesh-and-blood human being with human needs. He was born in the village of Petara on the southern coast of Asia Minor, which is now Turkey. He became known for his generosity to those in need and for his love of children. On this fourth Sunday of Advent, let's remember St. Nicholas as a role model for Christians everywhere. [2016]

Winterset, Iowa, and New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Old ideas never die. They just get re-purposed. Fifty years ago, the outhouse had already been relegated to memories of growing up in the old days. Now, almost everyone has used a cleverly-named Johnny Pot or one of his cousins. If you have memories of an outhouse you used at home, church or school, add them to the comment section below! [2004, 2011]

Nassawadox, Virginia, USA

Jump in the cockpit and take off. Don't expect a macadam runway, though. At the Eastern Shore's Campbell Field, their motto is "Come roll on the grass." No foolin'. [2007]