The History of Outhouses
Outhouses, also known as privies, are small, outdoor structures used for human waste disposal. They have been around for centuries, and their design has evolved over time.
Early Outhouses
The earliest outhouses were simple pits dug in the ground. These pits were often covered with a wooden or stone slab, and they were used by people all over the world.
Medieval Outhouses
In medieval Europe, outhouses became more elaborate. They were often built as small, wooden structures with doors and roofs. These outhouses were typically located in backyards or gardens.
Victorian Outhouses
During the Victorian era, outhouses became even more sophisticated. They were often built with brick or stone walls, and they had features such as flush toilets and running water.
The WPA and Outhouses
In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) built millions of outhouses in rural America. These outhouses were designed to improve sanitation and public health.
Decline of Outhouses
The use of outhouses began to decline in the mid-20th century, as indoor plumbing became more common. However, outhouses are still used in some rural areas today.
WPA Outhouses
The WPA outhouses were a significant improvement over earlier outhouses. They were designed to be sanitary and easy to clean. They also had features such as screened vents and concrete floors to help prevent the spread of disease.
The WPA outhouses were built by teams of three workers in an average of 20 hours. The materials for each outhouse cost about $17. The farm family receiving the outhouse would typically pay for the materials, while the WPA provided the labor free.
The WPA built over 2.3 million outhouses in rural America. These outhouses helped to improve sanitation and public health in many areas.
The WPA outhouses are a reminder of the importance of sanitation and public health. They are also a testament to the WPA's commitment to improving the lives of Americans.
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