Any Suggestions Interpreting These Sanborn Maps 1886-1923

[bocephus99]

I have been very interested in trying my luck on privy digging. In the town I live in (Est. 1789) they are getting ready to clear a block off to build a new Justice Center. This block is located one block away from the courthouse. I have attached two copies of the block from the Sanborn maps. The first one is 1886 and the second is 1923. There was one available for 1898? but it had not changed since 1886. The location of the building on the 1886 map is unaccessable at this time because a gas station was built there and it is concrete. The houses that are on the 1923 map are the same as today. I thought there would be a privy behind each house but it appears on the map maybe they shared privy's? I am new to this so I hope I don't sound to elementary in my questions. By looking at the maps, where would you start? I would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. I have ordered a probe and I hope it will arrive soon.

Thanks in advance.

 

[bocephus99]

Second Map 1923

1923

 

[CALDIGR2]

RE: Second Map 1923

Are those the only maps available? The reason I ask is that the buildings shown on the '23 map appear to be of pre-1900 construction. I base this assumption on the outline of the houses and the porch overhangs.

I'm not at all familiar with Eastern US construction methods, but if that map was a local CA city the frame of the structure would be my best clue. Your map does not show privies, but you can bet that they are there. I would begin probing on a line parallel with the small frame structure in the first map to search for the early outhouse holes. What is the purpose of the (stone?) building on the '83 map? It's hard to read, but it does look to be marked with a "D" for dwelling. That being said, you are certain the a privy is there, it jus has to be found the hard way.

The homes on the '23 map have well defined PLs, so locating the privy will be simpler. The houses at the lower center share a lot, which might indicate a back -to-back shared privy at the center line at some point to the rear. You'll just have to work to find them. That's half the fun of it, though.

If the ground is damp enough, and not frozen solid, get after it now. Probing is an inexact science that takes time to become proficient at, but the learning curve is usually short. Have fun and come back with some glass.

 

[capsoda]

RE: Second Map 1923

The 1886 map looks like one piece of property with stalls (horses/mules) and associated out buildings. There are no dwellings so possibly one outhouse. I would guess the one by the stall.

The 1923 looks like the property was divided into seperate lots including a right of way and ths stall was shortened. Probably no out houses as city pick up was common it the 20s.

 

[JGUIS]

RE: Second Map 1923

Is the alley currently there? I'd start there if possible, and get permission from the gas station owner to check any grassy or gravel areas. That big empty lot was probably a commons area back in the day, so it has potential for something also, if just a trash pit. Good luck

 

[bevyn]

RE: Second Map 1923

nice maps there, whered ya get them? Id like to get some sanborn maps for my city

 

[#1twin]

RE: Second Map 1923

Our sanborn maps were located in the city library and free to be copied, if so desired. That is until Katrina. Sure wish I would have made some copies. The out houses were shown near the back property line marked with an X.

Marvin

 

[Lilacpa]

RE: Second Map 1923

never mind

 

[#1twin]

RE: Second Map 1923

I must have missed something here. What does the "never mind" apply to in the thread??? I don't even see your name anywhere above???[8|]

Marvin

 

[CALDIGR2]

RE: Second Map 1923

#1twin, according to the Sanborn key, any building marked with an X is a stable. Outhouses, if shown are usually a small square not designated by any number or letter. Later ones may be designated by WC for water closet, an outdoor facility having a flush toilet. Those sometimes contain late 1890s to 1920s bottles, mainly because they had a seperate lid for direct deposit of household waste and the old disposal methods were used.