Question for ya

[bottlejunky]

hey guys,
I have an old foundation with an 8x4 attatched rectangle, is this the privy. we are new to diggin and everything i read says the privies were behind the house?

Thanks
Bottlejunky

 

[weston]

there probally isnt one there, but might be one really close. by the way they arent always behind houses.

thanks, weston in ohio

 

[weston]

some are between barns and others are around barns. some are in weird spots too dont know why some people put outhouse in some spots back then. u will have to do some probeing. u might just come out with a hundered or two hundered keepers!! now wouldnt that be awsome. i usually keep all the none broken bottles i find just because i like old bottles, guess im a pack rat. let me know if u find anything. and try and take pics while ur diggin and after u dig i always like to see what others find it encourages me.

thanks, weston in ohio.

 

[portland med. man]

ive seen them attached to the house or barn thats up in the northeast.....

 

[RICKJJ59W]

I like using this phrase...Rule # 1 in privy digging/locating. There are no rules.

 

[aridice53]

I think privy placement depended on several factors like the water table, and prevailing winds!![]

Char

 

[RICKJJ59W]

Not if the yard is like a postage stamp.Then anyting goes.

 

[weston]

good point rick.

 

[Penn Digger]

If the foundation is very large, like maybe for a rooming house, hotel or really large farm....it could be a privy. Once found a pre-cival war two family farm house in upstate NY with an ancient three seater. Joe the Crow was there.