TOWNSHEND — Before the flush toilet came into general use, most homes had an outhouse, which was a small shed. Usually, it was separated from the house, but sometimes it was attached as an ell, a configuration much appreciated in the winter, since there was no heating system.
The outhouse had a plank seat with two large holes and one small hole for children. Underneath was a deep pit in the dirt to contain the waste.
Often, on the seat, lay a catalog from Montgomery Ward or Sears for use as toilet paper. Rolls of toilet paper, such as we now use, were not available or too expensive; the catalogs could be sent to your home free of charge.
To avoid the discomfort, and lack of heat and electric light, in cold weather, a so-called “chamber pot” was used beneath the bed. The pot was either metal or an earthenware crock which, of course, had to be emptied and washed every day. A potty chair was mostly used for children inside the house.
One can only imagine what those outhouse toilets were like in summer weather, what with odor, ants, and other insects.
Wealthy people had their outhouses regularly cleaned out through a hinged door in the back.
The invention of the flush toilet was a boon to everyone. A man named John Crapper, who lived in Scotland, was the inventor. Hence the term ”john” and other references to our present-day flush toilet.
* * *
I remember when very few homes had electricity. This was especially true if you lived in the country. Wires supplying electric current hadn't been strung along the roads as they are today.
Kerosene oil lamps consisted of a small glass base with a handle; this base held about a pint of oil. It was topped by a metal, screw-on cap, through which an absorbent wick went into the oil, leaving only a short section above the cap. When needed, this wick was lit with a match.
Then, a thin glass chimney was set in place over the lighted wick. Now the lamp could be carried wherever needed.
Some lamps were designed for use in homes of the wealthy and had very ornate large shades that fit over the chimney.
Regardless of the financial standing of the homeowner, these oil lamps had to be periodically cleaned, since oil lamps would leave a film of smoke residue inside the glass chimney. And, when the wick burned too low, it was raised with a metal shaft and trimmed with scissors.
Farmers needed light when milking, so they used a metal lantern with a round glass chimney and a metal wire handle. Many a barn burned to the ground when the farmer's oil lantern was accidentally overturned.
Without electricity, there were no strings of colored lights for Christmas trees. In their place, small candles in metal holders were attached to the tree branches with a clip. One can imagine what these flaming tapers did to a dry tree if not carefully placed.