Lancaster Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Privy

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

1. Privy Marker

Inscription.
Built in 1828, the privy is one of the three original buildings left on the estate. Privies were in use here until the late 1800’s, when an interior bathroom was added to the mansion. Interesting to note the symmetrical arrangement with the smokehouse. The privy is situated farther from the house than the smokehouse for the purpose of sanitation.

The privy is divided into two equal sections; the east side is fitted with 2 adults and 3 lower seats of graduated levels; the western side contains three adult seats. The wooden seats are circular, with beveled edges, and wooden covers close over the seats to prevent air from reaching the earthen floor cesspool 12 feet below.

The privy building itself probably was surrounded by lilacs and roses.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.

Location. 40° 2.563′ N, 76° 19.84′ W. Marker is near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in Lancaster County. It is in Lancaster Township. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Marietta Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 23) and N President Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on the grounds of Wheatland. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1120 Marietta Ave, Lancaster PA 17603, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Privy (here, next to this marker); The Back (South Façade) of Wheatland (within shouting distance of this marker); Corn Milling Stones (within shouting distance of this marker); Smokehouse / Icehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Front (North Façade) of Wheatland (within shouting distance of this marker); The Outbuildings (within shouting distance of this marker); James Buchanan Home (within shouting distance of this marker); The Frog Pond & West Meadow (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lancaster.

Also see . . .
1. Wheatland. National Park Service website. (Submitted on April 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

2. President James Buchanan’s Wheatland. LancasterHistory.org website. (Submitted on April 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

2. Privy Marker

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

3. Privy Marker

The privy is located behind the mansion at Wheatland.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

4. Privy Marker

Marker at Wheatland image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

5. Marker at Wheatland

The trellis in front of the privy is usually covered by pleasant smelling flowers such as lilacs and roses.

Inside the Privy image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

6. Inside the Privy

The eastern section of the privy contains 2 adults and 3 lower seats of different levels.

Privy at Wheatland image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

7. Privy at Wheatland

The privy (left) is seen here behind the mansion. The building to the right is the Wheatland Visitor Center.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012

8. Wheatland

The marker is on the grounds of Wheatland, the home of President James Buchanan.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 545 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on April 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.