19th Century Outhouse, c.1890
Originally located in the community of Prairie Rhonde, next to the Emar Andrepont home, this 19th century cabinette was donated by the family of Dewey Ledoux and moved to the village in 1992.
While outhouses typically featured two seats, one for adults
and one for children, this outhouse features an uncommon
three seat design. Often times, crescent moon and star cutouts were
used on the door of outhouses which goes back to
Colonial times. In a time when few people could read, the crescent moon
was the symbol for women while the star cutout was for men. The cutout
also let light into the outhouse as there were usually no windows.
For rural families, newspaper or pages from old catalogs were used
for toilet paper.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1992.
Location. 30° 31.908′ N, 92° 4.461′ W. Marker is in Opelousas, Louisiana, in St. Landry Parish. Marker can be reached from East Landry Street (U.S. 190) east of South Academy Street, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 828 East Landry Street, Opelousas LA 70570, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Sugar Kettle, c. 1800 (here, next to this marker); La Chapelle House (a few steps from this marker); Doctor's Office
this page online
More about this marker. The City of Opelousas Tourist Information is located on the grounds of Le Vieux Village Historical Park & Heritage Museum at the eastern entrance of Opelousas along U.S. Highway 190.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 23, 2024. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 319 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 26, 2018.
