Allen in Collin County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Works Progress Administration (WPA) “Outhouse”
Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026
1. Works Progress Administration (WPA) “Outhouse” Marker
This structure was constructed in 1936 by a WPA crew on the Charles Watson farm in Fairview, Texas, later inherited by Ada and Chuck Williams. It sat in its original location until July 2015, when it was donated to the Allen Heritage Guild. It still has the original ‘potty’ and vent system. This type of outhouse was common in rural America until the late 1950’s or early 1960’s. It is not for use, but it shows a bygone era.
During Great Depression (1929-1939) President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented the New Deal which established the WPA to employ millions of unemployed Americans to work on public works projects. Some 2.3 million outhouses were constructed across the country to improve sanitation and public health in rural areas. Every WPA outhouse was identical in deisgn and construction.
*Donated by Chuck Williams
Erected by City of Allen and Allen Heritage Guild.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. A significant historical month for this entry is July 2015.
Location. 33° 6.309′ N, 96° 39.822′ W. Marker is in Allen, Texas, in Collin County. It is on Saint Mary Drive
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region and in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Mary Church (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Mary's Baptist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Corn Sheller (within shouting distance of this marker); Farm Animals (within shouting distance of this marker); The Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Agriculture in Allen (within shouting distance of this marker); Screech Owls (within shouting distance
Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026
2. Works Progress Administration (WPA) “Outhouse” and Marker
Photographed by James Hulse, September 4, 2026
3. Works Progress Administration (WPA) “Outhouse” Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
