Franklin in Crawford County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Outhouse
Designed and built by Fort Scott Community College Construction Trades
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 22, 2026
1. Outhouse Marker
Outhouses vary in design and construction. An outhouse was typically a structure separate from the main dwelling, close enough to allow easy access, but far enough to minimize smell.
Old newspapers and catalogs from retailers specializing in mail order purchases, such as the Montgomery Ward or Sears Roebuck catalog, were common before toilet paper was widely available. Paper was often kept in a can or other container to protect it from mice, etc. The catalogs served a dual purpose, also giving one something to read. Old corn cobs, leaves, or other types of paper were also used.
U.S. President Calvin Coolidge had a window in his outhouse, but such accoutrements were rare.
Most contained two holes of different sizes - one for adults and one for children. However, some large families would have multiple holes for use at the same time.
The crescent moon cutout and the star cutout seen on the door of many outhouses 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
this page online
Most people had a covered pot (known as a "chamber pot") under the bed to go in during the night. Many outhouses had a bag of lime with a scoop. Every so often the owner would throw a scoop of lime down the holes to help "digest" the contents below.
Erected by Miners Hall Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the If You've Got to Go... series list.
Location. 37° 31.247′ N, 94° 42.374′ W. Marker is in Franklin, Kansas, in Crawford County. It is on West 7th Street west of South Broadway Street (Business U.S. 69), on the right when traveling east. Marker is behind the Miners Hall Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 S Broadway St, Franklin KS 66735, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Eastern Kansas and specifically in Bleeding Kansas Border War Country. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Southern Plains. Globally, it is in North America,
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 22, 2026
2. Outhouse Marker
Marker is displayed inside the outhouse (door was open)
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Company Store (here, next to this marker); Buffalo Cupola & Forge Blower (here, next to this marker); Original Coal Camp Outhouse (here, next to this marker); Coal Mine Hoist (here, next to this marker); Dragline Bucket (a few steps from this marker); J & W Mine #17 (Jackson & Walker) (a few steps from this marker); Post Office (a few steps from this marker); Union Hall Centennial (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Franklin.
Also see . . . Miners Hall Museum. (Submitted on October 22, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on October 22, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 3 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
