Franklin in Crawford County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Original Coal Camp Outhouse
Used at Dobrauc Oil Company Frontenac, KS
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 22, 2026
1. Original Coal Camp Outhouse Marker
One of the surviving original coal camp outhouses in Southeast Kansas, this structure was relocated and preserved to help tell the story of everyday life in the mining communities.
Typical of outdoor facilities used in the early part of the 20th century. They were known as "one-holer" or "two-holers" depending on how many seats were available.
Outhouses vary in design and construction. An outhouse was typically a structure separate from the main dwelling, close to allow easy access, but far enough to minimize smell.
Donated by Bill & Kristi Dobrauc
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° 31.244′ N, 94° 42.375′ 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
this page online
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, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Buffalo Cupola & Forge Blower (here, next to this marker); Company Store (here, next to this marker); Outhouse (here, next to this marker); J & W Mine #17 (Jackson & Walker) (here, next to this marker); Coal Mine Hoist (a few steps from this marker); Dragline Bucket (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.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 22, 2026
2. Original Coal Camp Outhouse Marker
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 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 22, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
