Lancaster Township in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Privy
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012
1. Privy Marker
Built in 1828, the privy is one of the three original buildings left on the estate. Privies were in use here until the late 1800s, 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. It can be reached from the intersection of Marietta Avenue (Pennsylvania Route 23) and N President Avenue, on
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country, and in the Susquehanna Valley. It is also in the American Northeast and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A different marker also named The Privy (here, next to this marker); The Back (South Faηade) 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 Faηade) of Wheatland (within shouting distance of this marker); The Outbuildings (within shouting distance of
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 12, 2012
2. Privy Marker
Also see . . .
1. Wheatland. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on April 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. President James Buchanans Wheatland. Lancaster History website entry (Submitted on April 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
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
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.
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.
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 June 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2012, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 752 times since then and 16 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.
