Traditional Tennessee Outhouse
At first, I thought this reproduction outhouse was an interesting curiosity. Outhouses were, after all, one of two bathroom alternatives in pre-plumbing days. (The other option was a chamber pot.)
But when I read the warning at the bottom of the historical notes--
I had to laugh.
Where else but Tennessee?
I'm allowed to poke fun because I'm a native!
The outhouse is as much a cultural symbol as the Grand Old Opry or the tune of Rocky Top.
The historic notes on the Croft House outhouse door describe this model as a fancy 3-seater, "useful when several people needed to use the facilities at the same time."
Really? I can't imagine sitting so close to someone else, no matter how badly I needed to "use the facilities."
Here's the part that tickled my funny bone:
"PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS A REPRODUCTION OF AN OUTHOUSE. THERE IS A PUBLIC RESTROOM ON THE BACK PORCH OF THE CROFT HOUSE."
What do you think? Did they add that last bit out of foresight, or did a curious visitor actually take the "fancy 3-seater" for a test drive?
Related:
- Here's a walking tour of the rest of the historic Croft House and Grassmere Farm at the Nashville Zoo.
- Even hillbilly bunnies have to go. See this miniature hillbilly shack and outhouse built for a pen of rabbits!
- Need an interesting gag gift? How about a authentic Tennessee outhouse in miniature, complete with toilet paper and the Sears Roebuck catalog?
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