Historical Society Visits The Building With Many Names

Whether folks chose to call it the privy, the outhouse, the necessary — “potty” was probably reserved for the indoor chamber pot — one thing was certain, when a person needed the facility it did not matter much what it was called.

The building came in various shapes and sizes, but its function made it virtually universal whether in the country or the village. It even produced its own literary classic, Chic Sales’ The Specialist, one of the most widely read books of the 20th Century. On the evening of November 14, at 7.30, in the Community Room of the Booth Library, 25 Main Street, the Newtown Historical Society will take a trip out back to visit the history and lore of the outhouse, presented by Bob Berthelson.

The development of sewer systems, indoor plumbing, and the flush toilet took care of urban needs, but the outhouse remained a fixture in rural areas, and even in towns like Newtown, until well into the 20th Century. Families measured prestige by the number of holes provided, long before we got into whose SUV had more horsepower. Some families even provided the seats in graduated sizes to accommodate the children as they grew. In addition, it was, at least according to legend, the preferred home of the mail order catalog. Mr Berthelson will lead a tour of the many nuances of the privy with his slide presentation.

Mr Berthelson is a photographer who manages to combine that hobby with his lifelong interest in history. He is a past president of the South Central Connecticut Civil War Round Table, and a facilitator at the Norwalk Community College Lifetime Learners Institute. He is a founder and past president of the Connecticut Post Card Club. He is a resident of Trumbull, and has prepared numerous slide lectures on historical subjects, which he has presented more than 1,500 times in the southern New England and New York areas. He has received the Award of Merit from the Connecticut League of Historical Societies, and a Certificate of Commendation from the American Association of State and Local History.

All Newtown Historical Society programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. For further information, call the society at 426-5937.