Up until a century ago, most rural homes lacked indoor bathrooms, and residents relied on what were variously known as outhouses, privies, kybos, thunderhouses, or necessaries. A Connecticut man who is a major supplier of those quaint structures will be the guest speaker at the May 11 program of the South Windsor Historical society.
Georg Papp Sr., owner of the Bull Hill Workshop in Colchester, claims to build “the Best Outhouses this Side of the 19th Century.” His program “Outhouse America” at Wood Memorial Library & Museum, 783 Main St., South Windsor, provides an interesting and amusing history of privies. It was originally scheduled for February, but postponed due to a snow storm.
Papp has crafted quality outhouses since prior to the turn of the century and has matured into one of the foremost authorities on the subject due to his no-nonsense approach to fully understand privies derived from practical hands-on knowledge, many works of literature and old timers who have attended his talks throughout New England. He has been featured on Boston Springfield and Hartford television as well as WNPR radio, and local print.
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His products are functional and decorative, many serving for utilities other than their original purpose. He also provides restoration services. His book “The Authority” will be available for sale with a share going to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
The 7 p.m. program is open to the public; admission is $5 per person ($3 for society members). Refreshments will be served. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/SouthWindsorH... or www.facebook.com/woodlibraryandmuseum.
