The Last Outhouse

"Its' behind the Church"

Even as late as 1992 there was still a standing working out house right behind the church. Living across the street from there I got to watch the shock the surprise the "oh my god effect" as tourists drove threw Lockvlle to discover this ancient relic of times past. Perhaps many had never seen one before? Let alone used one. Often times the cameras would come out and people would pose for a shot -several would open the door inspect it and even use it. This was often one of the little charms of discovering Lockville. No guided tour of any type could include the self delight of self discovery.

The locals just passed it everyday and never gave a second thought to the spectacle but the non local and passers by all seemingly got a kick out of the place.

Once a group of party folks perhaps all college aged and part of fraternity type of thing from Columbus were touring town and they started out at the park. Eventually they worked their way to the outhouse and in some sort of prank. They made members of their group go into the place naked. It seemed like all good fun.

I guess the reflection on mankind is to some degree we never quite get over the toilet humor aspect of our lives. It was amazing this small little detail or odd placed icon got so much attention. You could tell who the tourist were most would slow down look and even stop. I often thought how effective an out house would be for an advertising gimmick. Perhaps as the realtor's say its location, location, location.

My Grandma Cleaned it and the church for years on end and I even painted it and fixed the roof a few times and the Paufs a local family donated the last outhouse. It seems to have disappeared in 1994, The church has indoor plumbing finally.

This poor old Outhouse gave a new life to the term accidental tourist.