About
The old school privy was constructed in 1870 to serve the school community of Genoa, Ohio. Until 1929, it was the primary bathroom facility for the students and teachers at the Genoa School. The small outdoor bathroom is quite unique, since indoor plumbing was readily available at that time.
The 12-hole outhouse was built out of brick in the Romanesque Revival Architecture style. The building is a rectangular shape with limestone features, a gabled roof, and chimneys on each end. Each side also includes two doors for student and teacher access points.
To honor this historic building, the Village of Genoa restored the privy. In 1975, it earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places.
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Know Before You Go
The old school privy sits behind the school building on Main Street in Genoa, Ohio. There is a designated parking lot marked for visitors. This building is a point of pride for the Genoa community, so visitors are highly encouraged.
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Published
November 21, 2024
Sources
- https://www.wtol.com/article/news/history/genoa-claims-most-famous-outhouse-in-america/512-c1aea95b-aafa-48f6-911a-da11de3636ec
- https://ohiomemory.org/digital/collection/p267401coll23/id/3040/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2Ni_mXjioQ
- https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/65476
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_School_Privy#:~:text=The%20Old%20School%20Privy%20is,and%20an%20official%20historic%20site.
