Old School Privy – Genoa, Ohio - Atlas Obscura
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Old School Privy

Genoa, Ohio

This 19th-century outhouse has been recognized as a historic site. 

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The Old School Privy in Genoa Rocksand (Atlas Obscura User)
The Old School Privy in Genoa Rocksand (Atlas Obscura User)
The front and back feature two doors, a chimney, and windows for light. Rocksand (Atlas Obscura User)
National Register plaque on the privy Rocksand (Atlas Obscura User)
Designated parking for the historic site Rocksand (Atlas Obscura User)
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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.

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.

bathrooms local history architecture
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