The Cobblestone Museum is pleased to present its first “tour” of 2025 entitled, “Privies: From Primitive to Pretentious-An Outhouse and In-House Tour.” This fun and entertaining trip around the Cobblestone National Historic Landmark District will include eight often overlooked buildings. The tour will be led by C.W. Lattin, who served 40 years as the Cobblestone Society Director. The “potty tour” includes each of the Cobblestone Museum’s historic outhouses, indoor commodes and much more. The oldest building on the Cobblestone Museum property is actually an outhouse. Built in the Federal Style in 1830, it was originally used at the first bank built in Orleans County, located at corner of NYS Routes 279 & 104. Another historic outhouse on the tour was once situated on the property of Gov. Rufus Bullock, Governor of Georgia following the Civil War. The Bullock family has strong local ties. Gov. Bullock retired and lived in Albion. He died and was buried in Albion in 1907.
The Cobblestone Museum’s Farmers Hall has a Greek Revival Outhouse that seats five. It’s really remarkable with plastered walls and wallpaper. The outhouse at the Museum’s Print Shop is in the East Lake Style with interior paneling. The water closet in the 1834 Universalist Church lobby was for men only and the adjacent cobblestone parsonage has an assortment of chamber pots.
The Potty Tour will also include a short slide show of Victorian novelties that depict the era’s “naughty” sense of “bathroom humor.”
The Potty Tour on May 17 is scheduled for 2pm, rain or shine. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be sure to bring your sense of humor. Reservations for this unusual tour are strongly suggested. A sliding scale “pay-what-you-wish” donation will be gladly received. Online reservations available at cobblestonemuseum.org or call (585) 589-9013.