The Curious Case of the Pittsburgh Potty
If you've ever spent time in a historic home in Pittsburgh or the surrounding Western Pennsylvania region, you might have encountered a peculiar plumbing fixture: the "Pittsburgh potty," also known as a Pittsburgh toilet or a secondary toilet. These aren't your standard bathroom toilets. Instead, they are typically smaller, often located in basements, garages, or even on porches, and their purpose has sparked much curiosity and discussion. So, why are Pittsburgh toilets a thing?
A Glimpse into Pittsburgh's Industrial Past
The primary reason behind the prevalence of Pittsburgh toilets is deeply rooted in the region's rich industrial history. Pittsburgh was once the heart of America's steel industry, a booming manufacturing hub that attracted a large workforce. These workers, often employed in physically demanding and dirty jobs like coal mining, steel production, and manufacturing, needed a practical solution for dealing with their work grime without tracking it throughout their homes.
The "Pittsburgh Potty" as a Practical Solution
The Pittsburgh toilet served as a convenient and hygienic solution for these industrial workers. Here's a breakdown of its functionality:
- Washing Up Before Entering the House: The most common understanding is that these secondary toilets were designed for workers to clean up immediately upon returning home from their jobs. Instead of heading upstairs to the main bathroom, they could quickly use the basement or garage toilet to wash their hands and faces, and even rinse off some of the day's dirt and grime.
- Reducing House Contamination: By providing a dedicated space for this initial cleanup, the Pittsburgh potty helped prevent dirt, coal dust, and other industrial residue from being tracked throughout the main living areas of the house. This was especially important for homes with young children or those who valued a cleaner living environment.
- Simplicity and Durability: These fixtures were often simple, utilitarian designs, built for function rather than aesthetics. They were typically made of durable materials that could withstand heavy use and the occasional harsh cleaning.
- Economic Considerations: In many cases, adding a simple toilet in a basement or garage was a more cost-effective solution for homeowners than renovating or expanding an existing main bathroom.
More Than Just a Toilet: A Multifunctional Fixture
While the primary purpose was hygiene, the Pittsburgh toilet also served other functions:
- Emergency Use: For larger families or when guests were present, a secondary toilet offered additional convenience and reduced wait times for the main bathroom.
- Accessory to Workspaces: In homes with extensive workshops or garages, the proximity of a toilet made it easier for hobbyists or DIY enthusiasts to spend extended periods working without needing to go far.
- Outhouse Alternative: In some older homes, especially those that predated widespread indoor plumbing in all areas of the house, a basement toilet might have served as a more comfortable and accessible alternative to an outdoor outhouse.
The Legacy of the Pittsburgh Potty
Today, many of these original Pittsburgh toilets remain in place in older homes throughout the region. While the industrial landscape of Pittsburgh has changed, the architectural remnants of its past persist. For many homeowners, these secondary toilets are a quirky and functional part of their home's history, a tangible link to the hardworking generations that came before them. Some homeowners even choose to keep them, appreciating their practicality, while others opt to remove or repurpose the space.
Common Misconceptions and Variations
It's important to note that not every secondary toilet in a basement is necessarily a "Pittsburgh potty." However, the term is strongly associated with the region due to the high concentration of industrial workers who would have benefited from such a fixture. You might also find variations in their exact location and design, reflecting the unique needs and layouts of individual homes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Pittsburgh toilets become so common?
They became common due to Pittsburgh's history as a major industrial center. Workers in demanding jobs like steel manufacturing needed a practical way to clean up upon returning home, and these secondary toilets in basements or garages provided that solution, preventing dirt and grime from entering the main living areas.
Why were they usually in the basement?
Basements were often the most logical and accessible place for these secondary toilets. They were typically the first point of entry for workers returning from outdoor or factory jobs, and plumbing was already present or easier to install in these areas.
Are Pittsburgh toilets still being installed today?
While not as common as in the past, some people still choose to install secondary toilets for convenience, particularly in large homes, workshops, or finished basements. However, the original purpose driven by industrial work is largely a thing of the past.
What's the difference between a Pittsburgh toilet and a regular toilet?
Pittsburgh toilets are typically smaller, more utilitarian in design, and are secondary fixtures often found in basements, garages, or porches. Their primary purpose was for initial cleanup after dirty work, whereas regular toilets are the main fixtures within bathrooms designed for general use.
